Depending on what kind of tech company, it may or may not fall under a conflict of interests. I believe I remember you got the V-moda partner discount after getting the job, so your company must do resale of some kind. So if you're selling USB sound cards, that's normally viewed as fine. In most retail situations, many manufacturers will give you a discount on their products, sometimes even stuff for free, in order for you to familiarize yourself with it. The better you understand a product, the better and more likely you'll be to sell one. Now if your company makes a USB sound card and sells it, that could be viewed differently. If you made your own USB sound cards that you sold, it would definitely be a COI.
If you're worried, a quick question to a superior can clear that up easily. Back in 2006 Panasonic gave me a $2300 discount on a 50" plasma. Did I sell a bunch of them after that? You bet I did. Because my time with it I learned all the neat hidden features. Now at that point, the only plasma that was better on the market was the Pioneer Elite at more than double the price. I got free Monster products as well. I still use their power conditioner to this day. Perks for working for Magnolia Home Theater, and that's just how the business works. But again, when in doubt, ask.
