By: Dipin Sehdev

Mark your calendars: Audio Advice Live, the premier consumer event for high-performance home entertainment, is set to return to Raleigh, North Carolina, from August 1–3, 2025. Hosted once again at the centrally located Sheraton Hotel in downtown Raleigh, the show promises a weekend packed with state-of-the-art gear, immersive demos, industry expert panels, and live entertainment—all under one roof.

Now entering its fourth year, Audio Advice Live has rapidly grown into the largest U.S. consumer-facing show dedicated to home theater and high-fidelity audio. More than just a showroom, it’s an experience designed to connect technology enthusiasts, industry leaders, and curious newcomers with the brands and innovations shaping the future of sound and vision.

The Venue: Where Cutting-Edge Tech Meets Southern Charm

Returning to the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel—a space well-equipped to handle large-scale AV demonstrations—the 2025 edition of Audio Advice Live builds on its previous successes. With over 60 fully outfitted experience rooms and more than a dozen Dolby Atmos-enabled home theater setups, the event transforms a traditional conference venue into an audio-visual wonderland.

Raleigh’s vibrant cultural scene and central East Coast location make it an ideal host city. It’s also where Audio Advice, one of the most respected specialty AV retailers in the country, first planted its roots. “Raleigh is home to Audio Advice’s original retail location, so it’s very special for our team to see this event thrive here,” said Scott Newnam, CEO of Audio Advice. “Raleigh is known for its vibrant music scene and inviting energy—there’s no better place to bring people together to celebrate everything we love about music, movies, and home entertainment.”

Who's Exhibiting? The Industry's Powerhouses and Rising Stars

Audio Advice Live is known for delivering a brand lineup that reads like a greatest hits list of the AV world—and this year is no different. Attendees will have hands-on access to flagship products and new releases from industry leaders including:

• Sony – Expect to see the latest advancements in 4K and 8K televisions and short-throw projectors.

• JVC – Renowned for high-end projectors with cinematic black levels and impeccable contrast.

• Samsung – Showcasing their ever-evolving line of Neo QLED and OLED displays.

• Epson – Demonstrating top-tier projection technology tailored for home cinema.

• McIntosh – The gold standard for premium audio electronics with unmistakable blue VU meters.

• Sonus Faber – Handmade Italian loudspeakers known for both acoustic excellence and visual elegance.

• Bowers & Wilkins – British engineering at its best, with a focus on reference-quality sound.

• Marantz & JBL Synthesis – Presenting complete solutions for immersive Atmos home theaters.

• SVS, KEF, Klipsch – Delivering everything from budget audiophile gear to bombastic home theater systems.

• Kaleidescape – High-fidelity digital movie servers designed for uncompromising video and audio playback.

Returning as the show’s official streaming partner is Qobuz, the high-resolution audio platform that's been gaining ground among discerning listeners. “Audio Advice Live is a home entertainment paradise,” said David Solomon, VP of Business Development and High-Res Music Evangelist at Qobuz. “This show keeps surprising me every year—it’s just so much fun! It’s easy to see and hear a wide range of products from the industry’s most desired brands.”

Solomon added that Qobuz's mission—to educate consumers on the benefits of high-resolution audio—is perfectly aligned with the show’s immersive demo-driven format. Expect to hear premium content played through the best gear available, with Qobuz integrated into many demo rooms.

What to Expect: A Hands-On Playground for Audiophiles and Cinephiles

Whether you're building your first hi-fi system or planning a top-tier home cinema, Audio Advice Live 2025 is built to inform and inspire. Visitors can audition stereo and multi-channel setups, talk to brand representatives, attend tech-focused panels, and hear products side-by-side in real-world environments—something online specs and reviews simply can’t match.

Each demo room is tailored to showcase specific brands or system configurations, giving attendees the chance to explore various price points and performance levels. From two-channel analog setups featuring turntables and tube amps, to jaw-dropping 11.2.6 Dolby Atmos home cinemas, the show is a true feast for the senses.

