Archives for January 2015

Unlocked at Massdrop: Woo Audio WA7/WA7d Fireflies for $816

Fully unlocked at Massdrop at the moment is the Woo Audio WA7 or WA7d Fireflies DAC and Tube Amp for $800 plus $20 flat shipping. The offer is good for about six days from today. This is the lowest price possible under this offer. At checkout you select whether you want the WA7 or the WA7d (Toslink digital input). You can also select which power supply to get. Keep in mind, as with most Massdrops, they take a while to ship. The estimate for this one is February 20+.

[DEAD] Used Harman Kardon CL Precision On-Ears for $25 (was $32)

As of a 1/27/15 recheck, this sold out… We continue digging into the used Amazon headphones (aka Amazon Warehouse Deals) where we find the Harman Kardon CL Precision On-Ears going for $26 in “Used – Like New” condition and $25~ in lower conditions (page down to see these since there are multiple listings over there). [updated 1/23/15]

These are closed-back fashion-square headphones, with an average of 4.1 out of 5 based on 560+ customer reviews and with 70 questions answered.

Used Audio-Technica Pro 5 Mark II for $35 (was $44)

The new condition Audio-Technica Pro 5 Mark 2 headphones go for $60+ in new condition, but if you are fond of used headphones, you can get them in “Used – Very Good” condition in the silver color scheme for $35 (was $44~) at Amazon Warehouse Deals… Updated 1/23/15.

[DEAD] Used Shure SRH-1440 open-back for $190 (was $210)

As of 1/25/15 re-check, these sold out. The Shure over-ears don’t last long after the used prices start dropping… Shure’s adventures in open-back, the over-ear SRH-1440 are currently available in “Used Very Good” condition for $190 (was $210~) by Amazon Warehouse Deals actual. Items sold by Amazon Warehouse Deals actual make no promise of warranty, but they offer a 30 day return policy. Other marketplace sellers may make different warranty claims, some may be authorized dealers for the products they sell, some may be not… Price updated here 1/23/15.

[DEAD] 4 pack of headphone stick-on hooks for $16

As of a 1/25/15 re-check, they changed the Amazon listing, now the 4-packs are no longer offered… On the accessories front, if you are fond of stick-on hooks for your headphones, a 4-pack of those, made by eLhook is available for $16 fulfilled by Amazon.com, with the usual free shipping terms (free 2-day for Prime or with a $35+ order). They average 4.7 out of 5 based on 12 customer reviews. They also sell a 2-pack for $12. The product description says up to five pounds.

[DEAD] Beats Mixr On-Ears for $130 (select colors)

This weekend offer expired…
[Read more…]

[DEAD] Used Yamaha Pro 300 On-Ears for $38 (was $48)

As of 1/25/15 re-check, these sold out… The Yahama Pro 300 on-ears typically go for $100 in new condition but you can now get them for half the price in “Used – Good” condition, for $38 (was $48), at Amazon Warehouse Deals (AWD) by AWD actual. Only the Piano Black color is thusly discounted. The other two colors go for $80+. The Pro 300 are Yamaha’s attempt at a Beats Solo competitor… Updated 1/23/15.

Refurbished Focal Spirit One for $95 [updated]

The Focal Spirit One headphones with Apple mic/remote, are available at Amazon Warehouse Deals (AWD) refurbished for $95 sold by Electronics Expo (was $105 earlier).

As of 1/22/15, the prices have increased for the used options: the “Used – Good” for $115 or “Used – Very Good” for $118 by AWD actual.

Refurbished Sony MDR-1R Over-Ears for $120

The Sony MDR-1R over-ears are available manufacturer refurbished for $120 with free shipping by Secondipity at Amazon. They ship from Secondipity, so they are not eligible for Prime benefits.

The “MDR-1R” (this one) is the wired headphone. Also part of the lineup are a Bluetooth model (MDR-1RBT) and an ANC model (MDR-1RNC).

The MDR-1R is no longer the “latest model” in the Sony product sub-lineup. A few months ago, Sony released the new MDR-1A ($300 starting price).

Refurbished Beats Studio (first gen) for $100

The official Beats Certified Outlet on eBay is offering the first generation manufacturer refurbished Beats Studio Over-Ears for $100 with free shipping. They are available in white, pink or purple color schemes. The Studios have active noise cancellation powered by two AAA batteries.

PS: the second generation Beats Studios use rechargeable LiIon batteries instead, with all the trade-offs that it entails.

[DEAD] Used Yamaha EPH-M100 in-ears for $37 (was $43)

As of a 2/19/15 re-check, the used offers at these prices sold out…

The black color scheme of the Yamaha EPH-M100 in-ears is currently available for $37 (was $43) with free shipping, in “Used – Good” condition at Amazon Warehouse Deals.

