by Bob Archer | Apr 20, 2026 | Blog, KMB Communications
Audiophiles love to argue. The audiophile crowd will argue about anything ranging from the value of cables to what’s the most important component within a system.
Possibly the biggest argument audiophiles will engage in is the battle of analog vs digital audio. Within this battle analog proponents will emphasize the warmth and texture of vinyl, while digital advocates will cite the signal-to-noise ratio of CDs or high-resolution digital files.
These arguments have been raging in some cases for decades, but now it’s time to end at least one of those arguments: The battle over what’s better … analog or digital.
The Audiophile Community Needs to Embrace Format Choices
In many ways the home audio market mirrors what’s going on in the home video market. Consumers have lots of choices and none of them are a compromise. In the home video market, consumers have choices such as streaming media, Blu-ray, DVD, and Kaleidescape’s platform that offers users a best-of-both-worlds solution (digital accessibility with physical media performance).
Over in the world of home audio, audiophiles can choose from streaming media, as well as the trendy format of vinyl, or the suddenly rising CD format.
Audiophiles may ask, “why end the debate?” The answer is simple—music fans don’t have to choose a single format. Today’s choice of formats is kind of like ice cream. Chocolate and vanilla ice cream are great flavors, but so aren’t caramel fudge, mint, and Oreo.
Why would anyone exclusively wed themselves to a single format. One of the best things about today’s home audio category besides the wealth of format choices is the overall quality of components. Entry level CD players and turntables perform at a high level, especially compared to products from the 1980s or 1990s.
Realistically, the only time a format preference becomes relevant is when cost is factored into the equation for younger music fans. Yes, vinyl is cool and there are a ton of affordable turntables on the market. The problem is that new vinyl costs three to four times the amount of a new CD.
What this translates to in real terms with the trend is already forming with Gen Z consumers, is that with young people tired of subscription fees to services such as Netflix and Spotify, the move to physical media means value. And, if you can get several CDs for the price of a single record, CD is the better buy.
With the choice of quality content and great components at a range of price points, it is time to drop the arguments and simply embrace what’s going on with home audio right now. Quality streaming services such as Apple Music, Qobuz and TIDAL make good sounding music convenient to access. Add the nostalgic memories of vinyl and the value of CDs and it’s easy to say there’s never been a better time to be an audiophile.
Here’s a look at some of the latest turntables available to music fans. To learn more about the resurgence of physical media, check out this blog from KMB Communications.
by Bob Archer | Apr 17, 2026 | Blog, KMB Communications
It’s time to give credit where credit is due, and the team at KMB Comm is certainly not afraid to handout flowers when flowers are deserved.
Years ago, before vinyl and turntables were trendy, independent music stores got behind the format when the only people that were using it were audiophiles. Fast forward 15 years and vinyl sales continue to soar and it’s safe to say that Record Store Day has helped to contribute to the resurgence of the format.
On April 18, another Record Store Day will be upon us, so that means that if you have the means, stop by your local independent record store and pick up some new music.
Home Audio Dominates the KMB Comm Tech Week in Review
Starting the week off is an item from Residential Systems on the French brand Advance Paris.
The NOVA Series products, according to the Residential Systems article, deliver a unified audio system the blends the company’s style, connectivity, and performance. The product line includes the A-i130 and A-i190 integrated amplifiers, as well as the A-BTC bi-directional Bluetooth dongle, and the A-RTR rotary remote control.
Combining old-school technologies with modern touches, Twice is reporting the company Gadhouse has introduced its Miko Cassette Player.
The story points out the lifestyle brand’s latest product is a vintage-styled portable cassette player that incorporates contemporary designs and wireless connectivity. Twice notes the Miko is designed to bridge the gap between today and yesteryear through the warmth of analog audio combining with the functionality of wireless audio connectivity.
Continuing the home audio theme in this week’s KMB Comm Tech Week in Review, is an opinion column from the website, Futureaudiophile.com. The column is entitled, “The Ultimate Audiophile Elixir is Not Streaming, Vinyl or Unlimited Access to Music, and the author, Jerry Del Colliano recalls an event he participated in at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass.
The column states that younger consumers unquestionably like formats such as vinyl and that headphones are a mainstay in the modern home audio paradigm. Unsurprisingly, Del Colliano goes onto to admit that nearly everyone streams and streaming comes down to what service the user prefers.
In conclusion, the author of the column says that people are looking for value, and the category of home audio is no different than food shopping at Trader Joe’s or anywhere else. He adds the biggest issue for the home audio industry right now is not a matter of getting users to adopt a specific technology because they are all viable, the real issue he emphasizes is informing the public about the fun the audiophile hobby can deliver.
