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ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022
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This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022

 

If you haven't bought the new A2...

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bayerische
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bayerische Posted: Thu, Jan 15 2015 8:15 PM

And thinking about it...

 

Then BUY IT!

What an amazing product! More of this please B&O!

Finally bought the Silver/Gold one today. Last one in store. I was amazed at the shop, and my wife can't believe her ears at home! 

For the price, it's a steal!

 

Also did a deal on a Beosound 5! Yeehaa! 

Too long to list.... 

leosgonewild
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Hehe, I am thinking about selling mine..

"You think we can slap some oak on this thing?"

Chris Townsend
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After I took mine back, my mum surprised me with a black one for Xmas! The battery is somewhat better than my first one, although nothing remotely what it's advertised at!

I still get the distortion with club type drum bass, something my 11-46 did too! This was highlighted on the review I posted, and was one of the main things that stopped it being the best Bluetooth speaker. The The B&W speaker did t suffer this when I listened to it, so hopefully a software update can cure it.

For listening to talk radio and some types of music it's pretty good, but putting it in a corner doubles the bass making it very smooth.

The Beolit 15 uses similar 360 technology I believe, at a price much less than the 12, but a bit more than the A2Erm..

Beosound Stage, Beovision 8-40, Beolit 20, Beosound Explore.

leosgonewild
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What is the return policy at B&O stores?

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Steffen
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Steffen replied on Thu, Jan 15 2015 8:42 PM

leosgonewild:
Hehe, I am thinking about selling mine..

And why would you sell yours?

leosgonewild
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The Bluetooth function doesn't fit me and my system. With my Apple-setup, it would be nicer if it was AirPlay.

Sound and design I like Smile

"You think we can slap some oak on this thing?"

bayerische
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leosgonewild:
Hehe, I am thinking about selling mine..

Don't like it, or no need?

I must say I was expecting less. Yes - thumbs up

Too long to list.... 

leosgonewild
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I like the design and sound, but Bluetooth is not for me at the moment.

I do want it, but it is just standing there Sad

"You think we can slap some oak on this thing?"

bayerische
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Chris Townsend:
The Beolit 15 uses similar 360 technology I believe, at a price much less than the 12, but a bit more than the A2

What I really like about the A2 (besides its sound quality) is the small size. Perfect to bring along on trips abroad etc. Although probably smart to have it in your carry-on because of the battery. 

Too long to list.... 

leosgonewild
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Maybe I will use it more during summer Yes - thumbs up

"You think we can slap some oak on this thing?"

leosgonewild
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Maybe I will use it more during summer Yes - thumbs up

"You think we can slap some oak on this thing?"

Michael
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Michael replied on Fri, Jan 16 2015 9:51 AM

I returned my A2 as Chris because of the same reasons as him too. Weird sound artifacts on loud bass (boom doesnt go away - it is replaced by boink). And I didn't like how I had to go into bluetooth settings instead of AirPlay on my iOS-devices. 

Sure it is light and has great battery time but I am quite sure I won't bring it with me to the beach or on trips so it is not for me.

The BeoLit 12 that I still own however, plays better and is not very much heavier (I actually feel it´s safer to bring because it feels less fragile) and won't fall very easily. Yesterday I thought my BL9´s was playing from the living room, being surprised it was actually the BeoLit 12 I was listening too :). 

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bayerische
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bayerische replied on Fri, Jan 16 2015 10:46 AM

Quite different experiences then!

I find the bass very good on mine, perhaps early production problems?

Too long to list.... 

Chris Townsend
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The distortion found on this video is what I've experienced on both my A2's, and was also experienced in that very detailed review I found. I heard exactly the same thing on my 11-46! It isn't experienced on all bass, just club type drumming.

http://youtu.be/jzcc5MVBesU

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Here...

http://oluvsgadgets.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/review-bang-olufsen-beoplay-a2-sounding.html

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Paul W replied on Fri, Jan 16 2015 2:11 PM

I really hated the A2 the first few seconds of hearing it. To me, the sound was lifeless, incredibly boring. I thought the B&W was far sweeter sounding. For portability the BeoLit12 size is great but it's so ugly. It looks identical to the food recycling box that we have to use in our house. Why oh Why they couldn't of make tiny A8 Airplays I just don't know especially since that was their best selling product.

