Massdrop x NuForce Stride Bluetooth IEMs Discussions | Drop

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Massdrop x NuForce Stride Bluetooth IEMs

Audiophile

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Tommy-Armstrong

Jan 11, 2019

Out of curiosity, what was the reasoning behind using Micro-USB as opposed to USB-C? The cost difference is but maybe $0.10 (USD)? This is 2019 and more and more phones and devices are using USB-C.

Jan 11, 2019

BigOldDonkey

Jan 11, 2019

Tommy-ArmstrongPeople who don't know what they're talking about say this all the time, but it's just not true; if you're not a mobile phone manufacturer it can be very difficult to get inexpensive USB-C connectors. The phone industry has greatly subsidized USB-C connectors to drive its adoption. Source: I worked in the mobile phone industry.

Jan 11, 2019

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Jyri

818

Nuforce

Jan 12, 2019

Tommy-ArmstrongValid question. USB-C connector all together on product like this is more than just few cents (as @BigOldDonkey

mentioned). If you’re not a mobile phone manufacturer using USB-C is tricky at this point. Situation will be better in future though.
Water resistance is easier to build around Micro USB especially when you don’t have the scale of a mobile phone manufacturer.
With USB-C the remote would be bigger. Antennas are inside the remote and it is properly built to stand sweat, water and rough use.
While USB-C is the connector of future there are still plenty of customers using micro USB with their older smartphones and other devices.

Jan 12, 2019

Fluffeepuff

Jan 13, 2019

BigOldDonkeyAll 3 of Beyerdynamic's Bluetooth iems I tried at CES have USB-C charging... they don't make phones...

Jan 13, 2019

BigOldDonkey

Jan 14, 2019

FluffeepuffPlease reread my statement: I said it's difficult for companies that aren't mobile phone manufacturers to get inexpensive USB-C connectors. Difficult does not mean impossible. What was the MSRP of the IEMs you tried? I'm betting they were quite a bit more than $75. You'll notice the comparable IEM from BD uses Micro-USB... https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/byron-wireless.html

(Edited)

Jan 14, 2019

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Fluffeepuff

Jan 14, 2019

BigOldDonkeyHow much do you think it would increase cost of production (supply chain side) for a product for an audio manufacturer to get USB-C components when not sourcing extremely large quantities? Just trying to get an idea of the order of magnitude. You are correct that the least expensive model I tried was $129 MSRP at BD... but I can't remember if those were the Blue Byrd's or another line. I actually saw the Byron with USB-C there, as well; but no clue if that's going to be an upcoming refresh (I don't think it was the Byron BTA). The only micro-USB (of the four wireless IEMs they had) was the Xelento, which was one of their earlier bluetooth IEM models... which, by the way, the sound is mindblowing (and I believe ~$1200). I guess at the end of the day, I'll wait for a USB-C charging port or docking/charger station (that's USB-A or USB-C.. or wireless charging!) variant to mesh with the direction I'm going with my connected devices; it's purely convenience and fewer cables/adapters. I won't be surprised if these $70+ IEMs sound as good or better than the $129 IEMs at BD I tried...

Jan 14, 2019

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BigOldDonkey

Jan 14, 2019

FluffeepuffI can't be specific with my experiences because of confidentiality agreements but for a general idea just have a look at Digikey parts: https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/cui-inc/UJ31-CH-3-MSMT-TR-67/102-4971-1-ND/9564436 vs https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/UJ2-MIBH-4-SMT-TR/102-4006-1-ND/6187928 The USB-C connector is nearly 4 times as expensive as the micro USB.

Jan 14, 2019

Fluffeepuff

Jan 15, 2019

BigOldDonkeyWow. Thanks for sharing. I'd personally pay $15 more for USB-C, but I'm glad you were able to share something to provide some perspective. Thank you!

Jan 15, 2019

YesP1ease

Feb 2, 2019

FluffeepuffI agree. No USB C kills this product for me. I would pay $10 -$15 more for type C but voting with my wallet is about the only thing that I can do to try and get companies to update from old standards. Some of us wont buy your product, no mater how good, without a type C connector.

Feb 2, 2019

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