Koss A/550 Open-Back Headphones Debut With Lightweight Design, Velour Cushions, and Wide Soundstage
Koss has introduced the A/550, a new pair of wired over-ear headphones designed for listeners who want an open, spacious sound with a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. The model joins the company’s Auditor series and focuses on detailed audio reproduction, smooth tuning, and a lightweight build aimed at hi-fi fans.
The Koss A/550 uses an open-back design, a feature often preferred by audiophiles because it can create a wider, more natural soundstage compared with closed-back headphones. This makes the headphones a strong option for relaxed music listening, mixing, or anyone who values accurate imaging and an airy presentation.
Comfort is also a major part of the design. Each ear cup is fitted with magnetically attached ultra-soft cushions covered in breathable velour, helping reduce heat buildup during extended use. The headphones also include an auto-adjusting head sling and a vegan leather headband, giving the A/550 a flexible fit without adding unnecessary weight.
At just 10.1 oz. or 287 g, the A/550 is relatively light for over-ear hi-fi headphones. That should make them easier to wear for long sessions at a desk, in a studio, or while enjoying high-resolution music at home.
Inside, the headphones feature multilayer polycarbonate diaphragms engineered to deliver a broad frequency response from 12 Hz to 22 kHz. They have an impedance rating of 54 ohms and a sensitivity of 92 dB SPL, placing them in a range that should work well with many dedicated audio players, headphone amplifiers, and desktop setups.
Another key feature is the use of swappable mini-XLR cables. The A/550 ships with a 6.5 ft. or 2 m mini-XLR-to-3.5 mm cable, along with a 3.5 mm-to-6.3 mm adapter for use with larger headphone outputs. The headphones also support optional balanced cables, giving users more flexibility when connecting to compatible audio gear.
The A/550 continues Koss’s long-running focus on stereo headphone design. The company has a history that stretches back to the early days of personal hi-fi listening, including the release of the SP/3 in 1958, widely recognized as the first stereo headphones. The brand is also known for the classic Porta Pro, a lightweight model that remains popular among portable audio fans.
With its open-back acoustic design, lightweight frame, removable mini-XLR cabling, and soft velour ear cushions, the Koss A/550 is positioned as an accessible hi-fi headphone for listeners seeking a spacious, detailed, and comfortable wired audio experience.
