(July 14, 2026) Tick, tock! The countdown is on for Audio Advice Live 2026, and if this year's show follows the path established by previous installments, Raleigh is about to become one of the best places in the country to experience high-performance home theater and two-channel sound.
Set for August 7 through August 9 at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, Audio Advice Live returns for its fifth year with another strong mix of experience rooms, educational sessions, brand showcases, and enthusiast-focused demo opportunities. The show is open to the public and is built around something that’s increasingly rare in the AV world: the chance to sit down, listen, compare, ask questions, and experience complete systems in person.
As valued AV NIRVANA members, we have a small bonus to pass along. Use promo code "AALNIRVANA " to save $5 at checkout. The code only applies to 3-day pass registrations, so if you’re planning to attend for the full weekend, have it at the ready and enjoy some savings!
Audio Advice Live has become a worthwhile stop for enthusiasts because it brings together a wide range of brands and system philosophies under one roof. This year’s event is expected to feature more than 60 demonstration rooms, with gear from companies including Anthem, Bowers & Wilkins, Focal, JBL Synthesis, JVC, KEF, Klipsch, Marantz, McIntosh, Loewe, Lyngdorf, Samsung, Sonus faber, Sony, and many more.
That list alone should give attendees plenty to explore, but the bigger value is in how the gear is presented. A projector paired with a properly matched screen, a loudspeaker system integrated into a calibrated theater, or a subwoofer setup working with room correction and placement strategy tells a much more complete story. For anyone planning a new system, upgrading an existing room, or simply trying to understand where the industry is heading, that kind of exposure is impossible to replicate online.
This year’s show highlights include more than 10 reference-grade home theater experiences, an immersive McLaren Racing simulator experience, an interactive golf simulator showcase, and a CI Flex Space focused on creative applications of audio, video, and smart home technology.
Several product and system demonstrations are also expected to draw attention. Highlights include an exclusive Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond D5 showcase, an Epson QL7000 theater paired with a 200" Stewart Filmscreen, MartinLogan Masterpiece CI loudspeakers and Depth subwoofers, plus a Trinnov and Ascendo Audio theater featuring a 32" infrasonic subwoofer and Christie projection. In addition, JL Audio is expected to show its new Primacy series, while Sony will showcase its new flagship RGB panels along with a BRAVIA 9 projector-based theater paired with McIntosh electronics and the debut of Sonus faber’s new Arena series speakers.
The event will also host North American debuts from Focal and Sonus faber, including the new Focal Diva Utopia and Sonus faber Olympica series.
Beyond the demo rooms, the event will feature a series of Deep Dive discussions led by industry professionals, creators, and experts. These sessions are especially useful for attendees who want to go beyond product demos and dig into the thinking behind system design, calibration, speaker performance, bass management, video setup, and physical media.
Deep Dive Session Schedule
Friday, August 7
11 am: Control the Room: Acoustics, Isolation, and Better Sound
1 pm: Projector Meets Screen: The Key to Better Brightness and HDR
3 pm: What Makes a Great Speaker? Design, Measurement, and Listening
Saturday, August 8
11 am: Why Physical Media Still Matters
1 pm: Setting the Standard: Designing and Calibrating a Reference Home Theater
3 pm: The Search for Perfect Sound: Audio YouTubers’ Perspectives
Sunday, August 9
11 am: The Subwoofer Playbook: Placement, Timing, and Room Correction
1 pm: Technology in Today’s Projectors: The Biggest Innovations and What’s Next
Friday evening will also bring Audio Advice Live’s Opening Night Kickoff & Concert at Lincoln Theater. There, Audio Advice CEO Scott Newnam will welcome attendees with a state-of-the-industry keynote, followed by a live performance from Sleeping Booty, a twelve-piece band known for high-energy, choreographed shows. Admission to the kickoff event and concert is included with all show registrations.
Additional Information
Show hours are 10 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday.
Early-bird ticket pricing is available through August 6, with 1-day passes priced at $25 and 3-day passes priced at $45. On-site ticket pricing, available August 7 through August 9, increases to $30 for a 1-day pass and $50 for a 3-day pass. Child and student admission, ages 21 and under, is free.
AV NIRVANA members can use promo code AALNIRVANA to save $5 on a 3-day pass. To buy tickets and learn more, visit Audio Advice Live.
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