HiFi Forum GmbH

What HiFi Forum GmbH does

HiFi Forum GmbH is a founder-owned specialty retailer and custom integrator of high-end audio, video, and smart-home systems, headquartered in Baiersdorf near Nürnberg, Germany. Founded in 1994 and led since inception by managing director Heiko Neundörfer, the company serves high-net-worth private customers and a small set of commercial clients across the Nürnberg/Franconia metropolitan region, with a coverage footprint extending to Bamberg, Ansbach, and Munich. Its offering spans five product pillars — high-end stereo systems, home cinema (Heimkino), smart-home integration, analog/phono playback, and streaming/multiroom audio — supported by premium brand partnerships with Burmester, MBL, Bowers & Wilkins, Steinway Lyngdorf, Revox, Control4, GIRA/KNX, and others.

The underlying technical capabilities center on room acoustics optimization and video calibration: HiFi Forum is ISF-certified (since 2008) and applies Dirac Live, RoomPerfect, and ARC room-correction technologies, Lumagen Radiance Pro video processing, and Pakedge PCNA-certified network design. The firm operates five distinct experience centers — the 160 m² flagship ShowRooms in Baiersdorf with multiple demo studios, a lived-in SmartHome model house in Weilersbach, a ScreenProCinema reference cinema in Forchheim, an InvisibleShowhouse in Lauf, and an Automated Showroom in Taufkirchen — that materially shape its go-to-market.

The business model is direct-to-consumer and consultative: revenue is generated through appointment-based showroom visits, free on-site consultations, home trial programs (up to one week), and bespoke project design, supplemented by professional installation, calibration, room-acoustics services, and a 0% financing offer. Hardware sales of premium components (priced from €4,800 to over €32,750 per item, with individual installations such as the €200,000 ScreenProCinema reference build) are paired with integration and after-sales service revenue. The firm is privately held with no external funding, no disclosed revenue, and 5 employees, and has been recognized with six Heimkino Awards and status as the first German CEDIA installer member.

Name

HiFi Forum GmbH

Legal name

HiFi Forum GmbH

Website

https://hififorum.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

High-End Audio/Video Integration

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310)

SIC

Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651)

akta.pro primary industry

Hi‑Fi / Audiophile Components (DACs, Amps, Turntables, Streamers) (CRACANAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Home Theater Audio Systems (AV Receivers, Speaker Packages) (CRACANAH), Speakers & Subwoofers Retail (Soundbars, Surround, Smart Speakers) (CRACAEAF)

Keywords

• High-end audio retail
• Home cinema installation
• Smart home integration
• Room acoustics calibration
• Custom AV systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Baiersdorf

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. High-End Hardware Sales: Sale of premium audio equipment including speakers, amplifiers, source components, projectors, screens, and accessories from brands like Burmester, Bowers & Wilkins, MBL, Steinway Lyngdorf, and others
2. Custom Installation & Integration Services: Professional installation services including on-site consultation, 3D planning, acoustic optimization, equipment installation, configuration, and user training
3. Project Planning & Consulting: Custom project design services including room acoustics analysis, system design, media room planning, and whole-home integration consulting
4. Financing Services: 0% financing options offered to customers for equipment purchases
5. SmartList (Pre-owned/Display Equipment): Sale of used and demonstration equipment through the SmartList program, with warranty coverage and trade-in options

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

HiFi Forum GmbH sells high-end audio/video equipment from premium manufacturers such as Burmester, MBL, Bowers & Wilkins, and Steinway Lyngdorf, and provides custom design, installation, and calibration services for home cinema, high-end stereo, and integrated smart home environments. The company operates five showroom locations across Bavaria for hands-on demonstrations and delivers full project support from initial on-site consultation, 3D planning, and acoustic analysis through installation, calibration, financing, and after-sales service.

