You might think the world of high-end earphones and headphones is only for audiophiles, but the smartphone boom has drastically expanded the market, if the turnout at the Portable Audio Festival in Tokyo was any indication.
Industry insiders say casual music lovers are spending more money on headgear in recent years because smartphones have made it easier to use music as a lifestyle or fashion statement.
"Because of the smartphones, more people bring music with them and want to listen to the music with better sound than the earphones that come with the handsets," said Koji Hata, a marketing manager for Pioneer Corp. said at the festival, held in Akihabara.
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