Japanese high-end audio manufacturer has managed to one-up even themselves with the release of their $168,000 speaker set. It’s a good thing too. This is just what we need with the recession and all. I kid.

Anyway, the system boasts a sub woofer, two mid-range drivers and a pair of acrylic tweeters. The whole thing comes encased in heat-resistant glass, you know just in case the song rocks too hard. The package will run consumers 16 million yen, which amounts to about $168,000 in American coin. The company says, seriously, that if you buy ten or more of the systems then the price will be reduced to a paltry $105,030. Sort of like a Subway Club Card! Where’s Jared when you need him?

In leu of the struggling economy, retail stores have decided that incorporating junk electronics that have no practical use into gift cards. Best Buy is the latest to join in the ridiculous movement by incorporating an cheap audio speaker into the gift card. Maybe it’s me, but I don’t see the sense in wasting money to create something that will neither sway customers or be useful to anyone.

Target is another major retailer who at least is incorporating a 1.2 megapixel camera with their gift cards this holiday season. That’s not even mentioning the voucher for 40 free digital prints.

I guess, said retailers are trying to figure out what to do with the $43 million dollars of unused revenue that these companies make from gift cards.