Introduction
Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound A1 first launched in 2016 as a sleek ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker from Cecilie Manz. The real beauty of the speaker was its round aluminium body with a built-in leather strap for portability. The second-generation A1 arrived in 2020 with improved water resistance, added battery life, and built-in mics for speakerphone capabilities. Now the third-generation Beosound A1 builds upon this with better bass, a replaceable battery, and environmental benefits.
Design Updates
The Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) is made of the same pearl-blasted aluminium shell, like a polished pebble in the palm. It’s also still head-turning with 2,173 precision-milled grill holes that deliver a true 360-degree sound field without losing form factor. Not a lot seems to have changed, though there are small improvements to the leather strap that enhance durability and grip.
Materials Fit For Kings
Bang & Olufsen continues to produce the Beosound A1 in premium aluminum and waterproof leather, both considered luxuries. The aluminum is finished in pearl-blast to avoid fingerprints and the leather strap provides a firm softness. These materials not only feel great but are strong enough for daily use.
Weatherproof Resilience
Rated IP67, the A1 (3rd Gen) is fully waterproof from submersion up to one meter for 30 minutes which is perfect for beach days or shower playlists. Its dust-proof enclosure ensures that no dirt will infiltrate and affect performance, so it is a true all-terrain speaker.
Upgraded Sound Quality
B&O claims 60 watts of Class D amplification, which is evenly distributed across a 15 mm tweeter and an 83 mm mid/bass driver. With Bluetooth 5.1 and aptX Adaptive support, this speaker provides low-latency, high-fidelity audio from appropriately-equipped devices.
The Big Woofer
The biggest accompanying upgrade is the “largest woofer in its class” at 83 mm in diameter, which means that bass performance is pushed to a level of 64 dB SPL – a 2 dB increase from the second generation. The deeper bass adds richness to musical genres from EDM to hip-hop, giving them greater body and power.
Bass Boost Defined
Increased power to the woofer and improved driver tuning provides tighter, uncontrollable low frequencies, reducing distortion at higher levels. As a result, it generates punchier bass, while still being unmistakably clear despite the compactness.
All-Day Battery
The third-gen A1 battery has gone up from 18 hours to up to 24 hours on a single charge to keep you going all weekend long. Fast charging capabilities via standard USB-C means you can charge them up for hours of playtime in only minutes, allowing you to go longer and minimize downtime during your listening sessions.
Sustainable Modular Design
B&O’s new A1 is the first audio speaker to receive Cradle to Cradle Bronze certification, noting that its build is recyclable as well as being serviceable.While B&O A1 batteries cannot be modified by a typical consumer, the battery is replaceable by a certified professional. The speaker can be repaired (as well as exchanged in the worst case scenario).
Lastly, from B&O, there is an extended 10-year warranty, so you can put your mind at ease.
Contemporary Connectivity
In addition to Bluetooth 5.1, the A1 (3rd gen) can accept audio over USB-C so you can bypass the Bluetooth streaming altogether and plug in directly to your laptop or phone, if you want a ‘nascent’ experience. The 3-mic array continues to model crystal clear calls and can be transitioned into a speaker phone, in high quality, for remote meetings.
Stereo Pairing
If you own two Beosound A1 (of any generation), you can stereo pair them together, for true stereo sound, which is very useful for larger spaces, or stereo demos and can be accomplished very easily in the B&O app. This Apple like feature will allow you to get used to spatial dynamics to playlists or soundtracks of the latest movie.
Finishes & Customization
With Natural Aluminium, Honey Tone and Eucalyptus Green available, the A1 (3rd gen) is able to adapt to any décor or personal style with three new trendy finishes. All three finishes have been selected to allow for cohesiveness with modern and more classic interior looks.
Price & Availability
The new A1 has a retail price of $349—$50 more than its predecessor, but with the upgraded materials, sound quality and eco-credentials, Weighing in at $349 reflects the premium product it has become, and is definetly warranted. The new A1 is available right now from Bang & Olufsen stores and online, with the second-generation model comfortably priced under $200 as a budget option.
Conclusion
The third-generation Beosound A1 retains the essential reasons what made it a modern design icon, its portability, style and sound; whilst also for very fulfilling the brief of introducing snappier deep bass, all-day battery life, and providing sustainable and serviceable features in the overall build. At $349, it is a premium option for audiophiles that value both form and function.
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