Denon introduces earbuds that users won't physically possess, yet guarantee their eternal relevance.
In a groundbreaking move, Denon has introduced Denon , a subscription-based rental and upgrade service for its wireless earbuds. This innovative offering provides access to the Denon PerL or PerL Pro earbuds for a monthly fee, starting at $9.99, with the option for annual upgrades to newer models and additional perks like exclusive music content and members-only offers[1].
The Denon+ service operates more like a rent-to-own plan, meaning cancellation doesn't necessarily leave you owning the earbuds outright without paying full price[1]. This model could potentially inspire other headphone manufacturers to follow a similar path, revolutionising the headphone industry[3].
While third-party retailers like Rent-A-Center offer rent-to-own plans for headphones and wireless earbuds from various top brands, Denon+ stands out as a manufacturer-operated subscription service[2].
The subscription service charges either $9.99 or $14.99 per month, depending on the model chosen. For the PerL earbuds, this equates to a yearly cost of $119, and for the PerL Pro, it's $179 over a year[1].
The subscription includes various goodies and benefits, such as members-only content, giveaways, and device refresh. If you choose to end your subscription and don't return the earbuds within 30 days, there's a fee for that too[1]. The service also provides accidental loss coverage, but it's a one-time deal and charges a replacement fee[1].
It's important to note that the subscription offer is currently only available to US customers[1]. It's unclear if the service will become available in other countries in the future.
The PerL Pro earbuds have received a full five-star review, making them an attractive option for those considering the Denon+ service[1].
In summary:
| Manufacturer | Service Name | Model Focus | Key Features | Notes | |--------------|--------------|-------------|--------------|-------| | Denon | Denon+ | PerL, PerL Pro earbuds | Monthly subscription (~$10/month), annual upgrades, exclusive content | Subscription with rental characteristics; upgrades may require fees | | Various (retail) | Rent-A-Center | Multiple brands | Rent-to-own headphones with no credit needed | Not manufacturer-operated |
[1] Denon. (2022). Denon+. Retrieved from https://www.denon.com/us/products/accessories/denon-plus
[2] Rent-A-Center. (2022). Wireless Earbuds. Retrieved from https://www.rentacenter.com/catalog/wireless-earbuds
[3] CNET. (2022). Denon's new subscription-based headphone service could be a game-changer. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/dens-new-subscription-based-headphone-service-could-be-a-game-changer/
The Denon+ subscription service opens avenues for users to access smartphones and various gadgets, as it's a rental-based plan that allows subscribers to upgrade their Denon wireless earbuds annually. This unique service, operating like a rent-to-own model, could motivate other tech companies to emulate a similar approach, revolutionizing the tech industry.