That principle would become even more evident elsewhere on the show floor, where two of the industry's most recognisable loudspeaker manufacturers unveiled significant new flagship ranges aimed at very different audiences…

Read part three of our High End Vienna show report here

Read part two of our High End Vienna show report here

Reinforcing Samsung’s focus on premium viewing comfort, the R95H has also received both the Safety for Eyes and Circadian Rhythm Display (CRD) certifications from Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE), a leading global testing institute based in Germany.

Samsung’s 2026 OLED TVs include the S99H, S95H, S90H and S85H, offering deep blacks, rich colour, immersive performance and refined design across a wider range of viewing preferences. Glare Free technology, previously available only on the S95F model, now expands to the S99H, S95H and the S90H, helping the display’s true blacks and rich colours stay clear and undisturbed, even in bright rooms.

On the flagship S99H, Samsung adds premium features designed to elevate both entertainment and art. Pantone Validated ArtfulColor helps preserve the authenticity of original artwork with faithful colour and exceptional detail, while Art Store extends Samsung’s art experiences to OLED. The new S99H model’s FloatLayer Design also gives the display a lighter, more refined presence that blends in more naturally with the home.

For gaming and sports, Samsung OLED’s Ultimate Gaming Pack helps keep fast motion crisp and responsive. It brings together Motion Xcelerator 165Hz, support for key VRR platforms such as AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, and quick-access gaming tools for smoother, more intuitive play.

For football fans, AI Football Mode Pro on S99H, S95H and S90H, and AI Football Mode on S85H optimise picture and sound in real time for a more immersive match experience at home.

The Frame lineup includes models designed for different spaces and installation needs. Across the lineup, users can enjoy Art Mode with access to 5,000+ professionally curated artworks, along with experiences personalised by VAC. The Frame Pro (LS03HW model) features Neo QLED picture quality and Wireless One Connect box.

The Frame (LS03HA model) combines QLED picture quality with the One Connect Box and a nearly invisible cable. A built-in installation model of The Frame (43” LS03HE model) is also available for spaces that call for a cleaner, more integrated look.
Key features of The Frame Pro include a slim 24.9mm design depth: helps The Frame Pro deliver a more refined, art-inspired profile, Wireless One Connect box for a cleaner setup with no in-wall cable work, and Neo QLED picture quality.

Samsung’s Neo QLED brings together enhanced AI picture quality and more connected viewing experiences across the QN80H and QN70H, with the QN80H available in sizes from 50 to 100 inches and the QN70H in sizes from 43 to 85 inches. Each model delivers the brightness, contrast and smart optimisation expected from a true QLED experience.

Certified by TÜV Rheinland as a Real QLED TV, Samsung Neo QLED uses a blue light backlight and a genuine quantum dot sheet to maintain a stable colour spectrum and consistent picture performance. Real QLED with 100% Color Volume helps keep colour accurate and stable, even at high brightness levels. Quantum Mini LED also enables ultra-precise light control, creating deeper contrast, clearer detail and more consistent brightness scene after scene.

Vision AI Companion (VAC) makes the viewing experience more seamless and context-aware by naturally surfacing helpful information on screen without interrupting content. Across the Neo QLED lineup, Samsung expands AI-powered picture and motion experiences, including 4K Upscaling with gaming performance of up to 144Hz available on select models - while the NQ4 AI Processor helps optimise picture and sound for a wide range of content.

Samsung Mini LED promises a brighter, richer viewing experience to more viewers. More precise light control and Pure Spectrum Color give images greater depth and clarity, as well as contrast that feels more defined from scene to scene. With two distinct models, Samsung makes Mini LED and AI-powered viewing available to more consumers.

The M80H, available in 85-, 75-, 65- and 55-inch models, delivers the most advanced Mini LED experience in the lineup, combining Samsung’s Mini LED picture quality with a broader set of AI-powered features for sports, gaming and everyday viewing.
Motion Xcelerator 144Hz keeps fast-paced content smooth and clear. NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor powers AI-driven picture optimisation, AI Sound Controller: keeps dialogue clear and balances voices and sound effects in real time.

