Audio Advice Live 2025: A High-End Audio Showcase and Industry Insight

Experience the latest in luxury audio gear and discover why Audio Advice’s live demos still reign supreme in the high-end audio world.

There’s something magical about walking into a showroom filled with the latest and greatest audio gear and hearing it come alive. That’s exactly the vibe at Audio Advice’s recent weekend-long event in Raleigh, North Carolina. Known for their dedication to premium sound, Audio Advice—which also operates in Charlotte and Wilmington and just launched a new office in Nashville—has evolved from a music-focused retailer into a powerhouse for high-end two-channel audio and custom system integration. This was the fourth year of their live show, and word has it, the event grows bigger and better every single time.

Big Trends and Standout Speakers

At the heart of this year’s show were some seriously impressive speakers that wowed with both looks and sound. Marantz debuted their Grand Horizon loudspeaker, priced at $5,500 each. This beauty boasts an eight-driver array, delivering a soundstage so vast it nearly fills the entire room, along with robust bass that shakes the floor without overwhelming. Honestly, it’s not just a speaker—it’s a work of art that feels right at home in both ultra-modern and classic living rooms.

Not to be outdone, Focal unveiled the Mezza Utopia wireless loudspeaker, marking its North American debut. This $69,000 pair is not your ordinary speaker—it’s practically a self-contained audio powerhouse. Thanks to Naim’s engineering (Naim being part of the Focal family), these speakers pack 500 watts per channel amplification, advanced DSP, and a wireless system that streams Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, and more via the Focal app. The Mezza features a new beryllium tweeter, a 6.5” midrange, and four 8” side-firing woofers arranged in a “push-push” configuration. Weighing in at 190 pounds each, they combine breathtaking detail with warm, rich bass that fills the space effortlessly. Playing “Bungie Jump,” the bass was deep, clean, and impressively voluminous without a hint of strain.

Value That Surprised Us

While flagship gear often steals the spotlight with eye-watering price tags, this show also shone a light on some amazing value products that performed way above their price points.

Golden Ear’s T44 speakers, a smaller and more affordable sibling to their T66 model, stunned with clarity, imaging, and soundstage—without any harshness or listening fatigue. At $4,900 a pair, these speakers are a steal for anyone craving serious sound quality in a compact package.

MoFi rocked the scene with their SourcePoint V10 loudspeaker, priced at $7,995 a pair. This model features a 10” bass driver and two passive radiators instead of a traditional port, delivering a punchy, extended low end. The demo system included the Rose RS151 streaming DAC at $5,000, alongside Quad 33 preamp and 303 monoblock amps ($1,699 each). The Fender turntable by MoFi, retailing at $3,495 and equipped with a MM master tracker cartridge, rounded out the system with warm, dynamic sound. While the treble leaned slightly warm and less detailed than some audiophiles might prefer, the overall experience was engaging and satisfying at its price point.

Unexpected Gems

KEF’s new $2,500 soundbar caught many off guard. Employing a new Uni-Q driver and four “racetrack” style woofers, this compact system adapts its orientation automatically to maintain optimal sound. A particular highlight was the reproduction of a 9’ grand piano, an instrument notoriously hard to nail. The KEF gave it a stunningly authentic soundstage and realistic bass that resonated beautifully through the room.

Speaking of bass, Trinnov took the show by storm with a jaw-dropping bass setup. Their expertise lies in infrasonic woofers and advanced DSP wave-forming technology, which evens out bass response throughout large rooms. The demo featured a cinema-sized space equipped with twelve 16-inch subwoofers and a massive 32-inch infrasonic sub. Walking around the room, the bass remained consistently smooth—no dead spots or boomy peaks. While this setup demands a hefty investment—over $120,000 for bass alone—it’s a mind-blowing demonstration of what cutting-edge tech can accomplish.

More New Gear to Know

KLH’s Model 7 speaker is a standout for being the only 13” three-way acoustical suspension speaker currently available. With clear, smooth vocals, solid bass, and a deep soundstage, it’s a high-value offering at $5,998.

Bowers & Wilkins showcased their 801 Abbey Road edition—a limited run of just 140 pairs worldwide. Priced at $71,000 (a $16,000 premium over the standard model), each purchase includes an exclusive visit to the Abbey Road Studios, blending legendary heritage with cutting-edge sound.

Innovation in Comfort: Audio Advice Cinema Chair

Not all the impressive tech was audio gear. Audio Advice launched their own premium cinema chair, aiming to shake up the luxury seating market. With a price tag of $1,345 and features like motorized headrests that rise as you recline, built-in USB ports, heating, adjustable lumbar support, and even massage functionality, this chair is a surprise hit. Usually, premium theater seats run north of $5,000, so this in-house creation is a brilliant example of entrepreneurial spirit meeting real consumer needs.

Why This Show Stands Out

Audio Advice Live may not be the biggest audio show out there, but it’s growing steadily and stands apart for one key reason: quality. Almost every room I visited sounded great. That’s rare for audio shows, where you often hear a jumble of gear fighting for attention. Plus, the vibe was top-notch—our hosts even rented out the Lincoln Theater for a Friday night Motown concert featuring a 16-piece band. If you love immersive music experiences and intimate access to top-tier gear, this is one show to keep on your radar.

Inside Audio Advice: A Visionary Leader’s Take

In a recent talk with Scott Newman, Audio Advice’s CEO, his passion for physical showrooms and live demos was crystal clear. While many in the industry pivot to online-only models, Newman has bet big on expansive, hands-on spaces. “We operate some of the largest audio and home theater showrooms in the country,” he said. “People want to touch, hear, and compare before they buy.”

Their showrooms are designed like miniature audio wonderlands—each acoustically treated and professionally curated. Visitors can seamlessly hop from two-channel listening rooms to immersive Atmos theaters, invisible architectural speaker setups, and flagship floorstanders. This approach has earned Audio Advice a reputation for trust and quality that online shopping just can’t match.

The company’s recent acquisitions of The Sound Room and The Audio Lab are being handled thoughtfully, with gradual rebranding and preservation of beloved services like bench repair and trade-ins. Newman’s plans for future growth include expanding into underserved regions such as North Carolina’s Triad area, all while maintaining the legacy of local, high-integrity audio retailers.

“We operate some of the largest audio and home theater showrooms in the country... because people still want to touch, hear, and compare before they buy.”
— Scott Newman, CEO of Audio Advice

Final Thoughts

Audio Advice Live 2025 proved once again that in the world of high-end audio, seeing—and hearing—is believing. Whether it’s jaw-dropping flagship gear or surprisingly accessible value products, this event had something for every audiophile’s ear and eye. And with visionary leadership steering a course that values experience over shortcuts, Audio Advice is shaping the future of premium audio retail.

FAQ

• What makes Audio Advice’s live shows unique compared to other audio events?
  Their focus on well-curated, acoustically treated rooms and quality demos ensures visitors hear gear performing at its best, unlike many shows where sound quality can be inconsistent.
• Are the high-end products at the show practical for everyday use?
  Many high-end offerings blend cutting-edge tech with elegant design, making them suitable for both audiophiles and those wanting beautiful, functional home audio systems.
• Can you buy the products showcased at the event?
  Yes! Many products are available for purchase during or shortly after the event, including both flagship and value-oriented gear.
• How does Audio Advice balance online and in-person sales?
  They embrace e-commerce but emphasize the irreplaceable value of physical showrooms and live demos to build trust and deliver true value.
• Is the new Audio Advice cinema chair a good buy?
  Absolutely—offering premium features at a fraction of the usual cost, it’s a standout for anyone wanting comfort and tech in one package.

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