Headphones Noontec interested me for a long time. At a reputable resource Innerfidelity came review which praised their sound and called one of the best headphones in the price range up to $ 100, which is surprising for a model in appearance is the almost complete clone Beats. Recently, familiar from the shop Era-in-ear gave me an opportunity to satisfy the curiosity, sending on headphones review all of this manufacturer: 5 different models. Let me tell you about this experience dating.

Wide and diverse market of counterfeit products “bitzov”: worth a visit any online flea market and once convinced of this. Thousands of merchants praising their goods, promising for a small (and sometimes large) amount of “totally a copy thereof.” Some, however, do not bother trying to sell counterfeit and under the guise of the original with a corresponding price. Among the various replicas across and frankly bad decisions, breaking into parts after 3 days of use, and amazing instances that surpass the original in all respects, for some reason, hard copying appearance (it applies to them and products Noontec).

Noontec the company itself can not be considered absolutely newcomer to the market. They are long enough to produce a wide variety of covers, speakers and battery for smartphones and tablets of all brands. To orient “which way the wind blows”, they decided to expand its product range and headphones.

I do not know what prompted the company in choosing the design, quite noticeable copying Beets, but I suspect that is not exactly alone greed, because they have not copied the main thing – the subprime-boomy sound of the original. I think that the important role played by the high cost of molds and design work needed to create “a fundamentally new product” and Noontec as a trial balloon decided to make good headphones in the exhaust housing.

Basic, inexpensive (about $ 70) model of the company, which actually brought her popularity. Overall the design may be even not specifically described, as it is familiar to all. Metal base plate, fully enclosed glossy plastic, surprisingly bad collecting scratches. The design of both practical and good looking. Manufacturers report that used high-quality plastic that is resistant to abrasions and scratches. For the week of testing, I, of course, this check is not fully able, but the reviews on the internet confirm this statement. Of course, with careless operation can spoil everything, but in the course of normal daily use “Zoro” is not threatened.

Box all Noontec made as an antipode series Beats – white cardboard, black lettering, no unnecessary portraits, everything looks easy and almost air.

The weakest spot in many headphones – this cable. Therefore, in this model, it is removable, is connected to the left earpiece usual 3.5mm plug, so to find a replacement, if necessary, is not difficult (or turn headphones into a headset).

The package also includes a nice carrying cheholchik. Generally, due to folding inward bow, these headphones take up little space, being a good accessory for travelers.

This model is manufactured in three traditional colors: black, white and red.

By design overhead headphones, they do not cover the whole ear and lay down on top of him. Therefore, the material requirements increased embouchure. And here Noontec show their best side, the filler used is soft, synthetic leather is very high quality, so very comfortable landing. To a large extent this contributes to the pivoting mounting cups. Pressing force at Zoro less than their famous competitors, and it also is good for comfort.

Soundproofing headphones – the average for the metro, they are unlikely to fit, unless you remove the volume much, risking hearing.

Of course, the most important thing in headphones – the sound. And this is the aspect by which Zoro leave from the original stone unturned. Moreover, Zoro is one of the best models in the segment up to $ 100 of what I heard, competition can only make them Creative Aurvana Live! , others failed. The “Zoro” in the sound emphasizes the bass, but it is mild. There is no buzz, no smearing, bass clears detail quite a shock and in most cases remains in its place, not nalez at mid-range. Due to this, midrange and treble also encouraging good study of the listener. If you throw the price, it does not give the bass amplified headphones called truly universal. But smart guys in Noontec it took into account and released the following model …

Overpaid about $ 10, you get the same externally headphones, in the same three colors of the differences in this model can be called a microphone on cable, to use them as a headset and, of course, sound.

Removing the emphasis on bass, Noontec successfully unleashed the true potential emitters. Listening to them periodically doubt that it closed overhead headphones with a price less than $ 100: they sound smooth, detailed, with a decent volume effect and without much noticeable problems. In fairness, I note that minor problem is still there, but considering the price to find fault with it – stupid. 

To maximize collect all the cream, the company released a wireless version of this model. Appearance is almost identical to the previous model by adding only those controls and connectors: two-wheel-off button, which can adjust the volume and control tracks, on-off button and indicator svetoidod. Also there is a USB-connector for charging.

Charged wireless headphones for 2 hours, if you use the charger from the iPad. Work somewhere around 18 hours, the connection does not present any difficulties. The box stated availability NFC, but in the absence of devices I did not check his work. If necessary, the wire is connected to a headset, allowing you to use them as simple Zoro.

Management – very convenient, you get used to it quickly and you use intuitively.

The overall sound is similar to a conventional Zoro with a small correction to the deterioration of wireless transmission, communications headphones keeps well, problems also arise conversation, the microphone is not bad.

