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MEElectronics Matrix2 Wireless Headphones with aptX/AAC (new microUSB version) US$84.99 Shipped

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OzBargainAirFi

Greetings OzBargainers,

I've received several requests for price matches on our wireless models lately - primarily the high-end Air-Fi Matrix2 - so I thought I'd put up a quick deal. This is the same price as the last promotion for this headphone but the unit has since been updated with microUSB charging instead of miniUSB, which was one of the most common requests. We are now shipping the newest version for all meelec.com orders.

Air-Fi Matrix2 - $84.99 delivered after $20 discount and $2.95 off shipping

Here's what makes the Air-Fi Matrix2 special:

  • Sound Quality: this was the primary focus as we wanted to make a wireless headphone with no sound quality handicap compared to similarly-priced wired sets. The second-generation Matrix is tuned for a neutral and accurate sound with just a little bump in the bass and supports both aptX and AAC high-definition Bluetooth audio codecs to ensure as little audio compression as possible with every device.
  • Technology: The Matrix2 has an extensive feature set on-par with the pricier flagships from big-box brands. Bluetooth 4.0, NFC connectivity, voice prompts, built in microphone and controls, and of course support for aptX and AAC HD audio codecs for HD-quality audio. It can also be used wired with a stereo audio cable (included) when desired, even while charging or connected via Bluetooth.
  • Battery life: Rated at 22 hours play/talk time and 350+ hours of standby time, but in reality capable of more under normal usage conditions.

For those who do not need the additional audio fidelity and tech features of the Matrix2, the coupon will also work with our Air-Fi Venture and Air-Fi Runaway models, giving prices of $54.99 and $49.99 delivered, respectively. The Venture is an over-ear headphone in the same form factor as the Matrix2 but is tuned for more bass and lacks the HD audio codec support, NFC, extended battery life, and nicer fit and finish of the Matrix2. The Runaway is a compact and lightweight on-ear headphone designed for simple and straightforward operation.

Coupon Code: OzBargainAirFi . All prices in USD. Promotion ends on October 28. Limit: 2 items per order.

Shipping for one unit is factored in to the prices above. When buying more than one unit, shipping is partly combined as described here.

Delivery times vary but are typically between 10 and 20 business days for standard shipping. FedEx shipping is also available and typically delivers in just a few days.

As always, I will gladly answer any questions as best I can in the comments below. I can also be contacted by private message or by email at mike(at)s2einc(dot)com

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  • +1

    Works out to be $6 under Amazon's current shipped price to AU! Whilst I don't have these particular series, I can attest to the quality of the runaway series.

  • i thought Air-Fi Venture has aptX?

    • Nope, sorry. The only two aptX models we have right now are the Matrix2 and the Metro2 (which is an in-ear). There will be an on-ear model with aptX towards the end of the year as well.

      • Mike, I'm wondering if you can help me. I've been after a pair of apt-x IEMs for awhile now (the metro2 look fine), I'm just not sure my specific smartphone carries apt-x. Maybe you know. It's the Samsung Galaxy K Zoom and from what I gather the K Zoom is actually supposed to be very good for audio quality.
        I think the S4 and S5 carry apt-x, and seeing as this is a 2014 smartphone from Sammy i'm thinking ot does also, but I can't confirm this anywhere obvious i have tried.

        • It's not all-encompassing but this is a useful list of aptX devices: http://www.aptx.com/brand/samsung . In theory at least, all manufacturers using aptX are supposed to submit samples of each of their aptX products to be put on that list, though it can take a while to update. Usually it's only the flagship devices that get aptX because it does cost extra to license.

          Also, you can still get very good audio quality from Bluetooth without the use of aptX - you'll have a little more compression, but not more so than a medium-high quality mp3 encoding. However, then it comes down more to implementation whereas with aptX you pretty much know what you're getting.

        • @mikemeelec:

          Thanks :)

  • Would these work for voice chat/gaming with an Xbox one, using the provided stereo cable?

    • +1

      The Xbox doesn't have a 3.5mm jack so you'll need the Xbox one stereo headset adapter, which plugs into the controller (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2458423,00.asp). For voice chat you'll also want a headset cable w/microphone (http://www.meelec.com/category_s/448.htm) in place of the stereo cable that's included with the Matrix. I can provide a discount on the cable if you get it together with any of our headphones.

      • Darn, i was hoping the in-built mic would work through the stereo cable, i guess i'm hoping for too much lol. Can i ask how well the microphone works on that mic/headset cable you linked to? If it doesn't work/work well with the xbox one then i'd have to consider returning them unfortunately :/

        • With the Xbox the more important factor is going to be that headset adapter, which is what actually interfaces with the system. The cable itself is pretty basic - the mic is omnidirectional so it picks up sound from all around (unlike those boom mics on gaming headsets that are pointed directly at your mouth) but works well unless you're in a noisy environment.

          It's the same mic that we use on most of our earphone and headphone models - the Atlas, for instance, comes with the same cable and mic. I don't know how many people (if any) use these for gaming but we haven't had any complaints. There's an analog volume control as well so you can quickly mute audio if need be.

  • Hi rep

    Would this be able to be paired with multiple devices?

    U would like to use this on my phone and my tablet but didn't want to pair each time.

    Thanks

    • +1

      Paired with multiple devices - yes. Connected with more than one device simultaneously - no. That feature (two parallel Bluetooth connections) is called "Multipoint". At this time only our Metro2 and Journey models support it.

      What the Matrix2 can do is be connected simultaneously via bluetooth to one device and by cable to another device. This works if you, for example, are listening to music from your laptop but also think you might get a call on your phone so you leave it connected wirelessly to the phone and plug the wire into the laptop. If you get a call on the phone, the Matrix will partially mute the wired audio until you're done with your call.

      • +1

        Thanks for the reply.
        Have ordered one just hope it is as good sounding as A151 that I have.

        • Thanks for your order!

  • Bought this one from the last promotion, great headphone except:
    - it's very annoying when I answer a call, it announces 'call active' and won't be able to hear the other person in the mean time.
    - the music drops out from time to time when I walk with my phone in the pocket.
    - the package had finger prints on the seal sticker when it first arrived, made it look like a previously returned item => instant buyer's remorse lol

    • +1

      It sounds like you have the original Matrix (one). The Matrix2 does not announce that a call is active at all. There's just a short beep when you pick up a call.

      You can double-check this by the pairing name - if you have a Matrix2 then your phone's Bluetooth menu will say "Air-Fi Matrix2" when it's paired.

    • As for the music dropping out - this is a known bug with BT on many Android KitKat (4.4) phones, if you happen to have one. It affects all BT headsets (since it's a phone bug).

  • I bought an AirFi Matrix2 from the last deal, so happy with the quality. Really want to buy a Metro2 now, is there any coming deal on the Metro rep?

    • +1

      Couldn't include the other Air-Fi models in this coupon code due to low inventory. I can provide an individual discount if you send me an email or PM but we're making some minor tweaks to it, so it may be better to get one from a later batch anyway.

      • Thanks for the hint.
        BTW, is there any way to upgrade/tweak firmware of the AirFi Matrix2? I really want to turn off the voice notification. Thanks

        • No way to access the firmware unfortunately - from what I understand, the USB port is only wired for charging.

      • Ordered.
        The Metro2 has $20 off on MEE website currently , so with this $23 off on top, it's nearly haft price. SUPER DEAL.

        Thanks a lot, Mike. The way you work make me think that you are a MEE owner not an employee/sale rep. Well done.

        • I appreciate that. We're a very small company and still have a "tech startup" sort of feel here, which helps :)

  • Do you have any more of the pink runaways coming?

    • Not sure at this point but definitely not within the next few weeks. They sold out due to retailers placing holiday orders but they also happen to be our slowest-selling color by far.

  • Hi Mike, just wanted to say I have been waiting for a Matrix version with microUSB connection and have just purchased due to this. I have the Matrix 1 and it is an excellent pair of headphones I have used daily for the last year. The battery life is amazing, it never runs out. I am looking forward to receiving the updated model.

    • That's great to hear - I think you'll be very pleased with all of the updates!

      P.S. believe it or not the newer chipset in the Matrix2 actually increased the battery life another 20% or so

  • Bought it some time ago, bit too big for my head :(

  • I want to buy wireless over ear headphones for watching tv as well as playing computer and xbox. I understand I will need the xbox adaptor. My pc and tv does not have bluetooth, so I'm thinking this product would come with some sort of 3.5mm bluetooth receiver that plags into the pc/speakers and tv. Will I need to get a 2nd bluetooth receiver rather than unplg from tv and to pc & vise versa? I'm also considering the Air-Fi Venture so any comments re major differences between the two would be appreciated.

