+1
I just listened to the complimentary earbuds for the first time. My ears couldn't handle more than 10 seconds. They are going into the trash. Don't help create a market for no-fi disposable garbage, Stereophile. Save your money and don't send these to anyone else.

Oh the irony...the magazine that extolls the virtues of untold amounts of unaffordable audio gear can't even source a decent set of earbuds to give as gifts. A ballpoint pen of questionable quality would have likely been a better gift. As the Brits say: "This is pure shite".

I got them too and there was a postage due of 1.69 i.e. I had to pay for it more than it is worth - just trash! Such a product is an embarrassment for an audiophile publication

Nothing is for free, but I have to agree with the other comments, I just renewed for 2 years, I really don't want the cheap earbuds, I was just happy to get a great deal, 2 years for $14, can't beat that. I would have rather received a sample of another magazine or the recommended products issue if that is a standalone publication. If you can get a word to the folks who do the fulfilling of orders to not send me the free gift and save some postage. Thanks for a great deal!