Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen Speaker: Review

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

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen, a portable wireless Bluetooth speaker that has been making waves in the audio world. If you're looking for a blend of premium sound, elegant design, and portability, you've probably heard about this little gem. But is it really worth the hype? Let's break it down and see what makes the Beosound A1 2nd Gen tick.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Right out of the box, the Beosound A1 2nd Gen screams quality. The packaging is sleek and minimalist, giving you that luxury feel right away. Inside, you'll find the speaker itself, a USB-C charging cable, and some documentation. The speaker is surprisingly compact and lightweight, making it perfect for tossing in your bag and taking on the go. The aluminum dome design is both stylish and robust, giving you confidence that it can handle a few bumps and scrapes. The leather strap adds a touch of sophistication and makes it easy to hang the speaker wherever you want. Setting it up is a breeze; just pair it with your phone or other Bluetooth device, and you're ready to rock. The initial impression is definitely positive – this speaker looks and feels like a premium product.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, Bang & Olufsen consistently nails it, and the Beosound A1 2nd Gen is no exception. The smooth, rounded aluminum dome is not only visually appealing but also contributes to the speaker's durability. The buttons are seamlessly integrated into the design, providing tactile feedback and easy control. The perforated grill pattern adds a touch of elegance, while the leather strap provides a practical and stylish way to carry the speaker. Available in a range of colors, you can choose one that matches your personal style. Build quality is top-notch; the speaker feels solid and well-constructed, capable of withstanding daily wear and tear. The IP67 rating for water and dust resistance is a huge plus, giving you peace of mind when using it outdoors or near water. Overall, the Beosound A1 2nd Gen is a beautifully designed and meticulously crafted speaker that stands out from the crowd.

Sound Quality: Does It Deliver?

Now, let's get to the most important part: sound quality. The Beosound A1 2nd Gen delivers an impressive audio experience for its size. The soundstage is surprisingly wide, creating a sense of immersion that you wouldn't expect from a portable speaker. The bass is punchy and well-defined, without being overpowering, while the mids are clear and detailed, allowing vocals and instruments to shine. The highs are crisp and sparkling, adding clarity and definition to the overall sound. The speaker also gets surprisingly loud without distorting, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor listening. Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the Beosound A1 2nd Gen provides a rich and balanced audio experience that will keep you entertained for hours. It's not just loud; it's high-quality sound that you can truly appreciate.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life is another area where the Beosound A1 2nd Gen shines. Bang & Olufsen claims up to 18 hours of playtime at moderate volume levels, and in real-world testing, it lives up to that claim. Even at higher volumes, you can expect to get a solid 10-12 hours of use, which is more than enough for a full day of listening. The USB-C charging port makes it easy to top up the battery, and it also supports fast charging, so you can get back to listening in no time. Connectivity is excellent; the speaker uses Bluetooth 5.1, providing a stable and reliable connection with your devices. It also supports voice assistants like Alexa, allowing you to control your music and other smart home devices with your voice. The built-in microphone provides clear voice calls, making it a great option for conference calls or hands-free communication. Overall, the Beosound A1 2nd Gen offers excellent battery life and connectivity, making it a versatile and convenient portable speaker.

Features and Functionality

The Beosound A1 2nd Gen is packed with features that enhance its functionality and user experience. The IP67 rating for water and dust resistance means you can take it to the beach, pool, or hiking without worrying about damage. The built-in microphone allows you to take calls and use voice assistants like Alexa. The speaker also supports multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously. The Bang & Olufsen app provides additional customization options, such as adjusting the EQ settings and updating the firmware. The app also allows you to pair two Beosound A1 2nd Gen speakers together for stereo sound, creating a more immersive listening experience. The intuitive controls on the speaker make it easy to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and answer calls. Overall, the Beosound A1 2nd Gen is a feature-rich portable speaker that offers a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen:

Pros:

  • Premium design and build quality
  • Excellent sound quality for its size
  • Long battery life
  • Water and dust resistant (IP67)
  • Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity
  • Built-in microphone for calls and voice assistants
  • Multipoint pairing
  • Customizable EQ settings in the Bang & Olufsen app

Cons:

  • Relatively expensive compared to other portable speakers
  • Bass may not be enough for some bass-heavy music genres

Alternatives to Consider

If you're not completely sold on the Beosound A1 2nd Gen, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • JBL Flip 6: A more affordable option with good sound quality and a rugged design.
  • Sony SRS-XB33: Offers extra bass and a longer battery life, but lacks the premium design of the Beosound A1 2nd Gen.
  • Bose SoundLink Micro: A smaller and more portable option, but with less impressive sound quality.
  • Anker Soundcore Flare 2: Provides 360° sound and customizable RGB lighting.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Investment?

So, is the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen worth the investment? If you value premium design, excellent sound quality, and portability, then the answer is a resounding yes. It's a beautifully crafted speaker that delivers an immersive audio experience, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor listening. The long battery life and water resistance add to its versatility, while the built-in microphone and voice assistant support make it a convenient option for calls and smart home control. Yes, it's more expensive than some other portable speakers on the market, but you're paying for a premium product that delivers on its promises. If you're looking for a portable speaker that combines style, substance, and performance, the Beosound A1 2nd Gen is definitely worth considering. It's a fantastic speaker that will bring joy to your ears for years to come.