expand the market and make the price increase acceptable

[Encentrik]

Cheap beats by dre left a free for all among the companies that fall into the category, many of which were based on celebrity endorsements or style, rather than focusing on the audio quality itself " said Ross Rubin, executive director of industry analysis for NPD.

"What he did Beats," Mr. Rubin added, "was greatly expand the market and make the price increase acceptable, as for the design and branding in terms of audio quality."

Even old-line beats by dre cheap manufacturers have benefited, although dismissing the rapper backed headphones and more on marketing than the quality of audio.