Offered in 85-, 75-, 65-, 55-, 50- and 43-inch models, the M70H brings the core benefits of Mini LED to a more accessible tier, with a focus on everyday picture quality, stable motion and immersive sports viewing.

Samsung is also expanding its lifestyle audio lineup with Music Studio 7 and Music Studio 5, pairing immersive sound with design that naturally blends into modern spaces and everyday living environments.

Music Studio 7(HW-LS70H-Black, HW-LS71H-White) delivers an immersive 3.1.1-channel audio experience designed for richer, more expressive listening. Key features include Hi-Resolution Audio and Dolby Atmos: more detailed and immersive sound playback, while its super tweeter extends frequency response up to 35kHz for enhanced musical detail; Expanded Q-Symphony: lets users connect up to five compatible sound devices with a Samsung TV to build a more immersive audiovisual experience at home. Two Music Studio 7 units placed on either side of a larger display can create a more balanced interior look while widening the stereo soundstage.

Music Studio 5(HW-LS50H-Black), HW-LS51H-White) brings immersive sound to a more compact speaker format. Built for wireless music streaming, it supports high-resolution playback and effortless everyday listening. Features include a Dot Design by Erwan Bouroullec, AI Dynamic Bass Control: Samsung’s proprietary technology that delivers powerful sound in a compact form factor while deepening low frequencies without distortion.

Samsung Audio Lab has tuned the speaker, which uses a 4-inch woofer and dual tweeters with a built-in waveguide for clear, balanced sound, while Dolby Atmos support adds a more immersive listening experience.

For immersive home cinema set-ups, the Q990H soundbar provides cinema-grade sound. The new QS90H 7.1.2 channel all-in-one soundbar also launches that has a built in gyroscope to detect your setup and optimises the sound accordingly.

Below is a handy overview of the core Samsung UK line-up, including model sizes and retail pricing:

Micro RGB
R95H New flagship premium model with all new micro RGB display – 65-inch at £3299, 75-inch at 4199 and 85-inch also available
R85H – 55-inch at £1599, 65-inch at £2399, 75” at 3099 plus sizes 85- and 100-inches available

OLED
S99H – With new Floating Layer design bezel – 55-inch at £2499, 65” at 3299 also available in 77- and 83-inches.
S95H – 48-inch at £1799, 55-inch at £2399, 65-inch at £3199 and 77-inch at £4199
S90H – Expansion of Glare Free and 165Hz refresh rate – 42- at £1299, 48- at 1399, 55-, 65- at £2599 and available in 77- and 83-inches.
S93H – Available in 42-, 48-, 55- at £1799, 65-, 77- at £3599 and 83--inches.
S85H – Available in 48-, 55-, 65-, 77- and 83-inches through selected UK retailers

Neo QLED
QN80H – 50-, 55-, 65- at £1599, 75-, 85-and 100-inches/
QN70H – 43- at £599, 50- at £799, 55-, 65- at £1099, 75- at £1699 and 85-inch at £2299

Mini LED
M80H – 55-, 65- at £999, 75- at £1399 and 85-inches at £1899
M70H – 43- at £429, 50- at £529, 55-, 65-, 75-and 85-inches at £1599

Crystal UHD
U8000H – Vision AI Companion support – 43- at £319, 50-- at £399, 55-at £499, 65- at £619. Also available in 70-, 75-, 85- (and in 58-inches through selected UK retailers).

The Frame Pro (LS03HW) – 55- at £1699, 65- at £2099 and available in 75 and 85-inches.
The Frame (LS03HA) – 43-, 55- at £1499 and 65-inches.

Audio line-up:
Q990H soundbar with sub woofer and rear speakers at £1599
QS90H all in one soundbar at £899
Music Studio 5 (LS50H) available in black or white at £299 each
Music Studio 7 (LS70H) available in black or white at £499 each

Denon AVR‑X2900H and Denon AVC‑X3900H hands-on

Inside CI travelled to Shirakawa ahead of the launch to hear the receivers in Denon’s reference listening room, where both models were demonstrated using a full Bowers & Wilkins 801 surround speaker system (unlikely to be duplicated in the real world, but a stunning confirmation that these single box units can drive extremely high-end loudspeakers). The results were deeply impressive.

