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

 

New portable Beoplay A1

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This post has 499 Replies | 4 Followers

Aussie Michael
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Paul W:

Nice one Chris. USB-C is the way forward. It's a clever lil plug that does so much, so B&O is being forward thinking here man! My MacBook Retina has one & next months MacBook Pro range will of course. USB is soooooo 1998 Chris :) :) :) 

USB C has been around for a little while now and it basically is just a connector type, the power delivery is still usb 2 and 3, so things may get tricky if you get cables from amazon, just like some people have issues with lighting cables from ebay that dont work as they hoped.  Effectively charging a MacBook retina is like charging an ipad, however, i would be surprised if the MacBook Pro would use this as its charging mechanism - but will wait and see.  I dont think the power is strong enough for it. 

Wilderwein
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Wilderwein replied on Sat, May 21 2016 12:06 AM

Thanks Paul W. I will listen to all kind of music. Or maybe give it away to my parents so they can use it in their garden. 

Stan
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Stan replied on Sat, May 21 2016 6:33 AM

The latest MacBook uses it so I would assume the MacBook Pro would be the same.

Be wary of off brand cables, there have been stories on the net of damaged laptops (from a Google engineeri no less) allegedly caused by cheap -usb-c cables.  To me, it sounds more like a bad design on the computer side, but that isn't really surprising given the nonexistent margins in that business 

 

Aussie Michael
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I like to stroke my a1 in my lap. As I don't have any animals it's my new pet. Just feels so lovely to touch.
Millemissen
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Your new Tamagotchi ;)

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV

Aussie Michael
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Millemissen:

Your new Tamagotchi ;)

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV.

Yes. I better make sure I feed him and put him to bed !
elephant
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elephant replied on Sun, May 22 2016 3:29 AM
Spotted in the Sunday travel paper ... wedged between Garmin GPS, cheap flights, cheap hotels, and cheap river cruises Surprise A$379

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Millemissen
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I would not call that $4100 watch next to it cheap.

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV

elephant
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elephant replied on Sun, May 22 2016 8:29 AM
Millemissen:

I would not call that $4100 watch next to it cheap.

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV.

Well spotted

Good point

I am showing my prejudices

Embarrassed

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Paul W
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Paul W replied on Sun, May 22 2016 11:10 PM

£158 on this site already!

http://www.revolve.com/a1/dp/BOPL-UA9/?d=U&sectionURL=%2Fr%2FDisplayProduct.jsp%3FaliasURL%3Dbo-play-a1-in-moss-green%2Fdp%2FBOPL-UA12%26d%3DU%26currency%3DGBP%26source%3Dgoogle%26mkwid%3D%257Bifsearch%3As%257D%257Bifcontent%3Ac%257Dj7yxxI9S_dc%257Cpcrid%257C114327376931%257Cpkw%257C%257Cpmt%257C%26pdv%3Dc%26matchtype%3D%26gclid%3DCjwKEAjwsYW6BRCTzvu5y8DPhi0SJABnGLlHKnUMMClzoA03_xVWSbVPifMzte-1ZzsTTYBWSJgppxoCl8Hw_wcB%26product%3DBOPL-UA12&srcType=dp_recs_bs

jonnyb
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jonnyb replied on Mon, May 23 2016 11:15 AM

...until you get to the checkout and they add £70-odd worth of tax and import fees :(

Paul W
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Paul W replied on Mon, May 23 2016 12:06 PM

Woooooo that sucks Jonny! Oh well i'd rather buy mine from the Apple stores or a small shop. For me, I'll buy it in person rather than online - just in case I have to take it back for a refund in case it goes wrong! After the H8 problem & Moment, my faith in B&O for reliability is shattered.

Austin
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Austin replied on Tue, May 24 2016 2:59 PM

I have had the A1 for a few weeks now and I must say, the more I listen to it, the more I'm impressed. The highs are really clear, the mids are solid and the bass is balanced. It's amazing how much sound comes out of this little thing! AND it's super portable. I've been taking to friends', playing it inside and outside, and everyone is so impressed! I think this is a perfect introductory speaker to folks who are new to B&O.

Chris Hassell
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I haven't spent a lot of time playing (although there's not a lot to play with)... But the 2 A1s that I've hung either side of the office TV aren't playing stereo very well at all.

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Justin9960
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Having previously owned a Moment, which I returned as it just refused to work properly, I took the plunge and bought 2 A1s to use as a stereo pair. 

The experience so far is that I've listened to them as a stereo pair for about 2 hours, and messed about trying to connect them as a stereo pair for about 10 hours. The most frustrating and annoying product I've ever owned. I agree the sound is fairly good (although not necessarily better than my Bose Soundlink Mini - which just works) but the hassle to get them paired together is just a joke. On many occasions after trying for an hour, I give up, feeling frustrated, angry, and wishing that I'd not even attempted. They will hopefully be returned to the dealer, and I'll continue to use Naim and Bose. B&O please makes something that actually WORKS. Never again will I give B&O a chance. 

