All Images Courtesy Of Audeze
I spend a considerable amount of time reviewing headphones, and one thing I’ve learned is that the price of a good pair can be difficult to justify when you’re already investing in studio monitors, audio interfaces, software, and the rest of your production setup. That becomes especially relevant with planar magnetic headphones, where the more expensive models can deliver excellent detail and low-frequency control, although the price of entry is often considerably higher than conventional dynamic-driver alternatives.
Audeze has launched its 2026 Black Friday promotion, and the interesting part is that the company is concentrating on certified B-Stock inventory rather than discounting its entire range of new headphones. The sale includes Maxwell gaming headsets, professional studio headphones, and several of its expensive audiophile models, with prices starting at $199 for the original Maxwell and $249 for the newer Maxwell 2. The discounts extend into the thousands-of-dollars category, with the LCD-5 reduced from $4,500 to $3,499.
There is an important condition attached to these prices. Every B-Stock unit has been inspected and tested by Audeze’s California team to meet its original performance specifications, but some may have cosmetic imperfections. Inventory is limited, and certain models have already sold out.
For anyone who cares primarily about performance rather than a cosmetically perfect housing, this creates an opportunity to save a considerable amount of money, provided the warranty and return terms work for them.
Audeze Maxwell 2 Drops to $249, While the Original Maxwell Costs $199
The Maxwell 2 is one of the main attractions of the promotion. Normally priced at $329 for PlayStation and $349 for Xbox, the current-generation wireless gaming headset has been reduced to $249 in B-Stock condition, saving between $80 and $100 depending on the console version.
I’ve spent time with the Maxwell 2 for my Audeze Maxwell 2 review, and the sound quality is what makes these headphones particularly interesting. They use 90 mm planar magnetic drivers, support high-resolution audio through compatible connections, and provide over 80 hours of wireless battery life. There’s also AI-assisted microphone noise reduction, a low-latency wireless connection, and support for a substantial number of gaming and listening devices.
The newer model also has limitations worth understanding. It cannot play audio from its wireless dongle and Bluetooth connection simultaneously, which matters if you regularly combine game audio with a separate phone or communications source. Those limitations are explained in my full review and remain relevant regardless of the discount.
The original Audeze Maxwell is reduced to $199, compared with its previous $299 to $329 pricing. It uses the same general approach to planar magnetic gaming audio, with 90 mm drivers, wireless connectivity, a detachable microphone, and long battery life.
For someone whose priority is audio quality rather than owning the latest version, the original Maxwell is worth considering at this price. In my earlier Maxwell review, I examined its performance and how it compares with newer wireless gaming headsets.
One important availability detail: the official sale page currently lists the Maxwell 2 Xbox B-Stock edition as sold out, while the PlayStation model is still listed for purchase. Stock may change, so customers should check their required console version before ordering.
Studio Producers Can Get the Audeze MM-100 for $249
The deal I’d pay particular attention to from a music production perspective is the Audeze MM-100, reduced from $399 to $249. That’s a $150 reduction on headphones designed for recording, editing, mixing, and critical listening.
The MM-100 was developed in collaboration with mixing engineer Manny Marroquin, using planar magnetic drivers within a chassis constructed from aluminum, magnesium, and steel. It’s intended to offer a more accessible option within Audeze’s professional headphone range, without requiring producers to spend the amounts associated with the larger MM-series models.
Our hands-on MM-100 review examined the headphones in an actual production environment, including their tonal balance, comfort, construction, and monitoring performance. The reviewer found them especially appealing for working with vocals, instruments, and low-frequency detail, while noting that they still benefit from comparison with other monitoring systems.
For producers working in untreated rooms, quality headphones remain an important part of making reliable mixing decisions. They don’t eliminate the need to understand how music translates to speakers, but they provide a consistent listening reference that isn’t affected by the room’s acoustic response in the same way as loudspeakers.
That was also one of the considerations in our 2025 headphone roundup for music producers, which included the MM-100 among the models worth considering for studio work.
Audeze Also Discounts Its LCD-GX, LCD-5, and Other Premium Headphones
There are additional offers throughout Audeze’s professional and audiophile range, including some models where the savings are substantially larger in absolute dollars.
The LCD-GX is reduced from $899 to $599 and provides an alternative for listeners interested in Audeze’s open-back planar magnetic design with gaming communication capabilities. It occupies a different category from the wireless Maxwell models, with an emphasis on wired audio and an open-back listening experience.
Further up the range, the LCD-5 is discounted by $1,001, bringing its price to $3,499. That’s a substantial reduction, although we’re still talking about a headphone intended for buyers already considering premium audiophile equipment. A large discount doesn’t necessarily make an expensive product appropriate for somebody whose listening requirements can be satisfied by a less costly model.
The sale also includes the MM-500 at $1,199, the LCD-2 Classic at $399, and other selected LCD-series configurations. Some of these models are already listed as sold out, which reinforces why buyers should check the official store rather than assume every advertised deal remains available.
What to Know Before Buying Audeze B-Stock
The condition and warranty terms are especially important for this promotion. Audeze says its B-Stock headphones are individually inspected and tested to meet the same audio and performance specifications as new units. The principal difference is that the exterior may have minor cosmetic blemishes.
The warranty depends on the product. Maxwell, Maxwell 2, MM-100, LCD-S20, and FILTER units include a one-year warranty on all parts. Eligible professional and audiophile models receive three years of driver coverage, with one year on other components.
There is also a 10-day return window measured from delivery, which is considerably shorter than some conventional retail return periods. Since these headphones can differ substantially in weight, fit, and comfort, I would check that condition before purchasing.
The promotion is restricted to US customers, additional discounts cannot be combined with the sale prices, and quantities are limited. Audeze also warns that high demand may lead to slower shipping or customer support responses.
Browse the complete Audeze Black Friday 2026 sale for current prices and inventory.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
