This weekly deal expired…
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.
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 🙂
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.
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!
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.
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.
[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…
[DEAD] Bluedio Vinyl Plus Luxury Bluetooth On-Ears for $100
This lightning deal expired but Bluedio headphones are frequently featured over there…
SoundPEATS Q30 Magnetic Bluetooth Earphones for $22 (limit 3)
If you are looking for bluetooth earphones that won’t break the bank but still support apt-X, the new condition SoundPEATS Q30 Magnetic Bluetooth Earphones are currently on sale for $22 per pair, sold by SoundPeats Audio, with the orders fulfilled by Amazon, so you get free 2-day shipping if a Prime member. Limit up to three pairs per customer at the sale price. This is not a lightning deal.
These average 4.8 out of 5 based on 110+ customer reviews and run Bluetooth 4.1. Keep in mind, your music source must also support these protocols, otherwise it will default to the lowest common denominator. They come with a 3-button remote, and they are marketed as exercise earphones. They include a bag and various eartips and such.
Open-box Focal Spark Wireless IEMs for $75
While the FOCAL four-figures audiophiles are wondering and wandering about the miracles of wonders of the new FOCAL CLEAR that is allegedly going to be priced somewhere between the ELEAR ($1000) and the UTOPIA ($4000) according to the HeadFi CanJam RMAF 2017 Preview Show [YouTube embedded below, the Focal Clear is the first headphone teased], we have a discount on the Focal Spark bluetooth earphones.
Both colors are available in open-box condition by authorized dealer HiDef Lifestyle, offering them for $75 with free shipping (instead of their $100 new condition authorized dealer price) through Amazon Warehouse Deals. This link shows the lowest price by color. Click on “See all offers for this product” next to the color’s name to see the expanded listings per color.
They average 3.4 out of 5 based on a lucky 13 customer reviews at Amazon.
[DEAD] Symphonized NRG Wood In-Ears for $15.50 [six color options]
These Monday daily deals expired…
[DEAD] Sol Republic Tracks Air Bluetooth On-Ears for $70
This daily deal expired…
Monoprice Tube USB DAC/Head-Amp with Bluetooth and Pre Out for $60 w/free S&H
And now a straight sale with free US shipping as well at the Monoprice website. No coupon. You can get the new condition Monoprice Stereo Tube Headphone Amp with 24-bit/96kHz USB DAC, Bluetooth, and Preamp Out , model (aka PID) 16154, for $60 with free standard US shipping for a limited time as part of one of their latest sales. They average 3.8 out of 5 based on 34 customer reviews.
Used Koss QZ-99 Closed Over-Ears for $23
The Koss QZ-99 closed-back over-ear headphones with a mono/stereo switch go for around $40 in new condition at the moment, but you can cut the price almost in half by going used, you can get them in “Used – Very Good” condition for $23~ by Amazon Warehouse Deals. They average 4 out of 5 based on 260+ customer reviews at Amazon.
Now shipping: Shure SE 112 Bluetooth IEMs for $99 [SE-215-BT1 Coming Next Week]
Among the new IFA 2017 era headphones was Shure’s embrace of bluetooth for their SE-series of wired models. Two new earphones and a bluetooth cable (with MMCX connectors for the wired SE-series) were revealed and already the new SE-112-BT1 earphones are in-stock and shipping for their starting price of $99 at Amazon by Amazon actual.
The bluetooth version of the SE-215 is not that far away, according to Amazon’s estimates the SE-215-BT1 will be in-stock around October 3 for $150 each. They are available in four different colors (clear, blue, white, black). It looks like they are also available at Adorama.
The Shure RMCE-BT1 bluetooth cable for the SE-series of wired earphones (using MMCX connectors) is already shipping for $99 from various marketplace sellers thru Amazon, while Amazon’s own estimate is a nebulous “1 to 4 weeks”.
Small Things: V-Moda Shields under $5; Shure HAPEC440 Earpads for $7, Cables under $3
Another thing surfacing while updating the Latest Deals summary, Amazon actual has now price-matched the interwebs for the new condition Shure HPAEC440 Replacement Earpads for $7.09. They are an Add-On item, but you can buy as many pairs as you like. The earpads are designated for the SRH-440 closed over-ears but they fit other headphones as well with varying degrees of success. Check reviews and answers and interwebs for more details.
Another price drop there, the green color scheme of the new condition V-Moda Crossfade On-Ear Metal Shields is under $5. This too is an Add-On item, with up to three pairs per customer.
Speaking of Add-On items, if you are trying to get to $25+ with small things, here are a couple of discounted cables:
+ 12 foot AmazonBasics Component Video Cable with Audio for $1.97
+ 15 foot AmazonBasics Component Video Cable with Audio for $2.54
+ 10ft AmazonBasics High-Speed Male to Female HDMI Extension Cable for $2.20
+ ADD-ON items; limit 3 of each
Used Hifiman HE-400i Planars for $174+
While updating the Latest Deals Summary, new developments …developed in the world of the planar Hifiman HE 400i! They are out of stock as new condition from their two listings at amazon.com, but at the same time, their used prices are currently lower than before, they start at $174 in “Used – Acceptable” condition (various cosmetic imperfections, missing accessories, damaged original packaging), and go to $199 in “Used – Very Good” condition through Amazon Warehouse Deals.
