The open-bcak Grado SR80e go for $100 in new condition, but if you are comfortable with used, you can get them in “Used – Very Good” condition (minor cosmetic imperfections; original packaging) for $79~ by Amazon Warehouse Deals. This is perhaps the best entry-point value-wise into the Grado sound signature.
Archives for January 23, 2017
Sennheiser HD600 for $299
The new (and hard to find) Sennheiser HD 6XX (Massdrop exclusive), based on the HD 650, created a disturbance in the classic 600 vs 650 dilemma, now making it a 3-way debate. If of those three you have decided on the HD 600, it is currently on sale, in new condition, for $299 with free shipping at Amazon by Amazon actual.
Used iFi Micro-iDSD 512 head-amp for $344 + S&H
The used iFi Micro-iDSD 512 portable headphone amplifier is currently available in “Used – Demo” condition for $344 plus shipping (under $10 for most zipcodes) at Adorama.com.
Used Shure SE 535 for $344 to $350 + S&H (Clear or Bronze)
The clear color scheme of the Shure SE 535 in-ears are offered in “Used – Demo” condition for $344 plus shipping (under $10 for most zipcodes) at authorized dealer Adorama.com. Used items sold at Adorama come with a 90-day warranty from Adorama, and they can be returned within 30 days of purchase.
Meanwhile the Metallic Bronze color scheme of the SE 535s is offered for $349 plus shipping (under $10 as well) in “Used – Demo” condition as well.
Used iFi Micro iCAN SE 4000mw 16ohm Class A head-amp for $194 + S&H
The iFi Micro iCAN SE 4000mw 16ohm Class A headphone amplifier is available in “Used – Demo” condition for $194 plus shipping and handling at Adorama.com. The lowest shipping option is around $8 (varies slightly by zipcode – at least of the zipcodes I tried).
Audio Technica P1 Lightweight Open On-Ears for $10 + S&H
It turns out, the Cassette tape purchase options you may have seen at some bands’s’s Bandcamp pages were not an ironic joke, but actual cassette tapes, because actual cassette sales skyrocketed by 74% in 2016. With them, it’s only fair that we see an increase in Walkman-era style headphones, one of which, the Audio Technica ATH-P1 lightweight open on-ears is on sale for $10 at B&H Photo. Free shipping if your order total is $49+, so perhaps it’s best if you “append” this to a larger order, so you can get free shipping.
Fiio X1 Armband for $12
The official Fiio armband for the X1 digital audio player is currently going for $12 by various Prime-eligible sellers at amazon.com. This is a product with distinct trade-offs though – it is advertised as a “sports” armband but the reviews say it’s not flexible enough for exercise (muscle contraction/movement), and the X1 is unprotected on the front and sides, so it’s more of an armchair armband 🙂
I don’t have this, but I have the Fiio X1 DAP [see unboxing text/pictures post]. I have yet to finish the X1 DAP review [spoiler alert: not bad for an $80 microSD-based DAP], so buying/reviewing the armband will have to wait 🙂
Fiio E18 Kunlun USB DAC/Amp for Smartphones for $95
I have yet to crack the Fiio line-up code, but if of all the options they offer it is the E18 Kunlun USB DAC/Amp for Android/Smartphones the one you want, it is currently on sale, in new condition, for $95 with free shipping by Adorama.com, an authorized dealer.
Speaking of DAC/amps, the desktop Monoprice 11567 dropped further down today to $70 and it is eligible for the $35 off / $100+ MasterPass promotion (expires 1/24/17 PM).
Massdrop x HiFiMAN HE-350 Over-Ears for $100
Hifiman is catching a lot of FLAC (ha!) for their new expensive headphones announced at CES 2017 (let’s not forget the $2000 RE-2000 in-ears), but they also have some budget options out there, one of which is back on again at members-only Massdrop, their exclusive “Massdrop x HiFiMAN HE-350” over-ears going for $100 with free shipping. These are dynamic headphones, not planars. The offer runs for the next four days (but it is a recurring feature there, so don’t worry if you miss it), and it is expected to ship early February 2017.
Bose SoundTrue Around Ears II for $129 (iOS) [updated]
UPDATE: the Apple-buttons Charcoal color-scheme goes for $129 at Amazon by Amazon actual (limit 3).
The closed-back over-ear Bose SoundTrue Around Ears II headphones, in the black color scheme, and with the Android/Samsung button configuration, are on sale for $150 with free expedited shipping at authorized dealer Adorama.com which includes $7.50 in rewards with purchase. The rewards can be used in future purchases at Adorama (think of it as promotional store credit for future purchases). These are wired-only headphones, no ANC, no Bluetooth.
AKG K240 II Semi-Open Over-Ears for $80
The release of the AKG M220 (mostly through Massdrop at favorable pricing) has caused a convergence in the pricing of the three related models (K240, K240 II, M220), with the K240 II dripping down towards the other two. If the K240 II is the one you want, it is currently going for $80~ with free expedited shipping at Adorama.
It also goes for the same price at amazon.com but pay attention to who the actual seller is. Amazon’s own listing is not the featured offer there at the moment (check “Other Sellers” section on the right hand side to locate Amazon as the seller)…
Refurbished Marantz HD- DAC1 USB/DAC-amp for $629
The Marantz HD- DAC1 USB/DAC-amp is available in refurbished condition with a one-year warranty from the seller, authorized dealer OneCall (Huppin’s), sold through Amazon Warehouse Deals (AWD). This ships directly from OneCall, so it is not Prime eligible. AWD’s own price is $639 in “Used – Very Good” condition. AWD actual (Amazon Warehouse Deals being the actual product seller) offers a 30-day return policy but makes no claims of warranty.
[DEAD] Tuesday’s Offers: AKG Q460 Minis, Lots of Earphones, Comply, Music (CD/Vinyl), Etc
This parade of budget earphones expired…
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