Music Makes The People Come Together

As a custom install distributor, we’ve seen firsthand how evolving listening trends and new music formats are reshaping the industry.

Customers are listening to more music than ever before. In 2023, people spent an average of 20.7 hours listening to music each week – up from 20.1 hours in 2022. That’s the equivalent of listening to an additional thirteen three-minute songs per week.

And much of this is thanks to the explosion of streaming and digital audio formats. With a music library available in our pockets, it’s no wonder we’re consuming more of it. Customers are looking for great quality home audio that plays whenever and wherever they want, supporting immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro 3D…

And the good news? DIY doesn’t come close to providing the seamless experience of a professional multi-room audio solution. And don’t even get me started on integrating analogue devices…

So, how can you maximise the opportunity and ensure people come to you for audio solutions? Offering solutions that tick all the boxes, while providing the expertise and services to install them, will position your electrical retail business as the go-to destination for audio-savvy customers.

The Growth of Multiroom Audio

Today’s ‘just press play’ culture has led to a boom in multiroom audio. Professional solutions deliver high-resolution audio throughout the home, allows the user to play different music in different rooms simultaneously, and can define specific listening areas such as the ‘downstairs party area’.

Multiroom audio provides a personalised, user-specific experience with multi-user profiles that cater for individual preferences, from playlists to settings.

For example, with HEOS® technology by Denon, which is built into devices from Denon, Marantz and Classé, customers can stream their favourite music, podcasts or sports to multiple devices, in other rooms of the home. HEOS, which can be operated via the HEOS app, voice control or integrated into a wider control solution, is also scalable to provide an opportunity to easily grow a home audio ecosystem at any point.

Audiophile Demand for Nostalgia

Despite the dominance of streaming, there’s a resurgence and strong market for audiophiles who crave the tactile experience of vinyl. According to BPI analysis based on Official Charts data, vinyl LP sales in the UK increased by 11.7 per cent in the first 51 weeks of 2023 to 5.9 million units, the highest annual level since 1990. This compares to the 2.9 per cent rise in vinyl sales in 2022.

You can take advantage of this trend, with the right offering. High-end turntables and CD players can be integrated as part of an installed audio solution with the help of high-quality DACs (Digital to analogue converters) such as HDAnywhere or Rotel. Let your customers know that they can rely on you to blend digital and analogue sources seamlessly, ensuring they can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Smart Home and IoT Integration

Audio systems no longer exist in isolation; customers expect them to be fully integrated into the broader smart home ecosystem, including lighting, security, and climate control.

At AWE, we focus on solutions that make integration simple. From smart controllers and automation platforms to devices that connect seamlessly with other smart home systems, providing a strong basis for whole-home automation. A great entry-level solution is the new MRX-5 processor from URC, which provides a great sell-in opportunity with intuitive, reliable, and affordable control from just £500.

Where to Start?

From integrating control, enabling high-res streaming, or designing immersive home cinemas, there is a wide range of industry training and support available to upskill your teams and exceed customer expectations. A great starting point for enhancing your audio offering and training your teams, is Cedia.org.