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Definitive Technology Symphony 1 Bluetooth Headset - $129 @ EB Games

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Definitive Technology Symphony 1 Bluetooth Headset - $129 @ EB Games
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ZackyD on 15/01/2020 - 09:36 ebgames.com.au (661 clicks)
Last edited 16/01/2020 - 11:12 by 1 other user

Hi Bargain Hunters,

I know there was an original EB Games thread which made mention of this deal but I believe it wasn't highlighted as well and it's an absolute bargain that I don't want you guys to miss out.

For reference I have a pair of Bose QC 35 headphones for the last 3 years. Unfortunately the faux-leather band and cups are wearing out and it's seen better days.

I've tried the Symphony 1 for the last 4 days and it's been a revelation. The active noise cancellation is only a smidge below the performance of the Bose and unless you've had them side by side you'd be hard pressed to tell.

Sound quality in terms of performance is on par, I've been playing back Master tracks using TIDAL and they have impressed me.
At the RRP of $769 when they launched 3-4 years ago I'd say pass, Even EB Game's $399 was a stretch, They are more $250-300 ANC headphones but at this price it's a steal.

You will not find any active noise cancelling headphones for this price range anywhere with the performance it provides.
Get a jump on it now before they sell out!

Previous deal on Ozbargain - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/326435

Reviews - (PLEASE READ BEFORE HAND)
https://www.avhub.com.au/product-reviews/sound-image/definit…
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/definitive-technology…
https://www.soundstagexperience.com/index.php/equipment-menu…
https://www.residentialsystems.com/technology/definitive-tec…

IMPORTANT WARRANTY INFO
I was under the impression that the warranty was 12 months as per the manufacturer's site and other sellers.
Turns out I received an email from EB saying it is 6 months. Below is an email snip of their response

Thanks for contacting us.

If you were to experience a fault with this product within the warranty period we would be happy to offer a refund as replacement will not be an option.
The warranty period for our headsets and accessories is 6 months.

Electrical & Electronics Bluetooth Earphones Bluetooth Headset Definitive Technology Earphones Headphones

Related Stores

EB Games Australia
EB Games Australia

closed Comments

  • xyron on 15/01/2020 - 09:56

    Only 10 hours battery life is pretty poor. Otherwise I'd have given these a go. Too busy loving my B&W PX :D

  • ultramic on 15/01/2020 - 09:59

    “Bluetooth version 3.1” - this is putting me off buying this.

    • xyron on 15/01/2020 - 10:08

      Yeah this will be a major contributor to poor battery life. I bought the Parrot Zik 3 a little while ago when Catch had them for sale, the crap battery life was baffling and made them borderline unusable.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/01/2020 - 10:25

      It was released in January 2015 from what I can tell. That explains why it's still got Bluetooth 3.1

  • elektron on 15/01/2020 - 10:24

    Definitely a very good price for these but this is a bit concerning, given that Bose have mediocre SQ for it's price range and doesn't support any codecs above SBC/AAC:

    Sound quality in terms of performance is on par

  • elektron on 15/01/2020 - 10:41

    Oh well, looks like there's no stock anyway.

    • adamshere on 15/01/2020 - 13:22
      +1

      Shows stock for me, for home delivery

  • krisp on 15/01/2020 - 10:42
    +2

    These are awesome with outstanding sound quality and incredible versatility: wireless or wired or by USB using built in DAC, noise cancelling, and if battery dies just hook it up by cable and use in passive mode. I already had one but couldn't resist to buy a second one.

    • tonyjzx on 15/01/2020 - 11:48

      I'm not interested in anything but cable so this is a must buy IMO… if its $769 it must be great sounding.

      I have a set of B&W wireless I never used via wireless!

      Also mimmum stock now.

  • ZackyD on 15/01/2020 - 11:52
    +2

    100% agreed. Amazing headphones for the price. I can't comment on battery life but 10 hours is more than sufficient for me use in between charge.

    If I do happen to have a long haul flight. I'll just bring my probable USB charger.

    It is definitely a quality production, packaging is well done and very high end.