This is one of the first headphones subjects/victims that we are doing experimental review diary and unboxing posts… Price updated 1/23/15.

NOTE: this is a newer model, with a more consumer-y sound. It should not be confused with the older EPH-100 in-ears. The difference in the model name is so small, it’s an extra “M”, so it can be easily confused.

Used Panasonic RP-HJE70-S in-ears for $23 (was $29)

From the “deep deep cuts” department, the silver Panasonic RP-HJE-70-S in-ears are offered in “Used – Very Good” condition for around $23 (was $29) at Amazon Warehouse Deals (AWD) by AWD actual. They average 3.5 out of 5 based on 17 customer reviews… Updated price on 1/25/15.

Massdrop: Cypher Labs, Fostex HP-A8C

Two new additions to Massdrop, neither one fully unlocked as of the time of writing, but they have seven days to go (from posting date). They are on the audiophile price range:

+ Fostex HP-A8C 32-bit DAC Headphone Amp as low as $957
+ Cypher Labs C6iem as low as $403 (NOTE: these are not custom IEMs – the model name may hint of that because of the “C” and “iem” being so close, but they are not custom).

[DEAD] Used wireless Merkury Innovations for $3.29

These are no longer available as used (sold out)…
[Read more…]

[DEAD] Used Sony MDR-PQ3 PIIQ on-ears for $7

As of a 1/23/15 recheck, these sold out… Another way to put that Amazon Prime membership to work, the yellow Sony MDR-PQ3 PIIQ lightweight on-ear headphones are available in “Used – Very Good” condition for $7 at Amazon Warehouse Deals (AWD) by AWD actual. They average 4.4 out of 5 based on 14 customer reviews. These are discontinued.

[DEAD] Wedn only: Monster DNA On-Ears for $80 (limit 3)

This daily deal expired… This started at 9pm ET on Wednesday 1/21/15, and only good for a few hours after, NewEgg has the black/red Monster DNA On-Ears on sale for $80 (email teaser said $90) with free shipping. Limit three per customer.

Strategy session: lots of new Sennheiser headphones

If you were thinking of getting headphones from some of the existing Sennheiser product lines (Momentum, RS, or bluetooth/ANC), please note that at CES 2015, the company announced, among others, the second generation of their Momentums, new Bluetooth + NFC + ANC versions of Urbanites and Momentums, and a brand new RS-series lineup. As of the time of writing, these are not yet available for pre-order from the major online retailers but some can be ordered through the Sennheiser website at the wallet-lament MSRP prices. I am slowly putting together a list of the new headphones at CES 2015, but I am slightly behind 🙂

Used red Panasonic RP-HX35 On-Ears for $2.50

If you have an Amazon Prime membership, or you are planning to place an order of $35 or more over there, this may be a curiosity or experimentation little thing to add to your order, the red lightweight Panasonic RP-HX35-R on-ears are currently available in used condition for under $2.50 (!) at Amazon Warehouse Deals. Condition ranges from “Good” to “Like New” but the prices go from $2.36 to $2.49, so basically you can get the best available condition for only 13 cents more. These average 3 out of 5 based on 13 customer reviews. To summarize, let price set expectations 🙂

Philips SHP9500 over-ear open-back for $78

The Philips SHP9500 over-ear open-back headphones are currently fully unlocked for $78~ shipped at Massdrop, with about seven days left in this promotion. Keep in mind, most Massdrop items take a while to ship. This one has a February 10 estimated shipping date.

If you don’t want to buy from Massdrop, there’s another option, you can get them on eBay for about the same price from eBay seller “deallegend” (100%, 196, ships from California).

These have 50mm drivers, 32 ohm impedance, detachable single-side cable (no mic/remote). As you can see from the detailed pictures, these are open back. The giant L and R printed on the outer side of the earphones may turn some off, but one cannot argue that it’s hard to figure out left from right 😉

Refurbished Monster NCredible NTune On-Ears for $50

Monster’s own official eBay store is offering the manufacturer refurbished Monster NCredible NTune On-Ears in either black or blue for $50 per pair, with free shipping, with a limit of five per shopper. This is a limited time offer (I don’t know the expiration date).

[DEAD] Used AKG K518 LE folding on-ears for $18

As of a 1/22/15 recheck, these sold out as used…
[Read more…]

[DEAD] Used white AKG K350 in-ears for $18

As of a 1/22/15 recheck, these sold out as used…
[Read more…]

[DEAD] Used MEElectronics NoiseSHIELD ANC headphones for $28.50

As of 1/26/15 re-check, the price went up…
[Read more…]

[DEAD] Sennheiser MM 400-X Bluetooth On-Ears for $135 (was $155)

This daily deal expired…
[Read more…]

Used MEElectronics Air-Fi AF71 Metro Bluetooth in-ears for $13.50

More $15-ish deals from the Amazon Warehouse Deals (AWD), the black/yellow color scheme of the MEElectronics Air-Fi AF71 Metro Bluetooth in-ears is available in “Used – Very Good” condition for $13.20, sold by AWD actual. Only this color scheme is discounted.

