HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap: Reviews and Where to Buy, Restock Updates

Where to buy the vive deluxe audio strap and reviews

The HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap (DAS) has finally been released, however its super hard to find, out of stock, and a lot of people are wondering if it’s really worth the $100 price tag. The Vive is already the most expensive VR headset available and this brings it even closer to $1000!

Update: Now back in stock at some retailers!

Availability and Stock of the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap

Update: The HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap is now coming back into stock in some stores. Currently the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap is out of stock almost everywhere.

Where to Buy the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap DAS:

Updated – Now Back in Stock at Some Locations! There are a few major retailers that are stocking it that you should keep an eye on:

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At the moment the best deal appears to be from Microsoft or Amazon. Vive’s official store charges a large $18 shipping fee.

At Amazon and HTC Vive’s website you can sign up to be notified when they are back in stock, however I can assure you that this is not the most reliable method.The notification email will most definitely be delayed and may not be sent out until hours or days after the Deluxe Audio Strap was back in stock. By the time you get the notification it very well may be sold out again. I’ve seen this happen personally on other items in the past.

Amazon Vive Deluxe Audio Strap – Availability at Amazon.com

Amazon itself was stocking the Deluxe Audio Strap, but sold out immediately. Currently there are some 3rd party sellers that are selling (re-selling) it at about twice the price. If you’re really desperate to get one as soon as possible, that could be an option.

Below is the always up to date in stock availability and price of the HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap at Amazon.

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HTC Vive / Vive Store: Deluxe Audio Strap

Status: In Stock! $99.99 + $18 shipping to the US
However there is an $18 shipping fee, which is much more expensive than other retailers.

The official HTC Vive site also has a store that carries the Vive and the Deluxe Audio Strap. This too is currently sold out. It does have an option to sign up to be notified when it is back in stock so be sure to sign up for that at the below link.

Here it is at the HTC Vive Store: Deluxe Audio Strap Product Page (out of stock)

Vive Deluxe Audio Strap

Out of Stock Page at the HTC Vive Store

Microsoft Store: HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap

Status: in Stock! $105.99 after free shipping & tax

Yes for some reason the Microsoft Store is stocking the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap, but it sold out just as quickly as every other source (probably faster assuming they had less stock than Amazon and HTC.)

I’m not sure why Microsoft’s store was one of the few sources to receive stock of the HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap. They do carry the Vive itself, as well as the Oculus Rift, and many other non-Microsoft products, but I think I can speak for most consumers when I say that most people would not look to a Microsoft Store to buy Virtual Reality products. Honestly I wasn’t really even aware the there was a Microsoft Store beyond the XBox marketplace / store.

Here it is at the Microsoft Store: HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap Product Page (out of stock)

HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap at the Microsoft Store

This is the out of stock screen currently shown at Microsoft’s website.

B&H Photo and Video Deluxe Audio Strap In-Stock Status

Status: In Stock Soon

Currently out of stock at B&H, a large and well known photography and electronics retailer. You can sign up on their website to be notified when it is back in stock here as well.

B&H Photo Vive Deluxe Audio Strap

Out of stock, but you can sign up for notifications.

 

When will the HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap Be Back in Stock?

I contacted HTC / Vive’s customer support for information, but they did not have any information to share. At the present time unfortunately there is no news on when there will be more back in stock.

Some people have reported that HTC claims that more stock is coming in weekly. I’ve been monitoring the three major websites every day since release and have not seen any of them restock.

While this is just a guess, most likely it will be a month or two (mid or late summer) before a new major manufacturing run can be arranged and completed, then shipped to distributors. It seems HTC has underestimated the demand for the Deluxe Audio Strap, or perhaps they just were not able to arrange a large enough manufacturing run for the first set. Another possibility is that they kept the first manufacturing run small in case of a defect.

Note: Updates on stock are at the bottom of the article, shortcut here.

Defects with the Foam Padding / Lining of the HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap?

There have been pretty widespread reports that there is an issue with the foam padding on the first run of the Deluxe Audio Strap (DAS). Many customers who were lucky enough to pre-order or get an early order in have reported that the padding / foam will deteriorate when it gets wet. This is something that is actually likely to happen due to sweat if you are in a warm room or are playing an active game. Users have reported that the foam padding will start flaking and rubbing off. Some other users tested this further and intentionally rubbed the lining, then reported that it is just a superficial / cosmetic issue and is not a big deal.

At the very least you can expect to get some black flaking from the foam padding after use, though it may not affect functionality. Something to keep in mind however.

Get Updates on In Stock Availability Here

This article will be updated when the Deluxe Audio Strap comes back in stock. If you’re waiting to buy one, bookmark this page and check back in the future!

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Update June 28: users on reddit have shared photos and details that HTC / Vive has been working on the foam padding issue. It appears they are now offering a new type of foam as a replacement to current owners. You can contact customer support on the HTC website for a free replacement.

While this is currently unconfirmed, it seems very likely that the Vive Deluxe Audio straps are having the new foam installed before shipping out, and that would explain the lack of stock. It appears no new stock has gone out since the initial preorder shipments. Some preorders from about 6 weeks ago still have not been delivered.

Here is the reddit thread and below is an imgur gallery about the changes to the DAS foam padding. One user mentioned that the new foam is a bit more grippy and may not feel as nice as the old foam did at first. For example, it seems it will catch on hair more. However it seems the flaking issue is gone with the new foam.

 

Vive Deluxe Audio Strap Foam

Photos credit: reddit user u/Tony1697

More to come, it seems like some progress is being made as HTC already has replacement foam available. I would expect to see stock start trickling in within the next couple of weeks, though this is just a guess at this point.

Final Update: Deluxe Audio Strap Now In Stock at These Locations:

Updated – Now Back in Stock at Some Locations! There are a few major retailers that are stocking it that you should consider buying from:

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8 Responses

  1. stewart says:

    what a rip off $100 and it fulls apart what a joke

  2. SandmaN says:

    Hopefully they have the foam padding issue resolved for their future runs. I did find out that VR Cover is going to have a replacement solution for it as well – most likely something that will be easy to wipe off and keep clean like this:

    Keep us posted if you see them back in stock anywhere, need this for my Vive ASAP! :-D

  3. daydull says:

    Are you referring to the foam padding issue or some other problem? If you have personal experience, could you share what happened specifically? Thanks! :)

  4. SandmaN says:

    Yes, the foam padding flaking/peeling issue. No personal experience unfortunately, but from all of the articles I’ve read and videos I’ve seen it appears to only affect roughly 25-30% of users.

  5. SandmaN says:

    No new updates? Wonder what the hold up is all about?

  6. daydull says:

    It appears they are reworking the padding. Reddit users are reporting different looking foam, and apparently you can request replacement foam from HTC if you already have received the deluxe audio strap. I’m updating the article now.

  7. SandmaN says:

    Looks like both of my previous posts need to be approved as they have a website link., so without further ado…

    The Deluxe Audio Strap is going to be back in stock today, Monday July 10th at 10am PST. Doesn’t say which sites so I’m assuming all sites, if not then at the very least will be available on the Vive.com store page. Check out the RoadtoVR website for more info.

  8. daydull says:

    Thanks! Yes the DAS is now in stock at Vive and Microsoft. Amazon also has it sometimes. B&H Photo looks like they will have it soon. Updated links to the stores are in the article above. Thanks for the updates sandman! I just ordered one myself.

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