Finest B&O audio system Shopping for Information: Welcome to What Hello-Fi?’s round-up of one of the best B&O audio system you should buy in 2021.
Bang & Olufsen could also be nearly a centenarian within the hi-fi business (2020 marked its 95th birthday), however the celebrated Danish model is exhibiting no indicators of slowing down, persevering with to wow us 12 months in and 12 months out with its edgy designs and meticulous high quality management. It is best identified for its premium audio system, a few of which is able to set you again the value of a small automotive.
But to win the lottery? You may be happy to listen to that B&O has poured its engineering excellence into the audio equal of a diffusion line. The B&O Play (previously BeoPlay) speaker vary – geared toward a youthful, style-conscious viewers – is extra reasonably priced and consists of transportable Bluetooth audio system that are not afraid of the good outdoor, as you will see beneath.
(There are B&O Play headphones too.)
That stated, B&O has been identified to decide on fashion over substance occasionally, so it is vital to select correctly. That can assist you keep away from a dud, we have curated this record of one of the best B&O audio system we have examined – from price range, picnic-friendly portables to pairs of actually epic, high-end floorstanding audio system. Let’s hear them out.
The B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) wi-fi speaker is the corporate’s second most reasonably priced mannequin in its line-up, and likewise the world’s first Bluetooth-only Alexa sensible speaker.
It is in regards to the dimension of a giant floury bap, and feels sometimes excessive finish. It is a little bit extra svelte than its predecessor, with greater, extra clearly labelled buttons making it simpler to regulate. It is also water- and dust-proof to IP67, which means it ought to survive being positioned in water as much as one metre deep for 30 minutes. And battery? An affordable 18 hours at regular listening quantity, or as much as 48 hours at a extra conservative degree.
To make use of Alexa, you will have to Bluetooth it to your cellphone, which is linked to wi-fi. Which is fairly easy to arrange.
Sonically, it is achieved and easy. B&O has managed to seize its trademark sonic profile on this small a type issue, which is not any imply feat. An amazing machine for listening at dwelling or on the transfer.
Learn the total B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) review
On condition that B&O is finest identified for its high-end audio merchandise, you would possibly suspect that a number of corners have been reduce to create this pocketable speaker. Fortunately, that is not the case – it is elegantly-crafted from aluminium and leather-based.
Sound high quality is spot on: soulful and stable, with spectacular midrange readability that can flood the room. Battery life is not any much less spectacular: 2.5 hours charging returns 24 hours of playback. There is not any NFC assist, however the A1 does rock aptX Bluetooth connectivity.
If dimension issues, this scaled-down speaker is the equal of consuming champagne on a beer price range.
Learn the total B&O BeoPlay A1 review
They could value a small fortune, however these swanky floorstanders are dripping with premium supplies and cutting-edge know-how. Every speaker has seven drivers, every with a devoted 300W energy amplifier, which provides as much as easy dynamic shifts, agile bass and an exciting degree of element.
The management app, which is bespoke to the BeoLab 50, helps you retain a agency grip on all that energy (2100W per channel) as you blast out some Hans Zimmer. Might they sound a little bit extra rhythmic? Sure, however In case you’re searching for a stellar system with out too many further containers, B&O’s deluxe floorstanders sound pretty much as good as they give the impression of being.
Learn the total B&O BeoLab 50 review
As soon as once more, B&O’s designers have provide you with a hanging, space-age design that reimagines the speaker as some kind of small sculpture. The tip of the cone, which seems to be floating, doubles as the quantity dial with touch-sensitive controls.
The weird form gives wonderful 360-degree sound dispersion and is laden with options. The newest model of the Beosound 1 helps hi-res streaming as much as 24-bit/192kHz and has Google Assistant voice smarts built-in.
Musically, it is not as dynamic as some rivals (the Naim Mu-so 2, say) however if you would like an all-in-one streaming hi-fi that makes a visible impression, the cone-shaped BeoSound 1 is on level.
Learn the total B&O BeoSound 1 review