Home audio equipment demand has changed more over the last few years than in the entire previous decade. Classic passive speakers have not disappeared — but alongside them, an entire category of active, network-connected systems has emerged, which combines a power amplifier, DAC, and streamer in a single pair. This trend changed significantly in 2026.
In this article, we will review three essential aspects: what the EISA experts evaluated, what technological trends are shaping today’s market, which speakers are the most popular, and what people in Lithuania are buying and looking for the most.
EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) is an international organization bringing together editors of specialized hi-fi, home theater, and technology publications from more than 25 countries. Products are tested over several months, and winners are selected by vote. It is arguably the most important benchmark in the European audio market, which also guides the Lithuanian market.
EISA 2025–2026 Awards
Speaker category winners:
|
Category |
Winner |
|
Premium bookshelf speakers |
|
|
Best value bookshelf speakers |
Triangle Borea BR04 |
|
High-end streaming speakers |
Focal DIVA UTOPIA |
In home theater systems, EISA recognized a wireless surround sound system (Hisense HT SATURN), a soundbar (TCL Q65H), and a premium home theater receiver (Denon AVC-A10H).
Want to know who won the latest 2026–2027 season? Read our article about the EISA 2026–2027 winners.
In summary, three conclusions can be drawn about the market:
First — active speakers are no longer a compromise. The fact that Dynaudio Confidence 20A and Focal DIVA UTOPIA receive awards in separate categories means that an integrated solution is now valued not as a convenient or inferior option, but as an independent high-end direction. In the case of DIVA UTOPIA, we are talking about a pair of speakers with a built-in network streamer, DAC, and 2×400 W amplification — a complete system without a separate amplifier and without cables between components.
Second — technology is trickling down from flagship models. KEF Q Concerto Meta uses the 12th generation Uni-Q driver with MAT (Metamaterial Absorption Technology) — a technology that was only available in the most expensive series a few years ago. The same can be said for Sonus faber Sonetto V G2, which adopted solutions from the Suprema system, and DALI RUBIKORE, which incorporates components from the flagship KORE series.
Third — the mid-range category has become very strong. The Triangle Borea BR04 award in the "best value" category is no coincidence, as the most significant leap in quality over the past year has occurred in the 300 to 800 euro price segment.
Five trends shaping the 2026 market
1. "One box" beats several classic components.
More and more buyers want a quick solution just to play music and don't pay much attention when choosing speakers. Common choices for active streaming speakers — the Dynaudio Focus series, Focal DIVA, KEF LS60 — are proof of customer needs. It is very convenient for everyone because there is only one power cord, a phone acts as a remote, and music is streamed from Spotify / Tidal / Qobuz to the TV. Everything is fast and simple. However, looking to the future, you should think seriously before choosing. It is important to know that an active system cannot be upgraded piece by piece. In five years, you won't be able to replace just the amplifier — you will have to change the entire system. Therefore, the best choice would be passive speakers + amplifier + streamer. Yes, it will take more time and space, but you will be able to improve your sound system in stages.
2. Interior dictates the form
Floorstanding speakers are increasingly losing out to bookshelf speakers with stands among Lithuanian buyers. This is not due to sound quality, but rather to saving floor space. Parallel to this, there is growing demand for in-ceiling or in-wall speakers, especially when renovating or furnishing a new home. The high demand for the DALI RUBIKORE series — with its CINEMA and ON-WALL models alongside floorstanding ones — is direct proof of this rising trend. It is important to know that before installing these speakers, you must make that decision during the design stage. Cable routing must be completed before finishing works.
3. Room acoustics have finally become relevant to everyone
Just a few years ago, the question of what curtains or rugs to use for better acoustics hardly ever came up. People have finally begun to understand that 2,000 euro speakers in an empty room with concrete walls will sound much worse than 800 euro ones in a living room that is acoustically well-treated.
4. Home cinema without wires — possible, but with conditions
Wireless surround sound systems have finally reached a level where they are worth recommending to clients. The EISA-awarded Hisense HT SATURN is an example of this. However, it is important to understand that "wireless" does not mean you will have zero wires. In this case, there is no signal cable between the speakers, but power is still required for each rear speaker. Nevertheless, a true home cinema with Dolby Atmos and a 7.2.4 classic system requires an AV receiver. That will be a superior solution.
5. Turntables are changing speaker choices
The return of vinyl is no longer news to anyone. Its newfound popularity has impacted speaker choices. Analog, warm sound often wins out over speakers with a strong, colored character. For some, it is nostalgia; for others, a matter of fashion; and for others, a design detail. Certainly, the turntable is steadily rising in popularity. Clients whose main source is a vinyl record player usually choose products from manufacturers such as Sonus faber, Triangle, or Rega.
What and how do Lithuanians usually search for?
1. Generic, general-purpose queries:
audio speakers, speakers for home, home audio system, hi-fi speakers. This is the initial stage of the search, when the person does not yet know exactly what they want.
2. Searches for wireless and Bluetooth speakers :
wireless speakers, Bluetooth speakers and portable speakers. Such speakers are often sought by customers for summer houses, trips, those who do not have much space in their home, or those who simply want to listen to music both inside and have the option to take it out to their terrace.