The price for this model is around $ 130.

Elder brother “Zoro”. In general, the construction and appearance – a very similar model, with the only difference that the cups have “hammam” and more completely cover the ear. Also included is a two wire: plain and microphone. The price is also higher, about $ 140.

Due to the increased size of the ear cushions, headphones worn even more comfortable, you can listen to for a long time without discomfort.

Sound closer to normal, not the HD modification Zoro, also there is an emphasis on the bass, but the rest of the range clears worthy.

I’m looking forward to the release of the model Hammo HD, which would unite the best of both models is a logical step to strengthen the company’s product range.

Plug in a headset model with pleasing inexpensive price ($ 50) and a stylish appearance. I’m no connoisseur line Beats, so I do not know – whether it own development Noontec or too similar copy, but the headphones look great. Truncated quadrangular pyramid metal housing, flat wire, additional insertion of metal – it looks interesting. Also there are three color options: white, black and red.

The sound from the headphones is very bass. The main emphasis is on the bass, which there are many and they are deep enough for the IEM. Also clears the rest of the range is good, but some of the tracks on the amount of bass is clearly unnecessary. Overall, an interesting model for the fans pumping bass and energetic music.

Findings

Despite the similarity to the well-known brand, Noontec managed to achieve the main goal – good sound. Therefore, if you want headphones simultaneously stylish and well-sounding, then look at the company’s products. In terms of price and buy Noontec sound somewhat logical and smarter than the original purchase.

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I’ve been thinking whether I should undertake this review. Not because bad Koss Porta Pro headphones, on the contrary, they are very good in its price category. The main reason for my question was that of the Porta Pro and all so everyone knows. But after some thought, I decided that I still have something to talk about them, so read, and I hope you learn something interesting about the legendary model.

If you have not read my review of headphones Koss UR50 , where I talked about the history of formation of the company – I recommend to read it first half, to understand the historical context and the role played in the company Koss personal audio.

In the early – mid 80’s the situation for the company Koss evolved very hard. Series of poor decisions taken by hired managers, nearly brought the company to bankruptcy. This forced himself John C Koss back and stand at the head of the company, saving it from collapse, which seemed imminent. In those years, Sony with its Walkman player making a revolution, making audio truly portable. Koss also tried to release its own player, but the company was waiting for a failure due to delays in the start of sales. Despite this setback, engineers Koss realized that for a personal sound – future, and focus on how to create a good set of headphones for listening to music “on the fly.” As a result, in 1984 on the basis of headphones KSP (Koss Sound Partner) were developed Porta Pro.

While there was virtually no role models, no major Chinese factories, offering hundreds of OEM models that can be taken and by gluing own logo, sell. Not surprisingly, the Porta Pro turned in almost all innovative, they are often compared with the Kalashnikov because Porta Pro can observe the same simplicity and efficiency.

Based on the basic model produced by many of the same solutions. Already prodution Koss Porta Pro Jr, with blue-black design and no switch “comfort zone”, offered at a lower price, now to be replaced by Koss Sporta Pro, the hallmark of which is the ability to wear them with a bow behind the head. Just now on sale are even more budget model – KSC-75, it is made at all without a bow, headphones simply mounted on the ears special “hook.” All these models use the same driver and similar acoustic design (below I’ll tell you why it is very good).

Not without experiment with design: there are models of different colors, with a headset, and in honor of the 25th anniversary of the release of the model in 2009, the company released a limited edition of Koss Porta Pro Anniversary Edition. That is the model I had acquired in his collection, and I will tell her example.

Packaging and delivery

Anniversary edition comes in a solid double box of black cardboard. The outer box of the usual cardboard black with silver lettering conceals another – from thick cardboard.

Opening the second box, we finally get access to the headphones. Everything is neatly laid out in padded on the inside of the lid caused the company’s slogan: «Hearing is Beieving». Except the headphones, you get a leather pouch to carry, an adapter for 6.3 mm and a commemorative coin, commemorating the day.

Normal option Porta Pro is sold in blister of transparent plastic, it does not look so stylish, but allows solidly to save when buying.

Design and wearability

Design of headphones never ceases to amaze efficiency. The headband is made of two metal arches to move relative to each other, this simple mechanism makes it easy to adjust the size, achieving a comfortable fit. Of the minuses – sometimes this design can grab a few volosin. In the normal version of these silver plate in the Jubilee and color versions – black.

Located at the ends of the arc black plastic cup holders headphones, their characteristic shape became the hallmark of the model. The design allows you to fold holders inside for transportation, while the arc itself headphone can be fixed by using a hook and loop on the opposite ends (another example of elaborate ideas). Silver paste complement the design of headphones.

