Which B&O speaker is best for your needs? The ultimate guide! B&O Speaker review from £600 to £5,000
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 2024
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Steve from Sounds Heavenly is joined by Alfie from B&O Nottingham for a beginner's guide to the B&O smart speaker range. Everything you need to know is covered in this video, so you can be sure to make the right speaker choice for your requirements.
Please visit Alfie at B&O Nottingham to hear these speakers for yourself, you can contact Alfie using the details below:-
Bang & Olufsen of Nottingham
4 Bellar Gate
Nottingham NG1 1JN
Tel: +44 115 200 2151
Email: nottingham@amgrace.co.uk
Here are links to the main sections of the video:-
0:00 Introduction
2:53 Beosound Emerge - Great for late night music
4:22 Beosound A5 - The "go anywhere" hi-fi speaker
5:05 Beosound Level - Ideal for flexible use around the house
6:29 Beosound A2 (3rd gen) - The perfect kitchen speaker
7:30 Beosound Balance - Room friendly, high-end sound
8:53 Beosound A9 (3rd gen) - The ultimate entertaining speaker
10:50 The verdict - one speaker for any situation
Steve is proud to sponsor beoworld.org - the World's largest independent Bang and Olufsen enthusiast website. If you have any questions about getting the best from your Bang and Olufsen system, please ask Steve via the contact page at soundsheavenly.com
Steve has not been paid to make this video, so you will always hear Steve's own opinions on this channel.
Every cable you will ever need for your B&O speakers can be seen on Steve's website here: soundsheavenly.com
If these videos have helped you to enjoy your Bang and Olufsen products, please consider buying Steve a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/soundshe... - many thanks!
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Steve from Sounds Heavenly is joined by Alfie from B&O Nottingham for a beginner's guide to the B&O smart speaker range. Everything you need to know is covered in this video, so you can be sure to make the right speaker choice for your requirements. Please visit Alfie at B&O Nottingham to hear these speakers for yourself. Every cable you will ever need for your B&O speakers can be seen on Steve's website here: soundsheavenly.com If these videos have helped you to enjoy your Bang and Olufsen products, please consider buying Steve a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/soundsheavenly - many thanks!
I've just bought the A9 and it's a absolute gem even my wife is happy 🎉
That is great to hear!
Can you use it as a soundbar set up with your TV..??
Yes, via Airplay if you have Apple TV 4K connected to the HDMI ARC socket if the tv
@@soundsheavenly Alright ,Thank you🙏🏽
Great information given and love seeing them all side by side
Thanks, glad to hear it was helpful
The best review of each speaker - super helpful thank you
Thanks, glad it was helpful!
Nice and concise explanations, with prices. ❤
Thanks, glad it was helpful
I just upgraded to the A5 from a Beolit 20 on the back of both of your A5 videos, but this one sealed the deal. The Beolit 20 is by no means a poor speaker, in fact it’s great, but the A5 is in another league and has so far blown me away. Thanks for your frank and honest thoughts.
Thanks, glad to hear that my video has been helpful. Hope you enjoy the speaker, the A5 is superb.
Hi Steve would love to see a video like this but for vintage B&O speakers ;) keep up the good work!
Thanks, that is a great idea! Let me see what I can do...
thanks steve, very informative video ...
Glad you like it!
Merci Steve,
Nice vidéo, very informative
Bruno
Thanks Bruno!
Thanks for the usefull review!
Glad you enjoyed it!
More Alfie in future videos please! :)
Absolutely! 👍🏻
I have a beoplay s3 and whilst initially it was plagued with Bluetooth issues, with newer gen computers and phones, its improved dramatically!
I’d love to see the s3 or a variant come back. It was such a good price point too
Yes, the S3 was an amazing little speaker and quite a bargain if you can find one pre-owned!
B&O products are excellent. I don't have new one yet. But i do owned 2500, 2300, 3000 and 3200 with BL 2500 and 4000 for each bedroom I purchased brand new from B&O dealer. They are very old but sound still amazing. Worth the price.
Yes, these are great products and good value for money at the moment!
