Koss KSC75

The Koss KSC75 is a small on-ear clip headphone. Its ergonomics (feather light, easy to drive, comfortable) would make it an amazing portable tool, but it’s an open design so next to 0 isolation.
The model I have is the Massdrop Edition KSC75 X, though it’s basically the same model as the regular variant. Like the Porta Pro or ESP950, the KSC75 has been around for a long time and is still not discontinued.

○ Release : 2004
○ Current status : In production
○ Type : On-ear / Open-back
○ Measured weight : 45g
○ Impedance : 60 Ohms
○ Sensitivity : ~99-101 dB/mW
○ Average used price : $10-15

Sound Impression
The KSC75 is my favorite sub-$50 headphone, period.
It’s a very natural sounding headphone, although it’s definitely on the lean / brighter side of neutral.

The bass is quite gentle, with not much rumble and subbass. I hear the roll-off starting at around 80-90hz. You cannot hear 50 or 30hz notes with the KSC75. The midbass is also very light – similar to the Sennheiser HD580.

The midrange is very relaxing although some instruments (and voices) with fundamentals in the lower-mids might sound a bit thin. Upper-midrange is not shouty. The treble can be bright for some but I don’t have any harshness issues – it’s articulated for the price but a bit grainy next to an HD600. Some mid-treble energy hides the lack of air.

The KSC75 sounds very open and clear, but suffers from average imaging and poor soundstage. Considering the on-ear foam pads and small design / drivers, large staging wasnt to be expected.

This small on-ear clip is the best entry to the headphones world if you prefer a slightly brighter tonal balance. It’s extremely capable and resolving for the price (and to me, much more resolving and enjoyable than the Porta Pro).

Measurements & Resources

Bass lacks extension below 100hz, moderate midbass bump. Upper-midrange is forward, however the 4.7-8khz peak isnt really audible (it would be unlistenable). Low-treble dipped but proeminent 9khz peak – definitely audible.