Getting back to Record Store Day, some of the releases music fans will find during the big promotional event include:
- Tony Bennett “Unplugged”
- Bad Brains “Live”
- The Cure “Greatest Hits”
- George Harrison “Dark Horse”
- Freddie King “Feelin’ Alright: The Complete 1975 Nancy Pulsations Concert”
- Lemonheads “TAANG!”
- Puscifer “Normal Isn’t (Live)”
- Steely Dan “Alive in America”
- Sleep Token “Caramel”
- Van Halen “Live in New Haven, CT 1986”
Here is the complete list of Record Store Day exclusive Releases.
Van Halen “Live Without a Net” is the concert film the band recorded during its first tour with new singer Sammy Hagar in New Haven, Conn back in 1986. (photo credit: KMB Comm)
A Tour of National News
Shifting gears, it’s time for the KMB Comm Tech Week in Review to look at some of the technology news items that impact the industry on more of a national or global level.
During the middle of the week, LinkedIn an item from Bloomberg Reports that says Apple is developing display-free smart glasses as it transitions its AI focus to hardware. The story, which uses information from Bloomberg says the glasses could handle calls, music, photos and Siri as part of an emphasis on wearables that also includes AirPods and a camera pendant.
This next story may have flown under the radar, but Yahoo Finance picked up a story from Variety that states that Sony Pictures’ Tom Rothman says to theater owners to stop the half hour of ads before a movie starts.
The story points out that so far, 2026 has been a good year for the commercial movie industry, but according to Rothman in the story, attendance remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Closing the KMB Comm Tech Week in Review with an item from Fox Business. According to the Fox news outlet, Pepsi is experiencing a revenue boost after cutting prices on its drinks and its Frito Lay snacks.
Fox Business reports that Pepsi cut prices as much as 15% on products such as Lay’s and Doritos, and since those price reductions, the company is seeing revenue growth of 8.5% and a profit increase of 27%.
As an addendum to the Record Store Day news in this week’s KMB Comm Tech Week in Review, here’s a recent blog from KMB on growing interest in physical media beyond vinyl and how Gen Z is fueling interest in other physical media formats.
Additionally, there’s a new blog from KMB Comm that looks at a range of turntables spanning a wide range of price points.
To learn more about KMB Communications’ clients, click here.
by Bob Archer | Apr 14, 2026 | News, Somfy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Download images here
Casambi and Somfy Partner to Advance Intelligent Lighting and Shading Ecosystems
Partnership brings interoperable lighting and shading control for commercial projects, simplifying design, commissioning, and the user experience.
April 13, 2026 — Casambi and Somfy announced a strategic partnership today designed to deliver seamless integration between wireless lighting control systems and motorized shading solutions. No matter the scale, complexity, or control protocol, Casambi makes it simple. Casambi’s LightingOS unifies devices and technologies from its global OEM ecosystem, connecting everything through one powerful, intuitive platform. From luxury hotels to university campuses, retrofits to new builds, Casambi thrives in any environment.
“The integration between Casambi lighting and Somfy shading delivers a simple, elegant, unified solution for complete control of artificial and natural light. By combining Casambi’s wireless 0–10V interface with Somfy’s proprietary Somfy Digital NetworkTM (SDN) motor technology, designers and integrators can offer seamless, app‑based shade automation that pairs beautifully with lighting scenes,” explains Casambi’s General Manager of the Americas, Peter August. “The result is a smoother, smarter, and more connected user experience without the complexity.”
Somfy’s leadership in motorized shading and daylight control complements Casambi’s wireless lighting platform, creating a unified solution that supports automated scenes, daylight harvesting, glare reduction, and energy optimization. Together, the companies aim to reduce system complexity for specifiers and installers while delivering a premium end-user experience.
“The synergy between Somfy and Casambi marks a pivotal evolution in high-performance building design,” says Russell Horowitz, National Specification Manager at Somfy North America. “By uniting world-class automated shading with industry-leading lighting control, we are evolving from standalone systems toward a singular, cohesive ecosystem. This partnership doesn’t just simplify the specification process; it fundamentally enhances the occupant experience, allowing us to master the balance of natural and artificial light with unprecedented precision and ease.”
The partnership is expected to bring meaningful benefits to the building-design and integration community, including simplified specifications, reduced infrastructure requirements, faster installation timelines, and greater flexibility for retrofit and new-construction projects alike. Facility managers and property owners will also gain coordinated automation that supports long-term operational efficiency and occupant wellness.
