SERIALS FOR $125 just saying
Penon Serial | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org
1 Like
Got some solid bargains this time from several different places.
In the eBay app, they have an offer 15 percent off their new online gift cards.
Capitol One has 4 percent off eBay and 3 percent off Aliexpress.
For Aliexpress, there’s a 2024 calendar for the upcoming big sales (there’s 4 major ones each year) at:
Apos if you sign up for a new account. Stack that with a cash back credit card, they don’t charge tax and free shipping. I just got a warranty replacement on an A90 I bought recertified and they did great.
10% off for New Customers. Apply APOS10
SMSL SH-X Desktop Headphone Amplifier $559
Moondrop Kato Dynamic Driver IEM $104 (good condition)
TOPPING D70 Pro SABRE DAC $559
For Amazon, if it’s sold by Hifi-College or Aoshida-US, they have a 1 year warranty on used stuff. If it’s “sold by” Amazon warehouse/recertified then it doesn’t. Shipped by Amazon doesn’t make a difference, just who’s listed as the seller.
Topping E70 Velvet AK4499EX DAC (black) $350
https://www.amazon.com/AK4499EX-Decoder-Bluetooth5-1-Digital-Analog-Convertor/dp/B0BPP411QJ/
Topping D90III Sabre DAC (black) $629
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CQMWGMMW/
SMSL C200 Balanced Headphone Amplifier/DAC $109
https://www.amazon.com/C200-Headphone-Amplifier-ES9038Q2M-4xOPA1612/dp/B0B9391B45/
TOPPING DX3Pro+ (black) $99
https://www.amazon.com/Headphone-Amplifier-Decoding-Bluetooth5-0-ES9038Q2M/dp/B09HBJ1WK6/
Topping D90LE (black) $650
https://www.amazon.com/Topping-Bluetooth-ES9038PRO-PCM32bit-Desktop/dp/B0B2JWMCKW/
S.M.S.L D1se Balanced DAC $503
https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-Resolution-ES9038RO-Decoding-Bluetooth/dp/B094VDRKXD/
S.M.S.L Upgraded M300SE DAC $90
https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-Upgraded-Headphone-Amplifier-Bluetooth/dp/B0C4DFNCSV/
Topping A90 Discrete (black) $400
https://www.amazon.com/KGUSS-Discrete-Headphone-Amplifier-Pre-Amplifier/dp/B0B4JQD8G7/
S.M.S.L D300 Balanced DAC $279
https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-Digital-BD34301EKV-Flagship-Bluetooth/dp/B09P865ZFY/
Some interesting eBay ones, disclaimer: They aren’t my listings, I’m Dunring on eBay, so no conflict of interest.
Benchmark HPA4 Headphone Amplifier Starting bid $1900 with a $2600 buyout (at least until the first bid is placed, then that option turns off)
AKG N5005 Reference Class 5-driver IEM (new) $159
SMSL SU-1 $59 free shipping
Sound Blaster AE-9 (Refurbished) $219 (9038Pro and 1 watt into 32 ohm)
Sound BlasterX G6 portable/external USB Amp/DAC $70
Topping A30Pro amplifier (black) $170
Mercari shifted the fees from the seller to the buyer, so add it up before making them an offer.
SMSL DO100 DAC $150 asking
6 Likes
Here’s some good deals this week from a few different places.
DROP Mass Liquid Carbon X + SDAC DAC/Amp $199
I don’t know this reseller (I work direct with the tier ones) and no indication of warranty like Hifi-College or Aoshida-US.
Topping A90D Discrete (black) used $400 from Hificollege with 1 year warranty.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4JQD8G7
I’m listening to one right now with an SMSL D-6s and it’s as good as it gets.
SMSL DO300 ES9039MSPRO DAC $268
I have one of these, it’s epic as a 5 volt DAC, but 1 watt into 32ohm has it’s limits. I like it though since if your amplifier ever had a problem and you had to send it back, you have a backup plan to use in the meantime. Can also keep IEMs on them all the time to switch.
SABAJ A20d 2022 Version $279
https://www.amazon.com/Balanced-Headphone-Amplifier-ES9038PRO-Bluetooth5-0/dp/B09YXPKSTD/
I know most of the big resellers but not Hifi-Booster so don’t assume a warranty on their used items, not everyone is like Aoshida-US or Hifi-College which are both solid on their warranty service like Apos.
S.M.S.L D1se 9038Pro DAC $503
https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-Resolution-ES9038RO-Decoding-Bluetooth/dp/B094VDRKXD/
It’s from the SMSL Factory store. I haven’t needed warranty on anything used I’ve bought, but research it since they don’t have any policy listed for used items.
