Massdrop: Takstar Pro 80, Bravo V2

Never a dull moment at (the free to join but need to login to see the offers) Massdrop. Two new sub-$100 offers got added, with seven days to go (as of blog-posting time). Currently they are not fully unlocked. On the amp front, Bravo V2 Headphone Amplifier could go as low as $88 shipped, while on the headphones front the Takstar PRO 80 could go as low as $67 shipped. As you can see from the pictures over there, this comes with an aluminum case.

If you are not mesmerized by the shinyness of the aluminum, they are also sold under the Gemini brand (without the shiny case) for $47 by marketplace sellers with the order fulfilled by Amazon so it is eligible for free 2-day shipping. The Geminis averages 4.4 out of 5 based on 60 customer reviews and have 17 questions answered.

September 7, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, headphones Tagged With: , , ,

Massdrop unlocked: JayBird BlueBuds X Sport for $121 [plus more new offers]

Added to the members-only Massdrop and already reaching the lowest price possible during this offer (aka fully unlocked) are the JayBird BlueBuds X Sport bluetooth in-ears going for $116 plus $5~ flat shipping. Also added, but not fully unlocked as of the time of writing, with 6-8 days left, are the following products:

* Musiland Monitor 02US Dragon DAC/Amp could go as low as $109~ shipped
* Colorfly C4 DAP could go as low as $508~ shipped
* Sony PHA-3 Portable DAC/Amp could go as low as $708~ shipped

September 6, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, digital audio players, in-ears Tagged With: , , , , ,

Massdrop Unlocked: AKG K99 for $35 [plus more]

The latest set of new offers at members-only Massdrop has the closed-back on-ear AKG K99 reaching their lowest offer price of $35 with free shipping, with seven days to go. With the same deadline, but not unlocked as of the time of writing of this post are the Shure SE215 Blue in-ears that could go as low as $115 shipped, along with a couple of amps:

* Little Dot MKIII Tube could go as low as $225 shipped
* GUSTARD H10 could go as low as $311.50 shipped

September 4, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, headphones, in-ears Tagged With: , , , ,

Shure SE 215 in-ears + Fiio E12 head-amp for $180

We have two back to back Fiio bundles with the Shure SE 215 in-ears (black) at Adorama. We start with the SE215 bundled with the Fiio E12 Mont Blanc headphone amp for $180 with free expedited shipping.

September 2, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, in-ears Tagged With: , ,

Shure SE 215 in-ears + Fiio E6 head-amp for $101

The Shure SE 215 in-ears are fairly steady at $100, with rare discounting at authorized dealers, but sometimes we do get some deals, for example, $101 with free expedited shipping gets you the black SE 215 in-ears and the portable Fiio E6 headphone amp at Adorama [corrected the link].

September 2, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, in-ears Tagged With: , ,

FiiO E1 Portable Head-Amp for 30-pin Apple devices for $7.50

This is only good for 30-pin Apple devices (older iPhones, iPods). The FiiO E1 Portable Headphone Amplifier is now down to $7.50, sold by various marketplace sellers, with the orders fulfilled by Amazon. So if you are a Prime member, you get this with free 2-day shipping. If not, you need a $35+ order for free shipping. This averages 3.9 out of 5 based on 99 customer reviews.

September 1, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With:

Massdrop: CEntrance DACmini CX Amp/DAC could go for $400

Added today at members-only Massdrop is another CEntrance product, the DACmini CX Amp/DAC could go as low as $390 plus $10 flat shipping. It has seven days (as of writing time) to get unlocked. Everyone can sign up for a free Massdrop membership, but they have to keep things behind a login-wall so they can offer items below the dreaded MAP (minimum advertised pricing scheme).

August 31, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: ,

[DEAD] Sale Starts Tue at 10am ET: M-Audio Super DAC and M-Audio Micro DAC (new releases!)

