Sound Investment

Dr. Dre, we’ve heard it argued, should be sued for malpractice.

His headphones — crispy and ubiquitous as they may be — can cost more than bypass surgery.

Bringing back premium audio sans high-cost branding: Status Audio, an NYC “anti-branding headphone” concern churning out top-notch ear cans for a fraction of what you’d pay for the big boys. And you can pre-order them now.

Status HD ONE headphones feature:

• 40 mm titanium speaker drivers. Translation: big, crisp sound with resonant bass, silky mids and 1980s-Axl-Rose-worthy highs.

• Compact folding design tested for maximum durability — just flip ‘em shut and throw ’em in your bag.

• A tangle-free detachable flat cable featuring in-line mic for calls and three-button control for on-the-go toggling.

They do not feature:

• Celeb hucksters or massive marketing campaigns, which Status’s founders hold are the reasons for sticker-shock-inducing price.

And selling their clean, unbranded flagship for just $40 a set, it would appear they’re onto something.

While Status headphones are typically only available for pre-order via invitation, they’ve graciously opened up the bidding for InsideHook readers. No codes necessary; just click here.

Something we can certainly endorse.