    Whilst I did comment saying sound quality is on par with my Bose QC 35, that is only from an hour or two of use over the last few days. I'll need to do more playback but it's a tick of approval from initial comparisons.

    Considering I paid $399 for the Bose this would make the Symphony 1's a steal.

    Like Krisp I literally just bought another pair as backups as I guarantee you won't find a more comparible quality headphone at this price.

  • tonyjzx on 15/01/2020 - 12:29
    +2

    Also Definitive Tech used to be one of the biggest brands of US hifi…. like real Buck Swope high fidelity.

    I would have no hesitation with this brand like I have no hesitation with Bowers.

    • ZackyD on 15/01/2020 - 13:06

      Cheers tonyjzx from my research they this brand looked super high brand for audiophiles so I took the blind leap and couldn't be happier.

  • congo on 15/01/2020 - 12:33

    I got one, but it came opened and looked used…

    • ZackyD on 15/01/2020 - 13:05

      I think all pick up EB stock will be opened as they have to display it on the shelves.

      It's over ear headphones @vssv

      • xoom on 15/01/2020 - 15:11

        Mine was brand new and still sealed. Bought from broadway nsw.

      • pdtang on 16/01/2020 - 21:42

        Mine was opened as well.
        Check it, no scratches or scuff marks

  • vssv on 15/01/2020 - 12:55

    Over ear /on ear?

    • xoom on 15/01/2020 - 14:02
      +1

      Over ear. Just bought one at broadway shops. Nsw

      2 left.

  • thebadmachine on 15/01/2020 - 13:24
    +1

    I read a few reviews on Amazon mentioning the usb-charging port as a point-of-failure (snapped off circuit board, one owner was told electrical repair is impossible).
    May be a good idea to be careful when plugging them in etc.

  • NewtonG on 15/01/2020 - 14:13
    +1

    Hi, I had two pairs since the last Grays Online deal. They were great when the worked but they do definitely have design issues, the USB port is very weak and broke on both pairs about 6 months after purchase. Also the cup swivel mechanism gave up on my other pair.

    If the issues could be easily solved I would buy another pair in a heartbeat, just be aware that definitive no longer make headphone and the warranty team who are over in the US are unable to replace the headsets anymore. It is a shame as they are great headphones, but just be aware that they are not durable.

    • ZackyD on 15/01/2020 - 15:33

      I just spoke to EB Games Support and they advised that if the product was to fail during the warranty period, I would be entitled to a full store credit, replacement if any are still in their inventory or refund provided the cause of the fault wasn't of my own doing.

      So no concerns there for me but I'll still be gentle when charging it :)

      • pdtang on 16/01/2020 - 17:49

        Would a magnetic usb charging cable help with the life of the micro usb port? No pulling out and inserting the cable every time you charge?

        • xoom on 16/01/2020 - 17:53

          Possible. If you could secure that to the port.

          • pdtang on 17/01/2020 - 12:07

            @xoom: I've purchased one thats the same shape as the cable (not the round ended one).. will see how it goes.

            • pdtang on 23/01/2020 - 12:42

              @pdtang: Magnetic connector fits in great and doesn't seem like it will fall out easily
              Only problem is that the connecting magnetic USB cable is so strong, when i put it on charge and unplug it, it also removes the connector.

              Image in link :- https://imgur.com/7hsHBIt

              • thebadmachine on 23/01/2020 - 16:13

                @pdtang:

                Only problem is that the connecting magnetic USB cable is so strong, when i put it on charge and unplug it, it also removes the connector.

                Kind of defeats the purpose of having it then. Try removing the magnetic cable by tilting it off instead of pulling it off directly, it may stop it from pulling it out.

                • pdtang on 24/01/2020 - 08:56

                  @thebadmachine: Thank you for your suggestion. I showed a friend and he suggested the same thing, so its all good now…. connector hasn't fallen off yet after commute to and from work.

                  • thebadmachine on 24/01/2020 - 15:53

                    @pdtang: I guess the strong magnet is needed to keep a solid connection for power to get through.