A family of A8 style products please :)

Chris Townsend
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It should have been called a Beolit, as it should really be looked upon as a portable radio/music player. Not a room filling, ugly monster that is the Beolit 12. Looking forward to the 15 though(much cheaperYes - thumbs up)

Beosound Stage, Beovision 8-40, Beolit 20, Beosound Explore.

leosgonewild
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Isn´t the Bolit 12 and Beolit 15 the same form, just different functionallity?

What do you mean by "room-filling monster"?

"You think we can slap some oak on this thing?"

bayerische
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I'm amazed by mine! 

 

Big Smile

Obviously you're all wrong! LOL! Just Kidding! 

Too long to list.... 

Chris Townsend
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leosgonewild:

Isn´t the Bolit 12 and Beolit 15 the same form, just different functionallity?

What do you mean by "room-filling monster"?

I've filled a large garden with my Beolit. The 15 is different internally, and I'm not just talking about AirPlay.

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Millemissen
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If they give it/the 15 the same upgrade, as the A9 has gotten (for the 2. Version), it would be phantastic.

One more NL device in the range, then  Lets have a Party !!!

MM

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leosgonewild
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Could you elaborate?

"You think we can slap some oak on this thing?"

Millemissen
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Easily!

If you have folllowed the thread about the BS Moment, you may have noticed, that we soon will be able to use the sources of the Moment on other B&O components via NL as well - call it 'multiroom functionallity'.

Those, that are already mentioned, are the Essence and the A9/2. Generation.

 

It would be nice to have that functionality in a small(er) device like the BeoLit 15!

Note! I have no idea, if they intend to do so - but the idea is intriguing, don't you think?

And while we are at it - why not do the same with the A8 (a A8/2. Generation, please)?

 

Sorry if this is getting 'off topic'.

 

MM

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leosgonewild
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So the speaker components of the Beolit 15 will be the same as Beolit 12, right?

"You think we can slap some oak on this thing?"

Simonbeo
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Simonbeo replied on Fri, Jan 16 2015 8:39 PM

Paul W:

I really hated the A2 the first few seconds of hearing it. To me, the sound was lifeless, incredibly boring. I thought the B&W was far sweeter sounding. For portability the BeoLit12 size is great but it's so ugly. It looks identical to the food recycling box that we have to use in our house. Why oh Why they couldn't of make tiny A8 Airplays I just don't know especially since that was their best selling product.

A family of A8 style products please :)

I like the neutral style of the Beolit 12 personally . More Dualit meets Roberts radio than food recycling bin . I considered the A8 but it's a bit Madonna Bra to me !

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leosgonewild
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Here is what their commercial for the A2 should have looked like...

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Millemissen
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leosgonewild:
So the speaker components of the Beolit 15 will be the same as Beolit 12, right?

I guess so - very little is known at time being.

At least I don't know much.

MM

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Steffen
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Steffen replied on Fri, Jan 16 2015 11:04 PM

I really don't understand all this talk about the A2's "lack of bass"... And the comparison to the Beolit 12, as some people do...

Hey - you can't defy the Laws of physics.
It is a much smaller device. Don't expect to get "boom, boom" bass.
It's like complaining about, that the Beolab 4 doesn't have as much bass as the Beolab 3  - that again doesn't have as much bass as the Beolab 20...
C'mon guys... there is a difference in size and price. It's as simple as that.
If you want lots of bass, then don't buy the smallest speakers.

The A2 sounds good compared to other portable speakers of that size.
If you want to play loud at your garden party, or on the Beach, then it's not this device you should use. Big Smile

Michael
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Michael replied on Fri, Jan 16 2015 11:07 PM
Steffen:

I really don't understand all this talk about the A2's "lack of bass"... And the comparison to the Beolit 12, as some people do... Hey - you can't defy the Laws of physics. It is a much smaller device. Don't expect to get "boom, boom" bass. It's like complaining about, that the Beolab 4 doesn't have as much bass as the Beolab 3 - that again doesn't have as much bass as the Beolab 20... C'mon guys... there is a difference in size and price. It's as simple as that. If you want lots of bass, then don't but the smallest speakers.

The A2 sounds good compared to other portable speakers of that size. If you want to play loud at your garden party, or on the Beach, then it's not this device you should use.

For me the issue was more that it tried to make boom sounds to boing-sounding sounds instead of not trying at all. It was very annoying. It annoyed my ears. But at low volume it was okey.