Ear cups mounted on movable joints that allows us to achieve a better fit. Ear pads are made of foam, they are placed on the cup, covering it, and additionally held small pins on the outer side of the cup. In the normal version of the blue cup, in the jubilee – black, I personally like this version more.

Symmetrical Y-cable – one of the biggest weaknesses Porta Pro, I think, would agree with all the owners of these headphones. Can survive getting into the epicenter of a nuclear explosion or a short journey in space, “ports” often just fail due to breakage of the cable near the plug or cup. In conventional models of cable is also the easiest, rubber insulation, while Anniversary Edition – a cloth that gives it a little strength.

For comfort landing Porta Pro is also unlikely to cause any complaints: they are light, almost weightless, moving cups provide a comfortable fit. On the inner side of the headband are foam pads. To adjust the clamping force has two knobs on the outside holders, although the sound best when headphones snug.

Since open headphones, soundproofing average. Listen to them on the street, you can, but that’s already in the truck will stop noise, and there is a risk to quarrel with neighbors, unhappy noise.

Sound

• MacBook Pro Early 2011
• Yulong DA8 in HogMode as DAC / amplifier
• Fidelia as a player
• VSonic GR01 and VSonic GR07 Bass Edition
• Recording in lossless-formats

As I wrote above – open headphones, they sound warm, prone to dark, a little dismissive. Bass is good considering the price of headphones, but when compared to the more expensive models – in sufficient quantities, it sometimes lacks clarity and punch. Mid normally worked, but it drowns out the bass a bit, at the expense of sound on some of the tracks seem a little buzzing. Treble is not strained, relaxed, although sometimes they do not have enough speed.

It is, however, take into account that all these cavils uniquely offset value headphones. If we take into consideration the price tag, Koss Porta Pro sound more than good, and almost certainly beat all competitors in a similar price range.

Due to the open design of sound is quite extensive and tools are positioned poorly. I also like the vibrant nature of these kids, they are well suited for music filled with life and “real” instruments.

Maud

Potential emitters used in headphones is high enough, you can hear that on the whole spectrum of neat elaboration, the main problem – it’s the bass, “Fit Over” on the midrange. The second most important issue – the high frequency range of insufficient study, robbing the sound of “air”. This is largely due to the acoustic design of headphones.

The fact that the surface of the radiator grille is a very narrow slots and foam ear pads, they jammed the upper part and the mids, leaving many resounding bass. It’s easy to fix, for this there is the so-called “Krammer modes.”

Attention! Everything you do with headphones – you do at your own risk. This mod void your warranty, and if sloppy execution – and headphones. Although if you do it carefully, then no difficulty it poses.

Headphones for fashion should be dismantled, instructions with pictures are traditionally available at iFixit.

To begin, you will need to remove the cup with emitters. They are designed for a simple latch, so you need to disconnect the stick your fingers under the cup and pull it from the holder.

The next step – remove the ear pads. It’s all obvious, the main thing – do not break them of fixing pins.

The last step that you need to do, remove the black grille covering the aperture. It also keeps the latch gently prying so, remove it.

Now using a drill to do as many holes in the lattice. Best to take the first drill a smaller hole then expand large. Hole configuration can be seen in the figure.

Then carefully collect the headphones back, except for the ear cushions. In the middle of the ear cushions need to cut a hole about half the diameter. You can make it rough, using stationery knife, or find a suitable diameter pipe and imprisoning her, cut a hole with it.

Another fun, but working version instead embouchure pull scrunchy suitable diameter.

As you have seen, the main purpose of fashion – to remove all possible obstacles as possible between the radiator and your ear. As a result of greatly improved sound upper middle and high frequency range, bass becomes boomy and not so blurred.

Compatibility

Headphones, despite the impedance is above average, not very critical to the source. They are excellent play from any source, even though after a fashion – they are quite good players deserve the same level of X3. I also want to note that the smaller the output impedance of the player, the better your Porta Pro will be controlled bass.

Findings

The most famous, best-selling, most long produces headphones – all Koss Porta Pro. If you are looking exactly overhead headphones and are not burdened with the extra money – then Porta Pro will be good choice for you.

Competition

Do you have a chance to see for themselves the veracity of this review, as the company Koss gave us the opportunity to give someone from readers headphones Sporta Pro (and almost everything written about Porta Pro applies to them), so we do a simple drawing. To participate, you need to follow a few simple conditions.

• Use the social networks under this review, share the link to it in any social network
• Positions in different social networks increase the chance of winning
• Leave a comment here containing a link (or links) to your post (or posts) in a social network
• Used to comment real email, we will write on him the winner
• On Friday, December 6, we will choose the winner using a random number generator and send him headphones
• Prize goes only on the territory of the CIS

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