Installed audio in ascendance, as experience and IP drive pro amplifier market growth

The professional power amplifiers market continues to expand, as demand accelerates across commercial and leisure venues. A new report from Futuresource Consulting reveals the global market was worth $776 million in 2024, up from $724 million the previous year. With a CAGR of 5%, the research firm expects value to reach $988 million by 2029, with industry emphasis shifting from wattage to intelligence, flexibility and experiential factors. 

Experience moves to centre stage in installed audio 

Installed commercial and installed leisure segments now represent the largest share of market value, and are forecast to grow fastest over the next five years. From corporate campuses and hotels to theatres, museums and theme parks, amplifiers are no longer just utility devices. They're experience enablers. 

“Today’s leading venues aren’t just seen and heard, they’re felt,” says Reid Rasmussen, Associate at Futuresource Consulting. “They are experienced on an emotional level, where sound plays a pivotal role in shaping mood, memory and connection.  

“Amplifiers are no longer just part of the background infrastructure. They are central to delivering the richness, depth and precision that modern audiences expect. That’s why amps capable of supporting spatial audio and multi-channel fidelity are being deployed, to help venues stand out through sensory storytelling. Whether it’s a touring concert, a themed attraction or a museum exhibit, audio has become a pivotal player, and amplification is the engine that powers the narrative.” 

Networked amplifiers gaining ground 

The rise of AV-over-IP systems is reshaping amplifier adoption, with IP-enabled amplification seeing significant growth. This is particularly prominent within the installed sectors, where venues are investing in remote management, zone-based control and networked audio protocols such as Dante and AES67. 

Futuresource notes that vendors bundling advanced DSP, diagnostics and scalable control platforms are not only commanding higher average selling prices (ASPs). By leaning into these added-value features, they are building stronger brand loyalty among integrators and consultants, who increasingly view amplifier flexibility and interoperability as essential. 

“Integration is now just as important as output,” says Rasmussen. “Installers want amplifiers that communicate with the broader system, adapt to changing environments and support remote service initiatives.” 

Touring steady, while portable sound in decline 

The touring and rental market, a key vertical in pro audio, has stabilised following its post-pandemic recovery. Rental companies continue to favour high-output, ruggedised amplifiers equipped with integrated DSP and IP control, especially for arena-scale and outdoor events. 

In contrast, portable sound continues its gradual decline. The growing preference for powered speaker systems and all-in-one portable setups is shrinking demand for standalone amplifiers in this segment. Futuresource predicts that portable sound will represent less than one-quarter of global unit sales by 2029, down from 33% in 2024. 

Pro amplifier market composition and regional trends 

Installed commercial accounted for the largest share of market value in 2024, generating $306 million in vendor revenues. Touring and rental, and installed leisure followed, supported by continued investment in high-quality sound systems across a wide range of public and private venues. 

Looking to the geographic markets, Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, fuelled by infrastructure projects in developing markets and expanded local manufacturing. Meanwhile, North America and EMEA continue to drive premium deployments, with strong emphasis on reliability, remote access and long-term support. 

“The market remains highly fragmented,” says Rasmussen, “with no single vendor holding more than a 15% global market share. This leaves plenty of room for disruption, and also intensifies competition. Brands like Crown, QSC, Powersoft, Bosch, Yamaha/Nexo, Bose and Extron have all carved out space by playing to their ecosystem strengths and targeting specific verticals with differentiated value propositions.” 

Value over volume as the market moves forward 

As the amplifier market continues to mature, value creation is outpacing volume growth. Increasingly, end users and integrators are prioritising amplifiers that combine high performance with platform compatibility and simplified system design. This is particularly true in the installed segments, where venues demand smart, adaptable tools that can scale with evolving AV infrastructure. 

The next generation of amplifier leaders will be defined not only by output, but by how well they serve the needs of an integrated, IP-driven, experience-first audio landscape. 

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