In addition, KEF is also introducing direct sales of its Architectural Speaker range, providing integrators with the option to purchase directly from the brand. It says this approach will enhance accessibility and overall support for those specifying high-performance architectural audio systems.

By combining WeQuote catalogue access with direct sales of Architectural Speakers, KEF can offer a full-spectrum solution, with fast, accurate system specification, professional proposals, and streamlined purchasing and support. This initiative enhances installer efficiency, improves client communication, and supports high-value residential, commercial, and home cinema projects.

“The custom installation channel is a strategically important part of KEF’s growth, and we are committed to making it easier for integrators to specify and deliver world-class audio systems,” said Paul Bartlett, Country Sales Manager.

“By bringing KEF products into the WeQuote platform and offering direct access to our Architectural Speaker range, we’re simplifying the process from system design through to installation while strengthening the level of support we provide to professional installers.”

Andy Musgrave, Sales Director at WeQuote, added: ‘We’re delighted to welcome KEF to the WeQuote platform. KEF is a globally respected brand with a strong heritage in high-performance audio, and their addition gives our integrators even greater access to premium products directly within their workflow.’

KEF products are now accessible to authorised integrators through the WeQuote platform, and Architectural Speaker models can be purchased directly via KEF’s professional installer programme.

The QCI Programme will address the three biggest barriers electricians face when offering home audio solutions, says the audio brand - lack of training, concerns around product complexity, and homeowner perception.

A trio of online modules have been developed to help electricians gain a better understanding of home audio fundamentals, product technologies, and best-practice installation techniques.

The training is designed to demystify the category, enabling participants to confidently explain, sell and install Q Acoustics systems.

Additional modules are planned for release in 2026, indicating that the programme will evolve in line with installer feedback and industry needs.

“Professional electricians told us they want to expand into home audio but feel it is too complex or challenging to get started,” says Charlie Henderson, Managing Director, Q Acoustics. “The QCI Programme removes that uncertainty by providing the right training, the right products, and the right support to succeed.”

A key focus of the programme is highlighting Q Acoustics’ ‘Easy Install’ range. Featuring the brand’s EasyFit speakers and the E60, E120 and E300A audio systems.

Many homeowners believe that installed audio systems are complex, expensive, and require highly specialised engineers.QCI-trained electricians will be equipped to resolve their concerns, presenting simple, elegant solutions that integrate seamlessly into modern living spaces, says the brand.

Upon completion of the programme, electricians will receive an official QCI certification. This includes the ability to display the QCI certified installer logo on quotes and marketing materials, reinforcing credibility and professionalism.

Certified installers will also be featured on the Q Acoustics website and linked through product listings, helping drive new business opportunities directly to them. Q Acoustics will also share and promote installation project content and videos across its social media channels.

As an incentive, the first 20 newly certified installers can purchase their first Easy Install system - E60, E120 or E300A - bundled with a pair of Qi65CE speakers, at 50 per cent off the Electrical Wholesaler Trade Price.

For more on the QCI Programme, click here.

Ian Morrish is set to host a webinar examining how surplus audiovisual equipment can be redirected to support charities and community organisations, while addressing sustainability and social value priorities within the AV sector.

Titled “An AV Industry Conduit To Good Causes”, (Suggested alternative title: “Repurposing AV: Connecting Surplus Equipment with Social Impact”), the session will explain the ethos behind GivingBack.tech, a recently launched platform designed to facilitate the redistribution of second-hand, discontinued and B-stock AV equipment to not-for-profit organisations and how companies can become part of the initiative.

Taking place on Friday 22 May at 10:00 am, the 30-minute session will provide insight into how the platform works for both equipment donors and recipient organisations. It will also explore the impact of extending the lifecycle of AV products through structured reuse, particularly in supporting UK charities and Community Interest Companies.

Content will focus on the practicalities of listing and sourcing equipment via the platform, alongside considerations for organisations looking to incorporate reuse into wider sustainability and social value strategies.

The session is open to stakeholders across the AV supply chain, including manufacturers, distributors, integrators, consultants, and end-user organisations, as well as those responsible for sustainability and corporate social value initiatives.

Register here https://linkly.link/2iRcB

In his role as Managing Director, Charlie Henderson assumes full responsibility for day-to-day operations, commercial strategy, and global growth across Armour Home’s extensive portfolio, including the award-winning Q Acoustics, QED, and Goldring brands, alongside the company’s UK distribution brands.

George Dexter, who is a major shareholder and has led the business for the past 20 years, transitions to the role of Chairman, where he will continue to provide strategic counsel and board oversight.

Over the past two decades, Armour Home has become synonymous with high-performance audio. Under Charlie Henderson’s leadership, the business will also focus on strengthening its position as a recognised name in audio alongside an ambition to further embed its brands within the wider music community.

