LIFESTYLE AUDIO SALES UP, AS INDI IMPORTS ADDS TANGENT FROM DENMARK

The report said that while sales of traditional HiFi loudspeakers, seperate components and soundbars were declining, wireless audio and lifestyle audio focused products were attracting new buyers. Amazon's Echo and Dot accounted for 30% of wireless speaker sales in the U.S. Amazon has not yet launched their Alexa service, which includes three products, Dot, Tap and Echo, in Australia.

Wireless headphones have apparently also shown significant sales growth.

Zlata Jelisejeva, Research Analyst at Futuresource said:

Additionally, Apple's decision to remove the 3.5mm headphone jack accelerated wireless headphone sales and boosted the wider market, with wireless representing 49% of US headphone sales in Q4.

Local retailers have also been reporting strong recent sales of networked and wireless audio products including Bluesound and Denon's HEOS, a category which is increasing in sales all the time.

As market trends shift many traditional brands are reinventing themselves along with the products they offer. Well established brands such as Naim have had great sucess with Mu-so, and Dali with their Katch. Producing a product that appeals to a much larger audience than just HiFi enthusaists and audiophiles is simply too hard for manufacturers to ignore.

Locally, one distributor has recognised the demand for lifestyle oriented audio products and has built their brand portfolio around them.

Established in 2014, Indi Imports, who already represent brands including Elipson, Canton, Sonoro, System Audio, and Cyrus Audio among others, have added Tangent from Denmark to their stable.

Their entire portfolio is focused around lifestyle based or uniquely aesthetic products, along with modern products such as the Cyrus One which has received accolades from around the world.

Tangent emerged in 1996, and their "Scandanavian Minimalism" approach to design is clearly evident. The range predominantly includes compact but visually appealing Digital Radios (DAB+), Wireless Speakers and micro-HiFi systems.

Latest reports say the total DAB+ audience in Australia has reached over 3.6million. Tangent's Pico DAB+ is the perfect bedside table companion at $299 RRP, available in satin matte white or black. Featuring a wood cabinet and 3.5mm aux input, it also has a dual alarm clock function and 12 month warranty, and like all Indi Imports products, is backed up by their 'repair promise' which means they will repair any model, any time, no matter how old it is.

Of if you prefer something more portable, the DAB 2Go Bluetooth model allows you to stream your smart devices, and is portable so you can move it throughout your house or alfresco area with you. It's available in Black, White, Red or Walnut and sells for $349 RRP.

Speaking with Indi Imports founder Paul Riachi, he said that Tangent is a perfect brand fit for their portfolio, ticking their criteria which includes being affordable and reliable, while offering back for buck performance.

Tangent is available in Australia this month.

For more information visit the Tangent brand page.