ISE wouldn’t be the gigantic Pro AV trade show that it is without high-fidelity audio products and booming sound systems, and 2025’s outing of the tradeshow featured an extensive array of audio manufacturers that made speakers, subwoofers, receivers, amplifiers and more that look as good as they sound.

Maybe it was just because ISE 2025 was located in beautiful Barcelona, but one of my main takeaway from the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via was the meticulous attention to detail and craftmanship that goes into the visual aesthetics of audio products. Of course, if any audio company exhibits at ISE or CEDIA Expo, the audio engineering is likely excellent.

What sets some apart, however, is how the audio looks. Are the speakers just simple, large black boxes, or did the manufacturer add any aesthetic details or premium finishes to the design? According to my time at ISE 2025, it was very much the latter when it came to the audio products on display at the show.

Meridian Audio Shows Off Elegant Speakers

Any company that teams up with Range Rover is probably going to make some sleek-looking speakers, and Meridian Audio does just that. The unmistakable shape and design of Meridian’s loudspeakers was front and center thanks to the DSP9 at the front of the company’s ISE booth.

This particular model was outfitted with a California Sage color meant to mirror the color of the Aston Martin DB5s that were driven by James Bond in the 1960s. After all, Meridian Audio is a British company.

“We thought, ‘How can we look more British than we already do?’” joked Barry Sheldrick, Meridian’s director of sales.

According to Sheldrick, the design and aesthetics of the company’s speakers are just as important as the engineering that makes them sound great. Meridian’s trademark design feature is the elliptical shape and curves that not only help to hide some of the visual weight, but also aids in the audio quality.

“From an engineering point of view, it gives us non-parallel services,” Sheldrick says. “From an acoustic design point of view, we break up the sound waves inside the speaker so we have less resonance and less distortion. What that gives you is something that looks awesome … and more important, something that makes you go, ‘That’s how it should sound.’”

The company recently transferred that design approach to the name of one of its newest products, the Ellipse, a compact, all-in-one high-fidelity streaming speaker that features twelve unique Meridian DSP technologies, including the debut of ‘Meridian Bass & Space,’ which creates a vast, spatial soundstage that exceeds expectations for its size.

L-Acoustics Showcases HYRISS Technology

Speaking of European audio manufacturers, we simply have to mention L-Acoustics, a French provider of some of the best-sounding commercial audio products in the world that can probably be found in your favorite concert hall, in addition to ISE 2025

At an in-booth demo at ISE 2025, L-Acoustics was featuring a pared-down version of last year’s HYRISS, the company’s audio product designed to deliver immersive soundscapes for high-end residential environments. Engineered with the company’s expertise in spatial audio, HYRISS integrates processing, amplification, and speaker technology to create versatile listening experiences. The system is optimized for luxury home theaters, media rooms, and immersive entertainment spaces, bringing L-Acoustics’ renowned concert-grade sound into private environments.

Nick Fichte, the company’s business development director for the residential and yacht markets, demonstrated how the system can transform the listening environment in any space. Via a 10.1.5 system, Fichte used a touch panel interface to essentially change the direction of the audio.

For example, music listeners may not want to face their TV in their living room when listening to music, so users can instead have the stereo or Atmos audio coming from the side speakers, from behind them, or straight from the ceiling. One key feature of HYRISS is its AI and machine learning capabilities that sample different parts of a song and spatialize it so that audio objects are constantly moving. Users can then fine tune it for different use cases.

“We’re not restricted to any particular orientation of the room anymore,” Fichte says. “This is truly unique.”

Monitor Audio’s Architectural and Outdoor Speakers Boom

Seriously, what is it about British audio manufacturers and beautifully designed speakers and innovative audio products at ISE? Monitor Audio was highlighting its new Climate Series 3G outdoor speaker products, its expanded Creator Series of in-ceiling and in-wall loudspeakers, the Gold Series 6G loudspeakers, and the Platinum Series of hi-fidelity floor-standing, stand mount and center speakers while at ISE 2025.

The new Creator Series products feature full-size in-wall speakers that can be used in LCR configurations. They are an evolution of the product line that launched two years ago. They share the same quick link terminal brackets as the other Creator Series products.

Also new at the company’s booth was the Vestra subwoofer, a series of entry-level subwoofers in 10-inch, 12-inch and 15-inch configurations. They feature the company’s C-CAM drive units and up to 500 watts of class D amplification.

Also heavily featured in the company’s booth were the Climate Series 3G outdoor on-wall speakers. They feature a C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter and Rigid Surface Technology (RST II) for clarity and precision and an IP66-rated ABS-reinforced cabinet and an expansion valve system to withstand harsh weather. The speakers also feature the Quik-Link bracket system for flexible 180-degree installation, while a large Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR) enhances bass and protects against environmental ingress.