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Chris Townsend
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Steffen:

I really don't understand all this talk about the A2's "lack of bass"... And the comparison to the Beolit 12, as some people do... Hey - you can't defy the Laws of physics. It is a much smaller device. Don't expect to get "boom, boom" bass. It's like complaining about, that the Beolab 4 doesn't have as much bass as the Beolab 3 - that again doesn't have as much bass as the Beolab 20... C'mon guys... there is a difference in size and price. It's as simple as that. If you want lots of bass, then don't buy the smallest speakers.

The A2 sounds good compared to other portable speakers of that size. If you want to play loud at your garden party, or on the Beach, then it's not this device you should use.

The A2 can do bass, it just distorts a particular type of bass. I've noticed it as have others, including the reviewer on YouTube. The B&W T7 doesn't distort like this, so just burying your head in the sand and ignoring it is silly. We are fans, and if we notice something that can be better, we should point out out.

Interesting that there is a micro USB port hidden under the cover, for possible firmware updates!

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vikinger
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vikinger replied on Sat, Jan 17 2015 11:35 AM

Chris Townsend:
Steffen:

I really don't understand all this talk about the A2's "lack of bass"... And the comparison to the Beolit 12, as some people do... Hey - you can't defy the Laws of physics. It is a much smaller device. Don't expect to get "boom, boom" bass. It's like complaining about, that the Beolab 4 doesn't have as much bass as the Beolab 3 - that again doesn't have as much bass as the Beolab 20... C'mon guys... there is a difference in size and price. It's as simple as that. If you want lots of bass, then don't buy the smallest speakers.

The A2 sounds good compared to other portable speakers of that size. If you want to play loud at your garden party, or on the Beach, then it's not this device you should use.

The A2 can do bass, it just distorts a particular type of bass. I've noticed it as have others, including the reviewer on YouTube. The B&W T7 doesn't distort like this, so just burying your head in the sand and ignoring it is silly. We are fans, and if we notice something that can be better, we should point out out.

Interesting that there is a micro USB port hidden under the cover, for possible firmware updates!

Doesn't the B&W use the same ICEpower amplification? I'm not sure, but B&W do use ICEpower according to The B&O website and Wikipedia. Then again, B&O use special algorithms for making sure that bass amplification does not overload small speakers. Steffen is right: expections are too high for some small speakers.

Graham

Chris Townsend
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I agree about expectations, which is why I think they should have called it a Beolit ie a small radio. The Beolit 12 on the other hand would have been better labeled Beoplay.

When my wife and I were listening to the distortion, it's interesting that our 11-46 did exactly the same thing, with exactly the same type of bass. Hopefully a software update in the future can negate some of it.

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A costum software update for your favorite kind of music Big Smile Big Smile Big Smile

MM

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BeoGreg replied on Sat, Jan 17 2015 12:57 PM
A2 lacks of bass for me because my BOSE soundlink mini that costs almost half the price and is half smaller as more bass.

I don't say it's better overal but it as more bass.

Those hable to make a comparison found it also.

I prefer spend a little more and get a Beolit 15. That's why we talk about it.
Mr 10Percent
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I got an A2 for Xmas.

I constantly moaned about the Jambox Jawbone brick or whatever it is called. Constantly sounded like a nanny-goat p155ing in a tin (well not tinny, but very muffled). Lots of boom, lots of squealy highs and painful.

Excellent if your having a garden party.

For having music on your desk it is painful. Thus the A2.

And there is the nub I think. We have become accustomed to any gadget released has to be dirt-cheap, the best quality, weigh half a gram so it can fit in your pocket, run 400 formats wirelessly from across the galaxy, from an iPhone, have an energy footprint sufficient to power Europe from a single charge (forever and ever) and still sound better than a pair of properly calibrated Beolab 5 loudspeakers.

It is a little toy for gods-sake, designed to make a quick buck for B&O and made to give semi-decent noise, casually, while in a non-music room or outside or where some background music is required.

If i'm in a hotel room working late or on a nice quiet picnic, it has a place. If im in my lounge where my mainset-up is or my home desk - it has none. People need to get real about this sort of stuff.

10

 

 

pf85
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pf85 replied on Sat, Jan 17 2015 2:13 PM

Mr 10Percent:

.....

If i'm in a hotel room working late or on a nice quiet picnic, it has a place. If im in my lounge where my mainset-up is or my home desk - it has none. People need to get real about this sort of stuff.

10

Brilliantly said and summarized. I wholeheartedly agree. 

