Jamie McKay, Sales & Marketing Director, Armour Home brings more than 25 years of experience in global commercial, sales and marketing roles within audio and technology industries. Jamie has successfully overseen multi-million-dollar sales and marketing campaigns across multiple international territories. In an exclusive interview with Smart Home World, he discusses marketing initiatives to grow Armour Home brands’ global presence and the new range soon to be launched. 

Could you provide insights into Q Acoustics’ journey, highlighting the milestones achieved as it redefined various market segments, from affordable to high-end, and introduced innovations like the Q Active wireless audio system?

The ethos of Q Acoustics from the very beginning has been all about delivering fabulous acoustic performance for a fair price and is also available at various price points. I believe that we are out-performing with this objective given the vast number of awards Q Acoustics has received across the world since its launch in 2006. There are many highlights in our journey, but the launch of the Q5000 series in 2023 marked the completion of our passive speakers range from entry-level to high-end range. Plus the Product of the Year Award from What Hi-Fi in 2023 for the Q5040 is the “icing on the cake” cementing Q Acoustics’ position as one of the leading speaker brands in the world.  When developing speakers, we are always looking to innovate be it in the use of Gelcore, BMR drivers point-to-point bracing, isolation plates in the Concept Series and more recently the C³ Continuous Curved Cone.  The development of Q Active follows this passion for innovation both in industrial design, the use of BMR drivers and the wireless technology to drive the Q Active audio system, which we believe is one of the most flexible, high-performing audio systems in the market with the added benefit that it has been designed for lifestyle living.

With your extensive industry experience, what potential opportunities do you envision for Q Acoustics in the Indian market?

While we’re witnessing a growing demand for our full range of passive speakers in India, Q Acoustic is currently focusing on two major areas: installation products and powered/streaming systems. Our new M40 Bluetooth micro tower exemplifies the latter, showcasing our dedication to innovation in this field.

While much attention rightly goes to our consumer-using Q Acoustic products, we also boast a robust range of installation products with wireless capabilities. This lineup will be further enriched with the launch of a unique wireless product in late summer. I’m excited to collaborate with MZ to further develop the installation product segment in the upcoming year.

The growth in the availability of music-on-demand services worldwide is shaping a new breed of music enthusiasts, prioritising convenience in their listening experience. India with its vast population and tech-savvy younger demographic, presents an immense market opportunity for audio brands.

In India, as in many parts of the world, the enjoyment of music holds significant importance in daily life. As we envision the next wave of products, it’s crucial to uphold Q Acoustics’ design ethos: delivering outstanding acoustic performance at an accessible price point while staying attuned to the evolving needs of diverse markets globally.

 How do you intend to utilize your partnership with MZ to introduce and establish Q Acoustics in India?

In any territory, having a seasoned partner is very important. With no office of our own in India, MZ serves as our vital link to the local market. They provide invaluable insights into consumer trends, guiding our brands and ensuring optimal market coverage. Collaborating closely with MZ, we tailor our marketing strategies to resonate with the core Indian customer base. Together, we aim to educate them about the diverse offerings of Q Acoustics, catering to both consumer and installation segments. As the importance of the install market grows, this partnership becomes increasingly crucial for all brands.

With a longstanding relationship spanning over 15 years, MZ is not just a trading partner but an integral part of our global business network, contributing significantly to our success worldwide.

Can you provide details on the range of audio products Q Acoustics intends to launch in India through its collaboration with MZ?

We have an exciting lineup of new introductions scheduled over the next few months, but at this stage, not all of the details are available to share so it will be a case of “watch this space” and look out for good news coming with a glimpse of what is coming on show at the High-End Show in Munich in May. We have just introduced the M40 which is our micro tower Bluetooth-powered system to go alongside our award-winning M20 unit. We have some exciting additions to our install range planned both with speakers and electronics, and we will be releasing more information on this as we head into summer. We also have some exciting news planned within our passive speaker range with more news to become available in the coming couple of months. Sorry I can’t be more specific, but we don’t want to ruin the surprise!

Could you elaborate on Q Acoustics’ line-up of wireless and powered speakers?

We launched the Q Active range back in 2020 and it was our first involvement with an active, streaming speaker and it was designed to be a completely networked-enabled home audio entertainment system. We followed this with the M20 which is an award-winning powered bookshelf model with Bluetooth connectivity that has achieved remarkable success since launch. We have recently launched the M20’s “big brother” the M40, in a micro tower format but with the notable inclusion of the C³ drivers that were introduced as part of our 5000 series range.  The market response and reviews for M40 have “blown us away” to the extent that we sold everything we had within days of the first products arriving in our warehouse.  88

According to industry experts, the powered speaker market is poised for significant growth shortly. As the younger generation transitions from `smartphones and headphones’ to more premium audio experiences, there’s a natural inclination towards consolidated systems offering convenience and sleek form factors.