Product overview

HiFi Forum GmbH is a high-end audio/video retailer and custom integration company operating from Baiersdorf near Nürnberg, Germany. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio organized around five core pillars: High-End HiFi Systems (reference stereo components from Burmester, MBL, Steinway Lyngdorf, Bowers & Wilkins), Home Cinema/Heimkino (projectors, screens, surround sound from Sony, JVC, Stewart, Trinnov), Smart Home Integration (Control4, RTI, GIRA KNX automation), Analog/Phono equipment (turntables, cartridges from Acoustic Signature, Rega, Technics), and Streaming/Digital Audio (music servers, streamers from Auralic, Roon). The company distinguishes itself through multiple showroom experiences including the ShowRooms with five fully operational studios, the SmartHome ShowHouse (a lived-in model home), ScreenPro Cinema (reference cinema partnership), Invisible Showhouse (historic building with hidden technology), and KlangGarten (outdoor audio exhibition). Additional services include professional consulting, installation, room acoustics optimization, ISF image calibration, financing options, and the SmartListe marketplace for used/demo equipment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• High-End HiFi Systems Premium stereo systems featuring reference-class speakers, amplifiers, streamers, and source components from Burmester, MBL, Steinway Lyngdorf, Bowers & Wilkins, Audio Physic, Piega, Focal, Dali, AVM, Cambridge Audio, Chord Electronics, Lyngdorf, Marantz, NAD, Naim, Octave, Rotel, and Technics. Targeted at audiophile consumers and high-end residential customers in Germany and Europe.
• Home Cinema / Heimkino Complete custom home theater installations including projectors, projection screens, surround sound systems, AV receivers, video processors, and seating from Sony, JVC, SIM2, Epson, Leica, Stewart Filmscreen, Lumagen, Panamorph, Anthem, Lyngdorf, Magnetar, Marantz, NAD, Rotel, Trinnov, Ascendo AIA, B&W, REL Acoustics, Steinway Lyngdorf, Wisdom Audio, and Fortress Seating. Targeted at affluent private customers seeking immersive Dolby Atmos / Auro-3D home cinemas.
• Smart Home Integration Whole-home automation integrating audio, video, lighting, blinds, heating, security cameras, and door communication through Control4, RTI, GIRA KNX/EIB, Basalte, and Opus systems. Includes smart-home ready speakers from Revox, B&W, TRIAD, Steinway Lyngdorf, NewTec, Architettura Sonora, and IT/security from Araknis, Luma, and 2n. Targeted at homeowners undertaking renovations or new builds.
• Analog / Phono Equipment Turntables, tonearms, cartridges, phono preamplifiers, and record cleaning equipment from Acoustic Signature, AMG, Rega, SME, Technics, Transrotor, Gold Note, Lehmann, DS Audio, Lyra, Ortofon, Hana, Goldring, Last, Kleeny, Nessie, and Harmonix. Targeted at vinyl enthusiasts seeking premium analog playback.
• Streaming & Digital Audio Music servers, network streamers, and DACs from Auralic, HiFi ROSE, Melco, Dela, Purist, and Roon for high-resolution digital music playback, with Qobuz streaming service integration available. Targeted at audiophile residential customers transitioning to networked music.
• Multiroom Audio Multi-room audio distribution systems from Sonos, Bluesound (consumer and Bluesound Professional), and Marantz HEOS for whole-home music streaming across multiple rooms. Targeted at homeowners seeking integrated multi-zone audio with smart-home compatibility.
• Headphones Premium headphones including magnetostatic models from Hifiman, electrostatic from Stax, dynamic from Sennheiser, and high-end headphones from Focal, B&W, and Lautsänger, with dedicated headphone setups across the showrooms. Targeted at personal-listening audiophiles.
• Media Furniture Custom media furniture and acoustic interior solutions from Creaktiv, finite elemente, Towai, and Schroers designed for optimal equipment integration in listening rooms and home cinemas. Targeted at customers requiring furniture tailored to their AV installation.
• Room Acoustics Services Acoustic analysis, room measurement, treatment, and sound optimization services using active digital room correction (Dirac Live, RoomPerfect, ARC) and passive measures (absorbers, diffusors, and speaker positioning). Targeted at customers requiring calibrated listening environments for stereo and home cinema.
• ISF Image Calibration Professional display calibration by ISF (Imaging Science Foundation)-certified technicians for optimal picture quality on TVs and projectors. HiFi Forum has been ISF-certified since 2008. Targeted at home cinema customers seeking reference-grade picture reproduction.
• Consulting & 3D Visualization Professional consultation including on-site advising, 3D visualization, technical planning, and complete documentation for custom installations. Targeted at customers requiring project planning before purchase and installation.
• Installation Services Complete installation services including pre-mounting, pre-check, delivery and disposal of old equipment, on-site mounting, configuration, and user training, delivered by Elektromeister-certified technicians. Targeted at customers who have purchased equipment from HiFi Forum and require professional setup.
• SmartList Used & Demo Equipment Pre-owned and demonstration equipment program offering tested used items with 1-year warranty and demonstration units with full manufacturer warranty, with prices ranging from €990 to €32,750 (e.g., Auralic Aries S1 to B&W 801 D4). Targeted at value-conscious audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts seeking discounted reference equipment.
• 0% Financing Interest-free financing offered at 0.0% effective annual interest rate with monthly installments, and trade-in of old equipment accepted against new purchases. Targeted at customers spreading the cost of premium equipment purchases.
• After-Sales Service Post-purchase support including technical support, on-site service, loaner equipment during repairs, and an in-house service center handling all repairs. Targeted at existing HiFi Forum customers requiring ongoing equipment maintenance and warranty support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 6x Heimkino Award winner - unique achievement in Europe
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ScreenProfessionalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with ScreenProfessional to operate ScreenProCinema, one of Germany's most prestigious immersive home cinemas. Features M&O speakers, Stewart screens, SIM2 projectors, and Lumagen processors. Installation value of 200,000 euros.
• BRETT EINRICHTUNGcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership for the InvisibleShowhouse project in Lauf a.d.Pegnitz, showcasing invisible audio/video installation. BRETT handled complete renovation of historic sandstone building while HiFi Forum installed Revox invisible speaker systems.
• GIRAcoreTechnology or IntegrationSmartHome showcase featuring GIRA EIB/KNX bus system with touch panels and iPad control. Collaboration for demonstrating home automation integration including lighting, blinds, HVAC, and audio control.
• Steinway LyngdorfcoreTechnology or IntegrationPremium partnership for reference audio systems. Features Steinway Lyngdorf Model A speakers and RoomPerfect room correction technology in dedicated reference setups.
• Bowers & WilkinscoreTechnology or IntegrationDiamond Series partnership for reference speaker demonstrations. Features 800 Diamond D4 series and custom installation speakers across showrooms and cinema installations.
• BurmestercoreTechnology or IntegrationPremium partnership featuring Burmester BC150 reference speakers, 216 amplifier, 808MK5 preamp, and 151 music server in dedicated reference setup.
• MBLcoreTechnology or IntegrationReference partnership featuring MBL 101E Radial speakers and MBL electronics in reference setup. MBL 101E MKII latest version now on display.
• Control4coreTechnology or IntegrationCertified Control4 Showroom - one of only five in Germany. Demonstrates whole-home automation including media control, lighting, security, and intercom. Staff holds PCNA network administrator certification.
• REVOXcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for invisible speaker systems in SmartHome and InvisibleShowhouse projects. purSonic soundboards featured for invisible in-wall, ceiling, and outdoor installations.
• RTI (Remote Technologies Inc.)coreTechnology or IntegrationSmart remote control programming and home automation control systems. RTI touch remote featured in cinema installations for unified device control.
• Stewart FilmscreencoreTechnology or IntegrationReference screen partner providing StudioTek100 and Phantom HALR projection screens for cinema demonstrations. Features masking systems with optocoupler control.
• SIM2coreTechnology or IntegrationBrand Ambassador partnership for SIM2 projectors including UltraNero4. Complete SIM2 product line demonstrated in showrooms and SmartHome.
• LumagencoreTechnology or IntegrationRadiance Pro video processor partnership for professional grade video calibration and HDR/Dolby Vision tone mapping in cinema installations.
• CEDIAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational trade association membership. First German installer member since 2012, providing access to industry standards, training, and networking.
• SmartHome Initiative Deutschland e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunication platform for smart home organizations with regional focus. Certified Fachbetrieb für vernetzte Gebäude status.
• High End SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman industry association of high-end consumer electronics manufacturers and importers. Supporting activities including annual High End trade show.
• Audio-Analog-Association (AAA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation dedicated to promoting and preserving vinyl records. Supports analog audio expertise and collaboration with analog enthusiasts.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ListenUp: US specialty A/V retailer and custom integrator with showrooms across multiple states, focused on premium two-channel, home theater, and whole-home automation — comparable multi-location experience-center model with installation services.
• KJ West One: London-based high-end HiFi and home cinema specialist retailer with curated brand portfolio and installation services for high-net-worth UK clients — analogous UK comparability to HiFi Forum's German premium A/V integration model.
• Audio Advice: US high-end A/V retailer and custom integrator combining premium HiFi/home cinema sales, whole-home automation, and design services — directly comparable business model across product breadth, integration services, and HNW customer focus.
• Audio Reference: Düsseldorf-area high-end HiFi dealer representing many of the same tier-1 brands as HiFi Forum, with demonstration studios and custom installation services targeting the German premium A/V market — directly comparable in positioning and customer profile.
• Hifi im Hinterhof: Berlin-based high-end HiFi and home cinema specialty retailer with deep expertise in premium audio brands, room acoustics, and custom installation — a direct German peer to HiFi Forum in the specialty high-end A/V channel.