BeoGreg
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BeoGreg replied on Sat, Jan 17 2015 6:23 PM
Mr 10Percent:

If i'm in a hotel room working late or on a nice quiet picnic, it has a place.

In a public library and a hospital also Big Smile
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Mr 10Percent:

I got an A2 for Xmas.

I constantly moaned about the Jambox Jawbone brick or whatever it is called. Constantly sounded like a nanny-goat p155ing in a tin (well not tinny, but very muffled). Lots of boom, lots of squealy highs and painful.

Excellent if your having a garden party.

For having music on your desk it is painful. Thus the A2.

And there is the nub I think. We have become accustomed to any gadget released has to be dirt-cheap, the best quality, weigh half a gram so it can fit in your pocket, run 400 formats wirelessly from across the galaxy, from an iPhone, have an energy footprint sufficient to power Europe from a single charge (forever and ever) and still sound better than a pair of properly calibrated Beolab 5 loudspeakers.

It is a little toy for gods-sake, designed to make a quick buck for B&O and made to give semi-decent noise, casually, while in a non-music room or outside or where some background music is required.

If i'm in a hotel room working late or on a nice quiet picnic, it has a place. If im in my lounge where my mainset-up is or my home desk - it has none. People need to get real about this sort of stuff.

10

You take it for granted that customers will have piles of cash for a half decent B&O setup. This might be bought by you and I aged 15-20, where we've always coveted buying a Bang and Olufsen product, but don't have the funds to do so. It needs to be nigh on perfect to tie in those folk who through brand loyalty, will be customers for 50 years or so. I see it more of the hook to bring in that new generation of younger customers.

20 years ago when I was homeless living on the beach in Brighton, £300 for a toy as you call it would have seemed a luxurious investment I could only dream of. I guess things are all relative.

Beosound Stage, Beovision 8-40, Beolit 20, Beosound Explore.

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Chris Townsend:
You take it for granted that customers will have piles of cash for a half decent B&O setup. This might be bought by you and I aged 15-20, where we've always coveted buying a Bang and Olufsen product, but don't have the funds to do so. It needs to be nigh on perfect to tie in those folk who through brand loyalty, will be customers for 50 years or so. I see it more of the hook to bring in that new generation of younger customers. 

20 years ago when I was homeless living on the beach in Brighton, £300 for a toy as you call it would have seemed a luxurious investment I could only dream of. I guess things are all relative. 

 

No Chris. Not taking anything for granted at all.  Piles of cash? Well I’m sure most of us have been in a similar position to yourself. Mine for the record was 10 years earlier. In those days – even though I ached to one day own B&O, I kept it to the basics of my income: food and shelter.

 

Moving to my mid-20’s and when finally some disposable income came my way, I started looking at Form 2, BS Century etc…

 

So now we are discussing lifestyle options. And were talking those options at a much younger age today it appears? Are we talking about a product which mummy and daddy will finance via pocket money or sense of guilt or is the demographic you’re talking about have pretty good jobs with a bit of disposable income they can splash on a so-called “premium-product”?

 

The other problem – and this is why it won’t necessarily attract that many new customers is because we all go through life-stage and priority changes.  What we can afford or willing to pay for in our teens/early twenties may not be the same 10, 20, 30 years on.

 

Back to said product. Its 300mm x 200mm x 50mm approx. What do you think we should get out of this product? Do people really believe that these will replace £3 to 15k systems in sound quality and size and everything else?

 

At the end of the day, it’s the same as my yesteryear. B&O is expensive. It may not be as technically good as the competition (sometimes, most-times??) – even at twice the price. We can and should all decide if we want the product or not and whether it will be a success or a flop for B&O. That’s commerce.

 

However, in my book and probably in many other people’s books, a B&O purchase (in the last 20 years at least) comes from the heart, from a desire to lead a certain lifestyle that says “expensive” and “luxury” – even if that product in the cold light of day technically disappoints and one’s mental trade-off of spending an extra £xx.xx on B&O says it was not worth forgoing that night out on the town with your mates instead.

 

10

 

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Simonbeo replied on Sun, Jan 18 2015 2:11 PM

Perhaps the A2 should be a first B&O product that becomes part of a system that can be extended once the young buyer can afford it ?

It could become the speaker for a TV which is in turn cheaper as it comes without a speaker?

making a product too cheap reduces the deferred gratification we all experience with the best stuff!

i started with a new Beocentury I'd being aspiring too for a couple of years and I got it to celebrate a successful project at work. 

 

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