As of late 11/29/16, the price of the greenie increased to $30, matching the prices of the other colors of this particular model…
FiiO X5 2nd Gen Stacking Kit (HS16) for $9
The Fiio HS16, aka the FiiO X5 2nd Gen Stacking Kit is now in-stock and ready to ship for about $9 by a marketplace seller, with the order Prime eligible and thankfully NOT an Add-On item.
Fiio X5 II DAP + Logitech UE900S IEMs for $450
It’s bundle up time! The Fiio X5 II digital audio player is bundled with the Logitech Ultimate Ears UE900S in-ears, together, in new condition, going for $450 with free shipping by BuyDig on eBay and Beach Camera on Amazon (free 2-day Prime shipping but ships from Beach Camera; NOTE: you only see the Prime-eligible logo if you are a Prime member logged on to a Prime account).
PS: Buydig and Beach Camera have the same parent company so it’s more of a question whether you prefer to buy from eBay or Amazon.
Hifiman HM700 DAP + RE-400 In-Ears for $158
More price-checking surfaces a DAP + IEM combo, the HIFIMAN HM700 DAP bundled with the Hifiman RE-400 in-ears is now down to $158.40 with free shipping at Amazon by Amazon actual. By default the HM700 is bundled with good old earbuds.
UPDATE: Oops, I forgot, the price is discounted because the RE-400* in-ears are discounted to $50~, so the combo is tracking the in-ears price. Side-effects of posting after midnight 🙂
Fiio X1 First Generation DAP drops to $80
Now that the second generation Fiio X1 DAP has began shipping, it is discount time for the first generation, you can get it for $80 in various colors and Prime eligible by various sellers through Amazon.
Speaking of the first generation Fiio X1, I finally found my unboxing pictures, so I just posted (fashionably late) a text and pictures unboxing post. Fear not, no annoying/distracting video/audio/animations. It is just text and pictures. I had saved the pictures only to the cloud, not on my local storage, so I couldn’t find them until last week. I’ve been using it for almost a year now. Review and more on the first generation X1 coming up (time-permitting as usual).
PS: bonus points if you can tell what that purple creature next to it is 🙂
Now shipping: Fiio X1 2nd Generation DAP for $100
The second generation Fiio X1 digital audio player (with added Bluetooth streaming) is now in-stock at multiple retailers for its starting price of $100. A number of retailers have it in-stock for this price at Amazon (and Prime eligible) in three colors: black color and Gold color and silver color.
This too had been added to our new Headphone Tracker so you can find some of the latest new arrivals in one spot.
PS: if you feel like officially eBay-haggling, “Best Offer” is enabled on its listing by PitBull Audio’s eBay store.
FiiO X5 2nd Gen Stacking Kit (HS16) for $6.69
Accessorize time for the second generation Fiio X5 DAP. It’s official Fiio HS16 stacking kit is on sale for $6.69 by a marketplace seller with the order fulfilled by Amazon, so it is Prime eligible. They either have 15 units available at this price, or the limit is 15 per customer. The former is more likely. The other sellers there have it for $15.
Hidizs AP60 DAP for $84 [MD] or $89
Someone needs to create a new game show, “Is it a DAP or Not?”. If someone told you there is a “Hidizs AP60” digital audio player would you believe them? Is it REAL or NOT? SPOILERS after this sentence…
Spoiler alert: YES, it is real, the Hidizs AP60 digital audio player is not only real but also fully unlocked at Massdrop for $80 plus $4~ flat shipping with eight days left to go in the offer (from blog-posting date). Three colors are available. It ships late November and comes with a 1-year warranty covered by Massdrop. Earbuds are included. I suppose the VE Monks made Earbuds Great Again 🙂
This plays multiple file formats up to DSD 128 and has Bluetooth 4.0 with Apt-X. Storage is via its microSD slot. In addition to being a DAP, you can also “connect it to your computer or phone as an external decoder” (the product description’s language).
If you want to get it slightly faster (but not that much faster), you can get it by Shenzhen Audio (shipping from Asia) for around $88 through NewEgg or Amazon. There are no shipping options from within the USA at the moment.
Refurbished 16GB Zune HD for $60
Your whole world does not begin to Zoom, it begins to …Zune if you purchase this eBay listing: eBay seller “Digital Outlet” (99.4%, Northern California) is offering the manufacturer refurbished 16GB Microsoft Zune HD for $60 with free shipping. It comes with a cable but no headset. It is covered by a 60 day warranty. Limit 50 units per customer. Over 1700 of these Zunes got sold according to the in-page eBay statistics over there.
