When comparing Monoprice MHP 839 ( 108323 ) vs Koss PortaPro, the Slant community recommends Koss PortaPro for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Koss PortaPro is ranked 14th while Monoprice MHP 839 ( 108323 ) is ranked 41st. The most important reason people chose Koss PortaPro is:
The drivers may be small and thin, but there is good bass presence.. The mid-range may not be the most detailed, but there is a smoothness to it that gives the sound a warm and pleasing quality. There is a slight roll-off to the high frequencies yet detail and extension is still good . Overall, these headphones can give a fun listening experience that can work well with all genres of music.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Rich and forward mids with good bass
The mids are the star of the MHP 839’s sound signature. They are forward and have good clarity, making vocals and guitars sound really prominent, and gives the overall sound a distinctly warm feel.
The bass is very good. While not very forward, it is full, has good punch and comes off as quite natural.
The top highs are rolled off, which may muddle some of the music’s details. However, this also results in a smooth sound, as there is little to no harshness.
Pro Ear cup position can be adjusted in a variety of ways
You can wear these the conventional way, or you can also choose to use these DJ style, where only one ear cup is held to the ear.
Pro Two headphone cables are included
One cable is thinner and shorter which is great for mobile use. The other is longer and thicker which should work better when using the headphones indoors.
Pro Removable cable
The cable is connected to the left ear cup via a 3.5mm cable, which can easily be removed. Storing the headphones or replacing a broken cable should be very easy to do.
Pro Nice sounding headphones that are great for casual, studio or mobile use
The MHP 839 is very versatile. The sound signature is enjoyable, and can work well with a variety of genres. It also offers good passive noise isolation for studio/DJ use. The collapsible design with removable cables make it easy to bring on the go. This combination of features is rarely seen in the price range.
Pro Full and warm sound despite the small size
The drivers may be small and thin, but there is good bass presence.. The mid-range may not be the most detailed, but there is a smoothness to it that gives the sound a warm and pleasing quality. There is a slight roll-off to the high frequencies yet detail and extension is still good . Overall, these headphones can give a fun listening experience that can work well with all genres of music.
Pro Lifetime warranty
Koss provides a lifetime warranty for these headphones.
Pro Can be folded down to a very compact size
The ear cups can be folded into the headband. This further reduces its already slim design into something that is much more compact. When folded down, these headphones can easily fit in small bags.
Pro Can accommodate a wide range of head sizes
The headband can easily be adjusted to fit a user's head. The assembly features sliding metal pieces which can easily be set to fit small to large heads.
Pro ComfortZone system allows extra fit customization
Aside from headband adjustment, users can also adjust the clamping force of the ear cups using the Comfort Zone system. This changes how secure the ear cups attach to the headband, which results in either a loose or tight clamp.
Pro Can turn heads due to their retro design
These are eye-catching headphones because of their retro design. The unusual shape of the driver case and the blue accents definitely make these look unique.
Pro Has a durable and reliable feel
These headphones may look thin and flimsy, but are actually much more durable than their look suggests. The headband is made out of metal and can take some flex without snapping. The plastics used also exude a quality feel.
Pro Carrying pouch makes these easy to travel with
When used on the go, these headphones get extra protection from the included carrying pouch. This pouch looks simple and is made out of pleather, which should protect these headphones from scratches.
Cons
Con Pads can get warm pretty quickly
The ear pads do provide ample cushioning, but they also trap heat, causing your ears to get warm really quick. You may need to take these off periodically so you can cool off.
Con Strong clamping force can cause discomfort
The strong clamp may feel like it's squeezing your head which can get uncomfortable after a while.
Con Feels cheap and flimsy
These headphones can creak and flex a lot. Some may also find that these are too light for their size.
Con Danger for hair
Hair tends to get snagged on the metal headband which can get quite uncomfortable.
Con Not much power to the sound
If you are looking for headphones that offer a lot of thump and a lot of detail then these are not for you. The headphone drivers are too small for big and detail-rich sound.
