review of my sister KOSS UR20 full size stereophone

[loverslane]

first, you can find the spec here:

http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/p?openform&pc^fs^UR20

BUT let me type it again, in case the webpage is deleted one day.

Frequency response: 30-20,000Hz
Impedance: 32 ohms.
Sensitivity: 97 dB SPL/1mW.
Cord: 8feet/ 2.4m, straight type, single entry.
Plug: 3,5mm minitype. 3,5mm to 6,3mm adaptor is provided.
Distortion: <0,3% total (according to the website.)
Maximum power input: unknown

the box container says:

1. "full size stereophone." i agree with this, it comfortably fits my ears.

2. "listen to music on your iPhone." i havent tried this since i dont have one.

3. "closed cushions for extended frequency response & dynamic element for extended frequency reposnse." well, lets hear about it.

4. "ideal for DJ use." no, im not DJ.

on low level volume, overall sound quality is good. but when you crank it up, the sound tends to break up. i guess it relates to its low power handling.heres the problem with this headphones: its sensitivity is low and it (i suspect) has got low power handling hence the sound breaks up on high volume level.

so, there goes my review. if you have same experience, pls let me know. if you have different opinion, pls let me know.

@ walkgood: "but when you crank it up, the sound tends to break up." i remembered testing this headphone using a diy zen class a headphone amp while listening to duran-duran "girls on film." since the sensitity of the koss ur20 is only 97 spl, i cranked the volume up to 11-12 o'clock position and there it went, the broken up sound. i switched immediately to my good-sounding but bad badly exterior design philips shp890 and philips shp8500 (which is "bassy") with same volume level and noticed no breaking ups in the sound of them. mind you the both philips headphones have got spl's around 100s. what caused this? impedance differences of those headphones? power handling capability issues? sensitivities of those headphones?

so, if you want to use your koss ur20 with a dedicated, independent, amplified system at louder volume, you should pay attention. but if you want to use this on any other application in which loud volume isnt necessary, give it a try. final decision is in your hand.

if you want to change the mini-jack of koss ur-20, a relative of mine supplies me this information:

blue = left = tip
red = right = ring
copper = ground = sleeve

[CrowdAds]

[lestatar]

Hey loverslane, thanks for your review. I am sure it will be of use to people interested in full size cans. Real world feedback is always helpful!

[WalkGood]

Shortest review I’ve read, what was the source you used to test them and when you say "crank it up" are you talking ear shattering or just a little up past normal listening level? I'm assuming this is the culprit you don’t like ...

[loverslane]

@ lestatar: thanks.

@ walkgood: thanks for your question. im gonna update my review with answer to your question.