California Headphone Co.

Laredo headphone by California Headphone Co.

The missing link between those cheaper buds you've been wearing and that other "Dr." endorsed headphone brand might be California Headphone Company.

The young Danville, Ca. based brand founded by accessories vet, Tim Hickman (Speck, Hard Candy), is providing audiophiles a retro-inspired headphone option reminiscent of those big studio versions from the 60s and 70s. Highlights include premium leather and metal materials, modern design aesthetics, and dynamic audio technology geared more toward the alt-rock and country crowd than the head nodder set.

They are also giving their target consumers an opportunity to be brand builders by offering pledge packages via project funding site Kickstarter in preparation of their August 2012 launch.