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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prefer headphones that isolate noise for a more immersive music listening, Audio Technica ATH M30X would be a superior choice, though they are less suited for exercise given their size and are pricier. The Koss KSC75, on the other hand, offer an open design favorable for situational awareness which could be beneficial during outdoor activities or exercise, and they are more wallet-friendly. Note though, the open design means they let in more ambient noise and are less immersive. Neither option has wireless functionality or built-in controls and microphones, so consider these factors if hands-free use or wireless connectivity is important for you. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M30X
Good for air travel
Advantages of the Koss KSC75
Very good for music
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6/10
8.3/10
The Koss KSC75 is very good for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9/10
7.5/10
The Koss KSC75 is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0/10
2.5/10
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Koss KSC75 is poor.
Cost
$89
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Koss KSC75 costs $20.
Build Quality
7.2/10
5.6/10
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality, while the Koss KSC75 has poor build quality.
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
"Let’s not insult the KSC75 by saying that it’s simply good for the price… because it’s far more than that. It basically has a monopoly at its asking price, and could still give modern budget headphones a run for their money 15 years after its release. The KSC75 is the world’s best not-headphone."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Koss KSC75
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
About Koss
Koss is an American headphone manufacturer established in 1953. In 1958, they created the first set of stereophones, that is headphones with stereo sound, and in 1984 they released the world-famous Porta Pro, a set of on-ear headphones that has remained essentially unchanged for more than 30 years and that is still made, sold and loved by many audio enthusiasts around the world today.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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