Back to the Future in 2026

With the evolution of AI and the intensification of the space race, you could be excused for thinking technology is taking over. And there is something in that. Innovation is everywhere, not least in our world of hi-fi and home cinema. Technology is constantly advancing and at record pace, offering new sounds and experiences.

But as 2026 unfolds, we’re seeing an appetite for nostalgia, for looking back to older forms of home entertainment which are finding new markets across the generations.

CDs are seeing a resurgence in popularity while streaming has become less in demand. There seems to be a desire for physical media such as CDs and vinyl, perhaps part driven partly by the unmistakable sense of pride in ownership which you get with your own albums and CDs. There is also an element of physicality to having a record or CD; instead of asking Alexa for a track, you can find it yourself and play it. There is certainly some satisfaction in that process.

And this trend is not confined to the older generation who lived through the first incarnation of vinyl – far from it. There are certainly some who prefer to use their turntables and speakers because that is the platform they know and understand… but we are seeing more interest from the younger generation who are discovering the pleasure in physically owning their own favourite tracks.

After all, there is more to music than just the sound. When you’re replaying CDs or albums, it is also about the history, the memories. You can often remember where you were when you bought the album, where you first heard it and with whom. Music can trigger precious memories which is wonderful.

What’s more, this opportunity to enjoy your hobby, to indulge in music, is very important for wellbeing. Life is so busy now meaning people can become very time poor. They can become so preoccupied with the demands of life they lose sight of what matters to them and what is good for their mental wellbeing.

Let’s hope in 2026, people will take back their time and enjoy things which are good for them and bring them pleasure. That includes music and the physical pleasure of putting on a record or a CD is definitely part of that landscape.

We have always had turntables here in the shop, that has never changed, and there are always customers who want them. In our shop now, we have about 16 turntables and a dozen or so CD players for our customers to try.

If you’d like to check them out, come and visit us at HQ on Union Street in Maidstone, or head to our online shop for a browse before you pop in. And if you’d like to discuss the ways to listen to your music, we’re always ready for a chat! Contact us today on 01622 676703 or email on sales@homemedialimited.co.uk, our experts would be happy to advise you.