With over two decades of hands-on experience in high-performance audio, video and automation, Madhav Kohli, Director, AudioSphere, champions a no-compromise, performance-first design philosophy. Combining deep technical expertise with a sharp understanding of business economics, AudioSphere has built a reputation for delivering reference-level AV experiences, robust automation ecosystems and future-ready infrastructure for luxury residences and commercial environments. In this conversation, Madhav shares how integrity, intelligent system design and user-centric simplicity drive AudioSphere’s work in India’s evolving high-end AV and home automation landscape.
What sets AudioSphere apart in the high-end AV and automation market?
Integrity in everything we do, a deep thirst for knowledge, and a clear vision define our approach. We bring over two decades of experience and a no-compromise philosophy to every project. What truly sets us apart is our unique blend of technological expertise and an understanding of business economics — ensuring exceptional cost-to-performance optimisation for our clients.
What’s your process for achieving accurate audio calibration and video optimisation to meet reference-level performance in residential projects?
A great chef can’t create a masterpiece with poor ingredients — and the same applies to AV design. We start by creating an equipment configuration tailored to the room’s requirements to achieve reference-level performance. Once loudspeaker placement is perfected, we design the room’s acoustic framework around it.
If these two elements are right, calibration becomes straightforward. The real skill lies not just in taking measurements, but in knowing how to interpret them and apply corrective action. Ultimately, it’s the synergy of design, acoustics, and calibration that delivers a truly immersive listening experience.
With AV increasingly integrated into whole-home automation, what protocols and platforms do you prefer to ensure seamless integration across AV, lighting, HVAC, and security?
We generally prefer IP-based ecosystems for seamless integration across AV, lighting, HVAC, and security. Product selection always includes legacy integration options like IR or RS-232 as backups.
For larger projects, lighting is typically handled through DALI, while DMX is occasionally used for large home cinemas. HVAC and security are almost always IP-based. We often use KNX or other proprietary bus-based lighting systems, paired with functional and user-friendly front-end interfaces. A robust, enterprise-grade network infrastructure forms the backbone of every project, allowing flexibility for future expansions and integrations.
How do you handle networking demands — especially with 4K/8K video, high-res audio streaming, and IoT devices competing for bandwidth?
At the project’s inception, we work closely with clients to understand their current needs and future aspirations. Based on that, we design a scalable, high-bandwidth network to support evolving requirements.
For larger projects, we rely on a fiber-based internal infrastructure to ensure seamless communication, minimal latency, and maximum reliability across the system. The goal is always precision, speed, and absolute stability.
What role do control systems and user interface design play in balancing technical complexity with simplicity for the end-user?
A control system is only as good as how simple it feels to the user. Ease of use is paramount — if automation feels complex, it has failed its purpose. Many clients are initially hesitant about automation because of poor past experiences with complicated systems. We believe that simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication — a clean, intuitive interface with reliable response times makes the experience seamless and enjoyable.
With sustainability becoming important, are you seeing demand for energy-efficient amplification, eco-friendly cabling, or low-consumption control systems?
The shift, though gradual, is unmistakable. Manufacturers are investing heavily in R&D for greener technologies — from high-efficiency amplifiers to recyclable or halogen-free cabling and intelligent power management systems.
At our end, we focus on implementing smart power management through automation and energy-efficient equipment choices. Today, sustainability and performance go hand in hand rather than being seen as trade-offs.
How do you future-proof projects so clients don’t need complete overhauls as AV formats and standards evolve?
Future-proofing begins at the briefing stage. We encourage clients to spend time at our experience centre, where we walk them through current and emerging integration options.
Once a project begins, we design a comprehensive cabling infrastructure that anticipates future technologies and ensures redundancy. During procurement, we review the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and update clients on newer models, standards, or formats so that their decisions remain current and forward-looking.
Which global AV and automation brands do you most frequently integrate into your projects, and why?
Our approach isn’t brand-agnostic — it’s experience-driven. We choose brands that align with our design philosophy and consistently deliver results.
Audio: Procella, REL, SVS, Artcoustic, Sonance, Bowers & Wilkins, and Architettura Sonora for residential applications; and Devil Acoustics for high-fidelity commercial spaces and nightclubs.
Processing & Amplification: Anthem, Emotiva, Trinnov, and Integra.
Video: Sim2 and Screen Research for premium projects; Optoma and ViewSonic for cost-effective solutions.
Automation: We’ve extensively worked with leading global brands. Over time, we’ve found Nice (Elan) and Rako ideal for most mid to high-end projects due to their balance of reliability, performance, and aesthetics. For our more discerning clientele, Basalte serves as a luxury-tier offering, combining cutting-edge technology with design elegance.
Beyond integration, does AudioSphere also retail or distribute specific high-end brands? If so, how do you curate your portfolio?
Not at the moment. The distribution channels we work with are exceptionally strong and offer excellent pre- and post-sales support. That reliability is one of the key factors we value when selecting brands for our portfolio.
In a competitive AV integration market, what differentiates AudioSphere in terms of technical capabilities, design approach, and after-sales support?
Our biggest differentiator is a no-compromise design philosophy — performance and reliability always take precedence. This approach naturally minimizes potential issues on-site.
Our expertise is backed by numerous international certifications and the successful execution of hundreds of luxury residences, cafés, nightclubs, auditoriums, and commercial spaces. This diverse experience gives us an edge in designing correct configurations, selecting reliable equipment, and adapting to different scales and client requirements.
We also take immense pride in our after-sales support — over 90% of our new business comes through client referrals, which speaks volumes about our consistency and commitment over the past 20 years.
Looking ahead, what’s your vision for AudioSphere in shaping the luxury AV and home automation segment in India?
Our vision is to make AudioSphere one of the most trusted names for technically-driven, performance-focused, and visionary AV and automation solutions — whether in luxury residences or commercial spaces.
Equally important is our ongoing effort to educate clients about the importance of choosing the right integration partner — one who designs with foresight, not just installs products. We believe that when clients make informed choices, the entire industry grows stronger, and every project achieves the performance it truly deserves.
