Design Stories: KPH40 Utility

Person working on sketches of the Koss KPH40 Utility Headphones

 

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Koss is no stranger to the deliberate experiences classic design can bring. Some of the most popular headphones sold today like Porta Pro® and KPH30i were designed by Koss to not only deliver remarkable sound quality but also to be lightweight, portable and most importantly affordable.

When Koss sat down to design a new headphone, the goal was simple - to bring back the lightweight listening experience Koss invented in the 80's & 90's, but also introduce modern features and the connectivity that is demanded by the different devices we use on a daily basis.

Person sketching the ear piece details of the Koss KPH40 Utility Headphones

Designing, 3D Printing and fabricating dozens of prototypes was key to creating the perfect balance between durability, portability and visual aesthetic.

Koss went through myriad mockups and concept variations, settling on a durable, yet lightweight stealth gray stainless steel headband with integrated size-adjustable headband yokes.

This design not only captured the classic look of headphones from the early 80's & 90's like the Porta Pro® and Koss Sound Partner, but also allowed for adjustability and the ability to fit any head shape.

Man looking at a rendering of the Koss KPH40 Utility Headphones.

Pre-Production process of the Koss KPH40 Utility Headphones.

Dissected view of Koss KPH40 Utility Headphone parts laid out on a table.

Integrating the Sound of Koss was a key part of the KPH40 Utility design. They not only had to look good, but sound great too.

The drivers for the KPH40 Utility would feature a hear-through design and attach to a stealth gray stainless steel headband via a isolated ball and socket pivoting mechanism.

This hear-through sound keeps listeners aware of their surroundings while also delivering an exceptional, expansive listening experience.

Drawing and refining the design of the Koss KPH40 Utility Headphones.

One of the most important aspects of any modern headphone is connectivity, and KPH40 Utility delivers as the most versatile headphone ever designed by Koss.

KPH40 uses the power of the Koss Utility Series. Featuring a detachable cord system, KPH40 gives users the freedom to connect to virtually any device they own now or in the future.

With the included 3.5mm standard headphone jack cord or available USB-C or Lightning Utility cords, listeners can rest assured their headphones will never be obsolete again.

Listeners can stay connected with the in-line mic and remote found on the USB-C and Lightning Utility cords, and audiophiles can enjoy 24bit/96kHz high fidelity audio with the built-in DAC found on the USB-C Utility cord.                                                                                                                                      Photos of the Koss KPH40 Utility Headhones in use.

From the lightweight adjustable stainless steel construction, to the open-air design, to the power of Koss Utility Series, the Koss KPH40 Utility truly stands as a headphone with vintage soul and a modern mindset.

Not only does it sound amazing, but it will turn heads, while on your head.

The all-new KPH40 Utility is available now at Koss.com and our Amazon storefront.

Koss KPH40 Utility Headphones laying on a desk in front of desk decorations.
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