According to Matt Miller, head of marketing, the new outdoor speakers are evolution of the company’s Climate Series 2 G speakers but with a more contemporary, less intrusive design.

“We want to create products that aren’t going to take over a space visually,” Miller says. “That’s why the Climate Series 3G is a more natural, unobtrusive design.”

We also have to mention the incredible Hyphn loudspeakers that were displayed at the front of the company’s booth. These are some impressive speakers that look like they were made for Darth Vader’s lair. They feature the company’s M-Array high- and mid-frequency driver array and four force-cancelled 8-inch bass drivers per speaker. They’re pictured in the main image to this article.

Russound Touts It’s ‘Bread and Butter’ Amplifiers

Amplifiers are the component that really drives exceptional audio experiences, and amplifiers are what Russound brought to show off at ISE 2025.

New for ISE 2025 was Russound’s SMZ8, an eight-source, eight-zone controller amplifier with a built-in high-res audio streamer product. It features support for popular sources such as AirPlay and Google Cast, delivers 50 watts per channel, and is scalable up to 48 zones.

Also new in the company’s booth was the SMZ16-PRE 16×16 matrix pre-amplifier with high-res streamer. With 16 stereo inputs, it can be used in any combination of up to 16 analog, six digital optical, or four digital coax inputs. Though 16×16, the SMZ16-PRE is expandable up to 16×48 for added flexibility.

“Controllers are the bread and butter of Russound, and this is our largest controller,” says Colin Clark, vice president of product development.

Both the SMZ8 and the SMZ16-PRE boast an HDMI input (ARC) for connecting to a TV or video source with low latency synchronization to avoid lip-sync issues and integrated DSP with a seven-band graphical EQ with built-in presets for Russound speakers.

The company also showcased the Cinema Bar 3.0 soundbar and D-Series Multichannel Digital Amplifiers.

NAD Ups Streaming Amplifier Game

While we’re talking about amplifiers, we need to talk about NAD Electronics’ new Modular Series of amplifiers that debuted at ISE 2025.

The Modular Series includes the NAD CI S1 Single Zone Streamer, a versatile streaming solution that supports streaming music playback; the NAD CI SA2-120 BluOS Streaming Amplifier, a multichannel amplifier with BluOS integration for high-resolution multiroom streaming; and the NAD CI PA4-60 4 Channel Power Amplifier.

These are designed to combine performance, integration and user-friendly designs in a compact form factor.  The amplifiers are part of the BluOS ecosystem, so they offer the same interface for high-resolution music streaming and multi-zone audio management as other BluOS-based products.

In addition to the new Modular Series, NAD also displayed its updated CI DSP amplifier range with a new and improved user interface. The CI 8-150 DSP, CI 8-120 DSP, and CI 16-60 DSP products feature an intuitive dashboard that displays live status, perfect for remote checks.

According to NAD’s CI Product Manager Peter Gibb, these new products use a Dante-supported processor, so Dante will eventually be added.

Stealth Acoustics Touts Improved Performance, Versatility

We know that a lot of this article focuses on beautiful-looking speakers, but those were only designed as such to meet the demand for speakers that don’t look like big ugly black boxes.

However, speakers that you can’t even see also solve that problem. That’s where Stealth Acoustics comes in with its new LRAD 430 speakers, which are completely hidden in walls. According to Vice President Brian Azzano says can be used for more than just distributed audio. The company’s booth featured a demo theater room with the speakers acting as surround speakers.

“We’re starting to approach the performance levels for at least the surround speakers to where we can feasibly roll this out as an application for secondary listening spaces,” Azzano says.

Sometimes the company’s speakers can be pigeon-holed as only a distributed audio speaker, but due to new technologies, these invisible speakers pack a punch. They feature 3-way clarity and dual 8-inch woofers with independent high- and mid-frequency exciters for a true performance statement from an invisible loudspeaker.

According to Azzano, the ultra-wide dispersion creates room-filling sound with no bright spots or dead zones, unlike traditional cone-style speakers with grilles. The speakers use a flat diaphragm, which allows energy from the drivers to feed into the front of the speaker that finishes like sheetrock, resulting in a hemispherical, wide-dispersion sound field.

“When you move through an audio zone created by invisible speakers, it feels almost magical—there’s no noticeable drop-off anywhere in the room,” Azzano says. “We’ve been championing this for over a decade, and now, with the performance improvements in our latest range, things like this are more plausible.”