    • They do not come with a 3.5mm adapter. They're really intended for devices that already have Bluetooth as that's the type of application where BT wireless makes the most sense.

      If you want to use them with a TV or PC you'll need the appropriate adapter for each. If your TV has a 3.5mm jack you can indeed use the same 3.5mm Bluetooth transmitter with both that and your computer, but you'll have to unplug it and carry it over. However, if the transmitter has a battery and remembers paired devices, that might be faster and easier than having two separate ones and having to disconnect one to connect the other. Personally I think it would be something of a bother either way, but you'll have the same problem trying to use any Bluetooth headphones with several different devices that all don't have Bluetooth natively.

      As for the Venture, it's a similar headphone underneath and might be a better value in this case. With your particular applications it's unlikely you'll need the tech features of the Matrix2 (NFC, aptX, AAC, and so on) so that just leaves the basics. The Venture is tuned for a bit more bass as tends to be popular with lower-priced headphones. Other than that there's just a little bit less of everything - with the Matrix the clarity and audio resolution are better, battery life is better, the padding is nicer, you get a case instead of a bag, and so on.

  • thanks..

  • Great rep
    great post
    great product

    You mentioned that there might be a better Metro2 coming, if I understood you correctly. Can you explain please?
    (Very interested potential buyer here)

    • To be honest there's often some behind-the-scenes improvements between batches, like the new Matrix2 having microUSB instead of miniUSB. With the Metro2 it's nothing so drastic - just a small bump in the sensitivity of the microphone and a new seal around the mic to protect it from sweat (we really don't recommend using this model at the gym as it's not water-proof, but of course lots of people do anyway).

  • Hi Mike, in relation to sound quality is there a difference between the updated Matrix 2 and the previous Matrix 2 with the mini USB?

    • Nope, only differences are the charging port and a slightly updated logo.

  • Does this work with Skype on the computer?

    • If your computer supports Bluetooth, yes. Once you pair the headset, it will show up as a select-able audio device (both for input and output) in the Skype options menu.

      The only limitation is that you can't both listen to stereo audio and use Skype at the same time, so if you were planning to have a Skype call in the background while watching a movie or playing a game in stereo, it's not going to work. This is true of all Bluetooth headsets just because of the way Bluetooth profiles work.

  • Hi Mike,
    I am interested to buy Matrix 2. If I buy this in Australia, how does the warranty work for this product?
    If any fault, how do I get fix? or replacement?

    • We handle all warranty from our home base here in California. It's handled on a case-by-case basis depending on the exact issue - if we can verify/troubleshoot it without having you send them back, we'll figure out a way to do that. Either way we'll do our best to make sure everyone is happy with the process.

      Honestly, there's not a lot that can go wrong with a full-size headphone, especially a wireless one, that can't be fixed with a reset or re-pair, so we have limited experience handling warranty for them internationally at this point. Most of the claims we receive are for earphones with worn-out cables.

  • How are you suppose to utilise the NFC? I only see it useful by turning on my Bluetooth and possibly changing the sound profile?
    Edit: on my phone.

    • With Bluetooth headphones NFC is used as a quick pair / quick-connect / quick-disconnect mechanism. Instead of using the Bluetooth menu on the phone or tablet, you just tap the headphone against it to do any of those things.

      • Haha but imagine trying to use NFC with these for your table. Holding the table up to your headphones on your head :p might pass on this one, already got some earbuds from the last deal, they were pretty good. :D

        • +1

          Well, obviously you're supposed to pair/connect up your headphones before you put them on your head :p.

  • Has anyone tried both these and the Sennheiser RS series that uses Kleer wireless technology? I currently have Sennheiser RS160s and like their sound but these could be more convenient with an iPad or phone as the Sennheisers need an extra transmitter box. Is the Bluetooth connection as reliable as Kleer and do they sound as good?

    • +1

      I don't own these Bluetooth headphones but have 3 others (1 x in-ear, 1 x on-ear and 1 high-end over-ear) as well as 2 pairs of KLEER over-ears (RS 170 and RS 180).

