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.
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.
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
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...
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!
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.