There are middle-grounds between folks happy with dollar store earbuds and those spending $30k on a stereo system. Many in that middle care about sound quality

There are middle-grounds between folks happy with dollar store earbuds and those spending $30k on a stereo system. Many in that middle care about sound quality PLUS design. This is why Bang and Olufsen still exists, and I admit I'm a sucker for good design too, I own awesome 1980s Magnepan speakers that look even cooler than they sound. People spend $200 or $300 on Beats headphones, and are happy to overlook the inferior quality to get a hot name brand. I have two wishes: (1) that companies with very strong brands actually cared and invested in quality and R&D (ahem, beats); (2) that companies that actually do have the quality and attention to detail in their product, find a way to use modern media effectively, and not just drive potential customers to their particular products, but encourage folks with a passion for pure beautiful sound that their aim is worthy.