These introductory lightning-deals ended. From what I recall, they were $20 off discounts. In addition to the M-Audio Super DAC and the M-Audio Micro DAC, there was also a smaller one, the Bass Traveler, that is kinda a Fiio E6 competitor but with dual 1/8″ outputs and the word “Bass” repeated 403 times in the product name (exaggeration)…

[Read more…]

August 31, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With:

Used Sony PHA1A portable DAC/amp for $229

The portable Sony PHA1A DAC/amp goes for $300 in new condition at authorized Sony retailers, but if you are comfortable with used, you can get it in “Used – Like New” condition for $229 with free shipping by authorized Sony dealer OneCall thru Amazon Warehouse Deals (AWD). AWD’s own price is $235~ in “Used – Very Good” condition.

August 28, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: ,

Massdrop unlocked: CEntrance DACport Slim for $100

Fully unlocked right now at members-only Massdrop, and with seven days left to go, the portable CEntrance DACport Slim (DAC and amp functionality) is going for $100 with free shipping. The 3.5mm serves as either headphone out or line-out.

August 27, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: ,

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x bundled with Fiio E12 for $185 to $200 (white or green)

If you happen to be interested in both the Fiio E12 and the Audio Technica M50x headphones, Adorama has a couple of bundles for them. No coupon, no rebate, just add the bundle to the shopping cart and proceed. The white M50x with E12 goes for $185, while the limited edition green M50xDG with E12 goes for $200. They come with free expedited shipping. Offers end by 9/4/15 or earlier if they sell out.

August 24, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, headphones Tagged With: , ,

Massdrop: Burson Audio Soloist SL Headphone Amp as low as $530

The Burson Audio Soloist SL Headphone Amp is now on offer at members-only Massdrop, and it could go as low as $520 plus $10~ flat shipping if enough people commit to buying it. It has seven days from blog-posting date to fully unlocked. It only needs six commits for that.

August 24, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: ,

Used Creative Sound Blaster E1 portable head-amp with two outputs for $27.50

The Creative Sound Blaster E1 Portable Headphone amp with dual headphone jacks goes for $35 in new condition but if you are comfortable with used amps, you can get it for around $27.50 by Amazon Warehouse Deals in “Used – Very Good” condition. There are MANY listings at this condition/price, so price pressure may build and cause further discounting, so this is something perhaps to keen an eye out for in the next few days for a better price.

August 22, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: ,

Audeze LCD-2 + Fiio X3 + Fiio E12 amp for $1000 total

Audeze and Fiio together? Why not? If that sounds appetizing, the Audeze LCD-2 planar magnetic headphones are bundled with the Fiio E12 Mont Blanc headphone amp and the Fiio X3 digital audio player, all together as a bundle (no coupons/rebates), for a limited time for $1000 with free S&H at Adorama.com.

August 21, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, digital audio players, headphones Tagged With: , , , ,

Fiio E17 + Sennheiser HD 650 + Apogee Mic for $600

And now we have a triple bundle! For $600 with free shipping, you get the Sennheiser HD 650 headphones, the Fiio E17 Alpen 2 USB DAC-Amp, AND the Apogee Electronics MiC 96k Pro USB Microphone for iPad/iPhone at Adorama. Just add to cart, no coupons/rebates needed. Offer ends by 8/31/15.

August 21, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, headphones Tagged With: , , , ,

Fiio E17 + Audio Technica M70x for $300 together

If your interests intersect at the Fiio E17 Alpen 2 USB DAC-Amp and the new Audio Technica M70x closed-back over ears, you can get them together as a limited time bundle promotion for $300 with free expedited shipping at Adorama.,Offer ends by 8/31/15.

August 21, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, headphones Tagged With: , ,

Used Schiit Bifrost Uber (USB 2nd Gen Input) DAC for $478

The Schiit Audio Bifrost Uber DAC (USB 2nd generation input) is currently available in “Used – Very Good” condition (damaged original packaging) for around $478 with free shipping by Amazon Warehouse Deals. In new condition, this goes for $520 + shipping (at least $15 for the slowest shipping method) directly from Schiit.

August 20, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: ,

Massdrop Unlocked: ZY Cable for Sennheiser HD-5xx for $25 shipped [also: xDuoo, Sony DAP]

Fully unlocked with seven days to go (as of blog-posting date) on members-only Massdrop are the ZY Cables for the Sennheiser HD598 and 595 and 558 and 518 headphones, going for roughly $25 shipped.

