Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen Speaker

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Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen, a portable wireless Bluetooth speaker that packs a serious punch in a small package. We're talking about sleek design, impressive sound quality, and a whole lot of versatility. If you're in the market for a premium portable speaker, or just curious about what makes this one so special, you've come to the right place. Let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Alright, so the first thing you'll notice about the Beosound A1 2nd Gen is its packaging. Bang & Olufsen knows how to make a statement right from the get-go. The box is elegant, minimalist, and gives you a sense that you're about to unwrap something truly special. Inside, you'll find the speaker itself, a USB-C charging cable, and some quick start guides. The speaker is available in several stylish colors, including Black Anthracite, Grey Mist, and Pink.

Holding the speaker for the first time, you'll immediately appreciate the build quality. The aluminum dome is smooth and feels incredibly premium. It's also surprisingly lightweight, making it perfect for tossing in your bag and taking on the go. The leather strap adds a touch of sophistication and makes it easy to carry or hang the speaker. The buttons are seamlessly integrated into the design, providing a tactile and responsive feel. Setting it up is a breeze – just pair it with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled device, and you're ready to rock. My initial impression? This speaker is not just a gadget; it's a piece of art.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen is where this speaker truly shines. Bang & Olufsen has a knack for creating products that are as beautiful as they are functional, and the A1 2nd Gen is no exception. The speaker features a sleek, minimalist design with a rounded aluminum dome that's both elegant and durable. The double-molded plastic base provides a stable foundation and adds a touch of contrast to the overall aesthetic. The genuine leather strap not only looks great but also makes the speaker easy to carry around. Everything about this speaker screams premium quality, from the materials used to the attention to detail in the construction. It’s the kind of device you'll be proud to display on your shelf or take with you on your travels.

The build quality is just as impressive as the design. The aluminum dome is incredibly sturdy and can withstand the bumps and scratches of everyday use. The speaker is also IP67-certified, meaning it's dustproof and waterproof up to one meter for 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for outdoor adventures, poolside parties, or even just listening to music in the shower without worrying about water damage. The buttons are well-placed and responsive, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. The overall construction feels solid and well-engineered, giving you the confidence that this speaker will last for years to come. Bang & Olufsen has clearly put a lot of thought and effort into making the Beosound A1 2nd Gen a truly premium product that stands the test of time.

Sound Quality: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

Now, let's talk about what really matters: the sound quality. The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen is equipped with a 3.5-inch woofer and a 3/5-inch tweeter, delivering a surprisingly powerful and balanced sound for its size. The soundstage is wide and immersive, creating a listening experience that's both engaging and enjoyable. The bass is deep and punchy, without being overpowering, and the highs are crisp and clear. Whether you're listening to classical music, hip-hop, or podcasts, the A1 2nd Gen delivers a sound that's both accurate and pleasing to the ear. It’s truly a versatile speaker that can handle any genre with ease.

One of the standout features of the A1 2nd Gen is its ability to maintain sound quality at high volumes. Many portable speakers tend to distort or lose clarity when you crank up the volume, but the A1 2nd Gen remains composed and clear even at maximum output. This makes it perfect for parties or outdoor gatherings where you need to fill a larger space with sound. The speaker also features adaptive bass linearization, which automatically adjusts the bass response to optimize the sound quality at different volume levels. This ensures that you always get the best possible listening experience, no matter how loud or quiet you're playing your music. The microphone performance is also top-notch, making it ideal for phone calls and virtual meetings.

Features and Functionality

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen is packed with features that enhance its usability and versatility. It supports Bluetooth 5.1, providing a stable and reliable wireless connection with a range of up to 30 meters. The speaker also features multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly. This is particularly useful if you want to share control of the music with a friend or family member. The built-in microphone allows you to make and receive calls, as well as access voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. The voice assistant integration is seamless and responsive, making it easy to control your music, check the weather, or set reminders with just your voice.

The Beosound A1 2nd Gen also works with the Bang & Olufsen app, which allows you to customize the sound settings, update the firmware, and access other features. The app is intuitive and easy to use, providing a wealth of options for tailoring the speaker to your preferences. You can adjust the EQ settings to fine-tune the sound quality, create custom sound profiles for different genres of music, and even pair two A1 2nd Gen speakers together for a stereo sound experience. The app also provides information about the speaker's battery life and usage statistics. Overall, the features and functionality of the Beosound A1 2nd Gen are well-thought-out and add a lot of value to the overall user experience. Whether you're a casual listener or an audiophile, you'll appreciate the level of control and customization that this speaker offers.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is always a crucial factor when considering a portable speaker, and the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen doesn't disappoint. It boasts up to 18 hours of playtime at moderate volume levels, which is more than enough to get you through a full day of listening. At higher volumes, the battery life will be reduced, but you can still expect to get a solid 8-10 hours of use. The speaker charges via USB-C, which is a welcome addition, as it's a more universal and convenient charging standard than the older micro-USB. A full charge takes around 2.5 hours, so you can quickly top it up when needed.

The battery life of the A1 2nd Gen is impressive for its size and performance. It's perfect for taking on trips, using at the beach, or just listening to music around the house without having to worry about constantly plugging it in. The USB-C charging port also makes it easy to charge the speaker from a variety of sources, including your laptop, power bank, or wall adapter. The Bang & Olufsen app provides information about the speaker's battery life, so you can always keep track of how much power you have left. Overall, the battery life and charging capabilities of the Beosound A1 2nd Gen are excellent and make it a reliable companion for all your audio needs.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear overview, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen:

Pros:

  • Premium Design and Build Quality: The speaker looks and feels incredibly luxurious, with its aluminum dome, leather strap, and attention to detail.
  • Excellent Sound Quality: The A1 2nd Gen delivers a balanced and immersive sound experience with deep bass, clear highs, and a wide soundstage.
  • Portability: The speaker is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take with you on the go.
  • Waterproof and Dustproof: With its IP67 rating, the A1 2nd Gen is protected against water and dust, making it perfect for outdoor use.
  • Long Battery Life: The speaker offers up to 18 hours of playtime at moderate volume levels, ensuring you can listen to music all day long.
  • USB-C Charging: The USB-C charging port is convenient and allows for fast charging.

Cons:

  • Price: The Beosound A1 2nd Gen is a premium product with a premium price tag, which may be a barrier for some buyers.
  • No Wi-Fi Connectivity: The speaker only supports Bluetooth, which may be a limitation for those who prefer to stream music over Wi-Fi.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen doesn't quite fit your needs or budget, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II: This portable speaker offers 360-degree sound, a built-in handle, and up to 17 hours of battery life. It's a great option for those who want a speaker that can fill a room with sound.
  • JBL Flip 6: This compact and affordable speaker is waterproof and dustproof, offering up to 12 hours of playtime. It's a great option for those who want a portable speaker that's easy to take on the go.
  • Sony SRS-XB33: This speaker features extra bass, a built-in light show, and up to 24 hours of battery life. It's a great option for those who want a party speaker that can also be used for everyday listening.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen? Overall, this is an exceptional portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers on its promises. It offers a premium design, excellent sound quality, and a range of features that enhance its usability and versatility. While it's not the cheapest option on the market, it's well worth the investment if you're looking for a speaker that combines style, performance, and portability. Whether you're a music lover, a design enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates quality, the Beosound A1 2nd Gen is sure to impress. It’s a speaker that not only sounds great but also looks great, making it a valuable addition to any home or lifestyle.

I hope this review has been helpful in your decision-making process. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading!