Global Power Amp Market Hits New High Despite Challenges from Competing Products

Power Amp Market Analysis and Commentary

Driven by consumer demand for bigger and better audio-visual experiences, the power amp market is on track to achieve a worldwide value of $785 million in 2020, according to a new industry report from Futuresource Consulting.

“From live music and performance to amusement parks and leisure attractions, entertainment providers are looking for ways to deliver immersion, create memories and differentiate from the competition,” says James Kirby, Market Analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “Across all verticals, we’re seeing growing demand for quality audio to support these experiences, and this is resulting in a positive upshift for the power amp market.

“At the same time, power amplifiers are taking on mission-critical roles. They are becoming the heart and hub of audio networks, with professionals relying on them to deliver seamless quality.”

Multi-channel amplifiers are also taking a greater share of the power amp market, meaning if an amp stops working, more speakers go offline. Combine this with longer replacement cycles, and quality and reliability are becoming increasingly important. As a result, Futuresource expects value to increase at a faster rate than volume over the forecast period, at a 5.1% CAGR between 2018 and 2023.

Looking to the verticals, installed commercial currently commands the largest value share of the market, at over 25%, followed by touring and rental, and installed leisure. Installed commercial and installed leisure are both high growth areas for power amplifiers, with installed leisure providing higher value projects, but installed commercial providing a greater number of opportunities. By the end of 2020, installed leisure will have overtaken touring and rental to take the second slot in value terms.

“It’s not all blue skies and fair weather,” says Kirby. “The rising popularity of active speakers, with amplifiers built in, is placing pressure on the power amp market, particularly in the low to mid-range segments of the live performance market. Developed regions like North America and Western Europe are feeling the effects the most, as customers are willing to pay a little extra for convenience. In price-sensitive developing regions, like Latin America, Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia, customers have been slower to migrate across.

“Audio is also battling against video for a share of the budget. In most instances video is the priority, with tough competition in the touring sector, where audio budgets are really being squeezed. But despite the challenges, savvy power amp vendors can look forward to a positive future, as we see the market break through the $900 million mark in 2023.”

Futuresource Consulting’s 88-page professional power amplifier market assessment report employs a mixed methodology to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the market. This includes expert research and analysis, using sales data from vendors and conducting in-depth interviews across 15 geographies to validate market data and build and understanding of market dynamics. For further information on this report, please contact Leon Morris via leon.morris@futuresource-hq.com

About the author

James Kirby

James manages the Professional Audio team at Futuresource, reporting and consulting across product categories including Professional Loudspeakers, Microphones, Amplifiers, Mixers, Content Creation, DSP, Audio Collaboration and more. With a background spanning broader AV, James applies his passion for audio and in-depth knowledge of AV market dynamics to all the areas he covers. With the audio and visual worlds colliding, James is also increasingly involved with Futuresource’s Collaboration services, and frequently provides consultation and reports relating to AV Conferencing.

Harnessing his personal experiences as an end-user in these markets, James is driven by his enthusiasm and passion to bring high-quality research to the pro audio industry. This passion is reflected in his regular conversations with manufacturers and professionals across the supply chain. James holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Business with Economics, with specialisms in Applied Strategy.