Sonance Shows How Invisible Audio Can Transform Vibes

Speaking of remarkable demonstrations, Sonance showcased an impressive array of speaker solutions at ISE 2025, highlighting how expertly designed audio products and invisible speakers can transform a room’s ambiance based on sound placement. The demo room featured speakers seamlessly integrated into the walls and ceilings, along with in-wall subwoofers.

The demo showed how music, played from hidden sources, the space can be made more comfortable. Products included Sonance VX66R hidden speakers, both James and Sonance small aperture speakers, including the new James SA68.

Another interesting part of the Sonance demo was when music was playing from every speaker source around the room, which helped listeners stop trying to focus on where the music is coming from. This helps make the room a more comfortable, immersive environment where the volume can be turned down.

One new product featured at the Sonance booth was the new James On Wall QT Series, which is now shipping. Featuring Quadratech (QT) tweeter technology, these speakers offer clearer, more detailed sound with minimal DSP adjustments. Designed for precision and flexibility, they match the sonic signature of recent James releases and come in multiple sizes, adjustable impedance, and over 15 color options. Marine models are also available for enhanced durability.

Bang & Olufsen Wins With New Design Initiative, Aesthetic-Focused Systems

Bang & Olufsen is yet another European manufacturer of speakers and audio components that probably spends as much time designing how products look that they spend engineering the audio that comes out of the powerful yet sleek speakers.

The most striking part of the company’s ISE booth as you walked by was the Beolab 90 speakers, which bring up to 8,200 watts per speaker, 18 premium drivers, 14 channels of ICEpower, 300 watts of amplification and four channels of 1000 watts class D Heliox amplifiers.

If those figures aren’t impressive, just take a look at how they look.

The speakers were featured in a configuration with Beovision Harmony, a line of OLED TVs with up to 8K resolution with built-in speakers encased in premium materials that cover the screen when the TV is off and unfold when it’s being used.

A major highlight of the company’s booth and a new offering was the new Atelier service that allows clients to collaborate with master artisans in the company’s Struer, Denmark facility to create custom-made products. This launch marks a major step in the brand’s legacy of high-fidelity sound and craftsmanship, catering to growing demand for personalized audio solutions.

If that kind of super customizable program isn’t attractive to integrators with very discerning clients, we’re not sure what is.

The program offers three levels of bespoke design. Atelier Bespoke enables clients to work directly with an artisan to create a one-of-a-kind product using unique materials or colors. Atelier Catalogue expands customization further, offering over 500,000 possible combinations of fabric, wood, and aluminum finishes. Atelier Editions presents limited-edition versions of Bang & Olufsen’s iconic products, showcasing the pinnacle of the brand’s craftsmanship.

Sonos’ Era 100 Pro Affirms Commitment to CI Channel

Sonos used ISE 2025 to showcase the Era 100 Pro, the company’s first PoE-powered, fixed-installation speaker for light commercial and residential use cases.

“We’re super highly focused on light commercial right now,” says Casey Clemens, senior director of the company’s U.S. professional market. The product meets the demand that was created when integrators were installing the company’s more consumer-focused speakers in light commercial markets.

 The speakers come with an innovative mount that Clemens says eliminates sagging due to gravity over time.

The company announced the speakers last fall, saying they were the company’s first speakers designed specifically for professional installation in light commercial and residential spaces. The speakers feature Power over Ethernet (PoE) for faster, easier installation, as well as an optional secondary safety attachment, and a professional-grade surface mount that delivers flexible mounting options to dealers.

The company says the speakers use the same acoustic architecture as Era 100 to enable the Era 100 Pro to produce high levels of sound quality, which is unique from a PoE-based speaker. The professional-version speaker utilizes two 0.63-inch / 16mm silk, angled, high-frequency drivers and a 3.5 x 4.4 in / 90.8 x 111.9 mm carbon filled-polypropylene low-frequency driver and a Sonos crossover network that enables the Era 100 Pro to deliver a 240-degrees of horizontal dispersion from a compact profile.

The company is highlighted Zones, a new software feature that makes configuring and controlling multiple speakers easier and more customizable for larger spaces. The update introduces a more persistent zoning approach, particularly beneficial for commercial spaces. In scenarios where multiple speakers are in the same room, the system ensures that they always play the same content. Additionally, if a speaker loses power and reconnects, it automatically rejoins its designated zone without requiring manual intervention. This feature scales up to 32 speakers, offering greater flexibility for large audio setups.

Theory Audio Demo Highlights Range and Versatility

In what is becoming a popular demo at ISE and CEDIA, Theory Audio provided a thorough overview of what its line of versatile but impressive audio products can do. A selection of music tracks were played on ceiling pendant speakers, speaker towers, subwoofers and a truly incredible sounding soundbar.

