2020 - worth buying the Essence mk 2

Hello,

Aside from lacking Chromecast what are your thoughts on adding a few new speaker groups with the Essence mk. 2 now that prices are dropping?

Kind regards

My Essence 2nd gen has Chromecast built-in.

MM

Millemissen:

My Essence 2nd gen has Chromecast built-in.

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV.

Okay thanks. I won’t use chromecast, but a friend who uses it told me it operates differently on his Essence than on the Core.

But that aside: any reasons not to go for an Essence 2 in today’s market, fx from a BeoLink Multiroom perspective?

Interesting thread. Would love to understand differences between the essence mk2 and the core?

I always loved the “button” that comes with the essence. Can this be connected to a core or other b&o speakers? It seems catchy and cool to have a “light button” for music.

The ‘button’, the ‘wheely’ or as original the Essence Remote works eith all the newer audio systems, that have bluetooth support for controlling....just like the BeoRemote One/BT also works for all.

The name ‘Essence Remote’ comes from the first audio system, that could be controlled with it, the BeoSound Essence (MK1).

The BS Core is basicly an upgrate to the Essence - this has a better hardware (that might be better for future use and is generally more stable).

It has some additional features like an optical output, but there are more differences.

To answer the question of the op - for a use as the base for a single room in a B&O multiroom setup the BS Essence 2nd gen will absolutely do the job.

Don’t forget -  if possible - always hardwire network components to the home network!

MM

Thanks, this is helpful. i know i’m risking to high-jack, but topics feel related?

Do both the core and the essence support NL, AP2, and CC?

Seems i could connect the wheelie even to a Core? Turn on would connect the latest stream? Could i switch with the wheelie between line-in and AP2 streams (assuming something streams to it)?

steve1977:

 

Do both the core and the essence support NL, AP2, and CC?

 

 

Seems i could connect the wheelie even to a Core? Turn on would connect the latest stream? Could i switch with the wheelie between line-in and AP2 streams (assuming something streams to it)?

Yes they do!

Tap means activating the latest Music source or Joining in to something already playing on the NL.

No need there to switch with the remote control - the Core will switch automatically when you send an AP stream to it.

But of course you can use volume control and pause/play....

Note: if rhe settings for AP distribution over NL has been made, you can Join in to an ongoing AP sessions from another (B&O) device by tapping the wheelie.

It works the same way with all devices.

Disclaimer: someone with a Google Assistent enabled device might tell if it is different there.

MM