Topping L30 II $99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B7JHR1RC/
Hifi-College so 1 year warranty and kingpin for 10ohm IEM with the most quiet noise floor I’ve ever not heard.
Topping A70Pro (black) $374 from Apos with warranty
Moondrop Starfield II with warranty $82.49
Some time limited ones on Amazon
88lb Max Vesa wall mount for TV or monitors $12.49
https://www.amazon.com/Wall-Mount-Bracket-Articulating-Extension/dp/B0CJ2P3LMK
Powered USB Hub, Aiibe 8-Port $11.99
https://www.amazon.com/Powered-Aiibe-Splitter-Charging-Adapter/dp/B0BX6FTQZM
GIGABYTE G34WQC A 34" 144Hz Ultra-Wide Curved Monitor $289 (new)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JBLHBWJ/ref=ewc_pr_img_2
I just ordered one after a month of research, should be a good one.
Woot has more of the Bumblebee II microphones for $19.99 new with free shipping.
I got my neice the Beyerdynamic Fox and the one I use is just as good. Great sound, but doesn’t come with a Pop filter but the direction/spread is adjustable to only pick up noise from in front of it. It would cost that much just to mail the huge box they come in.
Comica BoomX-D2 wireless mic comes with two transmitters and one receiver $63 free shipping (new)
eBay things of interest: Disclaimer these aren’t my listings to avoid any conflict of interest. I use the same handle there as here. If it’s a seller I’ve bought from before I’ll mention how it went.
Benchmark HPA4 Headphone Amplifier
Current bid is $1,000 (which is mine) if you really want it, PM me and I’ll call off more bidding. I’d like to try one, but not on a mission to get this at any price 
SMSL H300 $189 is the starting bid, but they posted it last week and it closed without the $199 min so they dropped it down. Odds are you can get it for the $189. I’ve had one and they do get hot on the bottom center so putting it on taller feet or a ventilated monitor riser is a must. It’s even warmer on the bottom than the hotspot I measured on the Topping A30Pro. If you have a cat they will love you for it though as a cat bed.
1 Like
Two nice cloth cased iem cables at a cheap price:
I typically dislike how plastic cables feel on and around my ears, so I found these two very similar cloth wrapped iems for under $30.
Can attest to their quality. I am surprised they are this cheap given the perceived value. They are thick, so may feel too heavy for some, but I’ve used them for hours without fatigue.
2.5, 3.5, and 4.4 mm terminations are available along with 2 pin and QDC connections.
1 Like
TCL QM8 85” is only $1500 on Amazon and Best Buy. This TV got rave reviews last year for its price/performance. Mini LED, very bright, great for bright rooms.
2 Likes
They’re killin it with price/performance ratio for their sets. I am giving them a try next once my 2008 HD Sony finally dies so I can upgrade to 4K. Sony’s though…hard to kill… 
1 Like
Do you consume media that is actually 4k? if not, it might be worse than a 1080p TV (afaik).
Depends on the software algorithms for upscaling. Sony is fine at upscaling to 4k. Hisense struggles. TCL is in the middle from reputation
2 Likes
Does that work even if its the regular channels?
Yup. Everything on the tv is played in 3840x2160 resolution, otherwise it won’t fit the screen. Anything that isn’t native 4k is being upscaled. OTA/streaming/youtube etc. 480p YouTube clips look like ass, no matter what, but 1080p can look great or awful depending on the upscaling
2 Likes
yeah thats my worry, since I think most regular channels (news channel? I dunno havent watched tv in a decade or so lol) are in that resolution.
And seems like a hit or miss even with 1080p, so to me if they dont have any actual 4k media, buying a 4k tv is just overpaying for nothing IMO. Better to prioritise the panel type.
I do, have plenty of shows and movies in 4K. I have been watching them on my PC in their full glory but want to chill on the couch with my partner versus sitting in a computer chair. making due watching the HD versions atm on the Sony.
1 Like
Is your TV connected to your pc?
It is not. I have the computer connected to my Dell 1440p Ultrawide monitor, love that thing. The PS4 and the Roku are hooked up the Sony atm. I also only use the PS4 for playing Blu-ray since the apps that I have on it to stream video keep having a weird audio sync issue that to this day hasn’t been fixed by either Sony or the app dev. Such an odd issue…thankfully the Roku is solid in this regard.
Yessir…17 years of Sony and it’s still going here! but it’s new TV year as it feels like time for a bigger screen and it’ll have to be…you guessed it, Sony again for a number of reasons, none of which include value for money but do include tasteful upscaling, better algorithms on mini-leds and Sony’s strong presence in post-production studios.