      AptX Bluetooth (providing your device has AptX) and KLEER are both lossless at transmitting CD quality audio (16 bit / 44.1 kHz). If you mostly listen to 320kbps audio or lower, then AptX should not make much difference compared to 'regular' BT.

      In terms of the BT connection dropping out, I have never experienced this issue with any of my 3 pairs, but I don't have Android 4.4 on any of my devices, which seems to have an issue with the reliability of the BT connection from what I've read. I assume this has been fixed in 5.0.

      This means that it all comes down the sound quality of the individual headphone. The RS 180 is still the best wireless headphone I have ever heard (and RS 220 is even better and is the ultimate wireless headphone). I don't believe that there is a BT headphone on the market today that sounds as good. However, the RS 180 is also many times more expensive than the Matrix and can't be easily used with mobile devices.

      The Matrix is a highly regarded BT headphone and has generally had positive reviews from the snobs at head-fi. I don't think there's anything better out there at this price point.

      I would also highly recommend Sony DR-BT200, which are an awesome headphone, especially if you can find them for around $50-70 (there were a couple of Ozbargain deals at $50 recently). They don't have AptX though.

  • Good headphones, however I didn't keep my pair because they're not really over-ear headphones. You'd have to have tiny ears for them to fit in these cups.

  • Hi Mike, I am really interested in buying these headphones, just a few questions for me, are these over the ear or on the ear models as I am looking for a relatively big over the ear model. Also am interested in using these for the ps4 with voice chat, would that work or what specific cable would I need to buy for this. Cheers for the great deal.

    • I know someone above said they are too big but they are quite compact, definitely on the smaller side for over-ear models. If you're looking for something the size of your average gaming headset, these aren't it.

      For the PS4 you would need the same cable that I suggested above for the Xbox One: http://www.meelec.com/category_s/448.htm . This gets plugged straight into the controller, no adapter needed (unlike the Xbox). Unfortunately you can't use Bluetooth stereo headsets with gaming consoles at this point (and you wouldn't want to because of the potential latency) so the headset cable is the only way to go.

      • Cheers I'll take that into consideration :)

  • Hi Mike, I have both MATRIX and Runway brought from MEElectronics this year. They are very good. I have one complain about the MATRIX. The microphone quality is considerably worse than the Runway. That is to say, both the people on the other side and me could not hear clear sound when I was using the MATRIX (my iphone is just in my pocket ).

    Just wondering if I could possibly receive a bad one? Why the lower price model Runway has significantly better microphone quality?
    If it is a general problem, have you improved that in the MATRIX2?

    • If you have an original Matrix it's possible that the mic isn't as good as it is on the Runaway, but it shouldn't be to the extent that people can't hear you. That sounds like an issue with the particular unit. Not sure what's going on with it and since it's Saturday night I can't exactly ask our customer service agents :). As far as I know, if it's some kind of signal/reception issue the voice transmission would get staticky, but not quiet.

      In any case, if you bought it within the past year just shoot me a PM with your order info or send an email to [email protected] saying that your Matrix mic is considerably quieter than your Runaway one and we should be able to take care of it under warranty.

  • Hi Rep,

    Any plans to have a Matrix2 with ANC ?

    • We tried with the current Matrix2 but it doesn't have enough room for all the components + a larger battery. ANC eats up battery quick and that's a problem with wireless headphones because you lose both functions when the battery runs down.

      Anyway, if we do ANC it will most likely be an all-new model and not a Matrix revision, but we don't have any concrete plans at this time.

      • Hi Rep

        Have left a question with you via private message. I would love an answer if this is possible (when convenient)

        Thanks :)

        • Just got back to the office. Replying to all PMs!

  • I appreciate the assistance @mikemeelec: has given. I decided to go ahead and order the Matrix2. I also ordered a wireless bluetooth audio receiver delivered from Amazon for AUD $53.50. The Matrix2 delivered cost AUD $100.13.

    • aptX receiver should go nicely with the Matrix2.

      Thanks for your order!

  • Damn … missed it :(

    • It's actually good through midnight of the 28th our time (PST), so still active. OzBargain is on Australia time and marks things expired prematurely in our case.

  • Just purchased; fortunately, code still works. ~7:50pm PST, so should work until ~6pm AEDT.

    • I just purchased the Sport-Fi x6 but the code didn't do anything for me, but not sure if it was ever going to on this model

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