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Ha ha, so we should be grateful for those flimsy things that look like they emerged from a Toys"R"Us?
No, but the affect they've had on the headphone landscape is undeniable. (as much as it pains me to give credit where it's due in this case)
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I really disagree with this. I've only seen it lead to manufacturers spending more on marketing and increasing prices, especially on their fashion-oriented designs which attract a stonking great markup.
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I loathe every full-size model (I haven't tried their in-ears) of Beats, but I'm personally happy that they came to market. Don't get me wrong, Iovine is a scoundrel and I despise the fact that he's made a(nother) boatload of cash off of the brand, but it really did show the profit potential of premium headphones. Every audio component manufacturer wants a piece of that pie now whether they've produced headphones in the past or not and competition is only good for an educated end user. Beats kicked open the door for a lot of fashion-first crap to be certain, but they've also (re-)invigorated manufacturers to put forth their best effort to capture a share of a market that's much broader than it was less than five years ago. Pricing for "flagship" cans has become ludicrous, but there are so many options in the $200-$400 range that there's literally something for everyone (I mean, this thread exists!) and we're finally, FINALLY receiving a decent selection of quality closed-back offerings within that price bracket.
Heh... it seems that you actually somewhat agree.
I'm not one to shy away from the unpopular opinion. I'm fully aware of Beats' reputation on Head-Fi and other enthusiast forum, and I agree with consensus -- they're overpriced, mediocre-at-best bric-a-brac. However, it's difficult to deny the positives that have come in the wake of their success. Quality full-sized, sealed headphones used to be in short supply. They still are compared to the options available with open backs, but at least there's been SOME traction. (whether they look nice or not is irrelevant) In addition, think of the longstanding popular recommendations for full-sized closed headphones within the cited price bracket
before the Beats made bank. Shure SRH840: MSRP $249. Beyerdynamic DT770: MSRP $289. AKG K271: MSRP $299. Denon AH-D2000: MSRP $399. I can only speak for myself, but I don't consider
any of those headphones to be worth their MSRP. (three out of the four around half, in fact) The PSB M4U 1, however, I feel is worth the $300 investment. The M-100? Worth the $310 investment. (despite their signature not fitting my needs) The AKG K550 for $300? Not quite, but I'd be comfortable putting it in the $199-$249 range. Others from "the old guard" also feel that the Sennheiser Momentums and Sony MDR-1R are worth their asking prices, but I haven't heard them and therefore have no comment. Point being, I don't feel that manufacturers have increased prices on the whole while letting quality go by the wayside. (there are obvious exceptions like the Amperior, however) In fact, with some lauded newcomers like the UE6000 for MSRP $199 and the KRK KNS 8400 for MSRP $149 subjectively being considered upgrades to the longstanding ATH-M50 value can du jour, I feel that the "sweet spot" price for closed cans may actually be
decreasing. (a competitive market at work) I would be in agreement, however, that marketing noise and frenzied consumerism has been amplified because of the Beats' introduction.
Seriously though, your review makes me curious to try out the M-100. If only it were widely available.