For Q Acoustics, it’s crucial to offer solutions that are both user-friendly and cost-effective, ensuring a strong foothold in the market among future customers. In our ongoing discussions regarding future product development, considerable attention is given to providing comprehensive audio solutions that cater to all customer needs.

A key focus of our roadmap is the development of a powered wireless speaker solution, which aligns with the evolving preferences of consumers. Our next wireless product launch, slated for the last quarter of 2024, will be tailored specifically for the installation market, further solidifying our commitment to innovation and meeting the demands of our customers

In what ways does the 5000 series cater to apartments of various sizes and budget categories in the Indian market?

The 5000 series is our latest range and provides the bridge between our entry-level 3000i range and our premium Concept Series. The range offers 4 product finishes (Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood & Holme Oak) and 4 size options of product with 2 bookshelf and 2 floor standing models, with the award-winning Q5040 designed specifically for the smaller room/apartment with no compromise on acoustic performance.

Can you shed light on Q Acoustics’ offerings in Bookshelf and Floor-Standing speakers?

We have tried to curate our product portfolio so there is a relevant option for any customer looking for the best-performing speaker for their budget and home environment and I believe that the awards that we have received around the world would support that we have been successful at delivering an excellent choice bookshelf and floor standing options for our customers.  

For home theatre setups, what combinations and permutations do you recommend for Indian households using Q Acoustics’ products?

A very difficult question to answer in a short sentence. Sound is such a subjective thing so what works for one customer may not suit another and budget plays a big part in any purchasing decision. In each of our range offerings we have several home theatre bundles that will provide an initial 5.1 channel set up which can then be expanded on should the customer desire and we now have a solution from the entry-level budget at Q3000i to the high-end budget with Concept series.  For those not wanting a complete 5.1 system, our ranges can be implemented in 2.1 format and there is also M20 and M40, which can further be enhanced with a sub-woofer and offer an excellent alternative solution for those not wanting to invest in an AV receiver.  I believe Q Acoustics offers a solution for every budget and format to enhance a theatre/TV viewing experience.

Which receiver or amplifier pairs best with Q Acoustics loudspeakers?

Again, a very difficult question to answer as everyone’s tastes are different. We work a lot in combination with Cambridge Audio and will be using their electronics at the upcoming High End Show in Munich. Our products have a reputation for offering a “neutral’ listing experience, as there is no discernible effect in bass or treble from the speakers themselves, so that is something that needs bearing in mind when selecting an electronics partner. From a multichannel perspective, I spent many years working with Denon and Marantz so have a fondness for those products and believe that they pair well with Q Acoustics.

Which streaming protocols is Q Acoustics compatible with, and how does it enhance the user experience in Indian homes?

Q Acoustics is always evaluating the popular music streaming services and protocols that could be used with our products worldwide, to ensure a great user experience. The specific supported protocols and services will differ slightly from product to product, as they service different market sectors with varying customer expectations. We have products certified for Airplay 2, Google CAST, Bluetooth A2DP with AVRCP 1.5, Bluetooth aptX HD and Low Latency, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready and UPnP, and will be expanding this list of new products shortly. Popular music streaming services in India such as Spotify, Amazon Music and JioSaavn are all compatible with the supported protocols mentioned. Q Acoustics will always strive to support the best possible audio quality streaming to complement the award-winning products that we make, giving consumers in India peace of mind that they will be getting the very best out of our products. 

How does Q Acoustics ensure seamless connectivity and integration with India’s diverse smart home ecosystems?

 Q Acoustics has taken care to employ people with a wealth of experience in smart home and integrated systems automation spanning several decades. This in-house knowledge ensures that our current and future products can be engineered and supported to integrate with popular smart home products throughout the world. Part of the process is working closely with our international partners such as MZ to identify smart home products specific to a particular region, investigating how these can work with our products, and then working with the third-party manufacturer if required to prove the integration and publish a simple guide on how consumers or installation professionals can achieve the very best results. 

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Renowned British audio brand, Q Acoustics, expands its esteemed 5000 loudspeaker series with the introduction of its flagship model, the 5050. As the largest speaker in the stereo and home cinema loudspeaker range, the 5050 promises an immersive audio experience with its two-way floor standing design, delivering exceptional scale, power, and finesse to music enthusiasts.

