The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 is a small, lightweight speaker designed to deliver a high-quality audio experience. With Alexa built-in, this speaker offers exceptional voice assistant support and is designed to be both durable and portable. This review will cover all aspects of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2, from its design and build quality to its sound performance and battery life. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what this speaker has to offer and whether it’s the right choice for you.
Design and Build Quality
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 boasts a sleek and minimalist design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Encased in a tough aluminum dome, the speaker is both sturdy and lightweight, making it ideal for on-the-go use. The design is further enhanced by its IP67 rating, which certifies it as dust-tight and water-resistant. This means the speaker can be immersed in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes without any damage, making it perfect for outdoor activities and travel.
The speaker also features a practical carrying strap that allows you to attach it to your bag or backpack easily. This strap not only adds to the portability of the device but also makes it convenient to carry around without the need for additional cases or bags.
Voice Assistant Integration
One of the standout features of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 is its integration with Amazon Alexa. This built-in voice assistant offers incredible support, allowing users to control the speaker with simple voice commands. Whether you want to play music, check the weather, or control other smart devices, Alexa is always ready to assist.
The speaker’s microphones are highly sensitive, capable of understanding commands even in noisy environments or from a distance. Additionally, there is a mic mute button that allows you to disable the microphones when privacy is needed, ensuring Alexa stops listening.
Sound Performance
When it comes to sound performance, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 does not disappoint. Despite its compact size, the speaker delivers a powerful audio output with a peak power of 2×140 watts. This ensures that the sound is loud enough to fill a room or be enjoyed outdoors without distortion.
Mid-Range and Vocals
The speaker excels in the mid-range frequencies, ensuring that vocals and lead instruments are reproduced with clarity and precision. This makes it an excellent choice for listening to music genres that rely heavily on vocals, such as pop, rock, and acoustic tracks.
Bass Performance
However, like many small speakers, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 struggles to produce deep bass. While the bass is present and adequately balanced for its size, it may not satisfy those looking for a speaker with a heavy, thumping bass response.
Sound Customization
To address the varying preferences of users, Bang & Olufsen offers a ‘Beosonic’ sound customization feature through its companion app. This feature, along with EQ presets, allows users to tweak the sound profile to their liking. Whether you prefer a more bass-heavy sound or a balanced audio experience, the app provides the tools needed to adjust the speaker’s output to suit your tastes.
Battery Life
One of the critical aspects of any portable speaker is its battery life, and the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 offers a mixed performance in this regard. On a single charge, the speaker can provide up to 18 hours of playback at increased volume levels. However, this duration can extend even further at lower volumes, making it a suitable companion for long trips or extended outdoor activities.
Despite these impressive figures, the speaker’s battery performance can vary significantly depending on usage. High volume levels, frequent use of the voice assistant, and other factors can reduce the overall battery life. Nonetheless, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2’s battery performance is generally reliable and should meet the needs of most users.
Portability and Durability
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 is designed with portability and durability in mind. Its compact size, lightweight design, and carrying strap make it easy to take with you wherever you go. Additionally, its IP67 rating ensures that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including exposure to dust and water.
Whether you are hiking, camping, or simply spending a day at the beach, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 is built to handle it all. The robust aluminum casing not only provides protection but also adds a touch of elegance to the speaker’s overall design.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 offers Bluetooth support, allowing for easy pairing with your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Unfortunately, the speaker does not support Wi-Fi, which means it relies entirely on Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.
While the lack of Wi-Fi may be a drawback for some users, the Bluetooth connection is stable and reliable, ensuring a seamless audio streaming experience. Additionally, the speakerphone functionality allows you to make and receive calls directly from the speaker, adding to its versatility.
User Experience and Controls
Using the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 is a straightforward and enjoyable experience. The top of the speaker features a set of intuitive controls, including buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, volume adjustment, and a multifunction button for controlling playback and accessing voice assistant functions.
The companion Bang & Olufsen App further enhances the user experience by providing additional customization options and firmware updates. Through the app, users can access the Beosonic equalizer, choose from various sound presets, and personalize the speaker’s settings to their liking.
Conclusion
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 is a remarkable portable speaker that combines excellent design, impressive sound quality, and robust voice assistant support. Its durable build and IP67 rating make it ideal for outdoor use, while its sleek design ensures it looks great in any setting.
Despite its compact size, the speaker delivers powerful audio performance, particularly in the mid-range frequencies. While it may not satisfy bass enthusiasts, the sound customization options available through the companion app allow users to tailor the audio profile to their preferences.
The integration of Amazon Alexa sets the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 apart from many of its competitors, providing seamless voice control and smart assistant capabilities. The reliable battery life and portability further enhance its appeal, making it a versatile choice for various use cases.
Recommendation
If you are in the market for a portable speaker that offers excellent sound quality, robust build, and exceptional voice assistant support, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 is a fantastic option. Its elegant design and durability make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, while the customization options allow you to fine-tune the audio to your liking.
While it may not be the best choice for those seeking deep bass, its overall performance and feature set make it a worthy investment for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience on the go. With the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2, you get a high-quality, reliable, and stylish speaker that is sure to impress.
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