Earle
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Earle replied on Thu, May 26 2016 6:47 PM

LaughingLaughingLaughing... "Bose"

Paul W
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Paul W replied on Thu, May 26 2016 8:12 PM

There certainly seems to be A LOT of problems with regards to pairing the A1's.

This is why I am waiting a few months before I buy the A1 as I simply DO NOT have any confidence in BANG&OLUFSEN. They seem very shoddy. I was disgusted, purely disgusted with their customer services department - three days to answer an Email. The H8 problems & the Moment are examples.

I hope the new CEO addresses quality of manufacturing over in China, fires the Customer Services department and discontinues products that do not deliver.

Simonbeo
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Simonbeo replied on Thu, May 26 2016 8:19 PM

Paul W:

There certainly seems to be A LOT of problems with regards to pairing the A1's.

This is why I am waiting a few months before I buy the A1 as I simply DO NOT have any confidence in BANG&OLUFSEN. They seem very shoddy. I was disgusted, purely disgusted with their customer services department - three days to answer an Email. The H8 problems & the Moment are examples.

I hope the new CEO addresses quality of manufacturing over in China, fires the Customer Services department and discontinues products that do not deliver.

Nurse for Mr Paul !

Beo Century ,Beoplay V1, Beocenter 6, Ex-Beolit 12, Beotime , A8. Beolit 15 , Form 2i , Beolab 2000, Beoplay A3.Beosound 1

Justin9960
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Your snob side is very much ch on display!! Yes Bose, for £160 it is extremely good for the kitchen, of course you have heard one have you? 

Chris Townsend
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Currently listening to the beach boys under the Spanish stars, and this little device is amazing. 

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Simonbeo
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Simonbeo replied on Fri, May 27 2016 8:09 PM

Chris Townsend:

Currently listening to the beach boys under the Spanish stars, and this little device is amazing. 

I wish I could justify one!

Beo Century ,Beoplay V1, Beocenter 6, Ex-Beolit 12, Beotime , A8. Beolit 15 , Form 2i , Beolab 2000, Beoplay A3.Beosound 1

Duels
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Duels replied on Fri, May 27 2016 8:15 PM
Simonbeo:

I wish I could justify one!

Beo Century ,Beoplay V1, Beocenter 6, Ex-Beolit 12, Beotime , A8 , MX 5500 . Beolit 15 , Form 2i , Beolab 2000, Beoplay A3.

Justify....... How about "I really want one, it's fab, damn it, I'm going to get one!" Big Smile
Simonbeo
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Simonbeo replied on Fri, May 27 2016 8:23 PM

Stop it !

i know that ....

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TWG
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TWG replied on Sat, May 28 2016 9:08 AM

Simonbeo:

Stop it !

i know that ....


If you want to prevent yourself from buying it: Look at how ugly the design is!

I absolutely don't like that retro look. Nothing B&O like!

But do NOT switch it on if it sounds that good. Maybe you forget the ugly look and your ears say: "Trust US and buy it!"

 

BEOVOX141
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Do remember: Most of the Beoplay speakers have been conceived and designed by Cecilie Manz, and are thus a completely different gender.

Its all about an untapped target audience.. 

As simple as that really....Cool

 

Aussie Michael
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Cecilie Manz is the Bangle to BMW

There are 2 considerations, either people are happy with her designs, or, that people are happy with the features and price point? (that have made them so successful) 

I myself love Cecile, and it makes sense for a designer such as her to design audio products for the home.  

The BL12/15 is unique, and i loved the A2, and now when i look at it, i think it's not as lovely as the A1, but it sounds different.  I would still love a unique B&O sound system that could link all of these "bluetooth" products, even if is an app. 

I have a design in mind for a 'case' for the a1.

I was listening to the a1 tonight and sitting back and enjoying how much i like this product.

 

Simonbeo
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Simonbeo replied on Sat, May 28 2016 12:11 PM

Aussie Michael:

Cecilie Manz is the Bangle to BMW

There are 2 considerations, either people are happy with her designs, or, that people are happy with the features and price point? (that have made them so successful) 

I myself love Cecile, and it makes sense for a designer such as her to design audio products for the home.  

The BL12/15 is unique, and i loved the A2, and now when i look at it, i think it's not as lovely as the A1, but it sounds different.  I would still love a unique B&O sound system that could link all of these "bluetooth" products, even if is an app. 

I have a design in mind for a 'case' for the a1.

I was listening to the a1 tonight and sitting back and enjoying how much i like this product.

 

I was trying to avoid the likeness to a land mine with the A2 so the observation I make is that the spacing of the perforations appear to lack a twist in design or evolution beyond what you'd be expecting. Perhaps this is part of her style but as I've said before I see a cost reduction in this detail from Beolit 12 to the 15. I'd have preferred to get the better leather strap and grille perforations on the Beolit 15 at extra cost if necessary. Bluetooth suits us better so the product is better. 

