Yes, you can buy speakers for $300,000. If you’re curious about how any speakers could be that expensive, check out the video above.

There are two things I can’t stand (well, three if you count famine), and they are the overuse of the word “swag,” and products made by car companies that aren’t cars (cologne by Ferrari, for instance).

However, even though these two things are at the top of the old hate list, there are still exceptions. Particularly when the people over at Maserati take their skills at designing some of the best looking cars in the world, and apply it to crafting a pair of speakers that can only be described as swag.

Ok, so technically these speakers are manufactured by the fine folks at Bowers and Wilkins but, even though they are known for some impressive designs themselves, there is no mistaking those beautiful curves, that wood grain finish, or that general feeling that you can never, ever afford this as being the product of anyone else but Maserati.

True to the ideas of both companies though, these speakers aren’t just lookers, but top of the line in performance as well, as they are built around one of Bowers and Wilkins best models that may be manufactured with studio performance in mind, but could rock the foundations of any home as well.

Of course there is no price for these items available yet, and will probably require a “price upon request” approach to determine when they hit the market later this year. Until then (and for many likely long, long after) all we can do is admire the sleekest pair of speakers you’re likely to lay eyes over ears on, and maybe try to find another word besides swag to describe their superfluous levels of luxury.

Not many of us have a couple thousand dollars to throw down on a new audio rig, so building our dream speaker systems means piecing it together over some time, often buying low to mid quality substitutes for certain components. There are a few modular systems out there, but most of them require that you sacrifice sound quality for expandability. Orb Audio aims to change that, offering a modular system that looks good and by nearly every account sounds great, all at an affordable price.

Now I’ve not yet had a chance to hear an Orb system, but the reviews I’ve seen have been good and the installed locations are pretty impressive. Orb Audio systems are featured in a couple Wired stores in New York, were chosen for the Guitar Center Artist’s Lounge, and have picked up a couple CES awards along the way.

You can pick up a basic Orb system from the company website – the only place you can purchase – for $549. A typical theater system will run $800-$1300 while premium system will push toward a few grand. That’s a good bit cheaper than many systems, especially considering the reviews that put the system in the company of B&W.

If there’s one thing that might scare potential Orb customers off it’s the unique design. Though the speakers are available in a wide variety of finishes, the shape is very modern and might scare off a few significant others. There’s also the fact that you can’t go just anywhere and listen to these things. The company has a 30-day trial, but you’ll need enough faith in reviews to get involved in it. I’m hoping my schedule slows down enough in the next couple weeks that I can review a loaner set for you guys. Until then, think about giving Orb a shot if you’re in the market for a modular system.