[tkalee]

I found some FX500s on ebay for only $36 (1 cent + 35.99 int'l shipping):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=270701056938&si=De9WkbxIM7fXlOJ87%252BdrEia71Ro%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123#ht_500wt_954
 
And I'm wondering whether they're fake.  It just seems too good to be true.  After I won the bid, I emailed the guy with my concerns, citing this head-fi thread:
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/492189/fake-jvc-fx500-is-here-photos-inside
 
He said he'd checked the photos and they weren't fake.  And he has a high ebay rating, with positive feedback specifically on the FX500s.
 
But ... he's operating out of Israel through a dealer in China.  All just sounds too good to be true.
 
What do you think?

 

[Inks]

Sometimes (even in their ads) they say it's a genuine item when it reality it isn't so don't take his word for it. His ratings are positive though so if anything just get ready for a return/claim. 

 

[3rdear]

i'd be willing to wager that they are, indeed, fake.  it doesn't come w/the extra case.  the only way i could picture fx500s at that price and be authentic is if they were used.

 

[Inks]

Yes, was thinking the same here too. Usually fakes don't have the case and it's a sign to stay away but I'm still going by the benefit of the doubt. 

 

[3rdear]

i bought a fake pair months ago from someone in the states and didn't realize they were fake until i saw that post.  so now i'm like extra skeptical when i see earphones that are normally $150 or so, be that underpriced.  and the guy i bought it from had a pretty good rating, but it was too late to return it by then.  

 

[tkalee]

Sigh.  Yes, you've all confirmed what I was leaning towards.  Cautious is the best approach.  I don't want to pay $36 for these and then have to pay for the shipping back on a return.
 
From my searches on the forum, seyo-shop seems to be a trusted retailer, and they're selling it for just $152 (including shipping to NZ).  Anyone done business with them before?

 

[TheGame21x]

They seem fake but, you never know, they might actually be pretty decent for the price. I've heard numerous claims of cheap fakes that actually sound good.