The History of Koss Headphones
Koss developed the first headphones for the consumer market. The company manufactures a range of headphone models, from high-performance models used by audiophiles and in recording studios to inexpensive ear buds sold through retail chains. Koss also sells directly to clients in the aviation and telecommunications industries.
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Origin
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In 1958, John Koss and Martin Lange developed the 390 Phonograph and incorporated a pair of headphones into their product demonstration at a Milwaukee audio exposition. Attendees were not interested in the phonograph but loved the headphones. The company began mass-producing the SP/3 headphones in October 1958.
Product Acceptance and Innovation
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Through the 1960s, Koss headphones gained widespread acceptance among classical enthusiasts who loved the stereo sound and baby boomers who appreciated being able to play their favorite rock records at high volume without agitating parents or neighbors. The company continually improved its headphone technology. In 1968, Koss introduced electrostatic headphones that replaced the original paper-cone speakers with plates in each earphone that vibrated air molecules to create a higher fidelity sound.
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Bankruptcy and Recovery
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Koss was unsuccessful in diversifying into other audio products, taking particularly heavy losses with its Music Box, a portable cassette player released in 1982 to compete with the Sony Walkman. Koss filed for Chapter 11 protection in December 1984. The company streamlined its product offerings, refocusing on headphones, and emerged from bankruptcy in December 1985.
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