Equipped with a 3-foot coiled cord that extends up to 8 feet, the QZ/5 features a 3.5-millimeter L plug to connect to any sound source or radio scanner with a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. A dual volume control on the ear cup provides for convenient level adjustment.

Important for racing and commercial use, a lightweight, low-profile nylon/Velcro headband allows for easy adjustment for fit and permits the wearer to wear a cap. The metal band behind the head holds the cups firmly in place for proper isolation.

The QZ/5 is covered under Koss's No-Questions-Asked lifetime warranty.

Product Description
The KOSS QZ5 Noise Reduction Stereophone Headphones are perfect those eager to enjoy music, but just as intent on protecting their hearing. Featuring neodymium magnet structures, the QZ/5 delivers all frequencies between 40Hz and 20kHz with outstanding clarity and definition. Lightweight, low profile nylon/Velcro headband allows easy adjustment, permitting user to wear a hat or cap Metal band behind the head holds the cups firmly in place for correct isolation Frequency Response - 40-20,000 Hz Impedance - 60 Ohms Weight - 15 ounces Sensitivity - 102dB SPL @ 1mW Distortion - < 0.3% About Passive-Noise-Reduction

I looked around at a lot of sites (including high-end audiophile sites) and Koss was often suggested as a good company with good products. Their no-questions guarantee was often cited as one of the reasons Koss is a good company.

I decided to try the QZ-5 headphones because they are relatively inexpensive.

As soon as I tried them on, I was impressed. They blocked out a lot of sound without even having them attached to a sound source. I couldn't hear the TV or the phone ring with the headphones on.

When I tried them while mowing I knew I had a winner. I could leave the volume level at the same level I would use if I wasn't mowing the lawn. The noise of the mower was not eliminated, but it was reduced significantly. It became a low hum in the background instead of a roar that overwhelmed the music.

Comfort wise, they are good. I wear glasses and these work well with them. They don't pinch like the over-ear model did. It takes me about two hours to mow my lawn and they don't become uncomfortable during that time.

The sound is good enough that I plan on using the headphones to watch TV without the sound disturbing my wife.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the performance of these headphones.


Huge and heavy   March 25, 2001
 25 out of 34 found this review helpful

If there was a picture of these headphones, you'd see what I mean. These headphones work by "passive" noise reduction - the pieces that fit over the ear are made of layers and layers of sound absorbing material. These monstrous pieces cover your ears and are pushed hard against your head by an imposing thick behind-the-neck piece which sports the word "KOSS" in large letters across it, so you feel like a billboard. An adjustable velcro two-piece headstrap holds the contraption in place so that its massive weight rests squarely on top of your head. I tried these at work and was mistaken for an air traffic controller. They reduce noise, but after wearing them about 1/2 hour I developed a splitting tension headache -> my neck could not hold up all the weight, and I felt like a vise had been applied to my temples. These are not made for personal use, but rather for industrial high-noise situations. Returned the same day.


If I Could I'd Wear Them 24 Hours A Day!!   December 14, 2000
 22 out of 23 found this review helpful

I bought these from the manufacturer two weeks ago and I think these are the best things invented since the wheel! Therefore, when I found Amazon offered them I decided to get another pair for my office; and cheaper than than getting them from Koss direct! Anyway, they are the key to my survival because they TOTALLY screen out my next door neighbor's construction, another neighbor's dog (which is continually barking), and annoying leaf and lawn mowers. I now can concentrate on my studying while listening to all kinds (preferably classical) music. Anyone who wants the world to "go away" while trying to concentrate or sleep should get these. I found them to be extremely comfortable and the clarity of sound is excellent. They are superior and they will help to keep your sanity in this noisy world. :-)


what a TERRIBLE buy!   July 16, 2004
 17 out of 29 found this review helpful

I purchased the Koss QZ-5 Headphones.
THESE ARE NOT ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES!!!
I was duped. I believed these were active noise cancelling headphones, but they reduce noise by adding a ton of padding. These headphones are HUGE. The picture displayed is very decieving, only showing you the profile of the headphones. If you wear it and look in a mirror, you will look like a geeky mickey mouse. They stick out of the sides of your head making you look like a weirdo.

In addition to that, the sound quality is extremely poor. At the moment I am listening to the Fellowship of the Ring soundtrack, and any bass makes the headphones crackle. Bass performance is absolutely poor. Do not get these headphones, they are a waste of money. Do not get these headphones!


clunky   September 3, 2003
 15 out of 18 found this review helpful

I'm not exactly sure how the manufacture expects you to use this product on an airplane, as the stabilizing bar behind your head prevents you from leaning back into your seat.

I bought this and the Aiwa noise cancelling headphones at the same time. The Koss headphones are going up on eBay.