ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Hi,
I recently bought a Besound Level, and I love it. :-)
I chose the version with Google Voice Assistant, not because I actually want to use it, but because I thought I might maybe want to use it in the future. I thought I'd just not activate the GVA, and I could use it without Google, just like I did with other smart speakers before.
Unfortunately, I then found out that it's not possible to pair Bluetooth devices if the Google stuff hasn't been set up. What? I would never have expected that. And, honestly, for privacy reasons I'd rather not activate the Google stuff if I don't plan to use it, anyway.
I asked support if pairing BT devices would be possible without Google in future firmware versions, but they didn't know. (I can wait, I'm using Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2 at home, Bluetooth will only be relevant on vacations and maybe parties, but both won't happen within the next few months, obviously.)
I also asked if flashing a different firmware would make it possible to turn the GVA version into a non GVA version, and I was told no, that will not be possible. Which makes me wonder if there are actually hardware differences between the two versions?
So now I'm wondering if I should return my GVA Level and order a non GVA Level instead, but the non GVA version is not available yet, so it would take some time until I'd proud owner of a Level again.
But also, I'd like to know what the differences actually are. Are there any insiders here who can tell me more than the nothing that is available on the Bang&Olufsen web site? :-)
Especially, I'd like to know ...
Thanks, zottel
Hi zottel,
Welcome to Beoworld! I am also interested to find out the answer to this. I have the GVA version of the Level (which is a great speaker, I just don't like Google!) - I will be swapping this to the non-GVA version as soon as the UK lockdown is over. I will then report back with my findings.
Kind regards, Steve.
Steve.
www.soundsheavenly.com
Founder of Sounds Heavenly Cables and Brand Ambassador for Bang & Olufsen
Sounds Heavenly are proud to sponsor BeoWorld!
Please check out my YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/soundsheavenlycables
+1 for those of us who prefer the non-GVA B&O products.
I don't want a microphone (aside from room calibration-related) in my products at all, so rather than purchasing a GVA product such as Level and turn GVA off, I would just prefer to purchase non-GVA versions.
Currently: BeoLab 17, BeoLab 18, BeoSound Core, Beosound Level, Beosound A1 2nd Gen, BeoPlay S8 Connection Hub, Halo, Essence Remote
Previously: BeoSound 1 non-GVA
B&O does sell a nom-GVA version of the Level. It just doesn't seem to be available yet.
Hi Stan,
My dealer has told me that the non-GVA Level is available to pre-order, they should be available in March. The non-GVA Level should have a microphone from what I hear, but it is for room calibration only.
I will keep you updated...
Wow, thanks for sharing this info ! I would have been very dissapointed if I bought the GVA version only to discover then that BT was not working with google disabled.
For sure now I need to wait for the non-GVA editions.
I’m waiting for the non-google gold model . Anyone got info about availability for that specific Level version ?
With respect to pairing BT without GVA, can't you just press the BT button on the control panel to open the Level for pairing?
On the GVA version of the Level, if you try to pair a device via Bluetooth without setting up the Google Home app, you get a voice prompt which says "Your device isn't set up yet, download the Google Home app to enable Bluetooth pairing"...
Thanks Steve... I thought it must have been more to it; hence, why I phrased my post as a question. Then again, sometimes we overlook the obvious.
I decided that I'll send my GVA Level back next week, because the 30 days deadline will arrive soon, and I'll order the non GVA version instead. According to the online shop, it will only be available by end of March, so I'll have to try and survive without a Level for a few weeks, but I guess I'll manage.
zottel: I recently bought a Besound Level, and I love it. :-) I chose the version with Google Voice Assistant, not because I actually want to use it, but because I thought I might maybe want to use it in the future.
I chose the version with Google Voice Assistant, not because I actually want to use it, but because I thought I might maybe want to use it in the future.
I have GVA on my BeoSound 2(s) and Balance and use it all the time. I just walk in to the room and tell the speaker to do or play something or simply up the volume. If a call comes in, no looking for a remote, simply tell it to stop the music.
I have another BeoSound 2 - and older one - without GVA. I'm selling it. Utter madness someone would decide not to have the feature (even if you don't use it).
So good, so simple.
Utter madness or not, and I could elaborate if you are interested, I don’t want «noize» in my B&O either. I want the design and the sound essentially. The only tech I want in it is sound tech and not «IT» like GVA. Another example I like is the buttons on the Stage. Nevertheless I think it is great that B&O offers us a choice so that you can have either.
You should just be glad that it has a phycial bluetooth button. On the A9 GVA you can only start pairing with GVA is setup AND connected to the internet. Which means that whenever I actually need Bluetooth, my device phone needs to be paired beforehand. This is a one time thing, but sometimes I forget to do that after a reset, new phone etc. So I've been in situations where I've brought along my A9 to a party held at a place without wifi and no preparied device. In that case the Bluetooth function becomes totally useless. Just because B&O decided to cost cut on a button.
