[god-bluff]

in answer to your fine set of questions; my opinions, for what they're worth. Can probably be picked apart from someone with more knowledge, insight and intelligence than I possess, but its a start!
 
Quote:

   
What I think would make for a fascinating topic, and we've glanced it here, but the following questions I'd be excited to discuss:
 
A) what impact has Beats had on the personal hi-fi market?
I don't think they have had that much impact on the way we listen to music After the Sony Walkman had introduced people to the idea, the iPod and later on the smartphone has had the biggest impact on the huge growth of the personal  audio market along  iTunes and the mp3 ? The Apple earphone probably did more for headphone popularity firstly due to its ubiquity and also instilling a need in the listener to hear something better.
B) Positive or negative impact?
Beats have made it acceptable and common place to spend a lot of money on headphones. This has had some benefit with the growth of the market and so many new models but it has also allowed a lot of companies to charge what they want for their headphones many of which are now overpriced
C) Are there any threats from Beats posed to other manufacturers
Yes no one else can really compete in terms of sales despite the fact that most produce better products
D) Are other manufacturers jealous of Beats or are they content to do their own thing? Are they kicking themselves for not seeing the market [pre-Beats] that Beats has cornered in the way they did it, or not?
Nearly all are jealous of beats or at least have tried to emulate them. No ones more guilty than Sennheiser with their (imo) awful Urbanite and other things unworthy of the name.. Beyerdynamic is one of the few who hasn't taken the bait and does its own thing (EDIT and Grado; bless 'em). One reason I like them my; overall favourite headphone company..
There was a video floating around a year or two back where a bunch of home audio hi-fi retailers got into a room and started discussing the shrinking home audio market. (I wish I could find it) They were panicking because the younger generations are not buying home audio gear anymore. Instead of tackling the issue of "the market is headed towards portable gear" they continued to discuss ways to get people into home audio (setting up listening rooms on college campuses, etc.). It was a fascinating insight of how clueless a lot of the people in the industry are towards the headphone/portable/future markets.
 
Will the audio showrooms of the future be dedicated to headphones and portable/desktop gear?

 

[god-bluff]

  Well Beyerdynamic headphones are notirously tough as well, 
 
still, my point is that Beats is sonically stepping forward as a company, an I still stand by recommending it for any one looking to take a first step into hi quality sound
 
They don't deserve the hate from the performance of a previous generation, still though build quality should be much improved given the profitability 

Before the HD25 my previous headphone, my only one at the tiem  and my first Beyer, was the DT231 which was in a similarly good condition after 14 years. Old Skool German still rules in the world of serious headphones (well, along with a company from Brooklyn NY) !
 
No other headphone has quite the same modular construction of HD25 though, 
DT100/ 150 come close  
As far as 'stepping forward' is concerned Beats didn't have far to come from and will need to do a lot more in to make up for their past horrors. There are a lot of good headphones out there and they are at best only average (ie a huge improvement) compared to most headphones discussed on this site. No need to get too enthusiastic just yet. Bringing out something decent isn't worthy of too many accolades .

 

 

[vantt1]

 

What did you do with your urBeats?

What do you mean? If you're asking if we still carry them, we do, at least for the stores in our Dallas area. 

Didn't Apple gift every retail employee with a "Thank you 2015" branded set of urBeats this year? Did you miss out?
 

 
 

  In terms of appearance, I would honestly argue that the Beats are not as good looking as certain other headphones, and certainly don't feel like a premium product in the hand either (plastic ... ewww)
 
Let's look at some pics (headphone porn if you will):
 

You do realize the Pro/Detox are one of the couple models that have an all-metal construction? If you've ever held one before, your hands will instantly be met with a cold and heavy headphone, because besides the cushions and jacks, there's no plastic to be found externally.

 

[Makiah S]

  Before the HD25 my previous headphone, my only one at the tiem  and my first Beyer, was the DT231 which was in a similarly good condition after 14 years. Old Skool German still rules in the world of serious headphones (well, along with a company from Brooklyn NY) !
 
No other headphone has quite the same modular construction of HD25 though, 
DT100/ 150 come close  
As far as 'stepping forward' is concerned Beats didn't have far to come from and will need to do a lot more in to make up for their past horrors. There are a lot of good headphones out there and they are at best only average (ie a huge improvement) compared to most headphones discussed on this site. No need to get too enthusiastic just yet. Bringing out something decent isn't worthy of too many accolades .

 

I'll agree on that, Old School German is pretty tough! Hence is why I got the HD 25 for the gym! I wouldn't DARE take my beats into a gym xD I'd ruin em in like an hour 
 
An that's a good point, I still like how... easy the Solo 2 is to Pair, literally it sounds about the same regardless of your source! Which is imo a feat! Still though for any one willing to do some diggin an go with something... even like a Rock Boxed Clip Zip [I'll seriously have to try one of those this month...] I think something like the HD 25 or other entry level cans, like the Koss DJ Pro 200s even could surpass beats 
 

 
You do realize the Pro/Detox are one of the couple models that have an all-metal construction? If you've ever held one before, your hands will instantly be met with a cold and heavy headphone, because besides the cushions and jacks, there's no plastic to be found externally.

Oh, I wonder how they sound

 

[god-bluff]

This needs to keep going. COME ON PEOPLE!!!!!!