This had an OLED screen before it was cool 🙂 It also plays DRM’ed WMA music files being in close proximity with Microsoft. It is really sad this got yanked out, Zune was just finding its legs right as they killed it. Also cancelled along with the Zune was the entertaining Zune podcast.
Colorfly C3 DAP for $50 [MD]
The “DAP undercurrent resurgence” (sounds like a good name for an essay post!) is not just happening at the high-end. Even the sub-$50 market is getting fresh DAPs, perhaps in the mini void left after Sandisk lost interest in preserving the “magic” of the Clip+.
To cut a long story short, good for the next eight days is the Colorfly C3 digital audio player going for $47 plus $3~ flat shipping at members-only Massdrop. This plays up to FLAC and WAV and has 8GB on-board storage but fear not, it also takes microSD cards up to 64GB. With card prices continuing to drop, this is thrifty way to go.
No warranty information is mentioned in the listing. Shipping estimate is mid-November 2016.
Refurbished 16GB iPod Touch 4 for $70 [was $65]
One of the latest featured deals at A4C is the refurbished 16Gb iPod Touch 4 music player for $70 [was $65] with free shipping with a limit of two units per customer. It comes with a 90-day replacement-warranty from A4C (not from Apple). Note that this is an older device, iOS 6 is the highest it can go. This is a 30-pin device (not Lightning). On the plus side of an older device, the accessories are dirt cheap (if you can find them when you need them) 🙂
Refurbished 16GB iPod Nano (7th Gen) for $75 [was $70]
It’s almost Nanu-Nanu at A4C, one of their latest featured daily-deals is the refurbished 64GB iPod Nano (7th Generation) available in four different color options (blue, pink, silver, black) for $75 [was $70] with free shipping. It comes with a 90-day replacement warranty from A4C (warranty not from Apple)… CORRECTION: this is 16GB, I’m not sure where I saw 64GB originally…
[DEAD] Refurbished 8GB iPod Touch 4 for $55 w/free S&H [limit 1]
As of 9/30/16 AM, this is sold-out and the price increased from $55 to $60…
Shanling M5 DAP for $348 [MD]
More DAP action, this time at Massdrop, where the slow-burn finally got the Shanling M5 digital audio player fully unlocked for $340 plus $8 flat shipping. This is available in either black or silver color schemes and can support up to 32-bit 384 kHz and DSD 64 and 128. This will ship in mid-October 2016. All sales are final and the offer has another six days to go (from blog-posting time).
If you instead prefer near-instant gratification, it offered for $400 with free S&H by ShenZenAudio through NewEgg Flash.
Massdrop Unlocked Trio: XDuoo X3 DAP for $98 and more
A trio of new offers are currently fully unlocked at members-only Massdrop, with all three offers having about seven days to go from today. They are:
- XDuoo X3 DAP for $94 plus $4 shipping
- FX Audio DAC-X6 DAC/amp for $62 + $8 S&H
- SMSL Ivy Micro-USB DAC/Amp for Android for $20 + $3 S&H (this is tiny)
Shipping estimate is early-to-mid October 2016, a slightly different date for each one of the above items.
NOTE: The SMSL Android model requires a micro-USB port (we have to say that now that USB-C is becoming more common) and the phone must have the necessary support for audio to flow through the micro USB port).
Pre-order new Sony Signature Series DAP and Amp
In addition to the previously mentioned MDR-Z1R flagship headphone available for pre-order for $2200, Sony has also launched two brand new Signature Series (read four figure prices) DAPs and one new component-size headphone-amp. Two of the three are available for pre-order: the $3200 NW-WM1Z digital audio player and the $2200 TA-ZH1ES headphone amp. They are all marked as “Temporarily Out Of Stock”, so an exact shipment date is unknown at the moment.
These too have been added to our on-going post tracking New Headphones at IFA 2016. And more are coming, not just the ones I have yet to post, but Tuesday is the official announcement of the LG V20 phone with its gazillion-bit DAC, and Wednesday is Apple day, quite possibly an existential crisis day for the 3.5mm headphone output at least when it comes to headphones [more on that later].
Used Fiio X5 (2nd generation) DAP for $240 [updated]
UPDATE 9/3/16 AM: this option sold out: a new “Used – Acceptable” option is available for $217…
The second generation of the Fiio X5 goes for $300 in new condition as a regular price, but if you want one now and you are okay with used, there are a couple of used options for around $240 at Amazon Warehouse Deals (AWD). One is offered directly from “ProStudio Sound & Music” (100%, Used – Like New) and the other is offered by AWD actual (Used – Good; Prime eligible).