Beo Century ,Beoplay V1, Beocenter 6, Ex-Beolit 12, Beotime , A8. Beolit 15 , Form 2i , Beolab 2000, Beoplay A3.Beosound 1

Aussie Michael
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Agreed Simon, the BL12 was a better product in design, the aluminium wrap, the perforations (i wont say the other word),  the touch controls, and the thicker leather strap and the white option, was better than the 15, but the bluetooth made the 15 more usable and the better battery life. :-) 

Aussie Michael
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Agreed Simon, the BL12 was a better product in design, the aluminium wrap, the perforations (i wont say the other word),  the touch controls, and the thicker leather strap and the white option, was better than the 15, but the bluetooth made the 15 more usable and the better battery life. :-) 

BeoBoy68
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BeoBoy68 replied on Sat, May 28 2016 12:40 PM
We are in consumer society. Smile

Don't need an A1 now ... my Beolit 12 white edition sound better in bass and have much power.

When it will come in black, maybe I will be tempted to buy it. Big Smile

I am not sure. Stick out tongue

Aussie Michael
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agree BB68 when i had my BL12 the only thing that annoyed me was that outside the battery life wasn't great and that it took ages to airplay.  With bluetooth its instant.  

You cant replicate the look and feel of the beautiful white BL12 boom boom box with those touch controls.  

Paul W
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Paul W replied on Sat, May 28 2016 1:14 PM

Come on guys, stop talking about the BeoLit 12 - it was a pure disaster for most people when it came to Airplay. It didn't work. Amazon & the internet was full of the worst reviews from customers because of it. It could of killed the company!

I like some of Cecile's designs. I didn't like the A2 - the minute that I saw it, to me, it was too large and I totally hated the flat sound from it. It was to me, totally crap. The A1 is on another planet. For me, its the most exciting design that B&O have done since the A8 from David - although the A8 was very very very large! The A1 has totally opened up a new market for B&O. Instagram is full of pictures of it from consumers. I'll get one at the end of July and it'll sit beautifully on my vintage surfing photography books :)

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Simonbeo replied on Sat, May 28 2016 2:00 PM

Paul W:

Come on guys, stop talking about the BeoLit 12 - it was a pure disaster for most people when it came to Airplay. It didn't work. Amazon & the internet was full of the worst reviews from customers because of it. It could of killed the company!

I like some of Cecile's designs. I didn't like the A2 - the minute that I saw it, to me, it was too large and I totally hated the flat sound from it. It was to me, totally crap. The A1 is on another planet. For me, its the most exciting design that B&O have done since the A8 from David - although the A8 was very very very large! The A1 has totally opened up a new market for B&O. Instagram is full of pictures of it from consumers. I'll get one at the end of July and it'll sit beautifully on my vintage surfing photography books :)

Come on Paul, if you read what we wrote you'd see that we concur we you. My like of the execution of the 12 is kind of outweighed by the fact the AirPlay was useless to us. We had a nicely perforated mesh and a superior grade of leather strap on a Beolit which had to be hardwired. I stated that I'd like the option of keeping a better grille and strap on a 15.

not being on first name terms with the designers I haven't told Cecille but I'm sure she would prefer that too if I asked her!

 

Beo Century ,Beoplay V1, Beocenter 6, Ex-Beolit 12, Beotime , A8. Beolit 15 , Form 2i , Beolab 2000, Beoplay A3.Beosound 1

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What a brilliant little device. The battery lasted all the evening on about 30-40% volume, coming from a mini iPad 4.

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Paul W
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Paul W replied on Sun, May 29 2016 11:46 PM

Hey Simon, I'm with you on the leather strap especially since B&O used to make a real marketing thing of it with the 'Italian leather' part. It is very mean of them to penny pinch there! I think that the 15 sounds better though, I remember the 12 being very good on the bass but muddled on the treble.

Chris - that looks great! 

Simon - check out hashtag beoplaya1 on Instagram for some lovely shots of the A1 from customers!

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Paul W replied on Sun, May 29 2016 11:47 PM

Not sure where the hashtag key is on my pink macbook :) (sorry, rose gold :)

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Paul W replied on Mon, May 30 2016 12:09 AM

Another wonderful review here concluding with 'Masterpiece'.

http://pixelvulture.com/2016/05/beoplay-a1-review/

ari
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ari replied on Mon, May 30 2016 11:29 AM

Anyone having problems with their A1? I'm getting cut-outs over bluetooth which is quite irritating.. most noticeably when connected to my Macbook Pro Retina... It's a bit intermittent however.. Perhaps WiFi interference affecting the bluetooth..Very irritating.

 

 

elephant
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elephant replied on Mon, May 30 2016 12:05 PM

BeoNut since '75

Chris Townsend
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ari:

Anyone having problems with their A1? I'm getting cut-outs over bluetooth which is quite irritating.. most noticeably when connected to my Macbook Pro Retina... It's a bit intermittent however.. Perhaps WiFi interference affecting the bluetooth..Very irritating.

When I had it connected to my iPad mini and I opened my phone, my phone would try and also connect causing disruption. I simply turned off the Bluetooth function.

Might helpYes - thumbs up

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

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