Both companies see this collaboration as the foundation for continued innovation, with plans to expand integration capabilities and explore future opportunities that advance smart-building ecosystems.
To learn more, please visit www.somfysystems.com/commercial and www.casambi.us.
About Somfy
Somfy is a global leader in automation solutions for residential and commercial spaces. With over 50 years of experience, Somfy specializes in motorized window coverings and smart shade systems that optimize comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. Somfy’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in its solutions, which are designed to meet the evolving demands of modern buildings and enhance occupant experiences. For more information, please visit www.somfysystems.com/commercial.
About Casambi
Casambi Technologies is the leader in modern wireless lighting control solutions based on Bluetooth Low Energy. Since its founding in 2011, Casambi has expanded to 150 countries, delivered more than 6 million nodes and successfully completed 250,000 projects. Casambi’s LightingOS can be integrated into luminaires, LED drivers, and modules. The company’s wide ecosystem of partnered vendors ensures an extensive range of interoperable hardware is available. Casambi-enabled solutions can be used from simple one luminaire direct control to industrial-scale solutions with cloud-based remote control, monitoring and data logging. For more information, visit www.casambi.us.
Somfy Media Contacts:
Katye McGregor Bennett, KMB Communications: katye@kmbcomm.com
Lisa Montgomery, KMB Communications: lisa@kmbcomm.com
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
### ENDS
by Bob Archer | Apr 13, 2026 | Blog, KMB Communications
Back in March 2026, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) released its 2025 Year-End Recorded Music Revenue Report and to no one’s surprise—vinyl—fueled by a new generation of turntables continues its two-decade revival.
The report notes that while streaming represents more than 80% of total U.S. revenue, vinyl sales continue to surge, growing over 9% and eclipsing the $1 billion sales plateau.
RIAA numbers also find that vinyl sales continue to lead physical media sales by producing three-times the revenues of CDs based on nearly 20 million more units (46.8 million vs. 29.5 million) sold.
Fueling these vinyl sales are a new era of turntables that offer music fans a wide range of products that span anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
Here is a look at six of the latest turntables using information from the Nashua, N.H.-based specialty retailer/technology integration business, AV Therapy.
Turntables for Every Budget
Before getting into this list of turntables, it is important to point out that a turntable needs a phono preamplifier to effectively integrate into a home AV system. Today’s modern turntables offer built-in phono preamplifiers, particularly in the entry-level and mid-level product categories.
As users climb up pricing tiers there will likely be a need for an external phono preamplifier to mate with the turntable.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BX: The entry-level, $199 AT-LP60X-BX is an automatic, belt-drive turntable that can play 33-1/3 and 45s. The unit incorporates a die-cast aluminum platter, along with the company’s ATN3600L dual-magnet phono cartridge, and a built-in phono preamplifier.
Pro-Ject E1 Phono: The European-based manufacturer’s E1 series is available in a choice of three models. The $449 E1 Phono incorporates a built-in phono preamplifier to offer homeowners a turnkey turntable that also includes a factory-aligned Ortofon OM 5e phono cartridge. Additionally, the company’s E1 BT version offers wireless Bluetooth capabilities.
NAD C 558: One of the other developments that today’s generation of turntables offer compared to the turntables of yesterday is the inclusion of prefitted phono cartridges. The $649 C 558 is a perfect example of this trend. The C 558 is a belt-driven unit that comes with an Ortofon OM10 phono cartridge. Other features the C 558 offers include an MDF plinth and a 9-inch tonearm.
E.A.T. B Sharp: Rising in price points, the $1,595 B Sharp features the company’s B-Note carbon-fiber tonearm that offers vertical tracking angle (VTA), stylus rake angle (SRA), and vertical tracking force (VTF). The turntable also utilizes an MDF base, along with a proprietary low-noise motor, and a factory outfitted Ortofon 2M Blue phono cartridge.
VPI Scout 21: N.J.-based VPI is a go-to brand for audiophiles, and the Scout 21 is said to be the company’s best-selling turntable. The $3,300 turntable is designed to be easy-to-set up, and it includes the company’s JMW-9-Metal Unipivot Standard Wiring and a Black Deirin Clamp.
Linn Klimax LP12 Rosenut Turntable: Wrapping this look at six turntables is the luxury Klimax LP12. Many analog audio enthusiasts will cite the LP12 as an audiophile classic, and the latest version employs the Scottish company’s Karousel bearing, Radikal motor control and power supply, Ekos SE tonearm, and Urika II moving-coil phono stage that is built into a suspended base. Linn offers the $45,970 turntable in a choice of finishes that include Rosenut.