This strategic direction will prioritise brand-building, technology innovation, and international growth; bridging the gap between technical precision and the emotional pulse of the music-loving community.

Henderson is a well-known and respected figure within the audio and consumer electronics industries, bringing a wealth of experience from a range of music-centric consumer-facing businesses. He has held senior leadership roles across the industry, most notably as CMO at Cambridge Audio, and Managing Director at Naim Audio.

The appointment forms part of a longer-term succession plan designed to ensure a smooth leadership transition with minimal disruption to the business. The move also reinforces Armour Home’s commitment to sustained growth while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and legacy established by George Dexter.

“I’m excited to be joining Armour Home building on the incredible work of George and the team,” said Henderson. “The company is home to a powerhouse portfolio, from the modern innovation of Q Acoustics and the technical precision of QED, to true audio legend Goldring with its 120-year heritage. My goal is to elevate these brands beyond the Hi-Fi sector and into the broader music community. By deepening our engagement with music culture and accelerating international growth, we can truly shape the next chapter of Armour Home’s success.”

George Dexter, Chairman, added: “After 20 years of leading Armour Home, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. Charlie’s appointment represents an important milestone in our succession strategy. His experience, leadership, and authentic passion for audio and music make him the ideal person to guide the business into its next phase. I’m looking forward to working closely with Charlie in my role as Chairman, supporting the team and ensuring continuity as we build on our legacy and pursue even greater ambitions.”

All three owned brands will build on their recent success with key product launches throughout 2026 and early 2027.

Network connectivity includes Gigabit LAN with dual-band Wi-Fi 6, while Bluetooth 5.2 supports LDAC, AAC and SBC codecs for convenient wireless playback.

The Shanling SM90 is available now, priced £999 ($969, €999).

The enhanced module introduces an important upgrade to the design by now adding an Ethernet network output alongside the PoE++ input. In practice, this means a single PoE++ cable can simultaneously power the speaker and deliver a live network connection, reducing what was previously a two-cable run (power and network) to one.

Applications include single-room residential systems, whole-home audio, apartment developments, hospitality venues, retail environments and commercial spaces where conventional high-voltage cabling may be impractical or cost-prohibitive.

The module conforms to the IEEE 802.3bt PoE++ Type 3 standard, delivering up to 60W per device over standard CAT5e or CAT6 cabling across distances of up to 100 metres. The compact 80mm by 80mm module clips directly onto compatible PRO Series speakers and incorporates onboard PoE-to-DC conversion, eliminating the need for external power hardware.

The revision retains support for individually addressable speakers over IP, with systems capable of supporting up to 10 speakers. By integrating amplification and networking directly into the speaker ecosystem, the need for separate amplifiers is removed.

Lithe Audio says the modular approach remains central to the platform’s design philosophy. Rather than embedding PoE functionality into every PRO Series speaker as standard, the company has opted for an add-on architecture that allows installers to specify PoE capability only where required.

According to Wesley Siu, co-founder of Lithe Audio, the system was developed to provide greater deployment flexibility while keeping the broader speaker range cost-effective.

“The PoE Bolt-On was created to give installers the freedom to upgrade PRO Series speakers with PoE capability whenever their project demands it,” he said. “Rather than building PoE into every speaker and increasing cost for installations that don’t need it, we developed a modular approach that keeps the platform cost-effective while still offering full PoE deployment at any time.”

He added that the integrated PoE-to-DC conversion and new Ethernet output significantly streamline installation.

The enhanced PoE Bolt-On module is available now through Lithe Audio’s UK trade distribution network.

The AVR-S980H is a seven channel design built on the HEOS audio platform, offering 90W per channel, and compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS X codecs. Improvements over its predecessor include upgraded audio performance, with Onscreen channel level monitoring and 1440p video passthrough with AMD FreeSync support.

It can be configured for 5.1 or 7.1 flatbed audio, or 5.1.2 spatial audio. Reflecting its versatility, the AVR comes with a host of functionality, including high-resolution audio support, FM/AM tuner and HDCP 2.3/HDR 10+ certification.

Room calibration is handled by Audyssey MultEQ. Installation is aided by the Denon setup assistant. There’s also web-based AVR control and setup for custom installation.

In addition to Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth RxTx, the model is Airplay 2 capable and Roon Ready.

When it comes to physical connectivity, there are six HDMI inputs (three of which support 4K 120HZ/ 8K sources), and two outputs, one of which is e-ARC enabled. As well as an MM phono stage, there are three digital audio inputs (two optical, one coaxial). There’s also a USB power 5V/1.5A port.

The AVR-S980H can also use the recently released Denon Home 200, 400, and 600 speakers as wireless surrounds, although this will arrive with a firmware update sometime in the future.

The Denon AVR-S980H retails for £799 (US$949 / €899).