Used Fiio X3-II DAP for $134
The Fiio X3-II DAP goes for $169 in new condition but if you want to save some more, you can get it as low as $134 (“Used – Like New”, Titanium color scheme) at Amazon Warehouse Deals. This link shows you the lowest price per color. To see the detailed listings per color, click on the “See all offers for this product” next to the color’s name.
Starts Wedn 9:54pm ET: SHANLING M2 DAP sale
Wednesday looks like it’s gonna be a less busy day at the Amazon Gold Box. As of posting time (Wednesday 12:20am ET), there are only 1000 Lightning Deals scheduled. On a typical day, Electronics alone has 300+, but only 92 at the moment.
Of headphone-y interest, there is just one item that is not a generic earbud, starting at 9:54pm ET, they will have a lightning deal on the SHANLING M2 DSD DAP. The price before the sale is $200. There is only one seller for this, which means they will be the one offering it (“Gemini Doctor” is the seller’s name). They are fulfilled by Amazon, so you get Prime shipping and Amazon customer support. An extra layer of safety in case of troubles or issues.
Refurbished Fiio X5 DAP (first gen) for $129
The DAP market is getting more competitive as multiple generations of products are circulating in the market. If you are comfortable with a first generation product and manufacturer refurbished, the first generation Fiio X5 DAP is available in manufacturer refurbished condition for $129 with free shipping at Adorama.com.
XDuoo X2 Digital Audio Player for $47 [MD] or $50 Now
There is a choice in this offer! If you like to pay a lower price and don’t mind waiting until late August 2016, you can get the XDuoo X2 Digital Audio Player for $44 plus $3~ flat shipping from Massdrop. It is currently fully unlocked with six days left (from blog-posting date, not the date you are reading this ~ MD does not post a specific end time, so I don’t know exactly when it expires).
If you can’t wait that long, or you don’t want to deal with a members-only shopping website, fear not, for $3 more, you can have it in your pocket in as little as two days, depending on how close you are to an Amazon facility and whether you are a Prime member. To cut a long story short, it is offered for $50 by Andoer, with the order fulfilled by Amazon, so it is Prime-eligible.
PS: the first picture at Amazon makes it look like it is pancake-flat. It is not! Check the other pictures, it is DAP-chunky like a Fiio 🙂
[DEAD] Ends Fri 3:24pm ET: SHANLING M2 DSD DAP for $170 [updated]
These daily offers expired…
Refurbished Fiio X5 first generation DAP for $129
This is an interesting trade-off if you are in the market for a DAP. The first generation of the Fiio X5 is now available manufacturer refurbished for $129 with free shipping at Adorama.com until 7/30/16 (or earlier if sold out).
The latest X5 model is the second generation which goes for $300 in new condition unless you find it on special. So you have to trade-off the advantages of the latest model, along with new-vs-refurbished, versus a much lower price. The first generation X5 has been around for a while, so plenty is written about it at various forums and websites. It can also serve as a USB DAC and it has two microSD slots (no on-board storage).
Fiio X3 II (2nd Generation) DAP for $170
The standard new condition price at authorized dealers of the second generation Fiio X3 digital audio player is $200 but currently it’s on sale for $170 with free shipping in three different colors at B&H Photo.
Other Fiio DAPs are on sale as well, the newly released Fiio M3, in four different colors, for $46 with free shipping.
PS: for classification purposes on this website, if something can play music, I filed it under DAPs, even if it can be used as DAC/amp for other music sources. This helps declutter the categories, which is why I have AMPs and DACs as one category, to prevent OCD levels of sub-categorization 🙂
Used Fiio X7 DAP for $450
The Fiio X7 flagship digital audio player goes for $600 at authorized dealers, but if you want to save some, a couple of marketplace sellers are offering it for $450 in “Used – Like New” condition for $450 through Amazon Warehouse Deals. The two sellers are “All About Office” and “ProStudio Sound & Music”.
Eclipse V180 MP3 Player for $10 w/free S&H
At the opposite end of the high-end digital audio players we have the near disposable models, and with near disposable prices. Among them, on sale among the latest eBay deals is the new condition Eclipse V180 (8GB storage, 1.8″ LCD) going for $10 with free shipping in four different colors by eBay seller GeekDeal (97.9%, Seattle). Multiple pictures of the unit in the eBay gallery and a basic overview of its spartan functions and features in the description.
