Koss KEB20-DVD Product reviews

Ratings

Category: Electronics
Brand: Koss
Model: KEB20-DVD
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Koss KEB20-DVD Review

Koss KEB20-DVD Review by The Squirrel (On the trail of Carmen Sandiego)

Let me just start by saying that as an audiophile, I'm biased to Koss. I bought a pair of higher-end Koss back in the early 90's (which for the time, "high-end", non-profesional meant $60), figuring that if I ever wore them out, their "lifetime warranty" would cover any problems.
Needless to say, some 19 years later, I now own at least four pair of Koss headphones because I have never ever been let down. Case in point-- I needed a pair of comfortable earbuds for an upcoming trip. I ran to the local store, picked up a pair of competitor's brands based on their "simulated surround" capability. Needless to say, I was thoroughly disappointed. In desperation, I hunted around at stores looking for a pair of Koss earbuds. This wasn't originally the pair I sought (I was looking for Keb24's), but I knew as a second choice, the Keb20DVD was more than adequate-- at least so I hoped.

Why I ever doubted this is beyond me. For a cheaper alternative, the Keb20 offer incredible clarity for the treble fan, and bass is a definite winner. If you modify the "vent" on the back of the buds with even something as a small square of clear adhesive tape, the bass gets even thicker-- almost "boomy".

The pair also come with three sizes of comfortable noise-cancelling rubber tips that cover an already-incredibly tiny speaker (think of an older tv's tiny black knobbettes for adjusting the vertical/tint and you'd have a good idea). In other words, there's more cushion than actual speaker, which is great for sensitive ears.

If there's a complaint to be had, it's the initial changing out of the rubber tips-- a little pressure is needed to get them on, but even practicing changing them for just a minute or two will get the user comfortable with this process.

Don't let the volume slider scare you either. I really don't "need" it per se, but Koss designers ingeniously use it as the splitter to the individual cords, masking it for the fashion-conscious (it's remarkably slim and unnoticeable unless you get close to it), and is great for that quick "wait, what did you say?" moment without having to take the bud out of your ear, and at the same time, canceling noise around you when you desire it as you rock out.

Top this all off with a pinch-open storage case AND lifetime warranty, and you have an incredible value that anyone looking to save a few dimes and still get something back in rich sound. Even if you paid full price ($24.99), you wouldn't feel short-changed in the slightest. The sound is comparable to competition's $40-$50 range of similar product.

A testament to a company that defines quality, the Keb20DVD will not disappoint. Low cost, stylish, comfortable and above all audibly pleasing, it's a winner for gift-giving at the office, casual acquaintance or even the daily commute for the public transit-bound or world traveller.

Koss KEB20-DVD Review by Matt Beaty (Boulder, CO)

Lovely little earbuds, especially for the price. Much better low-end sound than the Sony equivalents (which cost more). In listening to a variety of music however, I notice the high end is significantly lacking. Serious treble in choral music or techno just doesn't have the punch that I'm used to.

Excellent passive noise cancellation - with the right fit in my ear I can block out all sounds with the volume at less than 25% on my iPod.

Supremely comfortable - Once you get the fit right you can wear these suckers for hours and not even notice.

Koss KEB20-DVD Review by Black Inuyajuu

I have to admit, I don't think it's worth all the money, at least after shipping (I ordered them on sale, so eh)
Don't get me wrong, the headphones are great (I'm still getting used to the lowered quality of sound from my previous headphones though), they fit pretty nicely in my ear and stay. I also really like the little volume adjuster thing, makes it more convenient than taking out my ipod. =P
another thing I love about these is they block out sound SO well...

However, compared to the $10 headphones my friend ordered at the same time, I will say these aren't that great. The headphones themselves get a 3-4 star rating, but the price gets a "too high" rating in my book.
Another big problem I've encountered is the fact the the headphones create a little suction cup type thing, so if you push it too far into your ear it makes a strange and uncomfortable sound/feeling that kinda sounds/feels like it has hit your ear drum. That can't be too good for you....

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