  • tonyjzx on 15/01/2020 - 16:15
    +1

    I got mine. It was mint brand new with the seal stickers on the side.

    These headphones are extraordinary. Running on a usb dac they are quite possibly a tad better than my B&W P5.

    If you have stock in your local, get them, there's nothing like them for $200 except the B&W.

    But these are $129.

    Also the felt bag and all the stuff is just quality. Again I dont give a crap about USB or 10hrs or BT3.1 or whatever.

    • ZackyD on 15/01/2020 - 16:27

      Great to hear mate, Never heard of Definitive Tech before my research but I can see why people in the industry and audiophiles keep recommending their audio setups.

      They seem to cater for the upper-tier audio market, Shame they decided to abandon their headphone range.
      Might have something to do with their insanely high RRP.

      I had the same reaction with the quality of the packaging and that felt/Velour carry bag.

      Do yourself a favour, Sign up to one of Tidal's free subscriptions and listen to tracks in their MASTER quality setting.
      Made me appreciate music so much more.

      I still can't believe how good a bargain these headphones are. :)

  • caprimulgus on 15/01/2020 - 16:33

    Anyone compare these to Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2?

    • ZackyD on 15/01/2020 - 16:35
      +1

      According to another user these Symphony 1's are better -

      https://ibb.co/7WKPVpx

      • ZackyD on 15/01/2020 - 16:46

        Again if you're looking at the Backbeat Pro 2 at RRP of $300 you'd be crazy to not get the Symphony 1's

        https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/plantronics-backbeat-pro-…

        • caprimulgus on 15/01/2020 - 16:49
          +1

          Not looking for Backbeat Pro 2 at $300 - have backbeat Pro 2 at $120. ;)

          (btw, you can link to a specific post by clicking on the time and date of the post, rather than having to post a screenshot: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/512619#comment-8235935)

          • ZackyD on 15/01/2020 - 16:54
            +1

            @caprimulgus: Ah nice one, I'd say you got yourself an AMAZING deal too.
            I think if you're happy with your pair save your $$$.

            But if you're looking for good replacement pull the trigger

            I only got these as Bose wanted $85 to repair my torn leather cups.

            • xoom on 15/01/2020 - 16:55
              +1

              @ZackyD: Bought some cheapies off ebay and they were ok. Similar to the original pads.

              • ZackyD on 15/01/2020 - 17:09

                @xoom: Might have a look and do that. Still a good pair of cans the QC35's are but wished the padding held up better.
                Have you had your's for a while too? Just wondering if you've noticed battery life degrading?

                Apparently Bose told me they don't replace batteries but will offer me the QC35 II for $320 (At that price, That's a hard HELL NO!)

                Thanks Xoom :)

                • xoom on 15/01/2020 - 20:29

                  @ZackyD: My qc35 is broken so havent used it. So dont notice about battery degradation.

            • caprimulgus on 15/01/2020 - 16:56

              @ZackyD: Yeah, don't really need them…hardly use my Backbeats as it is, and have pre-ordered Fiio BTR5 to use with IEMs and my V-Moda M-100 (my preferred mobile headphone).

              Still…always tempted by any headphone deal! aha :P

              • ZackyD on 15/01/2020 - 17:12

                @caprimulgus: Haha! That's a solid range of audio gear mate, Covers all scenarios.
                And thanks for the tip on linking quotes. I feel like a senior citizen sometimes :/

                I have the QC 35 for my commute, Bose SoundSport Free for gym, Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X for gaming.

                I'm the same, Didn't really need them but too tempted by the price. Just means a few less work drinks this Friday for me ;)

  • congo on 15/01/2020 - 16:40

    If you shake the right ear cup (ones with the button)
    It makes some noise like something inside is loose?
    Maybe the buttons are loose?

    • ZackyD on 15/01/2020 - 16:43

      I've shaken my pair pretty hard (Right side) can't hear anything rattling or loose.
      Do you have another EB close by? Might be able to swap if it's annoying you.

      • congo on 15/01/2020 - 20:46

        They only have one. Pity have to put up with it.