Used AKG K514 MKII semi-open headphones for $15

Some more digging into Amazon Warehouse Deals has unearthed another potentially interesting “very deep cut”, the white AKG K514 MK II Natural Sound Stereo Headphones are available in “Used – Acceptable condition” for around $15. Free 2-day shipping for Prime or with a $35+ order for non-members. They are semi-open with 32 ohm and have just two customer reviews with 3.5 out of 5 average.

Shipping soon: Schiit Modi 2 USB DAC for $127 (also: Modi for $90)

The brand new Schiit Modi 2 USB DAC is estimated to be delivered January 23-28, going for $119 plus $7.50 by Schiit Audio thru Amazon.com. It ships from Schiit, so not eligible for Prime benefits.

Meanwhile the first generation Modi, in new condition, is down to $90 with free shipping, fulfilled by Amazon.com (sold by Schiit).

Sennheiser HD 700 open-back over-ear for $606

The deputy of the Sennheiser audiophile over-ear line-up, the HD 700 is currently on sale for $606 with free shipping at Amazon.com by Amazon actual with a limit of five per customer.

Massdrop: ZMF Master Headphones as low as $300

The ZMF Master Headphones can drop as low as $300 (with shipping included) at Massdrop. There are two versions, one more balanced, one more bassy/warmer. You can select which one at checkout, along with which cable you prefer (XLR or 1/4″ or 1/8″). There is a maximum of fifteen units available for this drop, and it becomes unlocked at 10. Only 2 commits so far. This ends in about five days from today.

PS #1: Massdrop is a members-only website, and you need to have an account with them in order to see the actual products, that’s why I am not posting links, since it redirects to their homepage if you are not logged on to their account. This would create more confusion. Everyone can sign up for their service.

PS #2: if you are not interested in Massdrop offerings, please let me know in the comments or the contact form so I won’t mention them as often.

Used Beyerdynamic T70p Over-Ears for around $300

The Beyerdynamic T70p over-ear headphones are currently available around $300 depending on condition at Amazon Warehouse Deals (AWD) by AWD actual. They go for $297 in “Used – Good” condition, and $306~ in “Used – Very Good” and $313~ in “Used – Like New”. Keep in mind, these prices can change over there at any time.

In new condition, there are two left for $450 at Sonix Electronix.

The T70p is p for portable, not p for Pro as the tab at Amazon states – but the product name is correct there – see annotated screenshot below:

beyerdynamic_t70p_confusion

[DEAD] Used Yamaha RH5MA Monitor headphones for $39

As of a 1/23/15 recheck, these sold out as used… The new condition Yamaha RH5MA Monitor headphones go for $60, but if you want to save some, you can get them in “Used Very Good” condition for $39 at Amazon Warehouse Deals (AWD) by AWD actual. They average 4.5 out of 5 based on 89 customer reviews. Note that these are semi-open/semi-closed.

Used Grado SR-125e for $135

The new condition Grade SR-125e open-back on-ears go for $150, but if you are fond of buying used, they go for $135 in “Used – Very Good” condition in original packaging (may be damaged) by Amazon Warehouse Deals.

Used Sennheiser HD360 Pro for $27

Nowhere near as celebrated as the HD 280 and 380 duo, but also much lower in price, the Sennheiser HD360 Pro over-ear headphones are currently available in “Used – Very Good” condition for around $27 at Amazon Warehouse Deals actual. Free 2-day shipping for Prime members or with a $35+ qualifying order (if not a Prime member). They average 4.1 out of 5 based on 220+ customer reviews and have 41 questions answered.

Photive BTH3 Bluetooth 4.0 On-Ears for $50

The bluetooth headphone market below triple figures is a lot more competitive these days. The Photive BTH3 bluetooth 4.0 On-Ears with case included are currently going for $50 fulfilled by Amazon.com and sold by a marketplace seller. They average 4.2 out of 5 based on 1500+ customer reviews. If you are curious about them, they have 360+ questions answered (used the searchbox on the right side of their page to look up specific topics in the Q&A).

Meanwhile the older BTX6 model (Bluetooth 2.0) with a lower review rating (3.7 out of 5) is on sale for $45 at Groupon Goods.

Noontech Hammo Over-Ears for $63 to $65

The Noontech Hammo over-ear headphones are going for $63 in new condition in the black color scheme at Amazon.com by Amazon actual (limit 3) and for $65 at Groupon Goods with four different color options. These closed-back headphones have 50mm drivers with 32 ohm impedance, and detachable cable.