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silviotercero

Which one is better the Koss PortaPro or the foldable Senheisers?

I don't own the Sehnheisers but I do own the Koss PortaPro. I highly recommend them, but I've heard good stuff about the other one. I made a review about the PortaPro if you want to know more about them.

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13 replies
hircus

I have had two foldable Sennheisers -- the original PX 100 as well as the PX 100-II. With both the audio jacks eventually break -- the first because of a short cable; I had it attached to my workstation and accidentally pulled my head to talk to someone; the second on a flight when I left the headphones attached to the armrest plug and someone walked carelessly past my seat to get back to his. From a design POV I'd say the right-angled plug in the PortaPro is a big plus already!

As for sound, I've not heard the Koss yet -- just placed the order -- but from other forum reviews (including replies here) it appears that the main complaint against the PX 100s are that the noise is a bit... lacking in vibrancy. I don't know if the PortaPro is too bassy in comparison, but compared to my (heavier) Sennheiser HD 280 pro, the PX 100 definitely does lack a bit of oomph.

And the Koss is cheaper! (though annoyingly, here in Germany, not by much. Probably because of imports? (Sennheiser from Germany to USA, likewise with Koss in the reverse direction)
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zxc314

had the exact same thing happen on a plane with my first pair of portapros. I also on the PX-200's and they have largely been retired due to the portapros. But they are both great headphones. My sennheisers have proved more durable and the flat folding plus case certainly helps with that. But I love love love my portapros.
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diz

Personally I prefer the PortaPro's even if the Sennheiser sound quality was slightly better (which is what some people claim). I really dig on the old school aesthetics of these Koss 'phones, but the lifetime warranty is just killer -- an incredible bonus to portable headphones if you ask me. Portable headphones are bound to take a beating.
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lecti

I think it depends on what kind of sound the user wants. I personally prefer PortaPro over PX-100 - they are both very comfortable, but Koss has a very distinct look that people like and recognize (of course, some hate it, but PX-100 looks bland by comparison). Both sound about the same.
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tylersmyler

I love the PortaPro's. And who could go wrong with their lifetime warranty? (not sure if Sens have this)
I've gone through 3 pair over 5 years now and have only ever paid for one.

One thing I noticed is that the PortaPro's made a design change recently when i got my last pair (about 6 months ago) They made the headphone jack smaller (not the jack but the plastic around it). This seemed like a benefit at first, but in the end, it became weak and now has started to break apart.. has this happened to anyone?? I would consider this a design flaw..

-T
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danb74

Love my PortaPros - I have had them in the family forever. Great bass and treble pop through even using portable sounds devices. Lifetime warranty is also excellent to have on a portable device. I have another pair of wireless Senheisers which also have an excellent sound, but just does not pop the same way the porta pros do. Buy an extra set of ear cushions and they are good as new after years of use. Highly recommended.
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mldkfa

Love the PortaPros. Friend bought the Sennheisers at about the same time. He now is jealous because his have worn at the ears, and the whole shape has deformed a bit so he can't wear them longer than an hour before they hurt.
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ma65p

I think this headphone is great. Sound quality is excellent. However, I do need to point out a few things. If you have an active lifestyle such as playing sports, moving alot, or just college student you may find this a little inconvenience. For example, can't wear this during workouts, that = dork. Secondly, can't wear it AFTER workouts because you don't want sweat all over the padding. BUT, I wear them when I'm in the room and enjoy some great music. This headphone gives a whole new experience.

Also, I can CARELESS about the lifetime warranty. I don't break my things very often, I don't like to deal with customer service, and lastly, I want to stay up to date.

I also assume some of us here are like me, wanting the newest and latest gadgets around. A lifetime guarantee only make us feeling guilty for ditching this and moving on. You should only think of the lifetime warranty as a bonus, don't make it a deal breaker. Holding on to one thing forever only make life miserable.

However, it is quite inexpensive and excellent in quality.
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BLACKALiCE

I have a pair of Senheisers and a pair of the PortaPro. The PortaPros are much more fun, and when I broke mine the first time round, send them away, got a new pair the next day! The PPs look much better too and fold up damn small.
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conorobyrne

I love my PX-100s. The sound is really really good. Dunno how it compares to portapros as I've never used them
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clesius

i have both the PX-100 and the PortaPro. I like the sound dynamic of the PortaPro better. After having the PortaPro and recently purchased the PX-100, i find the Senheiser are lacking.
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blk7

I really like the PortaPro's for certain bands (Gorillaz, for example). But I prefer my PX-200 for most music.
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minceyfresh

I own both the PortaPros and the PX 100-II, and although the PortaPros sound *slightly* more crisp in the highs, their fit is very awkward for me, especially when I have my glasses on. I find myself constantly fidgeting with them to get them to feel just right. I have a shaved head, so I don't have to worry much about getting my hair tangled in the sliders on the headband.

The PX 100-IIs, on the other hand, simply sit on your ears and sound nice, glasses or not. Once I put them on, I don't feel the need to readjust them. I wouldn't say that they sound any better or worse than the PortaPros, however (even with the heaver bass and the highs less emphasized).
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