The Marco-boy main system, as of August 2020

[Marco]

Cheers! I should've remembered about that link, as Justers posted it on another thread. All is clear now then, so these are the facts...

Original Koss PRO-4AA:



So those are definitely what the modern replicas are based upon, shown here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/37306151053...RoCGpcQAvD_BwE

However, I strongly suspect that whilst superficially looking identical, the important 'gubbins'/speaker part, responsible for creating the sound, is different in the originals, which I also strongly suspect, will sound better, certainly based on comparisons with my NOS PRO-4AAAs.

Koss PRO-4AAA:



So are those the same as yours. Barry? If so, for me, there's nothing "inflexible" about the headband. Note also from the above blub, I quote:

"In 1976, Koss introduced the Pro/4AAA. Building off of the Pro/4AA’s iconic sound, the Pro/4AAA incorporated a number of new design features. The most notable of these features was the headphone’s Direct Contour Pneumalite ear cushions. The shape of the cushions mirrored an ear’s natural “D” shape".

Their 'D-shaped' ear cushions is one of the big reasons why they're more comfortable than those fitted to the AAs (certainly the modern versions I've got), which are quite different in design. Plus, their respective 'earpiece housings' also seem to be a different size, with those on the AAs seemingly bigger and bulkier. That's certainly how it feels when wearing them, thereby making the AAAs markedly lighter!

In any case, those are identical to the ones I bought from ebay, BUT which sound significantly better than the current production 4AA, which I also own. In that respect, it would be interesting comparing a NOS pair of 4AA with the current production variety. I suspect I could hazard a guess at which would sound best!

Marco.

[Marco]

As you've obviously read the link, Martin, would you agree that Koss are a rather interesting company with a long and established heritage in producing quality headphones?

That's certainly one of the things that draw me to the brand, as I like that kind of thing, and it matters to me

Marco.

[Barry]

Cheers! I should've remembered about that link, as Justers posted it on another thread. All is clear now then, so these are the facts...

Original Koss PRO-4AA:



So those are definitely what the modern replicas are based upon, shown here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/37306151053...RoCGpcQAvD_BwE

However, I strongly suspect that whilst superficially looking identical, the important 'gubbins'/speaker part, responsible for creating the sound, is different in the originals, which I also strongly suspect, will sound better, certainly based on comparisons with my NOS PRO-4AAAs.

Koss PRO-4AAA:



So are those the same as yours. Barry? If so, for me, there's nothing "inflexible" about the headband. Note also from the above blub, I quote:

"In 1976, Koss introduced the Pro/4AAA. Building off of the Pro/4AA’s iconic sound, the Pro/4AAA incorporated a number of new design features. The most notable of these features was the headphone’s Direct Contour Pneumalite ear cushions. The shape of the cushions mirrored an ear’s natural “D” shape".

Their 'D-shaped' ear cushions is one of the big reasons why they're more comfortable than those fitted to the AAs (certainly the modern versions I've got), which are quite different in design. Plus, their respective 'earpiece housings' also seem to be a different size, with those on the AAs seemingly bigger and bulkier. That's certainly how it feels when wearing them, and also the AAAs are markedly lighter!

In any case, those are identical to the ones I bought from ebay, BUT which sound significantly better than the current production 4AA, which I also own. In that respect, it would be interesting comparing a NOS pair of 4AA with the current production variety/modern replicas. I bet I could hazard a guess at which would sound best!

Marco.

So far, so good. Save the highlighted bit - no, I have a pair of Koss Pro 4AA headphones, exactly like yours:



They are the original version with the 'racetrack' shaped, fluid-filled ear pads, and sage-green coloured plastic headband and ear cups.

I don't doubt the Pro 4AAAs are more comfortable, and will take your word for it that they sound better.

[Marco]

Lol... I had a feeling we were talking about different things!

So, we're *almost* there now.... Are your AAs original 1970s vintage, or the SAME as mine, i.e. modern replicas, thus purchased reasonably recently?

Marco.

[Barry]

Pro4AAA came out in 1976. They look like the ones you bought off of eBay to me.

Koss own site has a full timeline of all their headphones and pictures of them too:

https://www.koss.com/history/

Should resolve all questions

My Koss Pro 4AA headphones look the same as those worn by the guy in title banner.

As far as I know, they are the original 1970's version, but since I bought them used from a member here, without box or any paperwork, cannot be absolutely certain.

What kind of jack plug does yours have?

[Macca]

As you've obviously read the link, Martin, would you agree that Koss are a rather interesting company with a long and established heritage in producing quality headphones?

That's certainly one of the things that draw me to the brand, as I like that kind of thing

Marco.

No doubt. Although I don't like listening on headphones if I was to get some decent ones I'd almost certainly go for Koss. Would have to do a bit of research as to which model though.

[Marco]

My Koss Pro 4AA headphones look the same as those worn by the guy in title banner.

Lol, but that still doesn't answer my question:

Are yours NOS 1970 or modern production ones? When and from where did you buy them, and how much did you pay?

Marco.

[Marco]

No doubt. Although I don't like listening on headphones if I was to get some decent ones I'd almost certainly go for Koss. Would have to do a bit of research as to which model though.

Yup, such heritage for me is invaluable and a big asset, in terms of having the necessary tooling/engineering and experience to produce true high-quality designs, compared with some other company without that, who make all sorts of other stuff, and which is more a 'jack of all trades and a master of none'.

Therefore, for me, Koss are (were maybe, as quality in recent times seems to have dipped) true headphone specialists. If I were to select three models from their vintage range, I'd love to hear, it would be the SP/3, from 1958, the ESP/7, from 1969, and the HV/1A, from 1974 - all of which for me look top-notch!

Marco.

[Barry]

Lol, but that still doesn't answer my question:

Are yours NOS 1970 or modern production ones? When and from where did you buy them, and how much did you pay?

Marco.

#395 quis vide supra

I can neither remember exactly when, nor how much, but it was about a couple of years ago, and < £100.

[Marco]

As far as I know, they are the original 1970's version, but since I bought them used from a member here, without box or any paperwork, cannot be absolutely certain.

What kind of jack plug does yours have?

Ah ok, I've just read your addition! If they are 1970s originals, then you got a bargain. If not, you were robbed!

It's just a normal jack plug - what's meant to be different about it?

Marco.