The popularity of physical media isn’t limited to just vinyl. Check out this blog from KMB Communications on how Gen-Z is reviving formats such as DVD, Blu-ray and CDs.
by Bob Archer | Apr 10, 2026 | Blog, KMB Communications
Is Disney and its Disney+ service getting its mojo back? It’s probably a topic for another KMB Comm blog, but with the recent releases of its “Daul Maul: Shadow Lord” and “Daredevil Born Again” series, it seems Disney is back.
In addition, arguably the best series from the Netflix Marvel Comic Universe (MCU), “Punisher,” is getting a reboot with the upcoming release of “Punisher: One Last Kill.”
This streaming media update is good news for those that don’t follow the National Hockey League (NHL), the National Basketball Association (NBA), which are both gearing up for their respective playoff seasons, or Major League Baseball (MLB) and its regular season.
Moreover, in less than two weeks the most popular sports league in the U.S.—the National Football League (NFL) will hold its annual college football draft and that will dominate TV viewership numbers.
In the meantime, however, let’s focus some of this week’s noteworthy tech news stories.
KMB Comm Residential News Tidbits
Since the tech week in review started with news about media, let’s look at a LinkedIn story on investor Bill Ackman and his firm Pershing Square attempt to merge Universal Music Group (UMG) with a “U.S.-based acquisition vehicle.”
The deal, according to LinkedIn, is worth about $60 billion or about $35 a share. The deal would also force the music group to list its shares in the U.S., which analysts theorize could produce about $17 billion over the next five years.
More KMB Comm media news, this post comes from AV Nirvana. The enthusiast website states the high-performance home entertainment company Kaleidescape is growing its Movie Store through the addition of content from Angel Studios.
AV Nirvana says that Angel Studios focuses on value-driven storytelling fueled by content that is designed to impact consumers on a personal level. Angel Studios’ content includes Sound of Freedom, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin, and the Tuttle Twins.
Another item posted on LinkedIn comes from Parks Associates.
The research company’s “The Connected Consumer” newsletter says the average U.S. Internet household has a download speed of 500 Mbps or faster and pays about $72 per month for Internet service. U.S. homes also receive 2.5 additional services, and Parks points out that over the past five years self-reported download speeds have more than doubled across the U.S. as fiber continues to grow in implementation.
The excerpt from a white paper co-written by TechSee, called, “Seeing the Unseen: Delivering Connectivity with Confidence,” looks at how Wi-Fi coverage, poor router placement affects service quality and impact consumer confidence.
Some of the other interesting points from the white paper include 40% of smart product owners report problems with their devices losing connectivity, and the loss of connectivity was the most common problem for product owners.
Rounding out the residential news stories for the week is a CE Pro post.
On April 7, the website posted a story on the Audio Collective Group becoming the exclusive U.S. distributor for M&K Sound. The story points out the M&K product line features a choice of on-wall and in-wall speakers for home theater that includes a THX Certified Dominus architectural speaker.
More News from the Week
Over in the commercial AV side of the technology integration industry, SCN’s AVNetwork website features a story on the state of Pro AV in 2026.
Reflecting to 2025, the story stays the Pro AV market was migrating from singular hardware decisions and gravitating to networked, software-friendly, IT systems. The story continues that as 2026 progresses, the migration into IT-based solutions has deepened.
AVNetwork.com cites AVIXA trends such as security, AV/IT/AI convergence, interoperability, sustainability, and immersive displays as “defining themes” for the year.
Closing the week out is a story from Yahoo Finance that says Apple has approved a third-party driver for its Silicon Macs. Citing a story from Tom’s Hardware, the post suggests the news could provide Nvidia more opportunities in the AI market.
Yahoo Finance points out that Apple is well known for its closed ecosystem, which is a selling point for many users. The problem the story continues, is that while the closed ecosystem offers better performance, security and user experiences, the market is moving so quickly with AI advances, the closed ecosystem has shown to be an issue.
The surprising Apple news that it has approved a driver from AI startup Tiny Corp enables NvidiaGPUs to work with Silicon Mac computers as part of external setups. Because of the speed AI advancements, the story adds Nvidia may become the company it works with as, as experts see the company possibly willing to work with other manufacturers.
In addition to the KMB Comm Technology Week in Review, the PR firm also produces its own podcast called AV Trade Talk. Click here to check out the latest AV Trade Talk episode with Kordz, as an expert panel discusses why integrators must now take on cybersecurity.
