Koss Porta Pro (1984)

Name: Koss Porta Pro
Brand: Koss

An on-ear headphone from 1984, known for its collapsible design and open-back dynamic drivers.

Overview

The Koss Porta Pro is an on-ear headphone introduced in 1984 by Koss, a company founded by John C. Koss. Koss sold it as a portable audio solution. It was built to deliver high-fidelity sound in a compact, foldable form. It uses dynamic drivers in an open-back design, which gives it a wide frequency response and a natural sound signature. It belongs to Koss's Retro Style Collection and shares acoustic design principles with other legendary Koss headphones.

Specifications

Production Year	1984
Frequency Response	15Hz – 25kHz
Impedance	60 Ohms
Driver Size	30 Millimeters
Ear Placement	On Ear
Form Factor	On Ear
Design	Collapsible Design
Type	open back headphone
Driver Description	dynamic elements
SPL	111 dB

Design

The Porta Pro has an all-metal headband with no padding, and it collapses for carrying. The dynamic elements sit in an open-back housing, which helps soundstage and imaging.

Context

The Porta Pro was unveiled in 1984 as a revolutionary personal portable headphone, and it set performance and comfort standards worldwide. It was the first of its kind introduced by John C. Koss. It is still part of the Koss Retro Style Collection.

Market

The original retail price was $49. Current market prices for the classic model run between $26.99 and $40. The Porta Pro® Wireless is listed at $99.99.