Gobbelcoque
Gobbelcoque t1_ja3m0f1 wrote
Reply to Koss KPH30i on a KPH40 headband by synkro27
How portable do you need ( toss in a backpack, folding, can they just be okay in a case?) How much can you afford? Closed or open back? Are IEM's okay?
Gobbelcoque t1_j9z4vcs wrote
Reply to Koss KPH30i on a KPH40 headband by synkro27
I just tried, the kph40i drivers are easy to pop off (I'm honestly amazed they haven't broken with how roughly I treat them) and I couldn't dislodge the 30 drivers from the headband. I'd say no, also the 30's headband is not fragile say you'd have better luck with the 40s, the 40's pivoting driver is kind of flimsy feeling and just rattling around my bag has popped the driver off multiple times (never broken but still, I don't just toss them in my bag anymore)
The 40s do sound noticeably better than the 30s to me, though. I threw some yaxxi porta pro pads on them and they're fantastic
If you love the koss on ear stye, I think they're a proper improvement over the 30's. But if what you're after is more durability, I think the issue is a wash, I'd go with some regular grado sr60's for the on ear hifi, and you can actually replace their headband with a more durable one from aliexpress if it ever breaks.
Gobbelcoque t1_j93vy2x wrote
If you're happy with the sound, that's all that matters. You definitely aren't getting an "objectively bad" experience with that setup.
When I lost my btr5 I upgraded to the btr7 and.... I miss the BTR5. The audio difference was imperceptible and the form factor if the 5 is just way better.
I'd argue that a planar IEM like the 7hz diokos would be a noticeable improvement sound wise, but there's no need to really start chasing that unicorn. I could happily live forever out of CCA CRA's.
Gobbelcoque t1_jaevng4 wrote
Reply to comment by synkro27 in Koss KPH30i on a KPH40 headband by synkro27
Unfortunately loss just doesn't have a "sound". They are super hit or miss, with their ports pro/30/40 line being generally the only reliable hitters for the money, and they just balance being pretty bassy with decent technicals and a stellar price.
Oh, something that popped into my head if you want open back and great sound and portability. The NiceHCK EB2s. $25 on AliExpress. They're earbuds and not in-ears, but with the nice soft foams they stay put nicely in my ears, give you that open air spacious feel, good sound, good imaging, they only lack in sub-bass, but I find myself wearing them basically every day.
Grado sound is very, very different. They all go for a very detailed, bright, energetic signature with pretty lacking sub-bass that people hate or adore with basically no in-between. I personally adore it.
If you're into price performance, wired IEM's are where the buck lies. $60 for some KZ PR1's, or $80 for some truthear hexas or $80 for some 7hz diokos will knock your socks off, even more than the edifiers.
If you want some budget buds that really hit the vibe of the 30/40 with even better technicals, the truthear hola's are great for $18.
Depending on your budget and amplifier setup, the hifiman he-x4 are truly ludicrous for $100 if you have an amp that can power them (a BTR5 or BTR7 if you need portable
But portability and over ear cans just is a pain in the arse, imo. Nobody really does it "right". Possible exception are the Sony mdr7506, but they require better pads and a detachable cable mod.
I personally would recommend some grado sr60's. But be aware that they are very polarizing. I can't get enough of them, so much so that I built some custom gs3000e's, but my old sr125e's get daily use too.