$150 PER PAIR PRICE DROP: Energy RC30 2-way black Reference Connoisseur series floorstanding speaker for $225 each ($550 per pair) with free S&H at AudioAdvisor (via Amazon)

AudioAdvisor.com (via Amazon) has the Energy RC30 2-way black Reference Connoisseur series floorstanding speaker for $225 each ($550 per pair) with free shipping and handling. That’s $550 under retail per pair, and the beats my last mention of this product (a month ago) by $150 per pair. You can check out the detailed specifications on Energy’s website. This model is from Energy’s higher end “Reference” line. The only review I could find online is in Dutch (there’s a link on Energy’s site) so I can’t give you any specifics on these, but Energy is generally regarded as producing high quality products. They are a Canadian speaker company (now owned by Klipsch) which worked with the Canadian National Research Council (NRC) in some pioneering studies which sought to determine what measurable factors people equate with a good-sounding loudspeaker. That research is incorporated into their design philosophy.

Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Studio for $197 plus $6.99 S&H at Electronics-Expo (with coupon “STBEATS″)

Electronics-Expo has the Beats by Dr. Dre Studio High-Definition Headphones from Monster for $197 plus $6.99 shipping and handling (after coupon “STBEATS”). Although $2 higher than my last mention of this product in late June, that’s still $25 better than I could find anyplace else (even with shipping). Most vendors are still selling these for $299+. Cnet’s review explains the features well (they are powered and noise cancelling). Even if you’re not a fan of Dr. Dre, these are worth exploring if you’re in the market for new headphones. Stereophile reviewed these in its March 2010 issue.

LOWEST PRICE THIS YEAR: Harman Kardon HK3390 Stereo Receiver $228.99 at Amazon.com

Amazon.com has the Harman Kardon HK 3390 2 x 80W Stereo Receiver for $228.99 with free shipping and handling.  That beats my last mention of this product by $10 (back in early February). This is a nice entry level stereo receiver with a few features not found on competing products like front inputs and subwoofer connections. It also has a phono input for those of you still listening to your vinyl collections. This is as nice or nicer than competing models by denon or onkyo (I own receivers made by all three companies). If you’re looking for a receiver around which to build a system, you could do a lot worse…and at this price you’ll still be able to pay for those speakers you’ve been lusting after. The PSB Alpha B1′s I wrote about in an earlier post would be a nice match with this receiver.

Denon AVR-990 (almost identical to AVR-3310CI) Multi-Zone 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver for $699 with free S&H at J&R Music World

J&R Music World has the Denon AVR-990 Multi-Zone 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receivericon for $699 with free shipping and handling. That’s the lowest price available by at least $100, and over 45% off MSRP. As noted in the article by cnet, the AVR-990 is functionally equivalent to the AVR-3310CI (the CI designating that it is nominally designed for “custom installations”). The review from digitaltrends also indicates that this model is essentially the same as the AVR-3310CI (which is currently selling for $800+ elsewhere).

FLASHBACK TO 1983: World’s smallest Walkman (the last Sony audio product I purchased)

This was a bit of a walk down memory lane: as I was searching for deals today, I came across this write-up on “the world’s smallest walkman” — I had forgotten that I actually owned one of these for about three months in 1983 (after returning it to the store multiple times for a replacement, I gave up and bought an Aiwa cassette player which refused to die — but which has since been lost).  This was probably the first audio product I spent any appreciable amount of money on, and I recall it being both incredibly exciting (it really was quite an engineering marvel) and incredibly disappointing (it would break if you looked at it wrong). After that, I didn’t buy another Sony product for 20 years (I finally succumbed in 2003 and bought a flat screen Trinitron that weighs about 250 pounds — and which still works as well as the day I bought it).

New SuperBiiz coupon code “SCHOOL15″ – 15% off storewide ($15 max savings) (expires 8/1)

SuperBiiz.com has a new coupon:
15% off storewide ($15 max discount) with code “SCHOOL15″ (Exp 8/1)
Best bets are Sennheiser headphones or Asus Xonar Essence soundcards.

Pioneer VSX-1020-K Audio Video Receiver for $429.99 plus FREE AS-BT100 Bluetooth Adapter (normally $89+)with free S&H at Amazon.com

Amazon.com has the Pioneer VSX-1020-K Audio/Video Receiver
in stock for $429.99 with free shipping and handling. You also get a Pioneer AS-BT100 Bluetooth Adapter for free (normally $89+) (simply add it to the cart with the receiver). Although the receiver is $10 higher than my last mention of this product earlier in the month, that deal did not include the bluetooth adapter. This model replaces the very popular and highly rated Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K 7-Channel A/V Receiver (Black), (see the cnet review of the 1019 here). It adds an ethernet port for streaming internet radio and has a very comprehensive graphical user interface. Check out the cnet editor’s first take and audioholics first look for more information. Pioneer is really hitting this segment of the market hard, and pushing more and more features into its receivers.