Highlighted by two 6″ woofers – the largest mid/bass drivers custom developed for the series – the 5050 is engineered to fill even the most spacious listening rooms with rich, vibrant sound. Q Acoustics touts its new mid/bass driver design, featuring the innovative C3 Continuous Curved Cone profile, as a technological breakthrough that propels the 5050 and the entire 5000 series into a league of their own.

Crafted with precision and elegance, the 5050 inherits cabinet and driver technology from Q Acoustics’ flagship Concept range, marrying sonic performance with minimalist design aesthetics. The dark acrylic baffle motif mirrors the speaker’s sleek cone profile, adding a touch of sophistication to any living space.

At the heart of the 5050’s superior performance lies the C3 Continuous Curved Cone profile, a result of extensive research and expert engineering. This innovative cone geometry combines the bass performance benefits of a traditional straight cone with precise high/mid-range frequency control, ensuring smooth integration with the 1″ dome tweeter.

In addition to its advanced driver technology, the 5050 boasts a meticulously engineered cabinet structure featuring point-to-point internal bracing and four Helmholtz tubes to minimize vibrations and standing waves. The inclusion of deep bass dynamics from the C3 woofers allows for flexible speaker placement near wall boundaries, enhancing the listening experience.

Available in four classic finishes – Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood, and Holme Oak – the 5050 speakers are designed to complement any décor. The floorstanding model comes equipped with solid aluminum stabilizers featuring adjustable spikes for easy leveling adjustment, along with durable low-profile speaker terminals.

With the introduction of the flagship 5050, Q Acoustics reaffirms its commitment to innovation and excellence in speaker design, offering remarkable performance at an accessible price point. The 5050 joins the esteemed 5000 series, providing music enthusiasts with a comprehensive lineup for creating the ultimate home cinema speaker setup.

For more information, visit www.qacoustics.com

The post Q Acoustics Unveils Flagship 5050 Home Speaker Model appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

 The Q Acoustics 5040 Floor Standing speaker is a compact yet powerful audio solution designed for environments where space is a premium. The 5040 brings together a modest footprint with the promise of delivering full-scale audio excitement and visual gratification.

The Q Acoustics 5040 stands out with its compact design, making it an ideal choice for spaces where real estate is limited. Despite its size, this Floor Standing speaker packs a punch, offering a high-quality audio experience.

The Key Features include:

C3 Continuous Curved ConeTM design in the mid/bass driver ensures smoother high-frequency integration with the tweeter and superior bass dynamics.

Sophisticated, clean, and contemporary design with dark acrylic baffle motif mirrors the minimalist C3 Continuous Curved ConeTM profile.

Arrives in four stylish finishes: Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood and Holme Oak. With a design taken from the Concept series but in new housing, the high-frequency driver is fully hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated from the front baffle to protect from internal cabinet pressure and resonances from the mid/bass driver.

Ground-up mid/bass driver design delivers increased power handling. Point-2-PointTM (P2P) internal bracing stiffens the cabinet to minimize lower frequency vibrations while focusing on stereo imaging and improving the soundstage. Helmholtz Pressure Equalisers (HPETM) reduce internal pressure and standing waves.

User Benefits:

∙   Enhance your entertainment experience with the Q Acoustics 5040:

∙   Space Efficiency: Perfect for environments with limited space, without compromising on audio excellence.

∙    Immersive Sound: Enjoy a full-scale audio experience that brings movies, music, and games to life.

∙    Aesthetic Appeal: The 5040 is not just a speaker; it’s a visually pleasing addition to your space.

Technological Advancements:

∙  The Q Acoustics 5040 incorporates innovative technologies to set it apart:

∙  Compact Driver Technology: Advanced driver technology ensures powerful sound from a smaller form factor.

∙  Enhanced Acoustic Design: Carefully crafted for optimal sound dispersion and clarity.

∙  Modern Materials: Utilizes cutting-edge materials to deliver durability and exceptional audio performance.

∙  The Q Acoustics 5040 Floorstanding Speaker is available for purchase now. Experience the perfect blend of compact design and high-quality audio at an affordable price. 

User Testimonials:

“The 5040 exceeded my expectations! The sound quality is amazing for such a compact speaker.”

“Finally, a Floor Standing speaker that fits into my small living room without sacrificing audio performance.”

“The sleek design of the 5040 adds a touch of elegance to my entertainment setup. Highly recommended!”

Elevate your audio experience with the Q Acoustics 5040 – where space meets uncompromising sound quality.

For Information:  www.mzaudiodistribution.com

Click here to read full December issue – https://www.smarthomeworld.in/magazine-december2023/

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