Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones : A Lightweight Portable Classic Delivering Superior Sound Quality

Koss is an iconic American audio brand founded in 1958 and known for producing affordable high-fidelity headphones with a vintage style. The KPH30iK continues this tradition as a lightweight on-ear wired headphone aimed at portable daily use while delivering the renowned Koss sound.

Overview

The Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones features a sleek and modern on-ear design constructed from plastic for a super lightweight wearing experience. The adjustable headband provides a customized fit while the earcups utilize soft foam padding for comfort. With 60 ohm drivers, the headphones deliver impressive audio range and clarity. Simple wired connectivity and onboard controls make the Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones convenient to use on the go with smartphones and portable devices. At just $30, these headphones are an incredible value.

Features

• On-ear lightweight design
• Adjustable headband for customized fit
• In-line microphone and remote for call and music control
• Open-back architecture provides spatial awareness while listening
• Vintage Koss style in a modern package

Design - Sleek and Lightweight

Weighing in at a mere 198 grams, the Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones disappears on your head. The plastic construction keeps weight down without compromising durability. Touches like the soft silicone headband reduce pressure for long-wearing comfort. The minimalist matte finishes lend an understated aesthetic.

Functionality - Simple Yet Powerful

The 60 ohm dynamic drivers pump out sound with sparkling highs and full bass, ranging from 15Hz up through 25kHz. Operation stays fuss-free thanks to the wired 3.5mm plug and inline mic/remote letting you control music playback and phone calls.

Killer Features

• Phenomenal audio punching far above its price point
• Extreme all-day wearing comfort
• Simple inline controls for music and calls
• Vintage Koss style made modern

Ease of Use

The wired 3.5mm plug offers universal connectivity while the inline microphone and remote provide convenient call and music control. Adjusting the ultra-precise headband sliders dial in the perfect customized fit.

Sound Quality

The Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones’s neodymium 60 ohm dynamic drivers pump out surprisingly premium sound with sparkling highs, lush mids and deep, punchy bass. The open-back design creates an expansive soundstage larger than typical for an on-ear headphone.

Microphone

The inline microphone captures voice audio clearly for phone calls. Noise isolation is average for an inline microphone without active noise cancellation.

Controls

The single button inline remote allows for easy control of music playback functions as well as answering/ending calls. No advanced functions like volume adjustment are included.

Comfort

Weighing just 198 grams, the Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones is designed for all-day wearing comfort. The adjustable headband and soft foam ear pads avoid undue pressure. The open-back design prevents ear overheating.

History - An Iconic Legacy

Koss was founded in 1958 by John C. Koss, who invented the world’s first stereo headphones. For over 60 years, Koss has stayed committed to affordable, high-quality audio gear with a vintage style. The Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones continues this tradition in a thoroughly modern package.

Use Cases

The Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones is ideal for users who prioritize featherweight portability and all-day wearing comfort for on-the-go use. Listen to music, podcasts or calls while commuting, traveling, at the office or just relaxing at home. The open-back design allows situational awareness while still providing musical immersion.

User Feedback Analysis

With over 3,000 Amazon ratings averaging 4.5 stars, Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Users praise the headphones’ smooth, expansive sound which provides immersive musical enjoyment. The bass delivers satisfying punch without muddying the mix while vocals sound clear and details shine through. Treble adds sparkle without harshness or sibilance. The open-back soundstage gives music a spacious, room-filling feel that belies the compact on-ear design.

Comfort is another big highlight repeatedlymentioned in reviews. The feathery 198 gram weight makes the Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones easy to wear for hours without ear fatigue or headband pressure. The silicone stripe on the headband eliminates hotspots while the foam earpads provide a soft, gentle seal. The adjustable sliders finetune the fit. Users say the Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones feels “like wearing nothing at all” while still blocking some external noise.

One common criticism focuses on the plastic build quality which feels cheap and flimsy. A few users complain the thin connecting wires ripped out after getting caught on something. Others report quality control issues like channels cutting out. However, Koss provides a limited lifetime warranty to fix or replace defective units. And given the low $30 price point, most buyers consider the construction acceptable.

In summary, for shoppers seeking great sounding, compact headphones under $50, the Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones ticks all the boxes. The smoothly balanced audio and featherweight comfort satisfy both audiophiles and casual listeners. Koss delivers a magical combination of vintage style, modern convenience and sensational sound at an unbeatable value.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Great sound quality for the price
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable
- Convenient inline controls and microphone
- Open-back design provides spatial awareness
- Vintage Koss style

Cons:
- Build quality feels cheap and flimsy
- Cables seem fragile
- Sound leakage due to open-back design

Value

At around $30, the Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones deliver tremendous value. The audio performance and comfort rivals headphones costing over $100. For budget-conscious buyers who want great sound for portable use, the Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones is virtually impossible to beat.

Summary - Superb Sound, Unbeatable Value

With pleasing audio performance rivaling much pricier models, unbelievable comfort, and rugged design, the Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones punches far above its $30 price point. For listening on the go, these headphones deliver outstanding quality anyone can afford. Koss has a winner with the new classic Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones.

What’s in the Box

The Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones package includes:

• Koss KPH30iK On-Ear Headphones
• 3.5mm connector cable
• Warranty documentation

How to Use

Using the KPH30iK is simple:

1. Connect the 3.5mm cable to your smartphone, music player, or computer.
2. Put the headphones over your ears so the earpads sit comfortably over your ears.
3. Adjust the headband until the fit feels secure but not too tight.
4. Press the in-line remote button to control music playback and calls.
5. Start listening and enjoying the smooth Koss sound!

Specifications

• Driver: Koss dynamic driver
• Driver size: unknown
• Frequency response: 15Hz - 25kHz
• Impedance: 60 ohms
• Maximum SPL: 101 dB
• Connection: 3.5mm plug
• Weight: 198 grams
• Warranty: Limited lifetime