[DEAD] Make Your Own Deal: $15 off $75+ almost everything on eBay
This short lived coupon expired…
Samsung Galaxy S6 Earphones for $5
Appetizer time! The new condition Samsung Galaxy S6 Earbuds with In-Line Mic/Remote on sale for $5 per pair in the white color scheme at Groupon Goods,. They sell them as 1-pack or 2-pack or 3-pack, with a flat rate of $5 per earphone, so you get the same per unit price regardless of how many you buy.
This is model EO-EG920BW. Extra eargels included. As with most things Groupon, free shipping with an order of $35+. You can get to this with any combination of eligible products, or if you want to volume-buy these, seven units get you free shipping (you have to buy 2-packs and 3-packs since Groupon has a maximum quantity of five for an offer in their shopping cart).
Offer ends 9/30/17. They come with a 1-year warranty despite the low price. They average 4.1 out of 5 based on 3000+ ratings at Groupon.
TEAC Reference UD-503 Dual-mono USB DSD DAC/balanced Headphone amplifierfor $730, New Condition for $800
Choices are good, especially when they are distinct and not overwhelming 🙂 The TEAC Reference UD-503 Dual-mono USB DSD DAC/balanced Headphone amplifier is offered in manufacturer refurbished condition with a 2-year warranty per the listing by authorized dealer Hifi Heaven on eBay for $700 plus $30 flat shipping from the Green Bay Packers (okay, Green Bay, Wisconsin).
On the other hand, you can get it in new condition for $800 from Hifi Heaven on eBay but with free shipping on this listing, and Musician’s Friend (available 10/21/17), along with B&H Photo (in-stock now) which lists 10/2/17 PM as the sale expiration date.
20% off $200+ Monoprice orders (ends Sat PM)
This is currently the best coupon discount-wise offered cyclically at the Monoprice website. Coupon code HEY20 gets you 20% off orders of $200+. Most but not all items on their website are eligible.
You have to reach the $200 minimum only with eligible items. If you have $150 in eligible items, and $400 in ineligible items in your shopping cart, you can’t use the coupon. The $200+ must be in eligible items.
Of their growing planar magnetic line-up [the new models are now shipping], the only one that is eligible for this (and most previous coupons) is the Monoprice M560 Planars AND Stereo Tube Headphone Amp (PID 16154) bundle that drops from $300 to $240 after coupon.
Samsung Gear X Icon Truly Wireless Earphones for $50
The official Samsung USA online store is having a doorbuster of sorts, they are offering the new condition Gear IconX Truly Wireless earphones on sale for $50 in three different color schemes to choose from.
These are bluetooth wireless, with 4GB built-in storage as well. They average 3.8 out of 5 based on 150+ customer reviews, but most of them bought them at notably more than $50.
Refurbished Sony MDR-1000X Bluetooth/ANC for $180
Trending among the latest eBay Daily Deals, Secondipity is offering the closed-back over-ear Sony MDR-1000X bluetooth with ANC headphones in manufacturer refurbished condition for $180 with free shipping in black or beige, with a limit of up to five pairs per customer. They come with a 90-day warranty. They support apt-X and Sony’s own LDAC.
In new condition, these go for $250 at authorized dealers, so that’s a $70 question difference between new and manufacturer refurbished.
But that’s not all, the second generation, with a slightly different name, the awkwardly-named “WH-1000X M2” are in-stock and shipping for their starting price of $350.
So if you are going to get the previous generation model, you might as well pay half the price of the “latest generation”!
Used Audeze Deckard Class A DAC/amp for $524+ [updated]
Back to Audeze. Their Deckard Class A DAC/amp goes for $700 in new condition at authorized dealers, but if you are willing to go “The Way of The Used”, then there are some options:
+ SOLD OUT as of 9/30/17 recheck: in B-Stock condition for $489 at RazorDog Audio
+ in USED condition for $524 + shipping at Adorama with a 90-day warranty and 30-day return policy
+ with shipping added to the total price, you can get it to $539 with free shipping by Adorama on eBay
Now shipping from USA: Fiio Q1 Mark II DSD DAC/amp for $100
We have a mini trilogy of Fiio posts. We start with a new arrival at US shores, shipping from Amazon USA (fulfilled by Amazon), so Prime members can get it in two days or so, instead of a long slow shipping wait and customs kerfuffles.
“It” refers to, in this case, the new condition Fiio Q1 Mark II (second generation) a native DSD portable DAC/amp going for $100 with free shipping, sold by the Fiio store [recently launched on Amazon], with the orders fulfilled by Amazon, so Prime members get free 2-day shipping.
This second generation model supports up to DSD 256, and can handle up to 384kHz/32 bit PCM.
