Beats probably are the audio product of 2009-2010. High end headphone sales have increased probably just because of them. And most of those spending it, are likely influenced greatly by celebrities who endorse products, which is pitiful, pathetic and sad IMO. But that's the way they make their consumer decisions and Monster, Apple, and Skullcandy etc know that. Why else would Apple choose a known celebrity to praise Apple and then choose some no-name, obscure actor to represent a PC?
Personally I think having them spend $300 listening to Beats if they listen at healthy volume is better than having them play music at permanent hearing damaging levels with their iBuds from the iPod. So in that respect the Beats have had some positive impact. Hearing loss among young people has skyrocketed due to kids blasting their ears with iBuds in the last 10 years. Wouldn't surprise me if the current generation of kids will be needing hearing aids by the time they are 40.
interesting analysis.
