Koss The Plug vs. SparkPlug

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Level 4

1,765 points

Koss The Plug vs. SparkPlug

I've a pair of Koss' "The Plug" for two years now, Cheap but good sound. Made my own cushions and love 'em. Finally a wire must have broken inside the insulation. I'm in the market for another pair but find the "SparkPlug" is now around, some say these aren't as good.
Why not?
Koss warranties these forever, I can send them in and get a new pair for $6 but I'd probably be waiting for weeks on end. Nope, I'll just buy another pair but can't find the The Plug in shops around here anymore it seems, although I'm finding the Sparkplug.

iBook 14 1.33, eMac 800 superdrive, iBook 12 500, and so many more...., Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Posted on Apr 21, 2006 9:13 AM

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Answer 1

Scott P.

Level 6

16,889 points

Apr 22, 2006 8:15 AM in response to frodolives

I love my Plugs!
Folks look at me like I'm nuts when I suggest a $15 pair of Plugs over a $50-$100 pair of headphones. They sound great and have the added benefit of those nice foam earplugs that work just fine for "noise canceling" purposes. My favorites for loud areas (planes, coffee shops, and the like) when I want to hear my music, not the sound system or crowd noise.

You're in luck...
Target Online has them. Might be worth looking in your local store as well. Check all the places they have them: MP3 section, radio/CD section, and by the electronics counter. Better yet, take yours in and make the red shirted wonders help you 😉

By the way, when looking for an older model, always remember this mantra:
"Google and Froogle are your friends..."

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Answer 2

frodolives Author

Level 4

1,765 points

Apr 22, 2006 9:11 AM in response to Scott P.

Which plug are you "plugging" (sorry for the pun) the old "the plug" or the "spark plug"? I ended up just getting the sparks because Circuit C. had them on the shelf and I had an gift card rotting in my wallet. So here's comparision:
Fit, nearly the same, the new ones are a tad bigger (deeper). (It should be noted I don't use the Koss supplied foamies, I make my own from the yellow foam ear plugs {hardware store}, trim them back a bit, put a hole through with a hot nail and you're set).
Sound, quite a bit different, much more bass which was already great in the old plugs now it's too much, had to set my EQ different, actually ended up listening with treble boost on for much of the time whereas before I had bass boost on most of the time, the Rock setting sounds good too.
overall, pretty similar, very good sound, cheap, I actually don't like that they're white, too noticeable, I'd prefer the old black like "the plug".
Maybe I'll still ship my old one's back to Koss for $6 I can have a backup pair.
Yep, these are great plugs for the average Joe.
I use them mostly on my motorcycle, open helmet, loud pipes and the sound I get is still awesome, even on the highway, that's how well the foam can block other noise. (homemade foam, never had luck with the Koss ones)

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Answer 3

Scott P.

Level 6

16,889 points

Apr 22, 2006 2:11 PM in response to frodolives

Nope, the classics. Black cord, blue backs on the buds. Nothing that yells "Hey, come take my iPod!" 😉

That link was to the classics, by the way. Photo was not of the SparkPlugs, just the good ol' fashioned ones.

I've got those for my "quiet time", just me and the music, and a pair of Sonys with rubber ear gaskets and extra openings that create a richer sound. I use those when I want to be able to hear stuff in my surroundings. Not nearly as enjoyable as the Koss ones, but great when outdoors doing something where not hearing could be an issue.

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