Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen: Review

by Admin 43 views
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Hey guys, let's dive into the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen, a portable wireless Bluetooth speaker that's been making waves. We're going to break down everything you need to know about this sleek device, from its design and sound quality to its features and overall performance. Is it worth the hype? Let's find out!

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to premium audio devices, Bang & Olufsen always sets a high bar for aesthetics and build quality, and the Beosound A1 2nd Gen is no exception. Right out of the box, you'll notice the speaker's elegant and minimalist design. The circular shape, crafted from aluminum, gives it a sophisticated and modern look that will seamlessly fit into any environment, whether you're placing it on your desk, taking it to a picnic, or bringing it to the beach. The speaker feels incredibly sturdy and well-built. The smooth, matte finish of the aluminum grill not only enhances its appearance but also provides a tactile sense of quality. Weighing in at just over half a kilogram, it's light enough to be easily portable, yet substantial enough to feel like a premium piece of tech. The base of the speaker is made from a durable polymer that provides a stable foundation and helps to absorb vibrations, ensuring that the sound quality remains pristine even at higher volumes. The buttons are seamlessly integrated into the design, offering a tactile and responsive experience. They're easy to locate and press, providing convenient control over your music playback and other functions. The leather strap adds a touch of luxury and makes it easy to carry the speaker around. The strap is not just for looks; it's strong and securely attached, giving you peace of mind when you're on the move. The attention to detail in the design is evident in every aspect of the speaker, from the perfectly aligned grill to the precisely crafted buttons. Bang & Olufsen has truly created a product that looks as good as it sounds. The Beosound A1 2nd Gen is available in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose one that perfectly matches your personal style. Whether you prefer a classic black or a more vibrant shade, there's a Beosound A1 2nd Gen to suit your taste. This speaker isn't just a gadget; it's a statement piece that reflects your appreciation for quality and design.

Sound Quality: Does it Deliver?

Okay, let's get to the heart of the matter: sound quality. The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen is engineered to deliver exceptional audio performance for its size, and it largely succeeds. The sound signature is well-balanced, with a clear emphasis on detail and clarity. The speaker features a 3.5-inch woofer and a 3/5-inch tweeter, which work together to produce a full and rich soundstage. The bass response is surprisingly powerful for a speaker of this size. It's punchy and well-defined, adding depth and warmth to your music without sounding muddy or overpowering the other frequencies. Whether you're listening to electronic beats or acoustic melodies, the bass provides a solid foundation for the overall sound. The midrange is smooth and detailed, bringing vocals and instruments to life. The speaker excels at reproducing subtle nuances in the music, allowing you to hear every detail with clarity. The vocals sound natural and clear, making it a great choice for listening to podcasts and audiobooks as well. The high frequencies are crisp and clear without sounding harsh or fatiguing. The tweeter does a great job of reproducing the subtle details in the music, adding sparkle and airiness to the sound. The speaker avoids the common pitfall of some portable speakers, which tend to overemphasize the treble, resulting in a bright and shrill sound. The Beosound A1 2nd Gen offers a wide soundstage, creating a sense of space and immersion. The soundstage is wider than you might expect from a single speaker, allowing you to feel more enveloped in the music. The speaker also supports 360-degree sound, which means that the sound is evenly distributed in all directions. This makes it ideal for use in open spaces or when you want to share your music with a group of people. The volume output is impressive for its size. The speaker can easily fill a medium-sized room with sound without distorting, making it suitable for parties or gatherings. At lower volumes, the sound remains clear and detailed, allowing you to enjoy your music without disturbing others. The Beosound A1 2nd Gen supports a variety of audio codecs, including AAC and SBC, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and streaming services. The speaker also features a customizable EQ, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your liking. Whether you prefer a more bass-heavy sound or a brighter sound signature, you can adjust the EQ settings to match your preferences.

Features and Functionality

Beyond its stunning design and impressive sound, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen is packed with features that enhance its usability and convenience. The first thing you'll notice is the seamless Bluetooth connectivity. Pairing the speaker with your smartphone or other devices is quick and easy, thanks to Bluetooth 5.1 technology. The connection is stable and reliable, allowing you to stream music without interruptions. The speaker also supports Microsoft Swift Pair, which makes it even easier to connect to Windows devices. The built-in microphone allows you to use the speaker for phone calls and voice commands. The microphone is clear and sensitive, ensuring that your voice is heard clearly even in noisy environments. The speaker also supports voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your music and other functions with your voice. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 18 hours of playtime on a single charge. This means you can enjoy your music all day long without having to worry about running out of power. The speaker also supports USB-C charging, which is convenient and fast. The IP67 rating makes the speaker water and dust-resistant, allowing you to use it in a variety of environments without fear of damage. Whether you're at the beach, by the pool, or hiking in the mountains, the Beosound A1 2nd Gen can handle the elements. The buttons on the speaker allow you to control your music playback, adjust the volume, and answer phone calls. The buttons are easy to locate and press, even when you're not looking at the speaker. The Bang & Olufsen app provides additional features and customization options. With the app, you can adjust the EQ settings, update the firmware, and access other advanced settings. The app is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to get the most out of your speaker. The speaker also supports stereo pairing, allowing you to connect two Beosound A1 2nd Gen speakers together for an even more immersive listening experience. When paired, the speakers create a wider and more detailed soundstage, making your music sound even better. The Beosound A1 2nd Gen also features a proximity sensor, which automatically adjusts the volume based on your distance from the speaker. This is a convenient feature that helps to ensure that the sound is always at the optimal level.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen:

Pros:

  • Premium Design: Exquisite materials and build quality.
  • Excellent Sound Quality: Balanced sound with clear detail and powerful bass.
  • Portability: Compact and lightweight with a convenient leather strap.
  • Durability: IP67 water and dust resistance.
  • Long Battery Life: Up to 18 hours of playtime.
  • Bluetooth 5.1: Stable and reliable connection.
  • Built-in Microphone: Clear and sensitive for calls and voice commands.

Cons:

  • Price: Premium price point may not be accessible to everyone.
  • Limited Connectivity: Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No aptX Support: May not appeal to audiophiles seeking the highest possible audio quality.

Who is this Speaker For?

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen is perfect for those who value both style and substance. If you're looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker that not only sounds great but also looks beautiful, this is an excellent choice. It's ideal for anyone who enjoys listening to music on the go, whether you're at home, at the office, or outdoors. The speaker's durability and water resistance make it suitable for use in a variety of environments, while its long battery life ensures that you can enjoy your music all day long. It's also a great choice for those who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. The premium materials and construction make it a pleasure to own and use. However, if you're on a tight budget, there are other portable Bluetooth speakers that offer similar features at a lower price point. And if you're an audiophile who demands the highest possible audio quality, you may want to consider a speaker that supports aptX or other advanced audio codecs.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen is a top-tier portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers on its promise of premium sound and design. While it comes with a higher price tag, the exceptional build quality, balanced sound, and convenient features make it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate the finer things in life. If you're looking for a speaker that will turn heads and provide you with hours of listening pleasure, the Beosound A1 2nd Gen is definitely worth considering. So, what do you guys think? Is this speaker on your wishlist? Let me know in the comments below!