Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (third Gen) evaluate: Good for out of doors music

Finest Costs At the moment: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (third Gen)

Bang & Olufen’s Beosound A1 is likely one of the costlier moveable audio system at present accessible – particularly given its comparatively modest dimensions. It packs loads into that compact design, although, combining spectacular sound high quality and good battery life with a rugged design that’s perfect for out of doors use.

Priced at $399/£299 and accessible in quite a lot of colors, that is truly the third-generation model of the A1, with the earlier second-gen mannequin having been launched in 2021. The outward look of this new mannequin hasn’t modified in any respect, sticking with B&O’s distinctive round design with a perforated aluminium grille on prime.

That second-gen mannequin remains to be accessible from Amazon and different on-line shops, although, so be sure you purchase the right mannequin when ordering on-line. Thoughts you, the second-gen mannequin has additionally had a value reduce to round $199/£160 ($149.99 and £147.25 within the Amazon Prime Day sale), which is a good value for those who’re in search of a discount.

For extra Prime Day offers on audio tools see our spherical up of the finest Prime Day AirPods offers, which incorporates an assortment of different earbuds too.

The low-profile metallic design of the A1 seems nice, and it measures simply 46mm excessive and 133mm in diameter, and weighs 576g, so it’s simple to slide it right into a backpack or bag once you’re travelling. It’s sturdily constructed although, with that metallic case boasting an IP67 score for water and dust-resistance. Which means it’s utterly sealed in opposition to mud and different small particles, and may survive being utterly immersed in water as much as one metre deep for half-hour.

That makes it perfect to be used outside, on a seashore vacation, or for those who simply need to have a little bit of a sing-along within the bathe within the morning. The bottom of the speaker has a non-slip rubber coating to assist maintain it protected, and there’s a leather-based wrist-rap as nicely, though it’s a disgrace that such an costly speaker doesn’t embody a carrying case too.

New options on this third-gen mannequin embody a brand new 3.25-inch woofer, which is designed to offer stronger bass than the earlier mannequin. Greater frequencies are dealt with by an 0.6-inch tweeter, with the 2 drivers offering a wholesome 60W output. Battery life has improved too, rising from 18 hours to 24 hours when taking part in music at medium quantity.

It’s a little bit odd that the A1 nonetheless depends on the comparatively previous Bluetooth 5.1, as latest updates to Bluetooth have helped to enhance energy effectivity even additional. Even so, 24 hours of music ought to nonetheless see you thru a protracted weekend, and the A1 helps each Apple’s AAC codec for Bluetooth audio, and aptX Adaptive for Android customers.

There’s a wired possibility as nicely, because the A1 has a USB-C interface that can be utilized to each cost the battery and supply a wired audio enter on the similar time. This implies you can plug it right into a laptop computer once you’re away from residence with a purpose to cost the speaker and use it as an exterior speaker for the laptop computer as nicely.

The one factor that stops the A1 from being the right moveable speaker for Apple customers is that it doesn’t assist Wi-Fi or AirPlay – as some inexpensive moveable audio system do, such because the JBL Authentics 300 or Sonos Roam 2. See our spherical up of the Finest AirPlay Audio system.

However, after all, it’s sound high quality that issues most, and the A1 produces a surprisingly robust and clear sound for such a compact speaker. Muse are at all times a very good guess for the summer season pageant season, and the A1 has loads of energy to deal with the prog-rock mayhem of Knights Of Cydonia. The monitor’s galloping drum beat hits the bottom operating with a agency, exact rhythm, and Matt Bellamy’s falsetto rings out loud and clear because the band do their finest Queen impersonation. Our solely criticism right here is that a few of the larger frequencies can lack influence, and a few sounds – such because the mariachi horns within the opening part – get a little bit overwhelmed by the headbanging guitars and drums.

Compact audio system resembling this could additionally wrestle with bass output too, however the A1 manages to get right down to the bouncing digital bass on Unhealthy Man by Billie Eilish. There’s a easy tone to Billie’s voice as she whispers – “I’m solely good at being unhealthy” – and a crisp, sharp sound to the finger snaps that float above. The actually deep bass pulse that ends the monitor could possibly be a little bit firmer, however that’s asking loads from such a small speaker, and the A1 is nearly as good as you’ll get from a speaker of this measurement.

Must you purchase B&Os Besound A1 (third gen)?

There are actually inexpensive moveable audio system accessible, however the Beosound A1 can earn its maintain once you’re out and about this summer season. It gives spectacular sound high quality for such a compact and light-weight speaker, and it’s nice you can cost it and play music from a laptop computer on the similar time. And, after all, its rugged design makes it perfect for out of doors use, even on a sandy seashore or a muddy music pageant.