The AVR-X2900H immediately distinguished itself with composure and scale beyond what its price point might suggest, while the AVC-X3900H delivered a level of control and dynamic expression that bordered on startling. We ran through a selection of movie clips, climaxing with Dune Part One. Dialogue placement was pin-sharp, bass management felt impeccably disciplined, and large-scale cinematic passages carried immense energy without losing finesse. In terms of balancing power against price, these receivers set a new benchmark.

The AVR-X2900H is configured as a seven channel (5.1.2) design delivering 95 watts per channel, aimed at enthusiasts stepping beyond entry-level AV performance. Support for immersive audio formats, modern HDMI gaming features and optional Dirac Live room correction positions it as a substantial upgrade for users building more serious cinema systems.

Audyssey calibration remains included as standard, while HEOS multiroom support allows the receiver to integrate into wider distributed audio environments.

The AVC-X3900H moves considerably further into premium territory. Offering nine (5.1.4) channels of onboard amplification (with 11.4-channel processing for larger theatres) at 105 watts per channel, it’s designed to anchor larger dedicated cinema rooms and professionally installed systems. Four independent subwoofer outputs provide greater scope for bass optimisation, while optional support for Dirac Live Bass Control and Active Room Treatment gives integrators access to more advanced acoustic correction tools.

Denon’s dual-calibration strategy remains one of the more pragmatic approaches in the market. Users can rely on Audyssey for straightforward setup or move towards Dirac Live for more granular system shaping as installations become increasingly complex. That flexibility is likely to appeal to CI pros working across a broad range of room sizes and client expectations.

Connectivity and control have also been expanded. Both receivers support HEOS streaming, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth and services including Spotify, Qobuz and TuneIn Internet Radio. Advanced HDMI diagnostics, IP-based web configuration and broad control integration options further underline the company’s focus on custom installation applications.

Gaming support hasn’t been overlooked either. Expanded HDMI connectivity, 1440p pass-through and AMD FreeSync compatibility aim to ensure the receivers remain viable as gaming displays and source hardware continue to evolve.

Denon is also preparing a future firmware update that will allow compatible Denon Home 200, Denon Home 400 and Denon Home 600 models to operate as wireless rear surrounds, offering a more flexible route to immersive audio in rooms where speaker cabling may be impractical.
The AVR-X2900H is priced at £899, while the AVC-X3900H will retail for £1299. Both models are scheduled to become available globally from May 14 through authorised Denon retailers and the company’s online store.

"But before arriving in Mumbai for the recent Smart Home Expo, I’ll be honest, I had preconceived ideas about what I was going to experience - and I couldn’t have been more wrong.

From the moment I arrived, I was genuinely impressed.

The quality of the stand builds, the professionalism of the presentations, and the overall atmosphere throughout the exhibition were exceptional. Even the convention centre itself felt more like a luxury hotel than somewhere hosting a technology exhibition.

But what stayed with me most wasn’t actually the event itself. It was the people.

Over the course of the trip, I spent time with integrators, manufacturers and industry professionals from across India, and almost every conversation left me feeling increasingly optimistic about where this market is heading.

There was a genuine willingness to learn. A hunger to improve. An openness to new ideas. And a genuine desire to ask questions about how they could continue to develop both themselves and their businesses.

That stood out to me.

Sometimes in more mature markets, people can become slightly fixed in how they operate. Comfortable with existing ways of doing business. India felt very different.

The people I met were incredibly welcoming, collaborative and refreshingly open-minded. There was far less ego than I expected and far more curiosity.

That combination is powerful.

Many of the people I spoke to were already using, or at least aware of, The Cinema Designer and the excitement around some of the improvements and developments currently being worked on was clear to see.

The conversations were no longer just about products.

They were about design. Engineering. Workflow. Standards.Education.And delivering better overall experiences for clients.

For me, that says a lot about where the Indian market is heading.

I also spent quite a bit of time discussing the DirectlyAV platform and explaining how we’re looking to work closely with a select group of India’s finest companies, whilst introducing carefully selected premium brands directly into the region.

Again, the enthusiasm genuinely surprised me.

