How much are beats headphones and the sound?

Coincidentally, I just came from getting some work done to my car. While I was waiting I read the 'Music' issue of ESPN sports magazine that had an article about Lebron James, Dr. Dre, and the Beats headphones. I didn't know James is a investor/partner. The article made a good point how these things are comparable to Jordan sneakers as far as being the 'fad' of our time! These things sold like 50k units the 1st year and 500k the next! A quote from the article from Dre: "F**k sneakers, let's make headphones!" As previous posters have said, the sound quality sux for the money. Plus counterfeits are everywhere. These are phones for people that don't know any better!

They we as expensive as Bose QC-15 and not as good.

they're made by monster.

JVC ha rx 900 really wipe the floor with beats for about 1/4 of the price.....

I think they are brilliantly designed to fit right for its target market..

Ie. The iPod gen.. Music these younger generations listen too mostly suit and benefit with the little excitement that Beats bring forth. Especially when plugged direct to iPods, iPhones, iWhatever--playing out some Pop, Techno, Dub-step, Rap, Rock, Lounge, even some contemporary Jazz.. the bass boost, slightly receding mids, whilst adding some sizzle to the highs sure are welcomed alterations.

Used as above, I've tried my Stax, and some of the better more accurate HPs, could sound a tad anemic, lacking the punch and excitement for most of the time.

To them, through Beats ~ music seem energized. To me ~ sounded like its purposely tuned to mimic the favorite classic sloping "V" on a parametric EQ which most of us probably used to love in our teen years.

Perhaps ultimately not for me now, but my children aged 12, 17 & 20yrs absolutely adore them, so there's definitely that market for them out there.
*Surprisingly, when playing their kind of music, I actually do find them quite enjoyable too. ;p