New improved cushions are actually comfortable to wear. Decent isolation and fit. Sound quality is far better than you would think from a pair this cheap. Comfortable. Not the worst pair of affordable earbuds we've ever heard.
Cushions get disgusting after a few listens requiring a cleaning. Bass is a tad light. Cord is very thin. Not as clean sounding as the $10 JVC Gumy.
Koss SparkPlug Earbud Headphones: Put a Little Juice Between Your Ears
Little earbud headphones that actually deliver decent sound quality for a very low price.
Koss makes many little headphones, but based on a quick internet search, these seem to have the largest following, including some real die-hards who already have tweaks for it. They are easy to lose, due in part to the white design, which makes them, blend into their surroundings, but they are quite good for the money.
Koss’ SparkPlug features a dynamic element that is positioned just outside the ear and connected to a tubular port structure that is inserted on a soft expandable cushion into the ear canal. The soft foam cushion expands for a custom fit to improve isolation and enhance deep bass and treble clarity. The cushions have been improved since these were launched and sit much better inside your ear canal. The SparkPlug is covered under Koss' No-Questions-Asked Lifetime Warranty – the only warranty of its kind in the stereophone industry.
What they lack in bass response, they make up for with acceptable clarity for a headphone at this price point. I listened to these for a few days on the subway and aside from some nasty earwax on the cushions; there was a lot to like about these. They don't sound that congested and the highs are rather free of excessive top end energy.
Technical Info
Brand: Koss
Model: SparkPlug
Frequency response: 10 – 20,000 Hz
Impedance: 16 ohms
Sensitivity: 112dB
Cord length: 48 inches, Straight, dual entry
Price: $14.99