Many integrators openly expressed a desire for access to innovative products without unnecessary layers where that support structure simply isn’t needed. They want the ability to buy certain products directly at the very best pricing, allowing them to remain competitive whilst still delivering excellent value and service to their customers.

Importantly, though, these conversations didn’t feel driven by price alone.

What I sensed was a market looking for better ways of working: Closer relationships with manufacturers. Better access to innovation.
Better education. And higher standards overall.

That’s very different.

One of the biggest things I took away from Mumbai was the feeling that India isn’t simply growing, it’s evolving. And it’s evolving quickly.

What also stayed with me was how many people have continued to stay in touch since I returned home. The conversations didn’t end after the exhibition halls closed. In many ways, they’ve only just started.

There’s clear excitement around collaboration and around what the future could look like.

I should also mention the support from Wendy Griffiths and Sanket Sawant from CEDIA throughout the trip. It was obvious how much work is being done behind the scenes to support both integrators and brands seeking to grow responsibly in India.

That support network matters enormously as the market continues to mature. Personally, I left Mumbai convinced that India will become a major force within the premium AV industry over the coming years.

Not just because of the scale of the opportunity, but because of the mindset of the people driving it forward.

The willingness to learn.

The openness to collaboration.

The desire to improve.

And the enthusiasm to embrace new ideas whilst continuing to raise standards.

For The Cinema Designer, for the brands we’ll soon be introducing into the region and for the wider industry as a whole, I genuinely believe this is only the beginning.

And personally, I can’t wait to return."

The trip itself was invaluable. Through the support of our partners on the ground, we were able to spend meaningful time with integrators, distributors, and manufacturers, gaining a much clearer understanding of how the Indian market operates in practice, rather than from a distance. That perspective alone made the visit worthwhile 

What’s immediately apparent is that the appetite is already there. There is a genuine enthusiasm for home cinema, for technology, and for well-considered spaces. There is also a strong appreciation for international design, particularly from the UK, which naturally positions Cinema Luxe within the upper end of the market. 

At the same time, the sector is still developing. In many respects, it sits some way behind more established markets in how cinema spaces are conceived and delivered as complete environments. Technology is often world-class, but the design and execution of the room itself doesn’t always keep pace. That gap presents a clear opportunity, not just for us, but for the industry more broadly. 

One of the more interesting observations was the structure of the market itself. In contrast to the UK, where integrators typically lead from end to end, the role of the distributor in India is more influential. They are often central to how projects are shaped, how products are specified, and how relationships are formed. There are, of course, a number of excellent integrators operating at a high level, but it’s clear that understanding and engaging with the distribution layer is essential.

Alongside the opportunity, there are also very real challenges. India is vast, and the practicalities of delivering highly detailed, design-led environments are not insignificant. Logistics, infrastructure, consistency of build, and coordination across multiple parties all come into play in a way that feels very different to the UK. For a company like ours, where finish and detailing are fundamental, that presents a responsibility as much as it does a challenge.

Our initial thinking is to approach delivery in a measured way, combining local capability for early-stage construction with Cinema Luxe involvement at the critical final stages of installation, detailing, and finish. That balance feels like the right way to maintain quality, while working practically within the realities of the market.

Equally, we’re giving careful thought to how we enter the market from a service perspective. Leading with design and consultancy feels like a natural starting point. It allows us to bring immediate value, to establish design intent early, and to properly assess each project from both a logistical and commercial standpoint before committing further. It’s a controlled way of building something sustainable.

There is, understandably, some hesitation around price positioning when entering a market like India. Our view is that the opportunity sits firmly at the top end. The level of wealth at the highest percentile is significant, and there is a clear desire for quality, for distinction, and for experiences that feel genuinely world-class. In that context, we see Cinema Luxe not simply as a service, but as something that represents a certain standard, a mark of intent as much as anything else.

Of course, there are considerations around protecting design, maintaining control, and ensuring that what is delivered reflects what is intended. These are not unique challenges, but they do require a structured and thoughtful approach, particularly in a market that is still evolving. Ultimately, it comes down to working with the right people, setting clear expectations, and building trust over time.