I’ll take the old schools b&o gear over the new stuff any day of the week and twice on Sunday, and save a boat load of money too
@@travisbishop7212 I still love my classic B&O, I use my 1990 Beosystem 3500 on a daily basis. However, the B&O magic is still there in the new products and they have an amazing sound quality. Well worth the extra cost if you can afford it
Got my Beocenter 7000 back in 1979, - never had to replace any components sofar !
@Mr.-Wint that is amazing!
Hi Steve and Alfie. As a B&O owner from the Manchester store. I agree with you about the products in this video. Brilliant and informative video. Thank you for sharing 👍
Thanks, glad you liked it!
I like alfie hair style 😊
Hi Steve, nice summary, but would like to add the mix-n-match between the speakers themselves. The single vs. Pairing adds one dimension, but pairing + airplay with different speakers adds additional frequency ranges and adds dimension. You might remember that I run 2 x 2 paired Levels with 1 Balance where the sound and imaging gives amazing sound quality. Now, the A5 should also consider be compared to the Beloit 20 when it compels to play-n-go 😃
Thanks, that is a great suggestion! Yes, my next video will be a review of the A5 against Beolit 20 ;-)
I have used Bluetooth, Airplay and DLNA on the Emerge and Level. Airplay particularly from an Apple Device works without issue. Bluetooth sounds inferior (it is compressed) when playing the same wave (16/44) file. Airplay is lossless but compressed in transmission. I can't cast from the PC using DLNA/uPnP but can using the app from a mobile phone - both used to work until last March. DLNA is better than Airplay 2 both lossless but Airplay is compressed..
Using any of these features under test I am only hearing small improvements going from Emerge to Level to Beolab 28. Only when I use WiSA on the Beolab 28 do I get the fuller, richer sound stage that I feel is missing using the Mozart platform.
@@geraldmcmullon2465 Thanks, that is a good review of the streaming options. I use Airplay and Spotify Connect with my Mozart-based speakers and the sound quality is superb. I prefer these to Chromecast and Bluetooth, which both appear to be compressed. I hope that B&O will add WiSA to their smaller Mozart speakers in the near future...
@@soundsheavenly "Chromecast " (casting from PC, laptop, tablet) uses DLNA / uPnP where as Airplay 2 is compressed. Both are lossless. Google Assistant from a mobile phone is Chromecast and might be different to how it shows up on a computer.
Bluetooth, at least on my simple tests is easier from a tablet but also clearly of a lower quality.
The different streaming options need a blind panel test and objective sample testing.
What surprized me was comparing the Beosound Level to the Beolab 28 on internet radio and from my stored wave and flac files. The Beolab 28 are only a little better but five times the cost - a big disappointment. Then the USB WiSA transmitter arrived and the BL28 became a completely different speaker; fuller, more dynamic and a richer sound.
Both Wi-fi and WiSA are using the 5GHz frequency, just different channels allowing WiSA to have more control and less interference from other wi-fi devices. So technically should not sound different. I do listen to internet radio on the BL28 (it is easier) but everything over WiSA is clearly an improvement.
Having WiSA in all the Mozart platform speakers as an upgrade or replacement would be good. even if that meant loosing the Mozart features needing to running an external steaming device (computer laptop, tablet or hub).
@@geraldmcmullon2465 Thanks!
Super !!
Thanks, glad you liked it!
I've got the beosound 2 and it's quite remarkable, it's replaced my Hi-fi system, sound quality is superb, nothing is overpowering, a well mixed treble, middle and bass.
My tastes are more classical than pop/ rock but it'd be more than capable of sounding superb In either of these Genre's of music
Yes, it is a great speaker, especially considering it’s small size
my local dealers, really friendly and helpful, even if you dont think now is the right time to invest, give them a call and ask for a demo, listening to the current range of B&O speakers in person, you'll realise its another level
Yes, well worth a demo if you are near to Nottingham 👍
Great video, helps me narrow my choices. You seem very impressed with the A5. If my budget allows, what do you think about an A5, with the option to add a 2nd later on, compared to a single A9? I know their specs and form factors are very different, but was curious on what you would go with for a studio apartment for example? Thanks -
Thanks, yes this is a very impressive speaker for the size. However, A9 is much larger and more powerful for bigger rooms. If you have the space and budget for an A9 then this is a clear winner, but for smaller rooms then the A5 is a great option as you can start with one and add a second speaker later if you wish
thank you for this youtube
You are welcome! Thanks for watching
Hello Steve,
thanks for the great comparison.