3. Form factor queries:
floorstanding speakers, bookshelf speakers, active speakers, in-wall/in-ceiling speakers. In these searches, the person has already decided on the format and is looking for a model. It is important to delve into the technical specifications.
4. Home cinema system searches:
home cinema system, soundbar, home cinema 5.1, Dolby Atmos speakers. Searches for these systems are very seasonal. Activity increases in November and December. Perhaps because those furnishing their homes want to have a fully completed home cinema system in time for the annual holidays.
5. Brand and model queries:
Dynaudio speakers, Focal, KEF LS50, DALI Oberon, Sonus faber. In these searches, the Lithuanian buyer has already decided what they exactly need.
6. Questions and comparisons.
Often, the search occurs by asking a question. E.g., which speakers to choose, active or passive speakers, how much does a good audio system cost, Dynaudio or Focal? Such queries are growing in Google searches and through the use of artificial intelligence.
7. Seasonality.
The demand for home audio systems in Lithuania has two peaks: September–October (returning home after summer, completion of new home furnishing) and November–December (Black Friday and Christmas). In the summer, people are more likely to look for portable speakers to take to their summer house or outdoors.
What actually prevails in Lithuania?
Budget limits.
The most popular home audio system budget in Lithuania ranges from 800 to 2,500 euros. The category above 5,000 euros is also growing rapidly. People have started to value quality and are no longer cutting corners.
Format.
In apartments, people often choose bookshelf speakers with stands or compact floor-standing models. Large three-way floor-standing speakers are purchased by owners of private houses.
What is changing the most significantly?
A few years ago, a customer coming in with 1,500 euros would always choose passive speakers and an amplifier. Today, a large majority of such buyers are already considering a serious active system.
Where do Lithuanians still under-invest?
It is in stands, cables, and room acoustics. Good speakers placed on a cabinet right against the wall deliver only 60% of their potential. Properly selected speaker stands cost significantly less than buying new speakers. Installed acoustics fundamentally change the sound of music in a room, and quality cables are no less important for good sound.
The importance of listening.
EISA awards are a great filter that narrows down the choice from hundreds of models to a few. However, you must make the final decision yourselves. It should depend on your available space, your desire for good sound quality, and your financial means.
How to choose and what is the practical sequence?
- Start from the room, not the model. Measure the space. For up to 20 m², choose bookshelf speakers. If 20–35 m² — compact floor-standing. More than 35 m² — only full-sized floor-standing speakers.
- Decide on the system. An active system will suit you if simplicity and a minimal number of wires are important. Component-based — if you plan to upgrade the system in the future, in stages, or if you have a turntable.
- Allocate the budget proportionally. An indicative proportion would be: ~50% for speakers, ~35% for an amplifier or receiver, and ~15% for stands, cables, and acoustics.
- Listen to two or three different speakers and amplifiers. The difference between models will become obvious within 10 minutes — but only when you compare them directly.
- Correct setup. Proper distance from the back wall, sturdy stands, tweeter at ear level, an equilateral triangle with the listening position. All this is free and has an obvious effect.
FAQ
What speakers to choose for a small apartment?
For a space up to 20 m², bookshelf speakers are best — for example, KEF Q Concerto Meta, Dynaudio Contour 20, or Triangle Borea BR04 class models. They provide a more accurate stereo stage and cause fewer low-frequency resonances than large floor-standing speakers in a small room.
Active or passive speakers — which is better?
Neither category is objectively better. Active speakers win on simplicity, space-saving, and the fact that the amplifier is matched to the drivers at the factory. Passive speakers win on upgradeability, wider selection, and longer service life. If you do not want to worry about components — choose active ones.
Does an EISA award mean the speakers are right for me?
It means that they are among the best in their category and price level according to the assessment of European experts. But the award knows nothing about your room size, music taste, or existing audio system. Use the expert opinion as an initial filter, after which you must answer a series of other questions for yourself.
How much does a good home audio system cost?
The starting price for a decent system in Lithuania begins from approximately 800 to 1,000 euros. If you spend 1,500 – 2,500 euros, you will already have an audio system that will satisfy you for many years. By investing 5,000 euros, you will be able to choose from high-end collections, where improvements become smaller, but are definitely audible.
When is it best to assemble and plan an audio system in a new home?
Together with the electrical installation project. Wiring for built-in speakers, additional power points, and cable routing at the construction stage will cost little. But if you do it after finishing works, expenses will rise significantly.
Is a subwoofer needed for a stereo system?
For music — not necessarily, if the speakers match the room size. For home cinema — almost always worth it. A subwoofer also allows the use of smaller speakers where there is simply no room for large ones.
Want to hear before buying?
Awards and equipment descriptions certainly make the choice easier, but your ears will make the decision. In our salon in Kaunas, you can have a live demo and compare many speakers in the same system, with your own music, and we will provide a free consultation from specialists.
We consult on all necessary solutions — stereo systems, home cinema systems, multiroom audio, built-in speaker planning, everything from the start of design to installation and audio system tuning works.
UAB Autogarsas — audio experts since 1997. Armatūrininkų g. 1, Kaunas | Autogarsas.lt
