Design Stories: Koss x Retrospekt P/21 Retro On-Ear Headphone
April 14, 2021 at 12:11 am IST
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Design Stories: Koss x Retrospekt P/21 Retro On-Ear Headphone
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Milwaukee based Retrospekt are self described addicts of the experience of vintage electronics. For them, It's comforting. Comforting to take a break from the excess of consumption convenience has allowed. Comforting to step back and engage in a more tactile and deliberate experience, and we couldn't agree more.
Koss is no stranger to the deliberate experiences classic design can bring. Some of the most popular headphones still sold today, like the Porta Pro® and Pro4/AA were designed by Koss over 30 years ago; so when Retrospekt approached Koss to collaborate on designing an all-new on-ear headphone for them, the partnership was naturally serendipitous.
When Koss and Retrospekt 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 that is responsible for transforming portable, personal listening that we all enjoy today.
Designing, 3D Printing and fabricating dozens of prototypes was key to creating the perfect balance between durability, portability and visual aesthetic. Together, Koss and Retrospekt went through myriad mockups and concept variations, settling on a durable, yet lightweight stainless steel chassis 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.
Integrating the Sound of Koss was a key part of the P/21 Retro On-Ear Headphone's design. They not only had to look good, but sound great too.
The drivers for the P/21 Retro On-Ear Headphones would feature an open-back design attaching to the stainless steel chassis 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.
Large soft foam ear cushions would wrap the drivers in an orange colorway, calling back to headphones of the time and completing the overall vintage pop aesthetic.
Custom Retrospekt brand badging was also added, tying not only the entire headphone together, but the collaboration between Koss and Retrospekt as well.
From the lightweight adjustable stainless steel construction, to the open-air design, to the colorful orange foam ear cushions, the Koss x Retrospekt P/21 Retro On-Ear Headphone 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 Koss x Retrospekt P/21 Retro On-Ear Headphone is available now exclusively through Retrospekt here.
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Posted in All on April 13, 2021 ← Previous Post
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Koss Corporation published this content on 13 April 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 13 April 2021 18:40:04 UTC.
Koss Corporation is engaged in marketing high-fidelity headphones, wireless Bluetooth speakers, computer headsets, telecommunications headsets, active noise canceling headphones, and wireless headphones. The Company operates in the audio/video industry segment of the home entertainment and communication industry through its design, manufacture and sale of stereo headphones and related accessory products. The Companyâs products are sold through United States distributors, international distributors, audio specialty stores, the Internet, national retailers, grocery stores, electronics retailers, and prisons under the Koss name as well as private label. The Company also sells products to distributors for resale to school systems, and directly to other manufacturers for inclusion with their own products. The Company has a manufacturing facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and uses contract manufacturing facilities in the Peopleâs Republic of China and Taiwan.