…but aside from all that, one thing that bothers me about all modern TV’s is the motion handling esp for movies. Getting natural motion without over doing the soap opera effect (ahem…Samsung) is tricky. Sony gets praise (I’m not so sure recently) but I haven’t seen anyone do it super well. Also modern TV’s have near instantaneous pixel response times and I feel it changes the picture, a bit like DD vs BA Bass, hah. The only way I’ve really enjoyed movie motion and picture is when it’s projected in its native frame rate, as it was always meant to be 
1 Like
So true, I hear you with the motion stuff. Sometimes things just seem “too fast” to me am not film like. I can see it for sports and gaming on your TV but not for movies, my preference is similar to yours I think.
Also, I saw earlier this week that TCL actually unveiled a 1000 Hz TV but no one can tap into that potential yet…lol. I am keeping my options open as my TV keeps marching on, such as a digital projector maybe. Time will tell!
1 Like
most are 1080i last I heard
1 Like
There are probably better options than the TCL for 1080 content, but for the most part most boxes, Apples TVs, PCs, etc, will pre-upscale for you. For the record, I do think Sony has some of the best processing for their TVs. The LG OLEDs are pretty good too. Samsung, I’m not sure, but probably up there as well.
Also, if you’re super picky, A retrotink 4k will probably beat the pants off any internal tv upscaler for anything and can accept about just any input. Even beyond the upscaling, you can even setup a mask that breaks up the pixels and makes it identical to an actual 1080 set.
RetroTINK-4K | RetroTINK
Another good option, I’ve heard, is the Nvidia Shield. If you just need a streamer with really good upscaling.
https://a.co/d/7edEHoF
1 Like
Here’s some good deals this week from a few different places. None of the eBay listings are mine, I’m Dunring there also, so no conflict of interest.
If the Amazon the “sold by” is Hifi-College, Aoshida-US, or SMSL Factory Store they include a 1 year warranty on used items, the same as new ones. If it’s sold and shipped by Amazon Warehouse you can still in the first year get the Asurion protection for $16.99/month. It applies to all electronic purchases covered in the last 12 months (used and new). It’s a nice backup plan to get a warranty from Warehouse purchases if you need it in the first year.
Usually it’s been one pair for $25 but they just added a six cable pack for the same price.
Audio2000 Six pack of 6" black interconnects $25 I get the 1 foot length for some things, but these shorter ones are nice for matching stacks where the cable connectors line up close to each other.
SMSL M300SE used $90
https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-Upgraded-Headphone-Amplifier-Bluetooth/dp/B0C4DFNCSV/
Topping A90 Discrete black, used $400
https://www.amazon.com/KGUSS-Discrete-Headphone-Amplifier-Pre-Amplifier/dp/B0B4JQD8G7
S.M.S.L D400ES Audio DAC, ES9039MSPRO Chip $385
SMSL DO200 MKII MQA DAC $235
S.M.S.L M500 MKIII $423
https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-Bluetooth-Headphone-Amplifier-ESS9038PRO/dp/B0B9JYSJ7L/
Schiit Magni 3+B (all black version) $38
Brand new items on Drop.com
DX5 silver or black $249 (2 months left on sale)
Topping A90D Discrete $479
Amps | Audiophile | Drop
SABAJ A20d 2022 Version used $279
https://www.amazon.com/Balanced-Headphone-Amplifier-ES9038PRO-Bluetooth5-0/dp/B09YXPKSTD/
Sennheiser Consumer Audio HDV 820 Reference Headphone Amplifier DAC - Used $1,745
https://www.amazon.com/SENNHEISER-Headphone-Compatible-HDV-820/dp/B0756VZSWS/
S.M.S.L D1se High Resolution Audio DAC, ES9038RO $503 used
https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-Resolution-ES9038RO-Decoding-Bluetooth/dp/B094VDRKXD/
This is my next phone, we’re gearing up for hurricane season, it’s not on sale currently, but has a 22,000ma battery. TSA will only let you take a combined 24,000ma of batteries on a flight, so it’s good to travel with.
8849 Tank Rugged Smartphone $399
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e Over-Ear Headphones (2023 Model) used $251
https://www.amazon.com/Bowers-Wilkins-Over-Ear-Headphones-Model/dp/B0CH1LT68Z/
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 $356
https://www.amazon.com/Bowers-Wilkins-Bluetooth-Headphones-Cancellation/dp/B0B33PXPJT
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 $167
https://www.amazon.com/Bowers-Wilkins-Over-Ear-Headphones-Model/dp/B0B34FFGPT
SMSL AO200MKII HiFi Power Amplifier $125
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CCVBZS9R/
Topping PA7 Power Amplifier $350
https://www.amazon.com/KGUSS-PA7-Amplifier-Balanced-Black/dp/B0C2TLM9W5/
1 Like
YO! 
Insanely rare.
3 Likes