Also added there, but not fully unlocked as of writing time are the xDuoo TA-01 DAC/Amp (RCA, USB inputs) that could go as low as $135 shipped, and the Sony NWZ-A17 Walkman digital audio player that could go as low as $260 shipped.

August 20, 2015 Filed Under: accessories, amps and dacs, digital audio players Tagged With: , , ,

Massdrop: Creative E3, Gustard X12

Two new offers were added to members-only Massdrop, which, as of the time of writing, are not fully unlocked, but they have 6-7 days to go:

* Creative Sound Blaster E3 USB DAC/Amp Combo could go as low as $123~ shipped
* Gustard DAC-X12 USB Version could go as low as $452~ shipped

August 19, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: , ,

[DEAD] Used Bravo Audio Ocean Mini Valve Class A amp for $98

This got scooped up too…

[Read more…]

August 19, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: ,

Massdrop: Audeze LCD-X + Gustard H10 could go for $1700

Say goodnight to your wallet. A new offer up at Massdrop is a bundle of the Audeze LCD-X + Gustard H10 for $1700 with free shipping. This needs only five to commit to unlock and it has seven days (from blog-posting date) to get there. It is estimated to ship mid-September, so too late if you are planning to buy this for your eight year old as a back to school gift 😉

August 18, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, headphones Tagged With: , , , ,

Auvio portable headphone amp for $20 {limit 5}

If you like to explore or experiment upon or compare budget portable headphone amps, the Auvio headphone amp (it doesn’t appear to have a model name) is currently on sale for $20 with a limit of five per customer by a marketplace seller wit the order fulfilled by Amazon so it is eligible for free 2-day shipping. It averages 4 out of 5 based on 17 customer reviews

August 15, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With:

Sennheiser HD 600 with Fiio E17 DAC/amp and AT2020USB+ for $400

Adorama is offering a bundle of threes. For $400, you get the new condition Sennheiser HD600 along with the Fiio E17 USB DAC/amp and the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone. No coupons, no rebates, just add bundle to cart and checkout. Offer ends by 8/30/15.

In parallel, they have the same offer but with the HD650 instead for $500.

If you don’t need the AT mic, you can always gift it or sell it or trade it…

August 12, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, headphones Tagged With: , , , ,

Used Fiio E18 KUNLUN Smartphone USB DAC/Amp for $124

One more used Fiio offer, the E18 KUNLUN Smartphone USB DAC/Amp is currently available in “Used – Like New” condition with the description “comes in original box. All cables and accessories included. Authorized FiiO reseller” for $124 with free shipping by seller “All About Office” (99%, 8500+ ratings) thru Amazon Warehouse Deals. This ships from All About, so it is not eligible for Prime shipping benefits.

August 11, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With:

Used (store display) Fiio E17K DAC-Amp for $110

The Fiio E17K ALPEN 2 USB DAC and headphone amp is currently available in “Used – Like New” condition with the description “store display in original box” for $110 with free shipping by seller “All About Office” (99%, 8500+ ratings) through Amazon Warehouse Deals. This ships from All About Office so it is not eligible for Prime benefits.

August 11, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: ,

Massdrop Unlocked: Sony 10R for $98, UE CIEMs for $700

Two new offers launched and are already fully unlocked at Massdrop as of the time of writing (with seven days left in each). First up, the closed-back Sony MDR-10R headphones go for $98~ shipped, with choice of white or black at checkout. Next up, the Ultimate Ears Custom IEMs are going for $700 with free shipping. You have to send your audiologist impressions to UE’s Irvine (Southern California) labs. Shipping estimate per the listing is late September (2015), so not if you have deadlines or special occasions.

Also listed, but not fully unlocked is the DarkVoice 336SE OTL Headphone Amp that could go as low as $235 shipped. This too has seven days left (days count from blog-posting date, not the date you may be reading this in the future).

