SAN DIEGO, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 6, 2008 -- Despite the economic downturn, price is not the most determining factor when making a home entertainment purchase. Many consumers give style and functionality top priority when buying audio-focused consumer electronics, a new survey reveals.

Out of 560 individuals surveyed about their purchasing preferences, 72% sited function and 58% chose style as either a very or extremely important consideration when purchasing an audio product for their home. Cost is also an important factor at 53%, but is not the driving reason for a decision.

Even as spending is cut in other areas, people seek consumer electronics that accentuate their lifestyle and match their personal style, despite cost. According to US government estimates reported in the Financial Times(1), spending on big-ticket consumer electronics rose 4.8% in July 2008, while other areas declined, further supporting consumers' desire to outfit their lives with the latest and greatest tech gadgets.

"Although pricing is an important consideration for any purchase, more consumers are interested in accenting their homes and offices with feature-rich products that convey individualism rather than simply selecting a less expensive option," said Marcell Faller, founder and CEO of sonoro audio. "Despite the economic slump, individuals still spend money on desirable products that complement their image, home and lifestyle. Consumer electronics designed as chic accessories that provide high-quality music and enhance interior design will continue to be in high demand."

Recent reports from analyst firm NPD Group(2) point out that although consumers are not buying as many personal consumer electronics, they are paying a higher price for the products they do purchase. In addition, consumers are choosing items that offer a wider variety of features than in previous years.

This study was commissioned by sonoro audio, a German designer and engineer of distinctive, high-quality audio solutions.

For more information regarding sonoro audio and its cubo and elements line of products, visit www.sonoro-audio.com. To subscribe to an RSS feed of all sonoro audio announcements, visit http://www.lewiswire.com/us/lewiswire/sonoro-audio/c/260.

About sonoro:

sonoro audio GmbH & Co. KG is a designer and engineer of distinctive, high-quality audio systems. The company originated the cubo and elements family of products that are distributed exclusively through specialist interior design and home furnishing outlets and audio / video dealerships. sonoro is currently serving Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States, with more countries to be added soon. The company headquarters are located in Cologne, Germany.

 
(1) http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b02febdc-6c7a-11dd-96dc-0000779fd18c.html?nclick_check=1
(2) http://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_080819.html

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