What stood out most from the trip, however, was the openness of the people we met. The conversations were honest, generous, and consistently forward-looking. There is a real willingness within the industry to improve, to collaborate, and to raise standards, which gives us confidence in what can be achieved.

We’re particularly grateful to Kyle and Sohan Perera, who will represent Cinema Luxe in India and play a central role in building our presence locally. Their understanding of the market and alignment with our approach gives us real confidence in the journey ahead. Our thanks also go to Mike Beatty of Directly AV, whose insight and support throughout the trip were invaluable, and to Nick Fichte at L-Acoustics, whose ongoing collaboration continues to form an important part of our wider network. It was also a pleasure to reconnect with Kim Donvig of Artcoustic and to see the continued growth of the brand within the region.

We would also like to thank the team at CEDIA, particularly Sanket and Wendy, for their enthusiasm, openness, and support. Their role in bringing people together and facilitating meaningful conversations should not be underestimated.

More broadly, we’re grateful to the many integrators and distributors who took the time to meet with us. The level of engagement and willingness to share insight has been instrumental in shaping how we move forward.

Cinema Luxe is entering India with a long-term mindset. This is not about rapid expansion, but about building something considered and consistent, working with the right partners, applying our experience carefully, and maintaining the standards that define our work.

We’re excited by what lies ahead, and confident that, with the right approach, we can play a meaningful role in shaping the future of private cinema design in India."

SQD-MiniLED combines a quantum dot film with TCL’s new Ultra Color Filter, which the brand says expands colour gamut coverage by 33 per cent. Built around TCL CSOT’s WHVA 2.0 panel, the technology is claimed to achieve full BT.2020 colour coverage, while also improving black level precision through dense full-array local dimming.

For integrators and AV professionals, the practical benefits are easier to map: reduced colour crosstalk, improved halo suppression on difficult high-contrast material, and cleaner motion handling for sport and cinema applications. TCL attributes this to its proprietary light and shadow control algorithm, combined with processing from its TSR AiPQ chipset.

RGB-MiniLED remains important to the range, particularly in larger, more price-sensitive premium installations, but TCL indicated that model positioning is determined primarily by dimming zone count rather than the underlying panel type. It’s a pragmatic approach that could make specification conversations simpler when navigating multiple premium tiers.

The flagship X11L was the headline model in Paris and arguably the screen that drew the most attention. Available in 75-inch, 85-inch and 98-inch sizes, it uses TCL’s SQD-MiniLED architecture with up to 20,736 local dimming zones on the 98-inch model. Peak brightness reaches 10,000 nits, while the 75-inch and 85-inch variants offer 11,520 and 14,400 zones respectively, with peak luminance of 9,000 and 10,000 nits.

In person, the screen impressed with exceptional colour depth and notably disciplined black-level control, especially on demanding HDR demo material. The near-zero bezel design, with no visible black matrix around the image, further strengthens its appeal for premium media-room installations.

Audio is supplied by Bang & Olufsen, and the set supports Dolby Atmos FlexConnect. It can also integrate with TCL’s Z100 FlexConnect speaker system and optional subwoofer for expanded room audio.

The C8L broadens TCL’s SQD proposition into more mainstream premium territory. It launches in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch and 98-inch sizes, delivering 4,032 dimming zones and a quoted 6,000 nits peak brightness. Like the X11L, it also features Bang & Olufsen audio.

For installers, this model looks likely to be a strong fit where flagship-level performance is desired without moving into ultra-high-zone counts.

Also shown in Paris was the C7L, available in the same 55-inch to 98-inch spread. This series uses 2,176 dimming zones and reaches 3,000 nits peak brightness, positioning it as a more accessible SQD-MiniLED solution for larger-screen family rooms and dedicated entertainment spaces.

Flying the RGB-MiniLED flag are the RM9L and RM7L. The RM9L will be available in 85-inch, 98-inch and 115-inch sizes, while the RM7L covers 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch and 98-inch.

Although TCL places these beneath its SQD tiers due to lower dimming zone counts, they remain strategically important for cost-conscious large-format projects.

Early demos of the panel looked highly impressive.

