mxl 603 matched pair (marketing confusion)

[gypsyhick]

After reading all the info here, I have decided that a MXL 603 matched pair suits my needs. However, I need help determining what is actually a matched pair. The marketing on these mics is confusing. I have seached numerous stores and have found two distinct prices: $199 and $279. Both prices have products with a metal case, shockmounts, and 2 mics. The $199 claims to be selling a stereo pair whereas the $279 comes right out and says, "matched stereo pair." This leads to my confusion. Have I found a deal with a matched pair at $199 or are they just two random MXL 603s packed together?

Here are some links to use as examples.

MXL603 Stereo Pair

MXL 603 Matched Stereo Pair

Thanks for the help,

GH

 

[scrubs]

I bought mine from musician's advocate and they came with a certificate stating that they are in fact a matched stereo pair (matched by Marshall in California).

Some places just feel the need to charge more for the same item.

 

[darnold]

Yah i got my certified matched stereo pair with case, shockmount, and foam screen for $200.

Danny

 

[Minker]

There are TWO different sets of 603s

I'm afraid Scrubs and Darnold may have purchased their 603 sets back when a set of "matched" 603's cost $199. I've recently decided to go for a set of these, and wanted the true "matched" set (let me add now that I wouldn't know the difference between matched or unmatched --just that "piece of mind", and one less thing to blame a poor recording on!) I called Marshall electronics and there are TWO different packagings of the 603 pairs...
1. MXL603 SPR -- Manufacturers suggested price - $399 - average selling price of $279. These are the "matched pairs" we all talk about.
2.MXL603s Pair -- Manufacturers suggested price - $299 - average selling price of $199.
These are just two random 603s packed together. Both sets look the same, with the case and shock mounts etc.. The Marshall guy did not not know about the certificates of matching, but admitted the packaging is confusing. Some retailers, such as Full Compass, 8th Street Music and Humbucker carry BOTH kits (two different prices). You may have to call to hear about both kits. Full Compass further confuses the matter by stating that the cheaper $199 kit has the hand matched pairs --this statement belongs with the higher priced kit. 8th Steet lists the MXL603 SPR for $199. But when I called and asked specifically for the SPR the guy said that was a different item # and of course, a higher cost. They said it was a miss print and they may have fixed it by now. The last confusing issue is that the pricing on these sets has recently changed -- so that someone like Scrubs may have paid $199 for the true twins a while ago. Bottom line -- Beware -- there are TWO different sets of 603s now -- and only one kit has the true matched mics!!!!

 

[Bob Keelan]

So then the question I would be asking myself would be "are the SP C4s for $300 a 'matched' pair?"

 

[ausrock]

QUOTE........"So then the question I would be asking myself would be "are the SP C4s for $300 a 'matched' pair?"


No, you should be asking PMI, either by logging onto their BBS/message Board or by emailing them direct.

 

[Nakatira]

I just got a matched pair of mxl 603`s for the sum of 167.50$, I think the sellers got more left.

it got it on ebay, and it said that they were new.

 

[alanhyatt]

So then the question I would be asking myself would be "are the SP C4s for $300 a 'matched' pair?"

Yes, they are factory matched...Both sets of Omni and Cardioid capsules are matched to a spec set by us, then hand tested. Any issues or problems are backed by our warranty and service.

 

[turnitdown]

I just got a matched pair of mxl 603`s for the sum of 167.50$, I think the sellers got more left.

it got it on ebay, and it said that they were new.

That's a great price... I see the listing is still on eBay... Did it actually come w/ the certificate of "Matched Pair-ness" that mine did for $200 a year ago??? (Hope seo for you.... hope not for me.... )

 

[Nakatira]

sorry, I might have been a bit misleading.

I havent recived them yet, as i purchased them to day.
and they have to travl a long way as I live in Norway (europe).

but I`ll post when I get em telling you if I get the certificate.

eihter way its a good buy for me, as prices here were I live are horrific.

 

[ljmaxx]

The title of this auction reads Stereo Matched Pair but when you read the description below it reads stereo pair. The BIN is $167 but if you choose to buy them I'd email the seller and ask which description is correct. Here's the link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41466&item=7327363183&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

 

[turnitdown]

Regardless of matching, it's still a good deal.... you'll be happy w/ them....