Archives for October 2, 2017

Microsoft Music Store and Groove Music Pass going away, Pro-Rated Refunds for 2018+ prepaid subscriptions

The ghost of Zune is taking its vengeance on Microsoft’s latest half-hearted attempt at a music streaming service. Their “Groove Pass” subscription service will end 12/31/17. Anyone with a prepaid subscription will receive a prorated refund for their 2018+ portion. Microsoft has partnered with Spotify to transition users and playlists over there.

But that’s not all. Also dying is Microsoft’s Music Store (part of the Windows/Microsoft store) which allows you to buy and download music. So if you have any music purchases there, it may be a good idea to start downloading before they disappear. They mention this more clearly in the FAQ:

“After December 31, 2017, music won’t be available for purchase or download in the Windows Store or for streaming in Groove.”

This is the official announcement and this is the official FAQ on the transition.

OneDrive will continue to be able to play music, and the Groove app in itself will continue to play local music files, but NOT any previous Microsoft music purchases or Groove Pass subscription downloads.

October 2, 2017 Filed Under: music apps Tagged With: ,

Used Plantronics BackBeat 500 Bluetooth On-Ears for $51

The Plantronics BackBeat 500 colorful closed-back bluetooth on-ears got a high profile review last week by Innerfidelity as a $79 new condition headphone. If you are curious but don’t want to pay new condition price, the highlight/grey colorful color scheme is available in “Used – Good” condition (cosmetic imperfections) for $51~ by Amazon Warehouse Deals.

At Amazon, these average 4 out of 5 based on 48 customer reviews. As to Innerfidelity’s findings, check our their video and/or written review to see what they thought. TV shows and movies are not the only things with spoiler policies 🙂

October 2, 2017 Filed Under: headphones Tagged With: , ,

KZ ED12 Earphones for $8 w/free slow shipping from China

The new condition KZ ED12 colorful earphones (with detachable cables to boot) go for around $14 with Prime-shipping fulfilled by Amazon, but if you don’t need them right away and you are comfortable with slow-shipping from China, you can get them for almost half the price, $8 with free shipping as a flash sale at GearBest.com, another one of the headphones featured in their latest sale.

October 2, 2017 Filed Under: in-ears Tagged With: ,

Superlux HD 681 Semi-Open Over-Ears for $20 w/free slow shipping from China

Gearbest has launched a headphone sale and among the items offered is the new condition Superlux HD681 semi-open over-ear studio headphones for $20 with free slow shipping from China. You can select faster shipping methods at checkout but they are not free.

These headphones average 4.9 out of 5 based on almost 400 customer reviews at GearBest, and 4.2 out of 5 based on almost 420 customer reviews (ha!) at amazon.com.

I haven’t touched/heard this model, but I have a useful text and pictures unboxing of its cousin, the Samson SR-850. Based on some google searching, these are not identical, so check the web and forums for more details. Superlux also has a variety of models in this line, so that’s more homework!

October 2, 2017 Filed Under: headphones Tagged With: ,

Used Fiio K1 DAC/amp for $35 w/free S&H and 180-day warranty

The new condition Fiio K1 portable DAC/amp currently goes for $40 at many sellers, but if you want to save some without significantly increasing your risk, you can get them in “Used – Like New” condition with all accessories in original packaging and a 180-day warranty from seller “ProStudio Sound & Music” with the orders fulfilled by Amazon (free 2-day Prime shipping for members) through Amazon Warehouse Deals.

The warranty is provided by the seller “ProStudio Sound & Music”. Amazon Warehouse Deals does not offer or promise warranties on the used products they sell, only a 30-day return policy.

Sellers however, partially depending on their authorized dealer status, may offer a variety of warranties. The individual listing for their offer has the details. If you buy one of those, it’s a good idea to take a screenshot to be on the safe side since used listings come and go, and they may not have that particular item available in used condition if/when you may need to convince someone that the product you purchased came with a warranty.

October 2, 2017 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: ,

OSTRY KC06A In-Ears for $45 w/free S&H [MD]

The new condition OSTRY KC06A in-ears are now fully unlocked at members-only Massdrop for $45 with free shipping with a late October 2017 shipment estimate. The KC06A model is a follow up to the original KC06. They come with a soft drawstring pouch, extra eartips, and related accessories.

If you prefer the original KC06, or want fast delivery, Shenzhen Audio is selling the OSTRY KC06 with a FREE set of FanMusic Ear Tips for $46 with the orders fulfilled by Amazon, so Prime members get them in about two days. To get the free Fanmusic eartips, add both earphones and eartips to the shopping cart. Shenzhen Audio fulfilled by Amazon MUST be the seller of both, otherwise the shopping cart won’t give them to you for free. There’s no coupon needed.

October 2, 2017 Filed Under: in-ears Tagged With: ,

[DEAD] Schiit Audio Magni 2 Uber Headphone Amp for $79

As of 10/2/17 at 2:55pm ET recheck, it’s sold out again…

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October 2, 2017 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With:

[DEAD] Bluedio Vinyl Plus Luxury Bluetooth On-Ears for $100

This lightning deal expired but Bluedio headphones are frequently featured over there…

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October 2, 2017 Filed Under: headphones Tagged With: ,