The demo included a total of 16 loudspeakers consisting of only seven different models, combined into five different systems. According to CEO Paul Hales, the system was positioned according to a Dolby Atmos 7.2.4 surround sound system.

Needless to say, this demo was incredible and truly illustrated the versatility and range of the company’s speakers, which according to the Theory Audio website, number only 12.

The products used in the demo included the company’s DLC U2 loudspeaker controllers, sb25 and sb255aw Loudspeakers, ic6 In-Ceiling and Pendant Loudspeakers, and iws12-9 subwoofers.

If you were lucky enough to catch this demo while at ISE 2025, then you know that the versatility and range of Theory’s audio product cannot be overstated.

Steinway Lyngdorf Dazzles With Beautiful Speakers

The Steinway Lyngdorf booth featured some of the most attractive speakers and soundbars on the market, including the company’s Model S Soundbar and FR-2 floor-standing speakers.

The new FR-2 speakers are built to be shallow and sit flush against a wall, and they can also be hung on a wall. The speaker is designed for optimal placement against a wall, featuring a shallow cabinet, downward-facing bass reflex port, and customizable fabric covers.

The speaker features two features two 6.5-inch woofers with lightweight aluminum cones and a soft-dome tweeter, ensuring high efficiency, low distortion, and a balanced 4-ohm impedance for excellent amplifier compatibility.

The speaker can stand with with stabilizer or spike feet, secure against the wall with a fixing strap, or be wall-mounted for a minimal footprint.

The company also launched at ISE 2025 the BWS-210, a high-performance in-wall woofer specifically made for Steinway & Sons speaker installations requiring the most shallow woofer solution. The BWS-210 adds to the BWS-110 launched last year and was designed to offer an in-wall woofer with an even higher dynamic range and SPL.

The BWS-210 is the brand’s seventh woofer model, a portfolio ranging from stackable installation woofers to extraordinary in-room woofers featuring the trademark high-gloss piano lacquer.

This company’s speakers are truly works of art and look about as beautiful as they sound. For the design-conscious client, these speakers should be near the top of any integrator’s list.

K-array Makes Statement With Dolomite Series

Yes, there’s one more European audio company that we have to talk about. K-array, an Italian manufacturer, showcased its Dolomite series of loudspeakers, which are essentially a compact system that integrates line arrays and subwoofers in a sleek and impressive form factor. They are designed for luxury events and high-end residential installations.

The company bills the Dolomite line of speakers as showcasing its ability to design premium audio products without sacrificing on design and aesthetics. The Dolomite speakers are the company’s first entry into the tower speaker market. They are an evolution of K-array’s Vyper line, which are the company’s flattest speakers and can be recessed into a wall.

“This is something we’re being very punchy about,” says Tom Riby, global business development manager for K-array.

The speakers are yet another large and impressive tower speaker from an overseas audio company, blending exceptional audio quality with elegant design.

“There’s a big demand for it, because some people like to hide their speakers and that’s more into architectural design, but there are also people that love their audio and want to show it,” Riby says.

Also on display at the booth was the company’s bendable Anakonda speaker, which allows integrators to snake audio around a space or hide it amongst landscaping. Thanks to a new accessory, installers can now make an Anakonda speaker arrangement as long as about 200 feet.

Storm Audio, Wisdom Audio Shine in Home Theater Demo

Those who got to check out the Reference Home Theater demo in Hall 2 were treated to an audio masterpiece thanks to Storm Audio processors and Wisdom Audio speakers. The content was largely previews of newer films, and it sounded incredible thanks to those manufacturers.

Storm Audio specializes in producing modular, upgradeable, and easy-to-use audio processors and receivers. They emphasize the importance of future-proofing their products with regular software updates and a hardware design that can adapt to technological advancements. The French company’s room calibration tool, developed in collaboration with DIRAC, allows for quick and effective setup in various environments, including home theaters and mixing studios.

Waterfall Audio’s Glass Speakers

Waterfall Audio, which is becoming a popular stop at CEDIA Expo, was showing off its Niagara line of glass speakers that are quite the engineering marvel.

The cabinets are made of glass, and the speakers feature a wooden tweeter at the top. With these materials, you might think you can feel vibrations from the speaker, but I put that to the test in the company’s booth. While the speaker was playing music, there were virtually no vibrations.

On dispaly were the Niagara XT1 and its larger sibling the Niagara XT2. The company’s website lists three other “glass speakers,” as well lines of compact speakers, subwoofers, home theater speakers and in-wall speakers.

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