Koss History

Koss Corporation founder John Koss shares his behind-the-scenes story of inventing the  world's first SP/3 stereophone in 1958, and the emotional thrill of being "enclosed in the music" thanks to his innovation.

Koss Founder's Story
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John C. Koss with headphones on
men using turntable

Founded 1958

World's First SP/3 Stereophone

In 1958, John C. Koss teamed up with engineer Martin Lange, Jr. to develop a portable stereo phonograph player with side-wing speakers. The pair demonstrated their new stereo record player at a Wisconsin audio show. One of the product's unique features was a privacy switch, which allowed listeners to hear music by plugging in the world's first SP/3 stereophone. The stereophones were intended to be an accessory to deomonstrate the high-fidelity stereo sound that the portable phonograph player delivered.

The revolutionary sound of the Koss SP/3 stereophone became the hit of the show.

SP/3 stereophone

1958

SP/3

The World's First Koss Stereophone

In 1958, John C. Koss invented personal listening with the world’s first SP/3 stereophone. Koss sought to replicate the excitement of a live musical performance. The original SP/3 stereophone allowed listeners to experience sound as they had never before, bringing them closer to the music they love.

PRO/4

1962

PRO/4

SP/3X

1960

SP/3X

  • Tony Bennett

    1962

    Tony Bennett

  • Bobby Hackett

    1964

    Bobby Hackett

  • Les Brown

    1965

    Les Brown

Frank Sinatra Jr.

1966

Frank Sinatra Jr.

Bobby Hackett and Tony Bennett

1966

Bobby Hackett & Tony Bennett

ESP/6 electrostatic headphone

1968

ESP/6

In 1968, Koss released the ESP/6, the world’s first self-energizing electrostatic headphone. To achieve its unprecedented sound profile, the ESP/6 employed the principle of a currentless, or electrostatic charge. The charge was applied to push-pull condenser plates, and caused movement of an ultra lightweight conductive diaphragm.

John C. Koss in front of Air Force OneJohn C. Koss on Air Force One with headphones on

1969

Air Force One Outfitted With Koss Stereophones.

In 1969, passengers aboard Air Force One were treated to the Sound of Koss. The Presidential Plane’s state-of-the-art entertainment system featured Koss headphones at every seat - including the staff, press, and presidential quarters. About 50 Pro/4 units in total lined the aircraft.

Pete Fountain

1970

Pete Fountain

ESP/7

1969

ESP/7

Pro4AA

1970

Pro4/AA

In 1970, Koss set the standard for full-size professional headphones with the iconic Pro/4AA. At the time of their introduction, the Pro/4AA were regarded as the first dynamic headphones to deliver true full frequency and high fidelity performance with impressive noise-isolating capabilities.

Koss World Headquarters building

1970

Koss World Headquarters moves to 4129 North Port Washington Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53212

  • ESP/9

    1971

    ESP/9

  • K/2+2

    1971

    K/2+2

  • K/6

    1971

    K/6

  • K/6LC

    1971

    K/6LC

  • K/711 Red Devil

    1971

    K/711 Red Devil

  • KO/727B

    1971

    KO/727B

John C. Koss with representatives from the U.S. Smithsonian

1972

Koss enters the U.S. Smithsonian. John C. Koss is shown here with the original Koss SP/3.

  • ESP/6A

    1972

    ESP/6A

  • K/6LCQ

    1972

    K/6LCQ

  • PRO/5Q

    1972

    PRO/5Q

Ever Wonder Why He's Smiling billboard

1972

Ever Wonder Why He's Smiling

Mel Torme

1973

Mel Torme

Guess who's selling Koss Stereophones back of Doc Severinsen's headDoc Severinsen

1974

Doc Severinsen

Doc Severinsen, personality director for Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show," signs as the official Koss spokesman.



