Daddy, I'm interested if only because I'm more into simplicity over elaborate setups. I was always interested in the Sony headsets.
Shenay,I'm not talking about the use of headphones in general. I'm talking about the sudden surge of interest in headphones by casuals. Before Monster, before beats, headphones were just a device people used to listen to music. Now, it's become integrated with pop culture. It's become a 'Monster', literally. The funny thing though, even though it has become a lot more mainstream, it DOES grab a lot of individuals that didn't know about headphones and audiophilia in general. These people, then look into more serious, less well known offerings, and find their way here. that's where they learn of other types of headphones. I myself came here after only jumping into headphones with the mainstream Astro A40 gaming headset.
So no, before Monster and Beats... headphones were nowhere near the juggernaut business that they are today.
To be fair, this is true. I myself am one prime example of that. I got into headphones because I heard the Beats but wanted something better in the end... That's exactly how I got here and look at me now. I am a headphone guy xD
I am with Mshenay on this one too I passionately hate Apple and Monster for ridiculously pricing their products, charging way too much for design. IMO of course. But I too respect them for what they accomplished, though I'll try to stáy away from anything Apple from as long as possible, although it might be inevitable one day ;/ luckily there is Sony for now
As for Monster, it's great that they are finally making decent headphones after pricing their previous trashy cans in the 300-500$ range... I might give them a chance in a few years xP