The Pocket Rocket: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 Review
Bang & Olufsen occupies a rarefied space in the audio world, blending sonic excellence with iconic Scandinavian design. The Beosound A1 Gen 2 aims to distill that essence into a portable Bluetooth speaker. But in a crowded market, does this compact marvel justify its premium price tag? Let’s dive in.
The A1 Gen 2 inherits the sleek, disc-like form factor of its predecessor, but with subtle refinements. Its aluminum grille, now subtly recessed, exudes sophistication and provides excellent protection. The leather strap, a B&O signature, adds a touch of luxury and practicality for hanging the speaker. Build quality is, as expected, exceptional. It feels incredibly solid and durable, easily capable of withstanding the rigors of daily life. The speaker is also IP67-rated, making it dust and waterproof, perfect for poolside listening or outdoor adventures.
Sound quality is where the A1 Gen 2 truly shines. For its size, the speaker delivers an impressively balanced and detailed soundstage. The bass is surprisingly punchy without being muddy, the mids are clear and present, and the highs are crisp and well-defined. It handles a wide range of genres with aplomb, from classical music to electronic beats. While it won’t fill a large room with sound, it’s perfect for personal listening or intimate gatherings. The speaker also supports aptX Adaptive, ensuring high-quality wireless audio streaming from compatible devices.
Battery life is respectable, offering up to 18 hours at moderate listening levels, although this drops considerably at higher volumes. The intuitive controls, including physical buttons for volume, play/pause, and voice assistant activation, are easy to use, even with wet hands. Integration with the Bang & Olufsen app allows for customization of sound profiles and access to software updates. A nice touch is the inclusion of a three-microphone array for improved call clarity. This allows for exceptionally clear phone calls, even in slightly noisy environments.
However, the A1 Gen 2 isn’t without its drawbacks. While the sound is excellent for its size, it’s not a replacement for larger, more powerful speakers. The asking price is also a significant barrier to entry, especially when considering the plethora of cheaper, albeit less refined, alternatives on the market. Additionally, while the design is beautiful, the smooth aluminum surface can be a fingerprint magnet.
Where to Buy:
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 85%
- Design: 95%
- Performance: 90%
- Quality: 93%
- Popularity: 88%
Top Pros
- ✅ The sound quality is exceptionally well-balanced and detailed for its size.
- ✅ The build quality is premium and the design is strikingly elegant and modern.
- ✅ IP67 rating provides excellent protection against dust and water damage.
Key Cons
- ❌ The price is significantly higher than many comparable Bluetooth speakers.
- ❌ Battery life decreases considerably at higher volume levels of playback.
- ❌ The smooth aluminum surface easily attracts fingerprints and smudges.
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