HV/1A

1974

HV/1A

In 1974, Koss released the HV/1A. The first dynamic headphone capable of reproducing all 10 audible octaves, the HV/1A paved a new course in personal listening. The unmatched sound, and modern dynamic speaker elements found in Koss Headphones today are a direct evolution from the legendary HV/1A.

  • ESP/9B

    1974

    ESP/9B

  • HV/1LC

    1974

    HV/1LC

  • Phase/2+2

    1974

    Phase/2+2

  • Phase 2

    1974

    Phase 2

  • Techician/VFR

    1974

    Techician/VFR

Give Your Neighbors the Silent Treatment billboard

1974

Give Your Neighbors the Silent Treatment

Hear No Evil billboard

1974

Hear No Evil

Not All Stereophones are Created Equal billboard

1974

Not All Stereophones are Created Equal

K/7

1975

K/7

Easy Listener

1975

Easy Listener

Live and Let Live billboard

1975

Live and Let Live

Pro/4AAA

1976

Pro/4AAA

In 1976, Koss introduced the Pro/4AAA. Building off of the Pro/4AA’s iconic sound, the Pro/4AAA incorporated a number of new design features. The most notable of these features was the headphone’s Direct Contour Pneumalite ear cushions. The shape of the cushions mirrored an ear’s natural “D” shape. This advancement in design informed the very pronounced “D” Profile found in many Koss headphones today.

King Koss billboard

1977

King Koss

Lettuce Entertain You billboard

1977

Lettuce Entertain You

Have You Had a Koss Encounter? billboard

1978

Have You Had a Koss Encounter?

Think Koss billboard

1978

Think Koss

John C. Koss

1979

John C. Koss inducted into the Audio Hall of Fame.

Fortunate Cookie billboard

1980

Fortunate Cookie

Ski Koss Country billboard

1980

Ski Koss Country

John C. Koss on factory floor

1981

John C. Koss tours the Koss Factory floor.

John C. Koss

1982

Medical College of Wisconsin

Koss endows Medical College of Wisconsin to establish Koss Auditory Center for Research and Treatment.

Stereo to Go billboard

1982

Stereo to Go

  • K/6LC

    1982

    K/6LC

  • P/19

    1982

    P/19

  • A-3 Music Box

    1983

    A-3 Music Box

  • K/40LC

    1984

    K/40LC

Porta Pro

1984

Porta Pro

In 1984, the acclaimed Koss Porta Pro set performance and comfort standards for portable personal listening - worldwide. Designed for those with a refined ear for music, the Porta Pro continues to be one of the most popular headphones around the world.

  • Pro/4X+

    1985

    Pro/4X+

  • Pro/4XAAA

    1985

    Pro/4XAAA

  • JCK/200

    1986

    JCK/200

  • KFF/100

    1986

    KFF/100

  • KFF/300

    1986

    KFF/300

  • KSC/50 SoundCell

    1986

    KSC/50 SoundCell

Santa Kossing billboard

1986

Santa Kossing

Noah's Fvorite Pair billboard

1987

Noah's Favorite Pair

Phone Your Mother billboard

1987

Phone Your Mother

JCK/100

1987

JCK/100

HV/1A+

1987

HV/1A+


1988

Koss Billboard in 1988.

JCK/300 cordless headphone

1989

JCK/300 Kordless Stereophone System

In 1989, the Koss JCK/300 cordless headphone set the standard for infrared wireless headphones. By developing a new transmitter that delivered four times more power than conventional infrared headphone systems, Koss cut the cord and changed personal listening forever.

Wrap Music billboard

1989

Wrap Music

  • TD/60

    1989

    TD/60

  • CD/3

    1990

    CD/3

  • HV/Pro

    1990

    HV/Pro

  • Pro/4XL

    1990

    Pro/4XL

ESP950

1990

ESP950

In 1990, Koss introduced the revolutionary ESP/950 electrostatic headphone. The ESP/950’s breakthrough design incorporated electrostatic transducers with ideal mechanical damping. The unit’s distortionless sound is attributed largely to its ultra-thin (1.5 micron) diaphragms. Each diaphragm moves uniformly thanks to an electron deposited proprietary semi-conductive coating.