Beovision Eclipse gen2 (GX) w/ floorstand, Beolab 14.2, 4 speaker Shape and ATV4/Chromecast.
Beoplay A9mk4 GVA, Beosound 1 GVA, H2, H3, H8, E6, Beoplay EQ
I purchased the Level GVA in oak the day it was announced. I didn't plan on using the Google Assistant and planned on turning the microphone off until I needed to do a room calibration.
I am not a fan of placing listening devices all over my house for the little convenience that it offers.
I was unable to configure the Level with the B&O app, but was able to do the initial configuration from my MacBook Air since it sees it as a new Airplay device. I then could "finish" the configuration with the B&O app, or so I thought! It works fine but I noticed the following issues, some reported above.
Pairing an Essence Remote... It shows an Essence Remote when adding a new remote, but attempting to do so the Level announces that it is not fully configured and I need the Google Home app to finish the configuration. Trying it anyway did not work, and I really don't want to register everything to Google by loading their Home app.
The bluetooth issue as discussed above. I tried by pressing the bluetooth "button" but it never shows up as a discoverable device.
The proximity sensor did not work on my unit.
This was enough for me to send it back and order the non-GVA version instead. I feel much better about this option! I am hoping to use an Essence Remote until the Halo will work with it.
Thanks to B&O Mainline for all their help!
=:-O
Has the non-GVA version been postponed, or is it already sold out?
I just started the returns process for my GVA Level and then wanted to preorder the non GVA version. For all the past weeks, there was the option to pay € 500,- now and the rest when the device becomes available, and it should be available by end of March. Now I can only choose to be informed when the Level is available again.
Does anybody know what the state of the non-GVA version is?
Now I'm wondering if I should keep my Google version after all ...
I've been interested in upgrading my non-GVA BeoSound 1 to a GVA BeoSound 2 in my kitchen. I'm interested in this topic as it could impact my decision. Please forgive me for injecting the BeoSound 2 into this thread.
1. So is the main reason against having a GVA B&O device just this preference not to have microphones listening in your home? Therefore, for someone who already uses and is comfortable with Alexa or Google this wouldn't be an issue at all?
2. Does enabling GVA preclude us from using Airplay or BeoLink Multiroom (for the BeoSound 2)? I'm so reliant on BeoLink Multiroom that I can't imagine not being able to use the "Join" feature.
Hi beojeff,
Beosound Balance and Level use a different software platform from previous products such as Beosound 1/2, so these will differ with regards to the functions that rely on Google Home access. It may be a good option to start a new thread with Beosound 1 and 2 in the title to get input from owners of these products regarding Google related features.
For the Level and Balance, I would suggest that you should consider the non-GVA version unless you have a Google Home setup, use Chromecast Audio for streaming, or wish to use voice control for the speakers. The non-GVA version of these speakers allow for room compensation, Airplay 2 and Bluetooth without needing Google Home setup. With all the reports of Google updates affecting the functionality of third party speakers in recent weeks (there is a long Beoworld thread covering this in more detail!), there could be benefits in staying outside the Google ecosystem unless you wish to specificallay make use of the features that it offers.
I hope to be able to make a full comparison of GVA vs. non-GVA functionality in the Level once my dealer gets a non-GVA model into stock.
Thanks for this post Steve.
Just for clarity, the non-GVA versions (whether of Mozart or pre-Mozart vintage) can still the advantage of Chromecast streaming no?, in a basic sense / use case.
Or have the updates to the CC firmware meant that this v1 BS1s/BS2/s/A9s, which have until now been able to use CC, now had that ability removed?
Apologies if thats been covered elsewhere, but its not clear to me.
(for the record my v1 and non-GVA BS2 and A9 still seem to have CC ability, though its appeared and disappeared at various times over recent weeks, so not sure what the longer term status is for both of these)
Steve at Sounds Heavenly: Hi beojeff, Beosound Balance and Level use a different software platform from previous products such as Beosound 1/2, so these will differ with regards to the functions that rely on Google Home access. It may be a good option to start a new thread with Beosound 1 and 2 in the title to get input from owners of these products regarding Google related features. For the Level and Balance, I would suggest that you should consider the non-GVA version unless you have a Google Home setup, use Chromecast Audio for streaming, or wish to use voice control for the speakers. The non-GVA version of these speakers allow for room compensation, Airplay 2 and Bluetooth without needing Google Home setup. With all the reports of Google updates affecting the functionality of third party speakers in recent weeks (there is a long Beoworld thread covering this in more detail!), there could be benefits in staying outside the Google ecosystem unless you wish to specificallay make use of the features that it offers. I hope to be able to make a full comparison of GVA vs. non-GVA functionality in the Level once my dealer gets a non-GVA model into stock. Kind regards, Steve.