PS: no, it does not play DSD 🙂
Hifiman HE1000 and 64GB AK Jr DAP and iFi Micro-iDSD head-amp for $2999
We cover all things big and small here, and we go from a $23 headphone earlier today to a $3000 bundle right here right now! It’s a bundle made of three, all new condition authorized dealer items, the Hifiman HE1000 open-back planar magnetic headphones, along with the 64GB Astell & Kern AK Jr digital audio player, and the iFi Micro-iDSD Headphone Amplifier, going for $2999 with free shipping at Adorama.com. Offer ends 6/27/16 or earlier if they sell out. No coupons/rebates, just add to cart and proceed.
Audeze LCD-3 and Fiio X5 II and iFi Micro-iDSD for $1945
It’s bundle time again, it’s a triple bundle, the AUDEZE LCD-3 Planar magnetics (Zebrano & Lambskin Leather), along with the Fiio X5 Second Generation DAP, and the iFi Micro-iDSD Headphone Amplifier, all together for $1945 with free shipping at Adorama.com. No coupon/rebate needed, but the offer ends by 6/20/16.
Used Fiio X7 DAP (Android) for $456 [was $497] {updated}
If you can’t wait for future discounts, the new Fiio digital audio player flagship, the Android powered X7 is available in Used condition for $459 $497 to $499 by various sellers including Gramophone (Maryland) and “All About Office” through Amazon Warehouse Deals… Price updated in post here 6/17/16…
Refurbished 16GB Zune HD for $60 w/free s&h
The underground resurgence of digital audio players has also renewed interest in the good old Zune HD that Microsoft cruelly discontinued just as it was starting to pick up momentum. If you are interested/curious about it, it is available in manufacturer-refurbished condition with a 60-day warranty (no headset included) for $60 with free shipping by Digital Outlet on eBay (99.3%, ships from Northern California). Limit 50 per customer.
Chromecast Audio for $30 w/free S&H
The Chromecast Audio has now dropped to $30 with free shipping for all at the official Google eBay store with a limit of five units per customer…
UPDATE: also on sale at the Staples website (free shipping for Rewards members, or free ship to store for Everyone near a store)…
For more on the Chromecast Audio, we posted a practical text and pictures only unboxing (no annoying audio/video). This is a long post, so you may want to check if you have a bigger screen and/or you are have plenty of mobile data.
8GB Eclipse V180 MP3 player for $11 w/free S&H
Digital Audio Players have been getting more and more upscale, but there’s also the other end of the market as well. Needless to say, the expectations must needs come down to earth for these, after all, just $11 with free shipping can get you the 8GB Eclipse V180 MP3 player in the purple color scheme by eBay seller GeekDeal (97.9%). They ship from sleepless in Seattle. This is a pretty basic player, no microSD slot.
June 5-11: Chromecast Audio for $30
According to the Staples Weekly Ad for the shopping week of June 5-11 in 2016, the Chromecast Audio (and the regular one too) will be on sale for $30. Per the fineprint of the ad (screenshot right below)…
… the Chromecast Audio will only be available at the Staples website. You get free shipping to store. If you are a Rewards member, you get free shipping to your own address as well.
I don’t know if this is a Staples-exclusive offer or other retailers will also be discounting it. You can check the official Google eBay store price here. I will post an update on prices later on.
For more on the Chromecast Audio, I just posted a practical text and pictures only unboxing (no annoying audio/video). This is a long post, so you may want to check if you have a bigger screen and/or you are have plenty of mobile data.
XDuoo X3 Digital Audio Player for $104 [MD]
This is one of the cases where buying from Massdrop can be a big plus, because I haven’t been able to find this selling from a USA retailer and not shipping from China. So if you are interested in the XDuoo X3 Digital Audio Player, you can get it for $100 plus $4~ flat shipping from Massdrop. Three color options are available for this DAP that has two microSD slots (up to 128GB each). Offer ends in eight days from today and ships June 30 (2016) which is pretty reasonable.
This critter can also support Rockbox (see giant thread on the topic; the usual caveats apply when trying 3rd-party software). This has a different button/design philosophy than the Fiio DAPs, so if you don’t like their approach, this might be an alternative.
With storage prices dropping, you can easily get name-brand 128GB microSD cards for $30 without even waiting for a sale, or you can get 64GB cards for $15 or less.
Used Fiio X3 II DAP for $150
The second generation Fiio X3 digital audio player is available in “Used – Like New” condition as a Store Display item in original box from authorized dealer “All About Office” according to its listing at Amazon Warehouse Deals. This ships directly from “All About Office”, so no Prime shipping. The X3 II has a number of physical advantages over the X1 if you like to mix and match different devices and headphones and I/O sources. Having said that, for under $100, the Fiio X1 is a pretty good value if you want to listen to music through its headphone out (posts on the X1 are in the pipeline ~ well they are in my head ~ I have to transfer them to the page).
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