5 Companies Apple Could Buy Instead Of Beats

Apple AAPL is rumored to be on the verge of its biggest acquisition yet, but is it the right move?

Tech pundits, analysts and numerous others have been quick to share their opinions. And while rap mogul Dr. Dre seemed to confirm Apple's interest in Beats Electronics, the deal is still just a rumor.

Beats is not the only company Apple could acquire to bolster its image, however -- nor is it the only entity that could improve the iPhone's audio quality. There are other (potentially more appropriate) corporations that could provide Apple with greater opportunities.

Disclosure: At the time of this writing, Louis Bedigian had no position in the equities mentioned in this slideshow.