A new pair of 3D-printed speakers for the HTC One gives the phone an old-school vibe: no power or cords needed.
The Gramohorn II holds the smartphone in the middle of two horns which increase the volume of the phone's speakers by 50% just through acoustics.
See also: Bang & Olufsen's First Wireless Speakers Are Stunning
As the official websites states, the phone's design "aims to function as a commercial product as well as contemporary art." That might explain two curious factors: the limited quantity of the speakers and their high price. After a certain number of speakers get produced, the original 3D model files will be deleted.
Including shipping, the plaster-based model costs £1,079.00, or approximately $1,726. The metal-based product clocks in at £5,079.00 or approximately $8,126. The metal-based speakers come in three finishes — including a particularly shiny gold finish — and the plaster-based ones come in 27 different finishes. The folks at HTC commissioned the Gramohorn II as part of the "Here's to Creativity" project which will collaborate give other "changemakers" the chance to create new smartphone products.

Mashable corresponded with designer Justin Wolter via email to learn more about the design and purpose of the expensive phone speakers.
Wolter explains that HTC reached out to him after seeing early protypes that he created using 3D printing.
"I started the Gramohorn project as a response to the recent take off in 3D printing and wanting to create something that challenged the technology in a more substantial and interesting way," wrote Wolter.
The designer wanted to create something different from other "crude, clumsy and confused" accessories for mobile phones. He regards the Gramohorn II as capable of being not just a mobile accessory but an artwork. That might explain the high price tag.

"As such, the Gramohorn II embodies qualities that attempt to bridge art, hoping to prompt discussion around contemporary issues within current society," wrote Wolter, in regards to the limited quantity and hand-finished quality of the accessory. "While the Gramohorn II aims to appeal to tech-savvy audiophiles who own an HTC One, it is also hoped that the additional layers of context will expand its perception towards being viewed as a form of social commentary and even sculptural art."
The speaker acts as a "resonance chamber" which lets sound "bounce around inside and resonate." Wolter based the object on brass instruments and explains that the metal-based version amplifies the sound more successfully than the plaster-based option.
Time will tell if shoppers find this phone speaker/sculptural object a sound investment. In the meantime, it's another good example of functionality and design coexisting in the growing world of 3D printed objects.
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Images: Justin Wolter