For the sound quality comparison (of the A5 vs. the others) you missed out comparing it to the A9. Could you comment on that, especially on medium & lower volumes indoors?
I personally think about getting a used A9 mk2 (or even mk3) or the new A5. What are your thought's regarding sound quality?
Glad the video was helpful. I haven't tried the A9 at lower volumes, as this is a very powerful speaker that is at its best playing loud in larger rooms. The A5 is superb for low to medium volumes, the sound is superb.
Hey Steve,
I’ve thought about investing in a Beosound Stage since it was released, but I’m now worried that if I purchase one that they’ll release a new version of the product soon. Have you seen any signs or heard any whispers this may happen soon? It seems like some other products have had about a 3 yr life before being updated (I.e. beolit 17/20). Thanks and love the content!
Sorry, I don't know anything about future products until they are released, even if I did know then I wouldn't be allowed to comment.
Some interesting comments on here in regards to A5 vs Level seems to divide opinion a little bit. Would you say that the A5 would still beat the level when they are both in battery mode. For comparison my garden speaker is currently an old Beolit 15, so this purchase would replace that but also replace a beoplay M3 in the hallway. In comparison to some of my newer speakers the M3 and M5 I have really are't great - Now they're discontinued would be good to know your honest thoughts on them :)
Having owned Beolit 20, Level and A5, my money is on the A5 every time. It has more power and features than the Beolit, with much better sound than the Level to my ears. Please let me know what you think when you have heard them!
I had hoped to get an idea of at least one key point each speaker might give over the others, some feature that might be more important for some buyers than purely which sounds better. Even if I know what a friend wants and needs I couldn't pick which is better to advise the starting point from the range. It is down to looks and cost. Whilst there is a difference in sound quality between the cheapest and the most expensive I think that difference is not so great as to be lower down on what to consider. Without being able to compare models most people would be more than happy with any of the models but may like one style more than another or some feature could be considered important to them in normal use.
e.g. A5 have battery and IP65 means if I have to come in from a down pour I am not going to worry that my very expensive speakers is ruined by the rain.
Level - hangs on the wall, 16 hour battery, lay flat for a 360 degree coverage from a single speaker, stand up or wall mounted for stereo (left and right but a narrow sound stage) or pair for full stereo experience.
Emerge - so close in sound signature to the Level, hides away in nearly every room Full hi-fi (as a pair) in a very tiny book shaped box. Lowest cost in the range but offering all the same Wi-fi, DLNA, Airplay 2, uPnP and Bluetooth. If moving room to room the restart delay to log onto wi-fi network is annoying. The Level just needs to reset to the room, so goes silent for a second, not needing to boot up again as it runs on battery all the time. So working room to room the Level is better but at double the cost over the Emerge.
Anything better for these and the other speakers in the Mozart range?
Thanks, that is a really helpful suggestion. I will look to add these ideas to a future video.
Beosound Emerge from September 2023 is £799, a 19% rise, the A5 £899. Level now at £1599. Balance £2599.
@@geraldmcmullon2465 thanks for the update.
Thanks for a more specific comparison, I always wonder what's the different between these "book shelf" speakers line. I'm curious about your opinion of stereo pairing 2 Balance vs 2 Beosound 2, since B&O did mention that the Beosound 2 can be pair another one for stereo. Much appreciated
Thanks, I would personally use two Balances if the priority is the best sound quality, as in my view they outperform the Beosound 2. However, Beosound 2 is still a great speaker for use individually to give 360 degree sound
@@soundsheavenly Thank you for your honest opinion and clarifying my concern. Since you mentioned the Beosound 2 is more about standalone speaker for 360 dispersion of sound, do you it can be use as side or rear speakers of a 5.1/7.1 system?