Ultrasone HFI-450 S-Logic Surround Headphones Black for $49.99 at Musician’s Friend

Musician’s Friend has the Ultrasone HFI-450 S-Logic Surround Headphones Black for $49.99. Shipping is free on orders totaling more than $99. That matches the best price I’ve seen on this model. I have a similar model (the HFI550 – now discontinued) and have been very pleased with the sound and build quality.

Up to 40% off – 1 day only – Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Electronics Expo

Electronics Expo is offering up to 40% off items throughout the store this Saturday, July 24, 2010, with coupon code “1DAYSALE”. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer. Discount will vary based on department and product.

PRE-ORDER/NEW MODEL: Denon D-M38 Micro AM/FM, CD System Featuring USB Input and iPod/iPhone Connectivity for $378.97 with free S&H at Amazon.com

Amazon has available for pre-order the new Denon D-M38 Micro AM/FM, CD System Featuring USB Input and iPod/iPhone Connectivity for $378.97 with free shipping and handling. That’s the lowest price available by $20. The predecessor model (the D-M37) received excellent reviews (see the 5 star review of the UK version at What Hi Fi?), and has been running low on stock for the past few months — the new model should be shipping soon.

$75 PRICE DROP: Sonos BU150 Multi-Room Digital Music System Bundle (ZP120, ZP90, CR100) for $777.94 plus $29.99 S&H at Electronics-Expo (with coupon “EDEALINFO”)

Electronics-Expo has the Sonos BU150 Multi-Room Digital Music System Bundle (ZP120, ZP90, CR100)icon for $777.94 plus $29.99 shipping and handling (after coupon “EDEALINFO”). Even with shipping, that’s the best price I’ve seen on this package from a reputable retailer (it’s also a drop of over $75 since my last mention of this product back in late April). This particular bundle has been discontinued (the remote is updated in the newer combinations), but functionality is still top-rate. Check out the review from cnet if you’re not already familiar with this product.

15% off orders of $250+ at Musician’s Friend with coupon code “SUMMER”

Musician’s Friend currently takes 15% off orders of $250 or more with coupon code “SUMMER” (expiration unknown).

Polk Audio VM30 (Ea.) Silver 3-Way Tower speaker for $397.99 each ($795.98 per pair) with free S&H at OneCall

OneCall has the Polk Audio VM30 (Ea.) Silver 3-Way Tower speaker for $397.99 each ($795.98 per pair) with free shipping and handling. That’s a savings of over $1,200 per pair versus MSRP (though this particular model is no longer being manufactured). You can check out the customer reviews at Amazon (generally very positive) to see what people think of them.

Additional $200 off when you purchase the NHT Absolute Tower Speakers (black, pair) with a NHT Classic Ten 10″ 150-watt Powered Subwoofer (total price for both: $1,297 with free S&H) at OneCall

OneCall is offering an additional $200 off when you purchase the NHT Absolute Tower Speakers (black, pair) with a NHT Classic Ten 10″ 150-watt Powered Subwoofer. The speakers are selling for $998 with free shipping and handling, and the subwoofer is going for $499 with free shipping and handling. Add both to the cart to receive the discount – total price: $1,297.

NEW LOW PRICE: Phoenix Gold AudioSource AMP-100 Amplifier for $74 plus $14.99 S&H at Electronics-Expo (with coupon “LS0735″)

Electronics-Expo has the AudioSource AMP-100 2-Channel Bridgeable Stereo Power Amplifier for $74 plus $14.99 shipping and handling. Even with shipping, that beats my prior mention of this product by $2 (just over 3 weeks ago). This is designed for use as a “Zone 2″ amplifier, typically run from a receiver with multi-room capability. However, it is also a perfectly capable amplifier for a budget music or computer setup, particularly if you aren’t attempting to hook up multiple sources at once. Check out this review from Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity for more information. This would be ideal in an office setup hooked up to your computer or to a CD player (if you only play CDs), driving a nice set of bookshelf speakers.

NAD – T-955 – 5 Channel Power Amplifier for $799 [$700 off MSRP] with free S&H at Audio Advisor (via Amazon)

Audio Advisor (via Amazon) has the NAD – T-955 – 5 Channel Power Amplifier for $799 with free shipping and handling. The retail price on this model was $1,500 — it’s been phased out to make place for amps with 7+ channels, but if you want to build a really top notch 5.1 surround system, this would be a great amp. Check out the review at Home Theater Sound for more information.

$100 PRICE DROP: Music Hall A25.2 Integrated Amplifier for $495 with free S&H at HCM Audio (via Amazon)

HCM Audio (via Amazon) has the Music Hall A25.2 Integrated Amplifier for $495 with free shipping and handling. That’s $100 below my last mention of this product back in mid-April. Check out the review from the absolute sound for more information.