1991

"Music Lovers of the World Unite." Advertisement.

John C. Koss with sons Michael J. Koss and John Koss Jr.

1990

Founder John C. Koss with sons Michael J. Koss and John Koss Jr. From generation to generation, Koss continues to bring you closer to the music you love.

  • MAC/5

    1991

    MAC/5

  • MAC/7

    1991

    MAC/7

  • TD/70

    1991

    TD/70

KSC35

1995

KSC35

Pro4XTC

1992

Pro4XTC

Tchaikossky billboard

1995

Tchaikossky

  • Sporta Pro

    1999

    Sporta Pro

  • The Plug

    1999

    The Plug

  • UR20

    1999

    UR20

John C. Koss

2000

Introduction into the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame

In 1958, John C. Koss teamed up with engineer Martin Lange, Jr. to develop a portable stereo phonograph player with side-wing speakers. The pair demonstrated their new stereo record player at a Wisconsin audio show. One of the product's unique features was a privacy switch, which allowed listeners to hear music by plugging in the world's first Koss SP/3 stereophone. The stereo-phones were intended to be an accessory to deomonstrate the high-fidelity stereo sound that the portable phonograph player delivered.

John C. Koss Sr. is inducted into the inaugural class of the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame. At the dawn of the transistor era, John Koss Sr. designed a set of commercial headphones using World War II military headphones. It was 1958 and the stereo business was taking off with the advent of rock'n'roll music. The headphones were called "private listening units".

This award is in recognition of John Koss Sr's. contribution and pioneering spirit that have laid the foundation of consumer electronics.

When Your True Love is Music billboard

2002

When Your True Love is Music

UR40

2002

UR40

KTXPro1

2002

KTXPro1

  • Pro3AAT

    2003

    Pro3AAT

  • Pro4AAT

    2003

    Pro4AAT

  • KSC75

    2004

    KSC75

John C. Koss looking at headphones

2004

John C. Koss inducted into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame.

Party Favorites billboard

2004

Party Favorites

Head of the Class billboard

2004

Head of the Class

Rock of Ages billboard

2005

Rock of Ages

The Pair to Beat a Full House billboard

2005

The Pair to Beat a Full House

  • QZ900

    2005

    QZ900

  • KC25

    2008

    KC25

  • KDE250

    2009

    KDE250

Koss Training billboard

2009

Koss Training

  • KDX100

    2009

    KDX100

  • KDX200

    2009

    KDX200

  • KDX300

    2009

    KDX300

Striva Tap

2012

Striva Tap

Striva Pro

2012

Striva Pro

  • IL200k KTC

    2012

    IL200

  • Porta Pro KTC

    2012

    Porta Pro KTC

  • ProDJ200

    2012

    ProDJ200

KSC32 FitClips

2013

KSC32 FitClips

KEB32 FitBuds

2013

KEB32 FitBuds

Mad Men screenshot

2013

Koss Stereophones became a recurring client of Sterling Cooper on the Emmy winning show "Mad Men".

No Brainer billboard

2013

No Brainer

BT540i

2014

BT540i

In 2014, Koss once again cut the cord with the BT540i wireless Bluetooth® headphone. A technological powerhouse, the BT540i incorporated a state-of-the-art Bluetooth chip, NFC® one-touch pairing, and near-lossless sound with aptX® codec.

BTS1

2014

BTS1

Small enough to fit in a pocket and weighing just 0.36 lbs, the BTS1 Wireless Bluetooth® Speaker is designed specifically for portability and on-the-go use.

Pro4s

2014

Pro4s

Carrying on the legacy of the Pro/4 line, 2014’s Pro4S studio headphone was specifically crafted for audio professionals. Featuring the all-new SLX40 element, and iconic “D” Profile shape, the Pro4S delivers remarkably accurate sound.

