Is this a new trend?

viridian has it.  
Besides, how many ONLY listen through their phone with earbuds and call it really awesome!  EVERYTHING, and I do mean EVERYTHING is now a passive activity. If you are eating, watching sports on mute whilst streaming music in the background while you surf the web, which of these activities need be of great quality?  Judges?  None.  And we wonder why half of the public is ADHD?

Think this to be the genesis of a legitimate sub/sat sound system.  https://www.kreiselsound.com/_images/timeline_files/DavidGoliath1359x900.jpg
First heard at Broadway Music in SLC 1978, not believing how good for something that literally fit in a large carry bag.  For awhile, a custom built carry bag was available.  Started a revolution.