The first generation model continues, it is currently going for $70. It does not support DSD and can go up to 96kHz/24-Bit. The first generation averages 4.2 out of 5 based on 110 customer reviews, and has nearly 90 questions answered.
The second generation is so brand new, it doesn’t even have any reviews yet. It was added to the Amazon website just a few days ago.
Fiio opens Amazon store, ships Fulfilled by Amazon
Fiio fans, fret no more! Sorry, I ran out of f-words 🙂 Okay, enough nonsense. Fiio joined the trend of companies opening up virtual Amazon storefronts, by opening up their own Amazon store, with the orders fulfilled by Amazon. This means they are shipped from an Amazon USA warehouse, with free 2-day shipping for Prime members, or the usual $25+ free super-saver-shipping for non-members.
As of the time of writing, the store has a subset of the Fiio line-up, currently having their odd-numbered F-series of IEMs, and the second generation Q1 DSD DAC/amp.
Now shipping from the USA: Fiio F9 IEMs for $90 to $100
It’s raining new headphones these days. Another new Chifi earphone is shipping, from the USA and fulfilled by Amazon, so Prime members can get it in two days or so. It is the new condition Fiio F9 in-ears in the red color scheme, sold by FIIO’s Amazon store, with the order fulfilled by Amazon.
The black color scheme is not yet available. They average 5 out of 5 but only based on four customer reviews.
UPDATE #1: but wait, there’s more! the special edition of the F9, in the red color scheme, with an L-shaped plug, is also shipping fulfilled by Amazon for $90 with free shipping!
UPDATE #2: the black F9 SE (with L-shaped plug) is also in-stock for $90!
So you have a choice. Picture #2 in the product gallery of each one of the above options shows you the shape of the plug (straight vs L-shaped).
Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter for $9 w/free shipping
The new condition Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter is on sale for $9 with free shipping with no minimum purchase requirement at Adorama.
It also goes for $9 but free shipping is conditional at at Amazon by Amazon actual and at B&H Photo. At Amazon, you have to be a Prime member to get free 2-day shipping (or with a $25+ order), while at B&H you need a $49+ order for free shipping.
Another option is free store pickup at Walmart or free shipping with a $35+ order.
Needless to say, one should not expect this to perform like a $1000+ DAC and amp system 🙂
Refurbished Audio Technica M40X for $44 w/free S&H
Alto Music is offering refurbished closed-back over-ear Audio Technical M40X headphones for $44 with free shipping through eBay and through Amazon. They ship directly from Alto Music.
Their eBay listing says these are manufacturer refurbished with full warranty. Their Amazon listing does not specify any details.
Used Sennheiser HD 630VB Variable Bass Over-Ears for $222
Sennheiser too dabbled in Variable Bass headphones. Their HD 630VB Headphone with Variable Bass and Call Control closed-back model is currently available in “Used – Very Good” condition for $222~ and “Used – Like New” for $236~ by Amazon Warehoouse Deals actual. A total of four listings are available by AWD actual. The headphones average 4.4 out of 5 based on 30 customer reviews.
Back In-Stock: RHA CL1 In-Ears for $215
Ceramic time! No, this has not turned into a teaware blog 🙂 The RHA CL1 ceramic in-ears are back in-stock and ready to ship at Amazon by Amazon actual going for $215~ with free shipping. They have sMMCX connectors, moldable earhooks, and per the pictures, they come with a zippered case and various styles of eartips.
[DEAD] COWIN Portable Waterproof Zipper Hard Case for $10
This iteration of the lightning expired again…
Pre-order new BOSE QC35 II Over-Ears and SoundSports Free Truly Wireless Earphones
BOSE has revealed two new headphones the last few days, and they are now available for pre-ordering at authorized dealer B&H Photo.
The second generation QuietComfort QC35 II bluetooth and ANC closed-back over-ears are available in two color schemes with a pre-order price of $349 and a mid-October 2017 shipment estimate.
“Truly wireless” earphones are all the rage these days, and Bose has jumped on this hype train with the new Bose SoundSport Free Wireless In-Ears (bluetooth) in two color schemes, the conventional black and the navy-citron, for $249 each. There is no release estimate for this model.
UPDATE: pre-orders for the Truly Wireless Bose model are also accepted at Amazon.com with an October 22nd release estimate.
Used Jabra Halo Free Bluetooth Earphones for $18 (missing accessories)
The Jabra Halo Free Wireless (bluetooth) earphones go for $55+ in new condition at recognizable online retailers, but if you want to pay 1/3rd of that price, you can get them in “Used – Good” condition (cosmetic imperfection, missing accessories, damaged packaging) for $18~ by Amazon Warehouse Deals (AWD) actual. AWD actual has only one listing, the rest of the used listings are by other sellers.
To recap for the high-speed readers, this is missing accessories!
PS: the description says “missing earbuds”. I’m assuming that means it’s missing the eartips, not the actual “earbuds”, earbuds as in earphones. They wouldn’t sell a decapitated pair of earphones 🙂
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