SP Series headphones

SP Series

Introduced in 2014, the SP540 and SP330 both feature Koss’ iconic “D-profile” earcup design. The “D-profile” mimics the shape of the ear, creating an ideal seal for the most consistent sound reproduction, and an incredibly natural fit. Optimized PLX40 and PLX30 dynamic elements deliver an unmatched personal listening experience.

  • UR23i

    2015

    UR23i

  • KSC32i

    2015

    KSC32i

  • KEB25i

    2015

    KEB25i

Kossfit Billboard

2017

Kossfit

Gladmen billboard

2016

Gladmen

Game of Phones

2016

Game of Phones

BT539i

2017

BT539i

Introduced in 2017, Koss would continue expanding its Wireless Bluetooth® line of over-ear headphones with the BT539i. The Koss BT539i Wireless Bluetooth® Headphones have the natural fitting, iconic "D-profile" earcup, first featured on the ergonomically designed Koss Pro4AAA and now available on many Koss headphones.

KPH30i

2017

KPH30i

The Koss KPH30i is a direct descendant of the Koss Pro35 and popular Koss KTXPro1. With all-new modern features like an in-line microphone and remote, the KPH30i keeps listeners connected all while enjoying their favorite tunes. The lightweight on-ear headphones feature an open-air design with smooth bass and clean treble. The 60-ohm elements are perfectly tuned for use on the go with most mobile hardware content players.

GMR-540-ISO Closed-Back Gaming Headphones

2017

GMR-540-ISO Closed-Back Gaming Headphones

GMR-545-AIR Open-Back Gaming Headphones

2017

GMR-545-AIR Open-Back Gaming Headphones

Porta Pro Wireless

2018

Porta Pro® Wireless

In 2018, Koss brought the legendary sound and design of the iconic Porta Pro®, that music lovers have been enjoying since 1984, into the 21st century with modern features—like Wireless Bluetooth®, in-line microphone and on-board controls—all while keeping the iconic sound, comfort and design intact.

Noise Canceling QZ Buds

2018

Noise Canceling QZ Buds

The Koss Quiet Zone QZBuds In-Ear Noise Cancellation Earbud Headphones are designed to cancel-out unwanted, annoying noises allowing listeners to relax and focus on what matters. The Koss Quiet Zone QZBuds In-Ear Noise Cancellation Earbud Headphones feature a monitor mode button that can be activated to allow users to hear what's going on around them so they never have to remove their headphones.

CS300 Communication Headset

2018

CS300 Communication Headset

Available in single-sided or double-sided versions, the Koss Headphones CS300 Communication Headset features USB connection and flexible boom microphone with the noise-cancelling electret microphone. Combined with its lightweight design, unique Koss D-Profile with soft, pillow-like cushions, the CS300 Communication headsets combine ease of use with all-day comfort in a single, stylish headset perfect for the office, call centers and video conferencing.

  • UR23i

    2015

    UR23i

  • KSC32i

    2015

    KSC32i

  • KEB25i

    2015

    KEB25i

Koss Headphones 60th Anniversary Billboard Milwaukee SP3
Koss Headphones 60th Anniversary Billboard Milwaukee 550

2019

Still Inventing After All These Ears

2019 marked 60 years since the invention of the World's First SP/3 Stereophone by John C. Koss. Koss celebrated this monumental moment with a double-sided billboard near their World Headquarters in Milwaukee, WI, USA showcasing the SP/3 on one side, and the upcoming A/550 on the other.

Koss Utility Series

2021

Koss Utility Series

Koss Utility Series introduces three new headphones KPH40 Utility, KEB90 Utility and Porta Pro® Utility all featuring a detachable cord system that gives listeners the freedom and flexibility to connect to virtually any device they own now, or in the future.


2023

True Wireless Earbuds & Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

In 2023 Koss continued expanding its Wireless Bluetooth® line of earbuds and over-ear headphones with the TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds and BT740i QZ Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Headphones.

Man with headphones on near filming equipment

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