I am over the moon about these Koss 4AAA stereophones. They seem to have never been used. Came with the model 16-168 case, and all cords are pristine.
They sound amazing. I’ll include more photos, including of docs/inserts/adverts, in a comment.
The ear pads are intact and holding their oil fine. They’re pretty stiff, though, as they’ve hardened a bit over time.
I’ve heard you can use Lexol leather conditioner to soften the ear pads, but I’m scared to try. I don’t want to harm them.
What do you think?
I've only used the newer version of the 4AAs, released in the 2000s or so, but I'm pretty sure that the pads on those are vinyl, not actual leather. The Lexol I've seen is intended for use on actual leather, so I doubt that it'd do anything helpful, as long as it's also vinyl on yours.
That being said, it looks like Koss sells replacement pads:
https://koss.com/products/pro4aa-ear-cushion
So assuming that they fit your version, I imagine that you can always get a replacement, even if you create problems somehow.
I have discovered that for popular headphones one can often get third-party pads compatible with them. So if you're not happy with the feel of the ones on yours, you might try looking for alternatives that would feel better.
A quick search on Amazon does show some, e.g.:
https://www.amazon.com/YDYBZB-Cushion-Replacement-Compatible-Headphones/dp/B09GFDQ4NQ
Thanks. I’ve heard this particular conditioner is supposed to be good for vinyl, too, but that’s why I’m asking.
I’ve also heard wearing them a lot is meant to soften them (with the oil from your body, plus your body heat softening the oil in the pads), but I’m not sure about this. I don’t want to ruin them.
Thanks for the tip on new pads! That’s very helpful. I’m trying not to do that, but I’m torn between loving them so much I want to use them and loving them so much I don’t want to ruin them. If it gets to the point of me wanting to replace the pads, it’s super helpful to know I can. Thank you!!