# Hyper-Opulent Earbuds A Luxury in its Own That Comes With a Hefty Price Tag By Stephanie Ing | Published 2011-04-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metallic-earbuds References: [crunchgear](http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/04/14/piano-forte-final-audio-designs-very-very-expensive-earphones/) & [final-audio-design-e](http://www.final-audio-design-e.com/products/piano-forte-x-viii-series-earphones/) Even the most extravagant of earphones can be considered extremely cheap compared to Final Audio Designs’ new Piano Forte X-VIII Series ear buds. The company claims the sound from these ear buds are like none other you may have experienced, with a concert hall as an allegedly appropriate comparison. The Piano Forte X-VIII Series ear bud is encased in metal, which can block unwanted vibrations that distort sound--something that [silicon-made ear buds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/final-audio-ze3000-sv) aren’t capable of doing. The cheapest model fetches for $940, which features [brass housing and gold plating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loewe-and-jacob-co). The next price up is $1,180 with stainless steel, and their chrome copper housing with ion or gold plating piece prices in at over 2.5 k. These Piano Forte X-VIII Series ear buds look like they would fit seamlessly into one’s ear and deliver top notch sound as promised. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Luxury Earbuds:** There is a growing trend in the market for high-end, opulent earbuds that offer superior sound quality and luxurious design. - **Metal Encased Earphones:** The use of metal encased earphones is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the audio industry, as it can block unwanted vibrations and improve sound quality. - **Concert Hall Sound Experience:** Consumers are increasingly seeking earbuds that can provide a concert hall-like sound experience, creating a demand for innovative audio technologies. ### Who This Affects Most - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can capitalize on the trend of luxury earbuds by developing high-end, premium audio products. - **Audio Equipment:** The audio equipment industry has an opportunity to explore the use of metal encased earphones as a disruptive innovation that enhances sound quality. - **Luxury Goods:** Luxury goods industry can tap into the demand for opulent earbuds by offering exclusive, high-priced audio accessories with premium materials and design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bespoke Wireless Headphone Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/klipsch-t10.md) - [Luxury Flower-Designed Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Horizon-Earbuds.md) - [Haute Fashion House Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/herms-ateliers-horizons.md) - [High Fidelity Earphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luna-inear.md) - [Sporty Gem-Encrusted Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solomon-x-bose-ultra-open-earbuds.md) - [Racing-Honoring Audiophile Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pi8-mclaren-edition-earbuds.md) - [3D-Prinited Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/campfire-audio.md) - [Ultra Luxury Joint Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeweled-design.md) - [Luxury Open-Concept Earphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yamaha-yh5000-headphones.md)