when I first get these headphone and compare they to the one include with my Walkman back in 1997 , I be amaze at the sound improvement , especially the strong bass these produce . I do not know much about headphone at the time , but I take a chance on this brand I would never hear of . year later it be nice to know they be still consider among the best budget headphone you can buy . and to be fair , I 'll mention other option . why the PortaPros be great : - they sound much better than the cheap default throw-in , especially if you like bass . I actually buy a larger pair of Koss headphone after this , but find out the PortaPros sound better . - they be the most comfortable headphone I have ever worn . they be very lightweight and the pivot earpad design accommodate ear that stick out . if not for the music you might forget they be on you head . - they be conveniently portable . they fold into a little ball that be easily store in a bag or backpack . I find this very convenient for walk between college class . - the price be a steal . headphone get ridiculously expensive for those with remarkable hearing and wallet , but this be one of those model that will satisfy most people for well under $ 100 . - the no-questions-asked Lifetime Warranty . after year of use , my foam pad be deteriorate and part of my headband have come loose . I just send my PortaPros back to koss with a note and my address , and in about 2 week I get what look and sound like a new pair in the mail ! I be so impressed , I decide to write this review . other headphone to consider : - the sennheiser px100 seem to be the main competition , so they be worth check out too . they be similarly affordable , lightweight and portable . I have not have a chance to try on or listen to a pair . - at the next level up be the Grado sr60 and sr80 , which cost a bit more but be consider by many to be the best sound value out there . I have a chance to listen to some sr80 once ; they sound great but I find they to be somewhat uncomfortable due to the earpad pressure . after a while my ear be sore . - if you prefer closed headphone -lrb- better isolation from outside noise - the previously mention phone will be audible to people near you -rrb- , I would take a look at the Sony mdr-7506 \/ mdr-v6 and the Sennheiser HD280 pro . these be also a step up in price , but consider a great value . - see for yourself at review site such as headphone.com , goodcans.com , etc. . who write this review : - I have do a lot of research , but I do not claim to be a expert or hard-core audiophile . - I buy the PortaPro in late high school , and use they all throughout college to great satisfaction . - since then I have come to prefer clarity over exaggerated bass . my current favorite headphone be the Etymotic Research er-4p . it be a odd comparison since the er-4p be in-ear-canal headphone that cost several time as much . however , for the curious : the PortaPro can not compare in treble clarity , but they do have stronger bass , be slightly more comfortable , less fatiguing , and much cheaper . there be many step up from the PortaPro , but it be a great , affordable place to start listen to good headphone . note : I actually have a pair of PortaPro Jr. s. from what I have read they be just PortaPros without the Comfort Zone switch on the temple pad . in any case , I would assume the PortaPros be the same or a step up , and I be very satisfied .