Others

• Control4: US-based smart home control platform and ecosystem (now part of SnapAV) — HiFi Forum is a certified showroom partner; Control4's dealer network represents the broader channel of certified integrators competing for the same smart-home installation projects in Germany.
• CEDIA: International trade association for the custom integration industry of which HiFi Forum is the first German member — represents the broader ecosystem of certified installers and industry standards against which HiFi Forum's positioning is benchmarked.

Emerging players

• Loxone: Austrian smart home automation manufacturer with growing partner/integrator network across DACH region — competes for smart-home integration budget adjacent to HiFi Forum's Control4/KNX offerings, overlapping in whole-home automation use cases for premium residential projects.

Broad incumbents

• Bang & Olufsen: Danish premium consumer electronics brand and global retail network (B&O Stores) selling high-end speakers, TVs, and integrated home audio/video systems — broader incumbent in the premium A/V space with comparable HNW customer targeting and brand-led retail experience.
• Sonos: US consumer multiroom audio brand with broad retail distribution — competes at the lower-end of HiFi Forum's addressable market for whole-home audio, pulling consumer demand toward wireless/streaming solutions over traditional separates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/Hififorum
• Facebookfacebook.com/HiFiForumBaiersdorf
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hifi-forum-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/hififorumbaiersdorf

Compliance12 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HiFi Forum GmbH