13.02.2025 08:38 | ~4 minutes read
Many music lovers and audiophiles are wondering what the future holds for the high-quality audio market? Will the trend for analog formats continue, what transformation will streaming undergo, what will happen to loudspeakers, amplifiers and sources? Well, our editorial forecast for the development of the Hi-Fi and High-End industry for the coming year is as follows - the ten points outlined below can significantly influence the market and change the balance of power in it.
In addition to excellent sound quality, exceeding all digital formats, vinyl records also offer collectible value. This applies to both rare original 1st pressings and modern LPs, many of which are released in limited editions. And since more and more fans of good sound want not only to “tap and listen”, but also to feel the record in their hands, examine the sleeve, then vinyl sales have a bright future.
The high mobility of the younger generation and the decrease in the desire to be tied to one house dictates a slight decrease in interest in full-stationary installations based on separate components and large-sized acoustics. Headphones come to the rescue - fortunately, at the modern technological level, their sound has radically improved (this applies to both the entry-level and advanced segments). In general, the conclusion is simple - now headphones compete on equal terms with acoustics in almost all price sectors.
Modern ergonomic approaches and the streaming dictate a new standard for a component audio system - acoustics and an integrated amplifier that have a digital-to-analog converter module, a streaming streamer and a room correction system "on board" that eliminates modes and optimizes the sound for a specific room. Subsequently, you can always improve the sound by introducing external components, the same external DAC, but at the starting stage, this is the scheme that breaks ahead, providing full flexibility and ease of use.
Despite the difficulties in handling, dimensions and price, it is the two-track magnetic tape of a quarter inch width, transported at a speed of 38 cm/s, that will leave no stone unturned from all other formats - including even vinyl. The game is worth the candle - if, of course, you have the appropriate room to place a tape recorder and the budget for such a device. That is why at almost all specialized exhibitions now we see a lot of installations based on reel-to-reel tape recorders - and top High-End systems almost always include such a component. Now the movement is maybe emerging in a more affordable price segment - fortunately, there are a lot of vintage devices on the market.
Another ergonomic trend is active bookshelf speakers with a room correction module and a DAC - this approach allows, in fact, to use a professional studio approach at home. And to achieve very high sound quality at a relatively low cost. True, to the detriment of future upgrade maneuvers.
Roon Ready Relay - the first swallow among the protocols of the new generation, uniting absolutely all home audio devices into a single multi-room network with the option of instantly moving the sound to the desired zone. Further, more and more components will appear that support such functionality.
Not only are cult brands like TAD using digital amplification in their devices, but hybrid amplification circuits (like Devialet's ADH, in which low-power traditional class A amplification circuits work in tandem with a digital D-cascade) are triumphantly marching on the market. In general, the ice has broken - today, to achieve good sound, you no longer need amps the size of a chest.
Spatial Audio is proving to be one of the fastest-growing technologies today – and for the first time in decades, we are seeing a format that can push traditional stereo music off its leading position. Apple Music now operates thousands of tracks in Dolby Atmos, other streaming services are not far behind – and the sound quality of releases in the form is discouragingly high. The rapid advancement of headphones on the market has also had a huge impact on this segment – but now the active acoustics segment is not far behind either.
The dominance of streaming systems in the market has also brought forward a new way for listeners to interact with music – in which the study of genres, bands, albums and compositions is left to the mercy of recommendation systems that finely tune to the user's tastes. The result? More listening time, of course.
The main trend of 2025 is artificial intelligence, and its impact on the music industry will be as significant as on other market sectors. It is quite possible that AI-written music will be able to compete with live performers by the end of the season - and such a revolution can only be called a tectonic shift.
TWS headphones have become an integral part of our lives – but, as usual, we are interested in Hi-Fi and High-End models that can satisfy the needs of audiophiles. It is not always possible to sit in front of a home system – or take large-sized overhead headphones on the road. TWS models have made a quantum leap in terms of music reproduction quality – and the ten models presented below can satisfy even the most demanding music lovers.
Beryllium tweeters, first introduced into speakers in the 70s of the XX century, are back in fashion - and have become much more technologically advanced. What can I say about beryllium, now diamond diaphragms are also in use - even on midrange drivers. That's not even mentioning carbon fiber cones, iron-free magnet systems, or zirconium baskets. What does the future hold? In this article, we'll look at modern acoustics design ideas, analyze new technology trends, talk about innovative loudspeakers designs, and more. We'll also consider how acoustics can evolve their designs in the next decade and beyond.
Modern horn speakers are the choice of those audiophiles and music lovers who want to get ultra-high sound dynamics, easy selection of tube amplification and a vinyl-friendly experience. Indeed, analog sound formats are best revealed on horn acoustics with a tube amp in a pair – so our new rating is dedicated to such loudspeakers. It's 2025 and in almost any price segment – from Hi-Fi to High-End you can find impressive speakers – our expert article will help with this.
In an effort to provide the highest possible sound quality, developers of High-End equipment and acoustics go to incredible tricks and release truly monumental and innovative developments. Our new rating is made up of just such pearls of the firmament of good sound – loudspeakers that can amaze you with their appearance, offer a whole book of innovations and, of course, boast incredible sound quality. So, the ten most daring innovative High-End acoustics of 2025.
The segment of relatively affordable bookshelf loudspeakers is currently developing the fastest - with new acoustics hitting the market almost every week. We have carefully studied the state of affairs and selected for you ten of the most impressive loudspeakers that fall into the Hi-Fi and Top Hi-Fi segments. This means that you can assemble a system with impressive sound without the expense of the "audio equipment for the price of a car" series - this is exactly what a buyer's guide in this market sector looks like at the beginning of 2025.