Support for Dolby Vision 2 Max brings with it AI-driven content intelligence, including Precision Black, Light Sense and an Authentic Motion mode designed to maintain cinematic intent without visible artefacts. Audio is delivered via an integrated 70W 2.2-channel system with redesigned bass drivers, allowing for a slimmer overall chassis without sacrificing output. For installers, connectivity is comprehensive, with four HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 165Hz gaming, alongside a configurable game bar with profile auto-detection.

The OLED+951 also marks a continued shift in platform strategy. Philips is standardising on its Titan OS smart TV platform, moving away from Google TV. The system provides access to major streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and YouTube, and in the UK will integrate the Freely platform. Pricing and final availability are yet to be confirmed.

Sitting just below, the OLED+911 shares much of the same video architecture, including the META 4.0 WOLED panel, 10th Gen P5 AI processing and Dolby Vision 2 Max compatibility. The key differentiator is its integrated audio system, developed in partnership with Bowers & Wilkins. This 3.1-channel frontal array features dedicated left, centre and right channels, with glass-fibre midrange drivers and Nautilus tube-loaded tweeters, supported by a rear-mounted subwoofer with passive radiators. Total system output is rated at 81W. Available in 48, 55, 65 and 77-inch screen sizes, it presents a viable alternative for projects where a separate soundbar or AV system isn’t specified but a higher standard of audio is still required.

Inside CI had an exclsuive demo of this new sound system, and for a compact unit it produces a very wide, dynamic soundstage. Expect the set to land this June.

Further down the range, the OLED811 continues to serve as a strong media room option. It employs OLED EX panel technology, delivering peak brightness of up to 2500 nits on larger screen sizes, which range from 42 to 77 inches. The set combines 10th Gen P5 AI processing with Dolby Vision 2 Max support, while also catering to gaming use cases with a 165Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ gaming and compatibility with both FreeSync Premium and G-Sync. Audio is provided by a 70W 2.2-channel system (50W on the 42-inch variant), maintaining consistency with the upper-tier models.

At a more accessible level, the OLED761 uses an OLED SE panel with peak brightness around 1000 nits, paired with 7th Gen P5 AI processing. Screen sizes span 55, 65 and 77 inches. The set retains three-sided Ambilight with AmbiScape integration and supports HDR10+ gaming, FreeSync Premium and G-Sync, positioning it as a credible entry point into OLED for a broader customer base.
OLED wasn’t the only display technology highlighted. Philips also previewed its first RGB Mini LED model, the MLED981, part of its Xtra series. This 85-inch display uses an RGB Mini LED backlight with 11,520 zones, offering peak brightness of around 2500 nits and a wide colour gamut of 97% DCI.

The panel supports refresh rates up to 165Hz, with a 330Hz DLG mode available at reduced vertical resolution. Processing again comes from the 10th Gen P5 AI engine, with Dolby Vision 2 Max ensuring alignment with the OLED range. A 70W 4.1-channel sound system and Ambilight with AmbiScape complete the specification, making it a practical option for brighter viewing environments where OLED may not be the preferred choice.

Rounding out the portfolio is the PQS9001 QLED Ambilight series, continuing the ‘The One’ positioning. Based on a wide colour gamut LCD QD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, it combines Dolby Vision 2 support with 7th Gen P5 processing across a broad size range from 43 to 100 inches. Audio output scales with screen size, from 20W 2.0 systems on smaller models to 50W 2.1 on the largest.

Having seen the full line-up in person, the consistency of approach stands out. OLED remains central to the premium proposition, with measurable gains in brightness and processing, while RGB Mini LED offers a complementary path for high-luminance applications. For installers, the breadth of screen sizes and integrated audio options provides flexibility across different project types.

If there’s a sleeper hit in the range, it’s likely to be the 100-inch variant of The One. In an environment where large-screen demand continues to grow, it combines scale, accessible pricing and a straightforward feature set that should resonate with integrators and end users looking to make a statement without stepping into flagship territory.

Demand for everyday products, such as Bluetooth speakers and entry-level headphones, is slowing down, while premium home audio and higher-performance Head-Fi is gaining traction. This is good news for custom installers.

Futuresource’s latest global audio report estimates that the overall consumer audio market grew by around 7 per cent last year, maintaining a value comfortably above $120 billion. But that’s not the whole story.

