The global luxury audio market is expected to return to steady growth over the next several years, with retail value forecast to climb to approximately A$4.9 billion by 2030.

New research from Futuresource Consulting suggests the recovery will be driven more strongly by higher spending than rising unit sales, as enthusiasts hold onto premium audio equipment for longer while continuing to invest at the upper end of the market.

Luxury audio shipments fell 5.2 per cent to 510,000 units in 2025, while retail value slipped just 0.6 per cent to approximately A$4 billion.

Futuresource expects shipments to decline another 1.1 per cent to 504,000 units in 2026. However, retail value is forecast to increase 1.6 per cent to around A$4.1 billion, supported by higher average selling prices and continued demand for premium systems.

Futuresource senior market analyst Guy Hammett said the category was not returning to growth evenly, with many enthusiasts keeping existing systems for longer while spending at the very top of the market remained comparatively resilient.

Economic uncertainty is having a greater impact further down the luxury segment. Consumers considering loudspeakers priced at approximately A$14,300 to A$42,900 per pair are showing more caution, with some delaying upgrades or considering second-hand equipment.

Demand for loudspeakers priced above roughly A$57,000 per pair is proving more stable, according to Futuresource, as buyers continue to place value on exclusivity, craftsmanship, personalisation and design.

The report also points to changing product preferences. Streaming amplifiers and active loudspeakers that combine high-end audio performance with simpler controls and fewer separate components are attracting both newcomers and existing enthusiasts looking to streamline their systems.

Futuresource argues that product differentiation will become increasingly important as luxury customers have little reason to replace existing equipment simply because a newer model arrives. Better performance, integrated features, distinctive design and after-sales service are expected to play larger roles in convincing buyers to upgrade.

North America and Western Europe remain major markets for luxury audio, while Southeast Asia and India are viewed as longer-term growth opportunities. Recovery in China remains subdued.

Global shipments are forecast to reach 567,000 units by 2030, representing compound annual growth of 2.1 per cent from 2025. Shipments are not expected to return to 2024 levels until 2029.

Retail value is forecast to grow at around 4 per cent annually over the same period, with loudspeakers and two-channel electronics expected to generate much of the additional spending. Headphones and wireless speakers are predicted to make a stronger contribution to shipment growth.