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Reviews For: Koss SB40

Category: Headphones & Boom-microphone Headsets

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Review Summary For : Koss SB40
Reviews: 10MSRP: 40 CAD
Description:
With a dynamic element that delivers premium sound at all volume levels, Koss SB40 Full Size Communication Headsets are ideal for gamers who crave deep, sound bass. Equipped with a noise cancelling microphone that eliminates excessive background noise for greater ease of use, it’s one headset every amateur should have in their arsenal.

Large, closed, leatherette ear cups surround the ear for maximum isolation and increased comfort, and also offer high noise sensitivity and reduced sound distortion. The SB40’s sound is so efficient, you’ll hear your opponents before they even know you're there. Designed to withstand the rigors of daily wear, this Koss gaming headset fits like new even after years of kicking butt and saving the world. Like the SB45, the SB40 will bring your games to life.
Product is in production
More Info: https://koss.com/collections/headsets-gaming-headphones/products/sb40
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
25104.7
GW4JPC Rating: 2023-02-07
Comfortable and lightweight with excellent Rx/Tx audio quality Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I find many headsets tiring to wear for log periods when contesting. This is not the case with the Koss SB-40 as it is very comfortable being lightweight, having large padded ear cups and a wide headband to spread the load on top of my (bald) head. The audio quality from the headphones is excellent and the noise cancelling dynamic mic is a good match for the Kenwood TS590. I use it on the high boost 2 (HB2) mic equalizer setting for contesting. I get many unsolicited good audio reports. Compared to other more expensive brands aimed at the ham market the Koss SB-40 is very good value for money. It is no big deal making up an adaptor to convert the SB-40's 1/8'' mic jack to the 8 pin for the Kenwood. Ready made ones may be available, but would probably cost as much as the headset. I can highly recommend this headset.
PD0CT Rating: 2022-11-01
Great headset! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought this set about a year ago. Frankly speaking, I was kind of sceptical about this product since the price was so low. But after discussing it with lots of fellow amateurs who were advising me in a positive way about the SB-40, I decided to give it a try.

This thing is really awesome! I keep on getting positive comments on my modulation, without asking for it. Both RX- and TX- audio are brilliant! Besides that, it's also very comfortable and I'm wearing it hour after hour without any pain. I adjusted the parametric equalizer on my FTdx300D and gave it a lot of 'mid' and 'high', which provides a real nice punch on SSB.

Don't doubt, just buy it!
K0OKE Rating: 2022-02-05
Why pay more? Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using the Koss SB40 for about 2 years now. First with a Yeasu FT-891 and exclusively for the last 5 months with a Yeasu FTdx10. The sound quality is amazing for the price. I use it on the 3905CCN qsl net for hours at a time, switching from band net to band net, and I always get great audio reports and comments on my audio quality. It is comfortable and remains comfortable. Finally, at a cost of $30 it is a no-brainer!! If I had to replace it at double/triple the cost, I would.
VE3TMT Rating: 2021-12-26
A hidden gem Time Owned: more than 12 months.
So a little over ten years with this headset and I am still blown away by the performance. I use a Behringer XM-8500 on a boom for casual chatting, but always go to the SB-40 when trying to work a new one.

It easily drives my TS-850 (mic gain and processor both at 10 o'clock, high boost on) and it hardly ever takes a second call to work the DX, and you can literally wear this headset for hours without fatigue. Trust me I've done it. You soon forget you have them on. I've experienced no RFI on my TX audio whatsoever, even running 600W. It's amazing what good grounding will do.

I've owned the high end headsets and wonder why I wasted my money. If you haven't yet tried these, give a set a try, you'll be amazed how good they sound.

Update 12.26.21

Been seeing a lot of bad reviews for another high end brand of headset lately. I too suffered the same fate. I actually received a call from Mr. H offering to have me send it in for repair. It was beyond repair. The only way to fix it would have been to send a new headset.

Enter the Koss SB40. I honestly can't say enough good things about this headset. It is extremely comfortable, even after wearing for hours on end. The receive audio is crystal clear and the produced TX audio is compliment generating. They can still be had for around $50 I think, which is a great deal knowing they will still be working years down the road, and in one piece. Pick one up and give them a try. You'll be impressed and a few dollars richer!
KK4WMX Rating: 2018-08-17
works well with a TS-590S Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Great for the price (<$31 delivered via Amazon Prime). A good fitting over-the-ear headset and the mic works fine as-is with the TS-590S. Some tweaking of the TX EQ might be desirable for some users. I ended up using the same profile as for the desk mics I have been using (a Pyle PDMIC58 and a Heil HM-12). Of course some plug adapters are needed to interface the 3.5mm plugs with the the mic connection & 1/4" headphone jack. I already had a breakout box for the 8 pin mic connection (w/PF keys & 1/4" PTT & mic jacks) so that was pretty straight forward. On air reports are good, basically saying no noticeable difference from when using the other mics.
9A3XV Rating: 2018-06-26
Ok for general use Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The headset is very good for general use, but for serious use in high power HF environment for ham radio contesting the mic is too sensitive to RFI. I asked number of hams on the band for audio report - the most of them was bad when using HP. I changed the original mic capsule with one from chip Chinese CB mic so the headset is now usable. The headphones self are very comfortable for long time usage - better then some very expensive specialised ham radio communications headsets.
Vy 73
Sale, 9A3XV
ON3FZT Rating: 2017-10-08
Great value Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
One of the best headsets on the market:not expensive,great comfort,good incoming audio and very good modulation,a must for every radioamateur
KB3NFM Rating: 2017-02-24
Excellent Value Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Excellent headset for comfort, and cost. Upgraded from an inexpensive computer headset to the Koss SB-40 and very pleased large comfortable padded ear cups, no special adaptors or cables needed and relatively inexpensive from various online vendors. The dynamic mic has excellent sound quality from the audio reports I receive. It’s a good multipurpose set for phone, computer or just listening
SQ9IAU Rating: 2017-02-02
COMFORTABLE for long time contest Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
REALLY comfortable! First time after 48H contest - ears do not hurt. Good isolation and lightweight, but boom mike too slim for larger mic element if it replace.
Much more comfortable than my Heil Pro Set Elite 6.
If you are looking for a good headset for long contest operation and for a low price then get a set of these!
K5BG Rating: 2016-11-25
Why Pay More ? Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
After reading the previous review of this equipment I decided to try one out as my "other" headset seemed to be in the shop or headed that way.
Long story short the cans (headphones) are some of the best I have had comfort wise as well as audio wise. The microphone adapted well with my IC-7600.
For $26.00 on Amazon I will say it's a keeper.
73,
Bob, K5BG