ANOTHER $50 PRICE DROP: Sony STR-DA4400ES ES 7.1 Channel AV Receiver for $549.88 [$750 off MSRP] with free S&H from Vann’s

Vann’s has the Sony STR-DA4400ES ES 7.1 Channel AV Receiver for $549.88 with free shipping and handling. That matches a price available direct from Sony in March (before it sold out) (note: you can also buy from Vann’s through Amazon if you prefer with this link: Sony STR-DA4400ES 7.1 Channel AV Receiver). The only criticism in the review from Electronics Made Easy related to the price – which is largely dealt with when discounted to this extent. Although this model has been discontinued, it will handle almost everything you throw at it (though not 3D). Sony’s ES models are their high end components, meant to compete with Denon, Onkyo, Marantz, etc.

ANOTHER $10 PRICE DROP: Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K 7-Channel A/V Receiver (Black) for $379 with free S&H at Amazon.com

Amazon has the very popular and highly rated Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K 7-Channel A/V Receiver (Black) for $379 with free shipping and handling. See the review from cnet for more information on this model, which received an “Editor’s Choice” designation and was named as their top pick in the mid-range receiver category. This model has been superseded by the Pioneer VSX-1020-K Audio/Video Receiver, currently selling for $500+ (though it adds some features, including network streaming).

Refurbished iPhones starting at $49.99 for 3G models and $99 for 3GS models at AT&T

AT&T is offering a number of refurbished iPhones starting at $49 for 3G models and $99 for 3GS models. With the introduction of the new iPhone 4, it’s a good time to pick up the prior model at a fairly significant discount. Prices on non-refurbished models have been cut as well.

COUPON: $10 off $100 at J&R Music World

JR.com is offering $10 off $100+ orders with coupon code “GEICO10″ (Exp 8/12/10). On-sale items, Bose, iPods, select Sony models, and select video game consoles are excluded. Tax in NY only.

COUPON EXTENDED: Employee Pricing at Electronics-Expo through 7/23 with coupon “EMPLOYEE”

Now through July 14th 23rd, Electronics-Expo is offering “employee pricing” on all items in the store (excluding Bose, Sony and select Samsung) with coupon code “EMPLOYEE”. The 4th of July sale mentioned in one of my prior posts is ongoing (and lasts through July 31) (use coupon code “JULY4″ for up to 40% off). Electronics-Expo has some great prices on electronics when using coupons (particularly Denon, Yamaha and Harman Kardon receivers, Mirage and Energy speakers, and Logitech Squeezebox Radios) — unfortunately they sometimes have multiple coupons outstanding which may provide different prices on the same products. Some products may still be priced lower with other coupons — if I’ve referenced a specific coupon in an earlier post, you should probably try that one in addition to “EMPLOYEE” and “JULY4″ to determine which gives the best price (to test the coupons when you are viewing the shopping cart, you will want to “remove” the current coupon and enter a new one to see how prices differ) (you can find prior posts on deals from Electronics-Expo by searching for “expo” on this site).

FANTASTIC BARGAIN – BACK IN STOCK: Polk RTi4 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) $149.99 with free S&H at J&R Music World (via Amazon)

These had been sold out since February 17 — but they’ve just come back into stock at J&R Music World. The Polk Audio RTi4 High Performance Bookshelf/On-Wall Speakers (Pair, Black) are available for $149.99 per pair at J&R (through Amazon).  These speakers were $319.95 a pair when they were introduced 5 years ago.  Robert Reina at Stereophile wrote a nice review back in October 2004, noting that: “the Polk RTi4 holds its own against all competition, and should be given careful consideration by anyone looking for speakers costing less than $500/pair.”  I’ve owned Polk speakers since 1986 (still have my original Monitor 5B’s), and bought Polk again when I outfitted by home theater system. I don’t know where the buyer at J&R is finding these, but I suspect they’ll sell out again quickly (perhaps for good). When I first posted these back in January, I thought they were a fantastic deal — I haven’t seen a better bargain in bookshelf speakers in the intervening 6 months (I’m partial to Polk — though some deals on Klipsch, Energy, and Jamo speakers have come close).

$20 PRICE DROP: Onkyo TX-SR707 THX™ Select2 Plus™ Home Theater Receiver for $426.89 with free S&H at Amazon.com

Amazon has the Onkyo TX-SR707 THX Select2 Plus Home Theater Receiver for $426.89 with free shipping and handling. That’s a drop of over $20 since my last mention of this model a little over a week ago, and the best price available anywhere for this popular receiver. Check out the review at electronicsme.com for more information on this model. If you don’t need the network functionality or 3D handling capability of the higher end models, this is an excellent unit.

Klipsch Icon WF-35 4-way Floorstanding Speakers in Cabernet or Espresso finish for $399.88 each ($799.76 per pair) with free S&H at Vann’s

Vann’s has the Klipsch Icon WF-35 4-way Floorstanding Speakers in Cabernet or Espresso finish for $399.88 each ($799.76 per pair) with free shipping and handling. That’s the lowest I’ve seen these this year by at least $20. Check out the review at Home Theater Review for more information on this model.