Audio Advice just put on one of the most impressive high-end home theater shows we’ve attended in years—second only to CEDIA Expo—which is saying a lot for a single retailer. This kind of retail spectacle isn’t just for show; it’s part of a bigger, calculated plan that now includes a new store opening in Nashville and, most recently, the acquisition of The Sound Room in St. Louis.
It’s probably too soon to hint at an Audio Advice Live in St. Louis—AXPONA might not be thrilled—but we wouldn’t exactly say no to a weekend on the river, cheering on the Blues and hitting up some of the city’s great restaurants. Never say never.
You can check out our Best in Show at Audio Advice Live 2025 from the Raleigh show here.
High-end audio retailers were struggling long before COVID, and the pandemic only accelerated the decline as online sales siphoned customers from brick-and-mortar stores. What once looked like a vibrant map of great audio shops across all 50 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces now feels painfully emptier in 2025.
Audio Advice has found a way to thrive in this environment. Their YouTube presence—packed with detailed product reviews, tutorials, and head-to-head comparisons—doesn’t just drive clicks; it drives sales of the very gear they sell. Unlike the endless parade of online “reviewers” who have no skin in the game, Audio Advice combines financial commitment with deep expertise and real-world customer service.
The 47-year-old Raleigh-based audio and home theater specialist, has officially stepped into St. Louis by acquiring The Sound Room, the city’s go-to audio, video, and home automation shop since 1983. This move brings together two seasoned teams that know their way around high-end gear and, more importantly, know how to actually serve customers instead of just posting slick ads.
This isn’t just growth—it’s a strategic play in a soft, struggling high-end audio brick-and-mortar landscape, and one that makes a lot of sense if you want to remain relevant in 2025.
“For over four decades, The Sound Room has been dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology and personalized service to our clients,” said founder David Young. “Joining forces with Audio Advice ensures our customers will continue to get top-notch service while also benefiting from expanded resources, expertise, and product choices.” Translation: nothing’s changing for the people who actually bought their gear from The Sound Room, except now there’s more of it to buy.
After expanding showrooms in Nashville and Wilmington earlier this year, planting roots in St. Louis fits the bigger strategy perfectly: grow the footprint where high-end brick-and-mortar is struggling—and make it work.
“We’re excited to welcome The Sound Room into the Audio Advice family,” said CEO Scott Newnam. “Our shared values—excellence, customer service, and a genuine love of technology—make this a natural fit. Together, we’ll keep raising the bar on what people should expect from an audio, video, and automation company.”
The Sound Room will keep operating from its St. Louis location with the same crew providing the same level of service—and now customers also get Audio Advice’s online resources, design tools, and expanded product lines.
The Bottom Line
Audio Advice isn’t just expanding—they’re consolidating their hold on the Southeast and making a serious play into the Midwest. From North and South Carolina to Tennessee, Kentucky, and now Missouri, they’re staking claim as the big dog in regions that actually matter.
Raleigh, Wilmington, and Nashville aren’t just growing—they’re booming, fueled by tech and medical money, suburbs packed with fancy homes, and people willing to pay for the kind of high-end home automation, CI speakers, and full-blown home theaters that Audio Advice sells. Face-to-face installs and real customer service still matter—something the endless parade of online “reviewers” can’t touch. Go where the money is, serve it well, and the South (and Midwest) rise again—this time with proper audio gear in hand.
For more information: thesoundroom.com | audioadvice.com
Related Reading:
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- Audio Advice Live 2025: Big Picture, Big Sound, Bigger Lessons From The Pros Down In Raleigh
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- Klipsch Unveils Red Oak Forte IV And Heresy IV, Onkyo Icon Series Brings The Heat At Audio Advice Live 2025
Chris Boylan
August 15, 2025 at 8:41 pm
Expanding/strengthening their retail presence in this economy? Impressive. I wonder how far they’ll expand?