@@khoatrieudinh7596 Hi, I am sorry but these speakers are not currently suitable for use in a surround sound system, as they have an audio delay that would put the sound out of sync with the TV picture.
@@soundsheavenly Oh bummer, I really like the idea of speakers like B&O can be take a part and use individually and put back when needed for surround sound, that would be really convenient, but thanks for letting me know, much appreciated ❤
@@khoatrieudinh7596 Using Airplay 2 and a stereo pair of any of the Mozart speakers playing TH-cam or a video from an Apple device is in sync. But only as a stereo pair. There is no way of getting them to be used in a surround sound system. Although it is possible to adjust VLC on a computer to match the ~2 seconds lag it slips through the film length. When used as rear speakers (via the analogue 3.5mm input directly into each of 6 speakers) they drop connection when there is no signal and don't come back unless you reset. It is software, setting options not coded in and the way wi-fi is used and the sound correction system that makes the speakers sound better than they ought to be. For 5.1/7.1 you need WiSA speakers for wireless signals or active analogue speakers (no DSP, digital inputs).
Hay steve, I was wondering if you have ever tried the Soundsmith SMMC4 as a replacement cartridge for a Beogram TX2?
Yes, I use the SMMC4 cartridge on my Beogram 3500 at home and the results are superb
Great presentation! I have two questions: Can you stereo pair two different speakers? Eg an A5 with an Emerge? And can you remove the 'handle' from the A5?
Thanks for your kind words! The answer is Yes and No: Yes you can remove the handle from the A5, my review of the A5 shows how to do this, but No, you can't pair two different types of speaker together as a stereo pair. Hope this helps.
It does, and thank you for the prompt reply! Subscribed.@@soundsheavenly
@@Jcushing5 Thank you!
Can you use it as a soundbar set up with your TV..??
Please feel free to contact me at soundsheavenly.com for any technical questions
Hello.. Beosound 5 is amazing. So good I bought two following your comments! Quick question: can you 'turn off'.. ie send both speakers to 'storage' mode whilst stereo paired??
Yes, it is a great speaker, glad my video was helpful! Yes, you can turn off the speakers via the B&O app when stereo paired, or hold the power button on each one to power them down.
Hi Steve thank you! When they are 'turned off' ... sleep mode? Do they ever wake up and light come on without intervention? Sorry to sound so pedantic, I'm just trying to work out what's going on!
@RichardJanes-xb3zm they shouldn’t turn back on unless you have an alarm or timer set
Thank you Steve. I seem to have a bit of an issue with mine. I have contacted B&O.... time will tell!
Thanks Steve, but where's the Beosound 1? 😅
We just covered the speakers that are on the new Mozart software platform, as they all have the same features. Beosound 1 is on the older software, so this lacks a lot of the functionality that these newer speakers have.
@Steve
I wanted to buy a Besound Level to use simultaniously with my Stage, but also being able to take the speaker to the garden.
Now I have doubts if I should consider the A5 instead…
Is it really better?
Whilst you can’t go wrong with either, for me the A5 has the better sound and I love the phone charger on the top
@@soundsheavenly thanks a lot Steve! Btw. really enjoying your channel! So I will test them soon and keeping that in mind.
@@marcblondThank you!
Just bought Beosound emerge and really wanted to send music from my phone via Bluetooth and I don't know if A, it is possible and B, how to get my phone to connect to Bluetooth because wifi is being prioritised. Any help appreciated 👍
Hi, I love my Emerge! Wi-fi will always give you the best sound quality, but Bluetooth is also possible. If you have the earlier Emerge with Google built in, then you need to set up the speaker on the Google Home app in order to enable Bluetooth. For newer non-Google speaker, press the Bluetooth button on the speaker, go to the settings in your phone and open the Bluetooth pairing option to look for the speaker in the list.
Bluetooth is fairly narrow and restrictive, eg sound quality is noticeably lower, it's more a convience, not something most people buying a high end b&o product would or should do.
