Koss SSR1

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CNET editors' rating: 2.5 stars OK
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Product summary

The good: Simulates surround sound through headphones; includes volume and surround-sound level controls; includes two audio extension cords; affordable.

The bad The bad: Unimpressive performance; volume control disabled when surround simulation effect is off.

The bottom line: Designed to enhance DVD, music, and game sound, the Koss SSR1 portable surround-sound simulator for headphones falls short of the mark.

Price range: $25.99 - $39.99

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: Nathaniel Wilkins
Edited by: David Carnoy
Reviewed on: 01/19/2005
Released on: 12/06/2004

Designed to enhance DVD, music, and game sound on the go, the Koss SSR1 surround-sound simulator connects virtually any set of headphones to an audio source, such as a notebook PC or portable DVD player. Although it's small enough to easily stash in a carry-on bag, the SSR1's ($39.99) underwhelming performance isn't likely to make it a valued traveling companion.

Featuring partially rubberized edges and an irregular shape, the small (roughly 5 by 2.5 by 0.5 inches), gray plastic unit looks and feels cheap. The device's main facing is distinguished only by green and red status LEDs along with relatively large Koss and SSR1 logos. If you grip the SSR1 the way its designers clearly intended, the tiny, side-mounted controls (volume and surround-sound level wheels, plus a surround-sound on/off switch) are easily accessible with your thumb. On the other hand, when the SSR1 is placed flat on a table as it would be when you're playing a video game, the controls are less easily adjusted.

On opposite ends of SSR1, you'll find a 1/8-inch headphone output and a 1/8-inch stereo audio source device input. The unit is thoughtfully supplied with both 8-foot and 1-foot cords; you can use either to connect the audio source device. Two AAAs supply up to 30 hours of battery life, according to Koss. You can still hear the audio when the surround-sound effect is switched off, but doing so deactivates the SSR1's volume control.

See more CNET content tagged:: Koss,; notebook computer,; DVD,; PC

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Koss SSR1

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