Step into a Musical World with Our Review of Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound A5 Wireless Speaker: A Masterclass in Sonic Luxury, Design Innovation, and Sustainable Performance.
Renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship in the auditory domain, the Danish audio mavens at Bang & Olufsen have unveiled their latest pièce de résistance – the Beosound A5 wireless speaker. A harmonious blend of avant-garde technology and timeless elegance, the A5 is a testament to Bang & Olufsen’s enduring commitment to excellence. It represents a symphony of sound that plays as eloquently as a fine-tuned grand piano in the echoing halls of an ornate mansion.
Design and Build Quality
Partnering with the artistic visionaries at Danish design studio GamFratesi, Bang & Olufsen draw a parallel to their midcentury design ethos while espousing a future-forward aesthetic with the Beosound A5. The speaker is available in two chic renditions – the Scandinavian-inspired Nordic Weave retailing at $1,099 and the premium dark oak wood-slatted variant at $1,199. Mirroring the rustic charm of a picnic basket, the A5, with its oak handle and distinctive Nordic Weave paper fiber exterior, invites you on a sonic picnic. Each element of its design, including the speakers and the cladding, is effortlessly interchangeable, promising lasting musical camaraderie.
Audio Performance
Bang & Olufsen has masterfully engineered the Beosound A5 to deliver ‘omni’ sound, eschewing the ubiquitous terminology of spatial audio. Armed with a 130-mm bass driver, dual 50-mm midrange drivers, and a 20-mm tweeter, the speaker reverberates with 280 watts of Class D power. This audio cornucopia overflows with deep, well-defined bass that sets a rhythmic cadence, holding tempo and momentum in a loving embrace. The A5, however, slightly falls short of delivering on its promise of a 360-degree sound, although it does create a voluminous, immersive, and meticulously organized soundstage.
Connectivity and Features
Staying connected is a breeze with the Beosound A5, thanks to its state-of-the-art Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. The speaker provides a seamless link to Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast while offering the joys of high-resolution streaming through Deezer, Spotify, and Tidal Connect. The built-in Qi wireless charging pad ensures your device stays powered up through every decibel, and an IP65 rating safeguards against any unexpected outdoor mishaps. Moreover, a 12-hour battery life provides a daylong musical companion for your outdoor escapades.
Price and Value
The Beosound A5’s premium pricing may seem lofty when measured against its contemporaries, but it can be justified by its durability, superior sound performance, and modular design. Nestled within Bang & Olufsen’s Mozart platform, the A5 offers effortless serviceability and future-proof upgrades, promising a prolonged life that surpasses the typical lifecycle of similar devices. Beosound A5 in Nordic Weave is available for $1,049, while the Beosound A5 in Dark Oak costs a little more at $1,149.
Pros:
- Elegantly modern and durable design.
- Superb, well-controlled audio performance.
- Robust connectivity options.
- Built-in Qi wireless charging pad.
- Exceptional 12-hour battery life.
Cons:
- Premium price point.
- Slightly under-delivers on 360-degree sound promise.
- Weighs 8.4 pounds, somewhat heavy for an outdoor speaker.
Pursuitist Verdict: Embodying a fusion of Scandinavian elegance and sonic opulence, the Beosound A5 is a substantial investment that offers an unparalleled audio experience. Designed to cater to the discerning audiophile, it provides a grand orchestration of sound for a myriad of settings, from an intimate indoor gathering to an expansive outdoor celebration.
Undeniably, Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound A5 stands as a formidable contender in the realm of luxury audio. This substantial heavyweight, tipping the scales at 8.4 pounds, makes an impressive auditory statement with its ability to project up to 101 decibels. It’s an unparalleled maestro, transforming both enclosed spaces and vast outdoor expanses into immersive sound stages with its rich, meticulously controlled audio delivery.
While its claim of a complete 360-degree audio experience falls somewhat short of expectations, the Beosound A5 undoubtedly shines as a sophisticated gem in the treasure trove of luxury sound systems. It’s an artful composition of functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, providing a sensory indulgence for both the eyes and the ears.
Its ability to bring life to your favorite tunes, whether you’re orchestrating a sophisticated dinner party or enjoying a casual sun-soaked picnic, solidifies its place in the echelons of high-end audio systems. Therefore, for those who seek sonic brilliance coupled with luxurious design, the Beosound A5 from Bang & Olufsen presents itself as a compelling choice.
