PlayMaker vs. Essence

In doing some research I found these two to pique my interest however I am sort of confused as to their function. As usual with b&o the documentation is vague on things like input selection and volume control.

• From what I understand the Essence is basically a better PlayMaker? From the nasty remarks I gather the wifi on Essence is the defining difference?
• Does either have auto input selection?
• Does the 'line in' volume be controlled by the unit?

I mostly use Airplay from my AppleTV which works perfectly, zero dropouts. My current set up has a BeoPlay S8 connection hub which has auto input selection and auto on. So in this set up I can AirPlay at any time without faffing with remotes that I value.

davidr:

In doing some research I found these two to pique my interest however I am sort of confused as to their function. As usual with b&o the documentation is vague on things like input selection and volume control.

From what I understand the Essence is basically a better PlayMaker? From the nasty remarks I gather the wifi on Essence is the defining difference? Does either have auto input selection? Does the 'line in' volume be controlled by the unit?

I mostly use Airplay from my AppleTV which works perfectly, zero dropouts. My current set up has a BeoPlay S8 connection hub which has auto input selection and auto on. So in this set up I can AirPlay at any time without faffing with remotes that I value.

Hi D

I have both and only use essence mk2 now and it's way better

It's a better playmaker and:

-it has Bluetooth and

-inbuilt streaming services such as deezer Spotify tunein

- is NL enabled which means you can use it with the app and do multi zone with the B&o app and you NL enabled TV

- you can select which speakers you have connected to the essence

- you can connect a IR eye so you can use your BeoRemote one

- it's regularly updated

- it's easy to place anywhere.

Thanks Andrew, looks like essence mk.ii is the one to get.

Very basic question but does the AirPlay aspect always on standby and switches on speakers when incoming steam just like an Apple product?

Does the line-in have any sort of volume control and or auto switch?

davidr:

I mostly use Airplay from my AppleTV which works perfectly, zero dropouts. My current set up has a BeoPlay S8 connection hub which has auto input selection and auto on. So in this set up I can AirPlay at any time without faffing with remotes that I value.

Why change anything then?

MM

Millemissen:

Why change anything then?

MM

Good point,

1) Current AppleTV (version 4 and probably future models) don't have optical outs or analogue for that matter so I'd have to somehow route audio via HDMI converter or optical out from Television. But that means I need to switch on tele for audio airplay. I have AppleTV version 3 that has an optical out and works in my current set up.

2) To work around point 1, since Airplay would be integrated to Essence I don't worry if buying a new AppleTV or similar streaming device.

3) Probably DAC is better in Essence, but that is sort of minor.

Indeed I am not trying to complicate my life!

davidr:

Thanks Andrew, looks like essence mk.ii is the one to get.

Very basic question but does the AirPlay aspect always on standby and switches on speakers when incoming steam just like an Apple product?

Does the line-in have any sort of volume control and or auto switch?

You're welcome peter just kidding

If it's connected to your network then the airplay is always on just like an Apple product

The line in is auto sense. I've not used it though.

davidr:

In doing some research I found these two to pique my interest however I am sort of confused as to their function. As usual with b&o the documentation is vague on things like input selection and volume control.

From what I understand the Essence is basically a better PlayMaker? From the nasty remarks I gather the wifi on Essence is the defining difference? Does either have auto input selection? Does the 'line in' volume be controlled by the unit?

I mostly use Airplay from my AppleTV which works perfectly, zero dropouts. My current set up has a BeoPlay S8 connection hub which has auto input selection and auto on. So in this set up I can AirPlay at any time without faffing with remotes that I value.

In my setup I have the essence at the back of the room. I have 2 BL3s connected to this. I have named the essence as BL3

It's operating pretty much as a standalone product. And I use it as a part of the NL music distribution.

At the front of the room is a Sony TV and I bought a new Apple TV.

In the menu of the Apple TV you can connect to Bluetooth speakers.

I connected to the BL3 as a Bluetooth speaker. It works surprisingly well.

For me it was just a test as it sounds weird coming from behind but it's another use case of why the essence is better than the playmaker.

Aussie Michael:

You're welcome peter just kidding

Oups, brain read that too quickly.

So the Essence seems interesting to me now as it does what I am looking for, much appreciated your feedback.

davidr:

Oups, brain read that too quickly.

So the Essence seems interesting to me now as it does what I am looking for, much appreciated your feedback.

No worries David

I'm happy with mine and it's a worthwhile upgrade.