Wired directly will always give best results as there's no possibility of rf interference
@adrinathegreat3095 I agree!
I wanna good looking speakers like yours but also adorable and wanna make 360 super Dolby surround full room/ home when I get mine but I don’t know what to choose and if is one of them for example how many I need
The key is to listen to as many different speakers as you can and decide which ones you like best, they last for many years so you can always save some money and get them pre owned in a few years time to enjoy them if funds don’t stretch to the ones you want right away
@@soundsheavenlywell still you don’t actually answer to what I actually need …
@@arisgrandeurie3606I can't tell you which speaker to buy, you need to choose this for yourself. Only you can know which one sounds best to your ears. The speakers covered in this video are for stereo sound only, they won't give you surround sound.
Mr. Steve do you know where can i still purchase BL 2500 speaker grill red and green.? Thank you sir.
Sorry I don't know where to buy the grilles or other spare parts, but I can help with cables if you need them!
Thank you for your reply sir. I will contact you if i need cables for my Beosound. Thank you.@@soundsheavenly
Hi Steve. How World you compare the beosound a5 (stereo pared) with beolab8. Thanks for a great chanel
Thanks, that is an interesting question. Unless you need a Powerlink input for a TV, or you like your music very loud, I would favour two A5 in stereo over one Beolab 8, as these are superb speakers for the money and they have a great sound
@@soundsheavenlywow that is interesting, do you know if the A5 have the same “late” Sound as the level if you hook it op to a tv via Bluetooth ?
@@FourCornersDenmarkYes, Bluetooth always causes a delay to the audio, it isn't a good option for use with a TV. One alternative is to use the latest Apple TV 4K that supports HDMI ARC, then you can Airplay to the speaker without a delay.
@@soundsheavenlythanks for some great inputs, i have an Old Beogram 5500 turntable, with a riaa amp Can i then also hook this up to the apple tv so it Can join the system? (Maybe with one of your cables😊)
@@FourCornersDenmarkPlease feel free to get in touch via the contact page at soundsheavenly.com with the full details of the products that you wish to connect, then I will be happy to help via email!
Hi thanks for the great video. I have a big kitchen and am unsure which to go for - Beosound 2 / 2xA5s / or the A9? Which do you think is best option in terms of sound quality? Many thanks
Glad the video was helpful! You can't go wrong with any of those choices but if you have the space for an A9 then that will be the ultimate way to enjoy your music in a big space, with the ability to make it as loud as you could ever want!
Hi Steve, I Have questions. What should I choose? 2x Beosound 2 (stereo) or 2x Beosound Balance (stereo). I care about the best sound quality possible.
Please trust your own ears, not anyone else’s opinion (including mine!) Always listen to the speakers before buying and you will be sure to make the right decision. I can help with cables once you have found the right speakers for you!
@@soundsheavenly Steve thanks for the response. I've read a lot and watched many reviews. I'm about 90% decided to buy 2x Beosound 2 3rd Gen Black Anthracite. I would like to connect them together in stereo. Will I be able to easily connect them in stereo mode through the B&O app? Best regards.
@shook8386 hi, yes you can easily pair the speakers via the B&O app, or I can help with a cable for a wired stereo input at soundsheavenly.com
@@soundsheavenly Steve, I have another question. My room is 15 square meters - 3m x 5m. Would it be better to buy 2 x Beosound 2 3rd (stereo) or Beosound A19?
@@shook8386 Sorry I can't tell you which speaker to buy, but I can help with cables once you have made your choice!
I have level but I'm thinking about switching to A5，May I ask if this is superfluous?
My personal view is that the A5 has far better sound quality than the Level, I have owned both and I would always choose the A5 over the Level for sound.
@@soundsheavenly Thank you for your suggestion
I’ve just demoed the two side by side. Don’t agree with your hyping of the a5 Steve. Sounded muddy and too bassy. Designed for the garden it seems. The level was clearer, spacious and much better treble.