  • pdtang on 15/01/2020 - 18:06
    +1

    Thanx, got one

    • ZackyD on 15/01/2020 - 18:20

      Awesome mate, Feel free to leave your review/feedback to help others who are undecided. :)

      • pdtang on 17/01/2020 - 12:09
        +1

        I'm not much into audio equipment, but its very good.. much better than my audio technica ath-m50x

        • ZackyD on 17/01/2020 - 12:35

          The m50x are decent cans too so that's good to hear.

          Happy you're happy mate. 😁

  • Slowbrick on 16/01/2020 - 09:17
    +1

    Thanks OP I got a pair yesterday afternoon. Have been looking for a pair of headphones to use for gaming at home when my partner is asleep. Couldnt go past these for the price and having a 3.5mm cable is a bonus as they sound fantastic coupled with my LG V30+. Really happy with them in the past 3 hours ive used them!

    • ZackyD on 16/01/2020 - 09:22

      Glad they are working out for you. Combined with your V30+'s DAC I can imagine it would sound pretty amazing.
      Not too sure how they would go for gaming but I'm sure you could do far worse.

      • Slowbrick on 16/01/2020 - 09:29

        I figured that they could be paired via Bluetooth to my PC when i play it on the couch and that i could work that way. Worse case scenario is they dont and I can still play at my desk with them plugged in. Either way im happy with them for the price :)

    • xoom on 16/01/2020 - 09:23

      I should try mine wired connected to my lg v20.

  • ZackyD on 16/01/2020 - 11:13

    Just updated warranty information i received from an email via EB Game's customer service team. This is contradictory to my initial conversations with them;

    Thanks for contacting us.

    If you were to experience a fault with this product within the warranty period we would be happy to offer a refund as replacement will not be an option.
    The warranty period for our headsets and accessories is 6 months.

  • smalllittlepanda on 19/01/2020 - 19:30
    +1

    Conclusion: worth it.
    I did go into this purchase expecting that I'll be upgrading in the future - I just want it to get me to that point.

    My wife has the Bose QC35 and I have tested it alongside; sound quality is equivalent.
    Noise cancellation is probably a touch inferior but still better than anything I've heard that is less than $250.
    The weight and build size is noticeable if you're picky about that, for most women I wouldn't recommend it.
    The around-ear coverage is more than the Bose, it fits comfortably around the ear and because of that, the sound isolation is quite good without the ANC turned on.
    For me, the only con is that it can get a little hot, partly because of the complete ear coverage and also the thickness of the padding.
    During summer that can be a little issue, and I've found myself switching to earphones at times, but when it cools down these will be great.

    Sound quality:
    As the reviews say, pretty good all around, a touch of muddyness around the mid-low bass guitar range; but not bad - just that I've heard better, but those headphones cost $400+
    Turning the volume up increases the detail of the song as good headphones do, instead of feeling loud - that was a pleasant surprise.
    I sat down to test the headphones and ended up listening for 4+ hours because it sounded so good.
    If you've heard Hi-Res Sony audio, its about 85% there.

    No regrets in buying these, happy it cost only $130 and if it lasts 3/4 years or I end up gifting it after a year - I'll feel like it was a worthwhile purchase.

  • Mikgsxr on 09/02/2020 - 00:50

    I just bought these yesterday, they are amazing! The sound is beyond amazing, the noise cancelling is incredible. Definitely the best set of cans I think I have ever used. Totally worth this much money, absolute steal. You have to do click and collect to get the price though, in store they are $399

    • xoom on 09/02/2020 - 05:34

      You have to do click and collect to get the price though, in store they are $399

      I didn't have to do that. Just found a store that had stock according to website. Confirmed instore they do indeed have them.

      Showed them the website price and the salesperson adjusted the price on purchase.

  • Mikgsxr on 27/02/2020 - 15:50

    I bought these as I posted a few weeks ago but they have already developed a crackling noise in the left ear cup whenever I move my head. Looks like I will have to return them. it is a shame because they sound awesome.

    • ZackyD on 27/02/2020 - 18:59

      Why don't you just swap them over for a new replacement? Seems to be quite a bit of stock around

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