Koss 155954 VC20 Volume Control, Standard Packaging, 39-Inch Cord, Compatible with Cell Phones and Headphones

This Koss 155954 VC20 should be identified as a "fader" control or maybe a " volume reducer", and not a true volume control, similar to a rotary control on your wall to gradually lower the brightness of your ceiling lights. There is no amplifier inside, only a resister type control to lower or raise the volume from a given output source, for example "AUX". However, this unit works great, I like the hidden pinwheel control that makes it difficult to turn the pinwheel control by accident. I'll give it 5 stars.

I already have two "no name" inline volume controls, but I needed another. This Koss unit was no more expensive from Amazon than another "no name" from an electronics store, and I've been a big fan of Koss since the late 70s, so I bought it.First, what it IS and ISN'T. This is a volume control, but NOT an amplifier. It will make your MP3 player, etc., quieter, but NOT louder. If your source is too quiet, look for a headphone amplifier.When I used to listen to a cassette walkman it was easy to turn down the volume when I needed to. The volume control was a thumbwheel right on the player. I have several MP3 players now, and they all have hi-tech context sensitive controls. This means (for me, anyway) that I have to look at the screen to make sure the button or slide control is set for volume. This control solves that problem. Set the player for a volume slightly on the loud side and use the inline control to get comfortable sound. If you need to lower the volume (to talk to someone, for instance) you can use the volume control without taking your player out of your pocket.This model has a three foot cord between the player and the volume control. This is nice if your player has an FM tuner -- MP3 players use the headphone cord as an FM antenna. My generic ones were only about 8 inches long and the FM reception suffered.The control has a clip on it, so you can wear your player safely in a padded pouch on your belt and clip the volume control to your chest pocket.A few reviewers have noted that lowering the volume attenuates high frequencies. I tried using the EQ settings on my player (I was also using Koss PortaPro headphones). When I had Bass Boost EQ settings I did notice some high frequency attenuation in both the Koss and generic inline volume controls; when the EQ was turned off I didn't notice as much high frequency attenuation, but the sound was very "flat." Anyway, I don't think I would have noticed it if other reviewers hadn't pointed it out.An inline volume control is very handy for portable MP3 players, etc., and this unit is well thought out, and works great.

If you're looking for an in-line amplifier with volume control, this isn't it. The Koss VC20 provides low-impedance volume control where it may not otherwise exist. It works with standard 3.5mm "mini stereo" headphone jacks. You can also use it for other clever things such as individual line volume adjustments without the use of a mixing board or compressor.Koss makes good stuff so, for what it is, it works great. The gauge of the cable is rather thin and it feels flimsy but, otherwise, it works great. I hope to see them re-release handy gadgets like the three and five-band equalizer/amplifier boxes that run on AA batteries.. I tried to look for that and no one seems to have them anymore.In short, keep in mind that this will not exceed the peak volume level of whatever devices you chain it to. I did not notice quality or maximum volume loss so that is a HUGE plus!

Works great. Laying in bed, often struggling to sleep, I stream podcasts to help pass time and lull me to slumber. Unfortunately my I-phones’ volume control is not smooth, the lowest setting is inaudible and the next one is too loud. This volume control solves the problem!

I bought this when my Skullcandy earbuds with their in-line volume control died of broken wires and I had to resort to using the earbuds that came with my iPod (horrid things). I use them at work and need a way to turn them down quickly if I need to hear something.This volume control far exceeds my expectations, especially considering the price. It performs much better in terms of range and resolution of control than the built-in one. The packaging claims it "increases volume", but I have yet to verify that and don't see how it's possible without some form of power.The extra cording and clip are great extras, too. I usually tuck all the extra wires into my shirt to keep them out of my way while working, and was constantly losing the built-in control inside my shirt. This one clips onto the shirt front or pocket (still figuring out where it's best located) so it's always easy to reach.Only two issues to report - the springiness of the clip and the company's customer service. There isn't much of either.The clip is easy to bend. So long as you clip it to similar thicknesses of materials, it's fine, but if clipped to something thick such as a jeans pocket the clip will be sprung open enough that it will not clip to a thinner fabric later. A pair of needle-nosed pliers will put it back into position for thin fabric pretty easily, but I don't believe should be necessary. There are better metals more suited to that type of duty and the clip should be made of one of them instead of what it is now.I don't know how Koss' customer service will respond if there is a problem, but I first e-mailed them about how pleased I was on the VC-20's performance, and then again later about the clip issue (not complaining, just letting them know). That was several weeks ago and I have yet to receive any response on either, not even an automated "we got your e-mail and someone will respond shortly". Their website had great testimonials on their high level of service and customer satisfaction, but I haven't seen anything to prove it.Overall this is a wonderful volume control. I am very pleased with it, would buy another, and recommend it to anyone wanting an in-line volume control. In fact, I have dropped "in-line volume control" from the spec list of my next set of listening devices.