@@tobefree3718 Thanks for your views, if the A5 sounded bassy then I guess the loudness was turned on and possible the room compensation hadn't been set up? These two settings transform the sound of the A5, once the loudness is off and the room compensation is activated, it makes a clear and powerful home speaker that punches way above the power of the Level.
@@soundsheavenly yep I tried setting the room comp but it was in store and yes on battery . but given its significantly cheaper why would it sound better? I know it's 2 years newer... so is a level Mk 2 on the way?
Which one would you recommend the level or a5 ?
You need to hear them for yourself if possible. My own view is that the A5 is the better sounding speaker, but please let me know what you think once you have heard them!
@@soundsheavenly I have bought the a5 today I was really impressed in the store when listening to variety of music classical to r and b but never tried rap music and have bass music. The speaker lacks bass so much. Some songs are just awful on this speaker. Do you have any recommendations on how to improve that? . Also when you max the speaker put it starts to lose its quality a lot. I am compering the a5 to sonos play 5 and I can honestly tell you that Sonos is way better for hip hop and rap.
After few hours of listening i love the speaker I usually do not listen to hip hop just tried it out and yes it was lacklustre but I prefer music that is more acoustic and this speaker just bangs 🙈
I suggest contacting the store where you bought the speaker. I have never needed to turn mine above 50% and there is plenty of bass at that level.
@@soundsheavenly yes I tried listening from Spotify not from Apple Music and it works like a charm I don’t understand.
Spotify Connect gives great sound quality, I am a big fan of it through B&O speakers
Hi, I’m having a hard time deciding between the A5 and the Level, I love the design on the Level but I’m worried b&o update the level, what are the differences and which one would you recomend and why?
The best option is to go and hear them side by side in store - to my wears the A5 is a clear winner in terms of sound quality. It is also cheaper, more water resistant and it can charge your phone while playing. Level allows for wall mounting, which can be useful in some setups though.
I'm curious as to why you would be concerned about an updated version, is it to do with paying a large amount of money for something that is quickly superceded by a better product, or just wanting to have the latest model.
Updates are often incremental on most other brands purely to sell a higher nunber to the masses who always crave the latest.
B&o don't generally update things unless the updated version is enough of an improvement to justify it
The old yamaha ns1000 joyned the chat 🎃
Yes these are lovely speakers
what's it all about, Alfie?
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above
Alfie, I know there's something much more
Something even non-believers can believe in
I believe in love! ;-)
I think that's an aluminum Level with an oak grill (not gold ).
Yes, you are quite right. I quite like that colour option, as you can add the wood grille to the aluminium frame as an optional extra.
honestly at the price point of 899 euros ill go with the phantom 2 at 1000 euros
I’ve heard the Devialet Phantom 2, plenty of bass power but not the most musical speaker. My money is on the B&O A5 for quality and sound, I don’t need the extra power!
@@soundsheavenly yeah, also since you replied can you help me actually I have a turntable with a built in amp and it has a RCA output cable so do I need a DAC to play it in my phantom but I the phantom 2 has integrated DAC and a aux input near its power input
@user-iy1lw4fy2b sure, for any technical questions please drop me a message at soundsheavenly.com and I can help (UK and Europe only). Thanks
Loudness vs quality, I could drive my vintage m3 at 160mph but it wouldn't be the same as driving my Bentley.
Overpowering bass at a cost of not hearing most other instruments is just loud.
I listen to and play multiple instruments, and prefer sound to be reproduced very close to reality, and b&o products do this.
If you mostly listen to drums and bass, you'd be much better off buying a jbl speaker, and you'd save yourself a lot of money in the process
As for A9 ,if they come with 3000$ coupons then I think people will think of a place to store it .The rest of the design is much better .
Once you hear the A9, you will appreciate how much power it has for a relatively small speaker. The real bonus is that you can easily change the styling by replacing the fabric cover as there are 3rd party companies who can provide personalised covers for this speaker. Price becomes less of an issue once all this is considered, or there are always pre-owned versions available if the cost is your priority.
Excellent speakers Steve, but insanely overpriced. I'll pass.
no worries, they aren't for everyone. Why not look out for them on the pre-owned market in a few years time, you are sure to save some money that way