Quick Impressions - PortaPro Wireless
I’m listening to Taylor Swift on Tidal Masters, MQA using my Chuwi Hi9 Pro Android 8 Tablet. The sound is classic Porta Pro, if not quite up to the wired version, it’s very very good. Also listened to some Led Zeppelin, and some Miles Davis, all very competently handled.
I’ve had the Wireless now for a few days, and have not done extensive listening, nor have I put on YAXI pads - I’m going to let my grand-newphew pick a set, if he wants the wireless Koss. (I also have a standard Koss wired set, he’ll have to make an 11 year old decision).
The Wireless ships with a round headphone case and a headphone bag as your choice of how to carry it. There is a charging port, and some minimal instructions written in fashionable or 6 point type. There is a wire to charge but no charger. It does not appear that the charger may be used as a wired USB, these headphones are wireless only. They have a simple volume plus center button interface to do everything, and a red/blue flashing LED indicator.
When I listened using my iPhone to TIDAL, they headphones did not sound quite as clear as they do now. Going over the manual very carefully with the aid of some magnification, I found a reference to AptX in the fine print’s fine print. Nowhere does it say that the headphones support AptX, but AAC or other codecs are not mentioned at all. That’s why I pulled out the Android tablet to give it a try.
I strongly suspect that the variability of reviews on the Koss Wireless PortaPro sound is a reflection of the Bluetooth protocol. The headphones support Bluetooth 4.2. With AptX, the sound is just fine. Without it - paired with a mobile iOS device, there is a noticeable degradation of sound. Worse soundstage, slightly muddy reproduction overall. Comparing to wired, on the same tracks, Wired was better. Very little difference compared to wired when using Android or other AptX connection.
I haven’t had a chance yet to photo the equipment, or take a gratuitous pic of 3 Koss phones, possibly with one wrapped around an 11 year old head, sporting his color choice of Yaxis.
But yes, these are clearly PortaPros. And adequately powered with the battery. I can turn them up louder than I want them to be. Vocals are very clear, and the production of Taylor Swift’s “Lover” album is excellent. Cymbals are cymbally, “I Think He Knows” is just as piquant as it should be. Drums and bass line have good slam.
If you have AptX, these headphones rock, especially for the price. If not - stick to the wired.
— edit 02/02/2020
I have a photo now to go with this post.