I was told by a dealer that non GVA version gold tone /oak is not expected to be available before end of May !! Thats exactly the version I want and a little dissapointing to be honest.
That's indeed a very good question.
On the basic (and rough) view, the main difference is that the user experience the 'google home' features on GVA types, compared non-GVA. So if you would like to have Google assistant on board + home automations then you will need GVA. Note that there are two microphone switches, a hard switch and a soft switch. You can for example setup a GVA product using google home and B&O app, get the wifi details etc on the product and then mute the mic; hard switch won't be on when you restart the product. You will still be able to make changes from B&O app and use cast. The Assistant however will be muted.
In terms of development GVA and non GVA have differences that don't allow to just 'wipe' it with other software. Even if you force that, the product will reject if it's the wrong variant. They are essentially two types of products, they are just made in a way that work similarly. B&O actually develops both in parallel so that the user gets to chose at purchase.
Google cast (audio streaming) is available on both GVA and non-GVA versions, such as the previous products/platforms (M3,M5, Shape etc). Cast is a part of GVA that can run as standalone.
Thanks Neo,
That is interesting. Can the non-GVA Level be fully set up within the B&O app without needing to use the Google Home app please?
There seems to be another significant difference between the GVA and non-GVA Level:
In order to set-up two Beosound Levels as a stereo-pair, one has to use the Google Home app and it will work only with Chrome Cast, according to this article: https://support.bang-olufsen.com/hc/en-us/articles/360055892111-Can-I-pair-two-Beosound-Level-speakers-to-create-a-stereo-experience-
I assume this implies the GVA version, or not?
I love the Besound Level for its design and sound, but the software could definitely use some improvement.... to put it mildly.
Rob.
While I don't know for sure, to me, all the data points to stereo pairing not requiring GVA.
First, the referenced article makes no mention of GVA vs. non-GVA which would point to it not mattering (yes, this is not conclusive, but read on). Secondly, neokaplanis (who seems to be involved in product development at B&O) says "Cast is a part of GVA that can run as standalone". To me, this sounds like Chromecast works regardless of GVA vs non-GVA. That is, both versions of the Level support Chromecast. Since stereo pairing is a function of Chromecast, and your article mentions no voice commands required to pair, just the Google Home app, then I would expect pairing to work either version of the Level.
Perhaps the confusion is from prior history with the BS1 / BS2 which only allow stereo pairing with the GVA versions. This is because the GVA versions are newer models of the BS1 / BS2 and contain a newer version of Chromecast software, unlike the Level where the GVA and non-GVA models were released at the same time so (I assume) both models use the save version of CC.
Bottom line: I don't believe the stereo pairing is tied to the actual voice capability, but maybe someone else can state this with 100% confidence.
I can’t say much about the actual theme here.
But....for your information:
Neo is Tonmeister at B&O and as such deeply involved in ‘product development, however more from a sound perspective.
He surely knows what he is talking about - and if he pops up again here, I am sure he could make some comments on this.
Some 5 years ago I wrote this post:
https://archivedforum2.beoworld.org/forums/p/22276/184315.aspx
Check out the links there, if you want to know more about Neo.
If you are short of time, this is a great summary:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-year-anniversary-whats-summary-neo-kaplanis?trk=public_profile_article_view
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
beojeff: I've been interested in upgrading my non-GVA BeoSound 1 to a GVA BeoSound 2 in my kitchen. I'm interested in this topic as it could impact my decision. Please forgive me for injecting the BeoSound 2 into this thread.
I have a GVA BeoSound 2 and GVA Level and the Level doesn't get close to the BeoSound 2 - it's far better on so many levels (ironically). The only good thing about the Level is that it's far more portable. I do move it around and even take it out on to the terrace. So from a portable perspective, it's far better.
I'd never get a non-GVA version myself. I can easily tell it to perform or play a number of tasks and it does this instantly. No clue why anyone would want to grab a further device to then login and set it up to play the same stuff. At a very minimum, I'd get the GVA version, even if I switched off the voice control and/or was going to use this later.
I have a non-GVA BS2, a GVA BS1 and trialed a GVA Level for a couple weeks. My ears agree with Moxxey's. The BS2 sounds much better than the Level and BS1. If you have the room for a BS2, go for it. For me, it was taller than the distance between my countertops and upper cabinets so it doesn't really fit in my kitchen (not under the cabinets, and blocks the cabinet door if in front). In my evaluation, the BS1 beat the Level because it didn't take much counterspace, aluminum works better in the kitchen than fabric, it has NetworkLink and sounds almost as good as the Level.
To be fair, the Level was at a disadvantage sound-wise because its shape (flat + directional speakers) meant it had to be placed under the kitchen cabinet so the bass had to be turned way down because it was essentially in a wood, tile and granite box, whereas the BS1 cone shape + lens worked in a location not under the cabinet giving it less resonance from the cabinets.