“There’s nothing like hearing and seeing these products in person,” said Johnny Williams, Vice President and General Manager of Harman Consumer Audio. “Audio Advice Live 2024 was an electrifying celebration of music and sound. It was an honor to join top audio brands and passionate fans in such a fun, high-energy atmosphere—truly a premier event for anyone who loves great audio.”

Deep Dive Sessions and Keynotes: Learn from the Best

In addition to the demo rooms, Audio Advice Live features a full schedule of Deep Dive Sessions, where industry insiders share their expertise on topics ranging from speaker placement and room calibration to the future of high-resolution streaming and the evolution of display technologies.

These sessions are crafted to appeal to enthusiasts of all levels. Want to understand the nuances of room correction technology or how to properly set up a subwoofer array? There’s a session for that. Curious about how HDMI 2.1 impacts gaming and movie playback? Industry veterans will walk you through it in language that’s both accessible and authoritative.

Capping off Friday night’s activities is a state-of-the-industry keynote from Audio Advice CEO Scott Newnam, followed by a high-energy live concert at the nearby Lincoln Theater featuring Sleepy Booty, a 12-piece funk and soul band known for its infectious grooves and tight choreography.

The combination of live music, expert insights, and hands-on discovery sets Audio Advice Live apart from more traditional trade shows.

Who Should Attend?

Audio Advice Live is designed for consumers, not just press or dealers. That makes it one of the rare events where hobbyists, families, newcomers, and seasoned audiophiles all share the same space. Whether you're a vinyl collector, a movie buff, or someone simply curious about upgrading your TV setup, this show is tailored to make you feel welcome and empowered.

Perhaps most impressively, the event maintains a highly approachable atmosphere. Brand reps and engineers are available for one-on-one conversations. Want to ask a JBL Synthesis specialist about crossover settings? Go for it. Curious whether a McIntosh amp will pair well with your Sonus Faber speakers? Get real-time feedback from people who know the gear inside and out.

Family-Friendly and Accessible

Audio Advice Live offers incredible value for consumers. Early-bird tickets are priced at just $25 for a one-day pass or $45 for all three days. Children and students under 21 are admitted free, making it a great weekend outing for families and aspiring young engineers or musicians.

General admission includes access to:

• All experience and demo rooms

• Deep Dive Sessions

• Friday night’s concert and keynote at Lincoln Theater

• Qobuz-powered high-res streaming in multiple setups

Early-bird pricing (through July 31):

• 1-day pass: $25

• 3-day pass: $45

• Under 21: Free

On-site pricing (August 1–3):

• 1-day pass: $30

• 3-day pass: $50

• Under 21: Free

Tickets can be purchased now through the official Audio Advice Live website.

Why It Matters: Elevating the AV Community

Audio Advice Live stands out in the crowded landscape of tech events by putting the consumer first. Unlike trade-only shows like CES or CEDIA, this event offers everyday enthusiasts a front-row seat to the latest and greatest in home entertainment—without the velvet rope.

It’s also a powerful demonstration of how physical retail and in-person experiences still matter in an increasingly digital world. You can’t get goosebumps from a spec sheet, but you can get them from a perfectly tuned theater room playing Dune: Part Two in Dolby Atmos at reference volume.

By fostering a space where consumers can learn, connect, and be inspired, Audio Advice Live isn’t just a showcase—it’s a celebration.

Final Thoughts

If you’re passionate about great sound, stunning visuals, and the gear that brings it all together, Audio Advice Live 2025 belongs on your summer calendar. With access to the industry’s top brands, powerful live demos, educational sessions, and a welcoming community of like-minded enthusiasts, it’s an event that turns passive interest into active obsession.

From world-class speakers to cinematic projectors, high-res streaming to live funk bands, Audio Advice Live offers a one-of-a-kind blend of tech, culture, and entertainment. Don’t just read about the future of home entertainment—experience it for yourself this August in Raleigh.