August 11, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, custom in-ears, headphones, in-ears Tagged With: , , ,

Fiio A3 portable head-amp plus 3.5 to RCA cable for $62

The new Fiio A3 portable headphone-amp currently goes for $60 but if you also happen to need a 3.5mm to RCA cable and don’t want to bother chasing it down separately, you can get the A3 bundled with an Extreme Audio cable of that ilk for $62 by ProStudio thru Amazon. That’s an extra $2 for the cable. The order is fulfilled by Amazon so you get the usual shipping options (free 2-day Prime or $35+ free slow shipping).

August 10, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With:

Audio-Technica ATH-M70X + Apogee Groove portable DAC/amp for $350

Another combo deal (no fries) offer from Adorama. For $350 total, without rebates/coupons, you can get this bundle, the Audio-Technica ATH-M70X closed-back headphones and the portable Apogee Groove DAC/amp. The offer ends by 8/20/15.

August 10, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, headphones Tagged With: ,

Used Onkyo DAC-HA200 DAC/amp for $147

The Onkyo DAC-HA200 DAC/amp is currently available in “Used – Very Good” condition (damaged original packaging, cosmetic imperfections) for around $147 by Amazon Warehouse Deals.

August 8, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: ,

V-MODA VAMP Verza Amp/DAC/Battery for $400 (or $332 used)

The V-MODA VAMP Verza amp, DAC and battery pack (for mobile devices) is currently on sale for $400 by V-Moda thru Amazon. Or if you want to save some more, it goes for $332 in “Used – Good” condition via Amazon Warehouse Deals (there are more listings in “Used – Very Good” for $354). This averages 4.6 out of 5 based on 23 customer reviews.

August 8, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: ,

Open box Audioengine N22 Desktop Amp for $158

The Audioengine N22 Desktop Amp goes for $200 in new condition, but if you want to save some, you can get it in Open Box “Used – Like New” condition from OneCall thru Amazon Warehouse Deals for $158~ with free shipping (it from OneCall (WA), so no Prime 2-day). There are two listings as of the time of writing. OneCall is the online persona of Huppin’s in the State of Washington…

UPDATE (8/10/15 PM): only one listing left – the other one sold out…

August 8, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: , ,

Used Fiio E09K Desktop Amp for $87

The Fiio E09 desktop headphone amp (and dock) is currently available in “Used – Very Good” condition for around $87 (damaged original packaging, cosmetic imperfections) or in “Used – Like New” for $93~ (may come repackaged) by Amazon Warehouse Deals.

As usual please keep in mind that prices and quantity of used items change a lot more often than new items. The deals posted in the blog here are as of the time of writing. There’s no simple way to automatically re-write the posts when the prices change or they sell out.

August 8, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: ,

[DEAD] Used Schiit Magni 2 Uber amp for $143

As of a late 8/9/15 re-check, this sold out at $143…

The Magni 2 Uber headphone amp from Schiit Audio is currently available in “Used – Very Good” condition (repackaged) for around $143 by Amazon Warehouse Deals. There is a detailed list of the differences between the Uber and non-Uber on their website, with preouts being one of the primary ones.

TIP: the names Magni and Modi can be easy to confuse, so here’s an easy mnemonic to quickly tell them apart when reading about them: the Modi is a DAC (it has a D in its name). The Magni is an AMP (it has an A in its name).

August 8, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs Tagged With: ,

Sennheiser HD 600 + Apogee Groove DAC/amp for $400

If the stars align and you want both the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones and the new Apogee Groove portable DAC/amp, you can get them both together as a bundle for $400 with free shipping (no coupons/rebates) at Adorama.com. Offer ends by 8/15/15 or earlier if they run out.

August 7, 2015 Filed Under: amps and dacs, headphones Tagged With: , , ,

Massdrop: Alpine Hearing Protection Earplugs for $17

Fully unlocked at the moment (and with seven days to go from blog-posting date) at Massdrop, you can get them Alpine Hearing Protection MusicSafe Classic Earplugs for $15 plus $2~ flat shipping. These are strictly for hearing protection, not for music playback.

Also added there with the same expiration date, but not currently fully unlocked is the PS Audio Sprout amp/DAC that could go as low as $510 shipped. It already made enough progress towards that goal that it will probably get there.

August 6, 2015 Filed Under: accessories, amps and dacs Tagged With: , ,