Mainstream categories have cooled following the surge seen during the pandemic years, suggests Futuresource. Demand for everyday wireless speakers and mass-market headphones is softening as replacement cycles lengthen and product innovation becomes more incremental.

But within the broader market, several segments are performing more strongly than others. Hearing health devices - including advanced hearing aids and related technologies - posted the strongest growth, rising 10 per cent year-on-year to reach $41 billion. Much of that expansion is being driven by premiumisation, alongside the integration of AI-driven sound processing and increasingly sophisticated noise filtration technologies.

Gaming audio also continues to expand, growing by 8 per cent, although it remains comparatively small at around $3 billion globally.

More traditional consumer categories are moving at a steadier pace. Headphones remain the largest segment at $55 billion, though growth was limited to 4 per cent, while home audio slipped slightly, declining 1 per cent to $23 billion.

The bottom line? Widely used product categories are no longer generating the same upgrade momentum that once sustained volume growth.

A clearer picture emerges when the market is examined through the lens of price bands. Devices priced above $200 represent a significantly different mix of products and purchasing behaviour.

Within this bracket, the combined home audio and headphone market stands at roughly $40 billion. Home audio’s share increases markedly, approaching 40 per cent of total value, while product demand shifts toward soundbars, Wi-Fi speakers and traditional loudspeakers.

Headphones still represent the largest share when it comes to demand, but the balance within that category also evolves. Over-ear models with advanced active noise cancellation and enhanced comfort become more prominent as consumers look for longer-term listening solutions.

At the more premium end, and we’re talking about devices priced above $500 here, the landscape shifts again. The market contracts to around $8 billion in value, yet home audio accounts for the lion’s share of spending, almost 90 per cent.

Premium soundbars and loudspeakers dominate, with a growing number of models occupying the $500 to $1,000 range and beyond.

For loudspeakers in particular, the bulk of the market already sits above the $500 threshold, suggesting that buyers with a strong interest in home listening remain willing to invest heavily in performance.

By comparison, headphones above $500 largely consist of specialist over-ear designs and a small niche of professional or enthusiast in-ear monitors.

Taken together, the data highlights a clear pattern: while headphones dominate entry-level and mid-market categories, home audio leads the way as spending moves into premium territory.

One of the more notable shifts identified by Futuresource is the changing profile of the premium audio buyer.

Historically, higher-end audio has been primarily the domain of enthusiasts focused on separate components, wired systems and specialist retail channels. Today, the market is increasingly shaped by digitally native consumers who expect both performance and convenience.

Futuresource’s Audio Tech Lifestyles research shows that sound quality remains the leading purchase driver. However, ease of use and seamless connectivity are becoming almost as important.

In practical terms, this means that premium products that combine high-fidelity performance with wireless flexibility, intuitive controls and design-led aesthetics, are in demand. Soundbars, Wi-Fi speakers and premium headphones are expected to integrate easily into modern living spaces while delivering the performance associated with traditional Hi-Fi.

Technology also plays a growing role, particularly where it improves usability. Features such as adaptive equalisation, automatic room calibration and AI-driven noise optimisation are becoming more common, provided they operate largely behind the scenes and simplify the listening experience.

Many of the expectations shaping consumer audio products (design integration, ease of operation and discreet technology) mirror the priorities already present in residential AV design.

The broader message from Futuresource is that the consumer audio industry is entering a period where value creation is likely to matter more than raw volume growth.

With the mass market stabilising, brands are focusing on higher-margin segments that combine strong audio performance with lifestyle-friendly design and functionality. Premium soundbars, networked speakers and high-quality headphones are emerging as key battlegrounds.

For those working in the custom installation sector, this shift reinforces the ongoing relevance of home audio within integrated systems. As consumers show greater willingness to invest in high-quality sound at home, opportunities persist for professionally designed and installed solutions that extend well beyond the capabilities of standalone consumer products.

Long story short: The home audio market is aligning more closely with the strengths of the CI channel, and systems that deliver superior performance, while remaining easy to use and visually sympathetic to contemporary interiors, are hitting the right note.

That’s going to be music to the ears of many.