ANALYSIS: CONNECTED AUDIO Home Entertainment
February 2025
ertonline.co.uk
Goodbye wires... Hello simplicity
Connected audio solutions have become an essential part of everyday life. Lithe Audio’s Managing Director, Amit Ravat, speaks to Will McGill about how retailers can help consumers make the right choice.
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or years, if you wanted to install ceiling speakers, consumers had to deal with complicated setups involving external amplifiers, numerous cables, and the technical know-how to make everything connect and work together. However, Lithe Audio has developed a solution with its all-in-one ceiling speakers that combine an integrated amplifier, speaker, and connectivity features into a single unit, making installation a breeze. As the company’s Managing Director, Amit Ravat, explains: “Traditionally, if you wanted ceiling speakers, you needed external amplifiers and lots of cabling. We’ve developed an all- in-one solution with an integrated amplifier, connectivity, and speaker to simplify installation.” Lithe’s speakers also support a range of smart home systems, including Bluetooth, Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, Apple’s Siri, and Apple AirPlay 2, allowing users to enjoy high-quality audio with minimal effort. “It’s as easy as fitting a spotlight—cut a hole, add power, and it’s ready to use,” adds Mr Ravat. Users can control their audio using voice commands or stream music via AirPlay or Google Cast without needing to download any additional apps.
Alexa in Wonderland
As with all home audio solutions, it’s important for retailers to guide customers on speaker placement and quantity to ensure they get the best possible listening experience. Retailers should be prepared to answer one of the most common questions from customers: How many speakers do I need for my room? According to Mr Ravat, a good rule of thumb is one speaker for every four-by-four- metre space. Larger rooms will likely require a stereo pair to achieve the best sound quality. “We offer a free speaker placement service where retailers or customers can submit floor
The Voice Awakens Looking ahead, Mr Ravat predicts that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a game-changer in the audio industry with speakers becoming more conversational, so users can just say, ‘I feel like
plans and receive tailored advice on speaker positioning,” he says. “Understanding a customer’s setup is key to choosing the right solution. This personalised service ensures that customers get optimal performance from their audio system, making it an invaluable resource for retailers.”
One of the most exciting aspects of Lithe
Audio’s products is the advancement of spatial audio technology. Traditionally, audio was stereo with left and right channels, but spatial audio creates a 3D effect, making sound feel like it’s coming from different directions. Lithe Audio’s speakers are designed to support the latest spatial audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and Apple’s spatial audio. Mr Ravat adds: “Streaming services now
offer higher-quality audio, which means richer sound. Our Pro Series speakers support full high-resolution audio at 192kHz/24-bit, delivering exceptional clarity. This high level of quality ensures that every nuance of the music can be heard, making our speakers an excellent choice for audiophiles but also the casual listeners alike. We eliminate unnecessary complexity, making high-end audio accessible to everyone,” he adds.
some jazz, I have friends coming over,’ and AI will curate a playlist. New technology is already being used to enhance the sound quality of Lithe Audio’s speakers by analysing room acoustics and adjusting speaker output for optimal sound. This ensures that the audio experience is always
tailored to the specific room and environment. Furthermore, the company anticipates deeper smart home integration through the Matter standard, which allows different devices from various brands to work together seamlessly. “If your security alarm goes off, you could have every speaker in the house play an alert automatically,” Mr Ravat adds. “Wireless audio is the future. The goal is an immersive home cinema experience without cables running everywhere. With our technology, you can have a Dolby Atmos setup in your living room without the hassle of a dedicated home theatre.”
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