 
Those innovative boffins at Beats HQ have come up with a radical new idea; the cordless earphone without any cords at all ! The world first truly wireless earphone !!!!!! 
 
http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/apple-plotting-truly-wireless-beats-earphones-for-iphone-7-launch
 
Shame its already been done by others inc Onkyo with W800BT but that wont stop the faithful going for them. Big time; especially as there won't be that dated headphone socket thingy in the future.

 

[Evoked Response]

 

This needs to keep going. COME ON PEOPLE!!!!!!

 
Those innovative boffins at Beats HQ have come up with a radical new idea; the cordless earphone without any cords at all ! The world first truly wireless earphone !!!!!! 
 
http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/apple-plotting-truly-wireless-beats-earphones-for-iphone-7-launch
 
Shame its already been done by others inc Onkyo with W800BT but that wont stop the faithful going for them. Big time; especially as there won't be that dated headphone socket thingy in the future.

At least three other manufacturers demoing wireless earbuds at CES, so they had better hurry up. Beats, like parent company Apple, have always been better at marketing than innovating.

 

[god-bluff]

  At least three other manufacturers demoing wireless earbuds at CES, so they had better hurry up. Beats, like parent company Apple, have always been better at marketing than innovating.

Some or all those have a connecting cables unlike the Onkyo W800BTs which are totally wireless.

 

[god-bluff]

Now that Monster (the company that brought Beats to the world) have released their limited edition Bentley Continental (with matching headphones) isn't it time Beats collaborated with a prestigous car maker ?Two classy companies bringing a product together that would fill every Premier League car park in the land (UK)
 

 
I was thinking Maserati. The Beats GranTurismo.
 
The V8 twin turbo engine could give way to a 900cc Fiat TwinAir 2cyl engine driving the front wheels. Greener credentials and performance more in keeping with the Beats brand. The space saved under the bonnet could be used for amplification for the massive sub woofer that replaces the rear seats. Lightning connected DAC amp built in to dashboard so Beats can be worn driving.
 
The seats themselves would be two tone red and white faux leather complementing the solid gold interior trim. Full mirrored roof lining to admire one's self in.
 
Exterior paintjob to match the football team of choice (matt paint obviously) 
 
23" wheels with gold  trims and  very large 'b' in the centre. The iconic Beats symbol also replacing the Maserati trident on the gold front grille.
 
Beatsissimo !
 
I hope the two manufactures take my proposals seriously but I'm afraid all this may clash with Apple's future plans for entering the car market

 

[Evoked Response]

Nah, I would never associate Beats with real quality.
 
More like a Beats Chrysler 300, but they would charge $250,000 dollars for it. 

 

[god-bluff]

  Nah, I would never associate Beats with real quality.
 
More like a Beats Chrysler 300, but they would charge $250,000 dollars for it. 

Oh I agree .There was a bit of tongue in cheek sarcasm in my post (like most of my posts on this thread !). I would associate Beats quality with something like a three wheeled Reliant or an East German Trabant. You may be lucky enough not to be familiar with those gems ! 
 
I actually thought the Monster Edition Bentley was an early April Fools joke but unfortunately it's legit 

 

 

[Evoked Response]

U2 Oh I agree .There was a bit of tongue in cheek sarcasm in my post (like most of my posts on this thread !). I would associate Beats quality with something like a three wheeled Reliant or an East German Trabant. You may be lucky enough not to be familiar with those gems !

I am only familiar with the Trabant through U2's marketing for Achtung Baby and the accompanying tour, but point taken. 

 

[TRose]

I own Beats Mixrs they are good at bass. A bit too heavy though. And even on none bass songs they have bass which makes the song bad. I recommend AudioTechnica ATH M50s over Beats any dau

 

[gerelmx1986]

I own Beats Mixrs they are good at bass. A bit too heavy though. And even on none bass songs they have bass which makes the song bad. I recommend AudioTechnica ATH M50s over Beats any dau

I have a apir of MDR-1R and I CRAVE FOR GOOD TETURED BASS   the worst $350 USD headphones i've bought....
 
I got  pair of MDR-Z7's..... This would be my first flagship prduct ever

 

[god-bluff]

I have a apir of MDR-1R and I CRAVE FOR GOOD TETURED BASS   the worst $350 USD headphones i've bought....

I got  pair of MDR-Z7's..... This would be my first flagship prduct ever

Enjoy your phones. If only I could afford a pair of those. They are KWALITY Maybe in a year or two. Sony replace their phones so regularly that bargains can be had.

I got a pair of another flagship the very different PFR V1s a few years ago for less than £100. A pair of Z7s would be nice at that price! I can dream on anyway! My Focal Spirit Classics are maybe not so far off anyway.

PS thanks for keeping this wonderfully insightful thread alive. I have always enjoyed taking the mickey out of this truly sh"te (Beats) brand. An utter insult to the world of headphones and the pursuit musical enjoyment in general.

At least there are people left like you and maybe me who have a little taste and class.

Any Beatsy Boys (heaven alone knows why you lurk on this site) who fancy having a go and think they're 'ard enough;

I WAITING!

 

[god-bluff]

Ps again and another shameless bump for this, probably the best thread on Headfi.

Whappens (edit. sorry I'm drunk)in a couple of years when Sony bring out the Z7 phone? It will be all a bit confusing with the Z7 phones?!? What is it with Sony and all these constant updates and letters and numbers?

Still happy with my Z3 (compact) myself but wouldn't mind another A15,