I need advice & guidance

Dear Beoworld members,

I have been a big admirer of Bang & Olufsen since my father brought a Beocenter 9500 home when I was around 10 years old. I am 32 now, recently bought a new house and I feel it’s the perfect time to start getting a little bit more serious about my audio gear. Right now I own a Beoplay A8, but I'm looking for something that can 'fill' an entire room. 

You see, I love music and the ‘warmth’ B&O can bring to the table. From a design and sound quality perspective I am more than happy with my A8, which I’ve had for a couple of years now. But, as many wireless streaming solutions, also this Airplay (so no spotify connect) device has connectivity issues. And sometimes even on a daily basis. So much so, that it’s time for me to start looking into other solutions. 

Spotify connect

Spotify connect could solve a lot (all?) of the connectivity problems, but this message from Spotify really makes me wonder where the support is headed.

As we look to improve the overall Spotify experience, the Spotify app will be removed from Bang & Olufsen TV systems on June 21st 2017 and Bang & Olufsen speakers on July 19th 2017. For more information, and for other ways to stream to these devices, check out www.spotify.com/tv and www.spotify.com/speakers.

See this link

I guess we can all agree software is the weak spot for B&O and their client service doesn’t make up for anything either, but does this message mean what I think it means? It feels even Spotify retracts their support.

Beosound 2
Yesterday I visited a local B&O dealer to check out the Beosound 2. Liked the sound, but I am having my doubts about future support for this device. Especially when If want to use more devices into a multi room setup. I also doubt if the Beosound 2 is the 'step up' from the A8 that I am looking for.

What do you guys think about the current Beoplay line? It feels they will work for a while but the lack of software knowledge & support from B&O makes these products a wrong choice from a consumer point of view. 

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A solution would be to get a pair of speakers like the Beolab 18’s (LOVED them) and hook them up to a non-B&O system. But disregarding their ‘one-solution’ approach for audio/video feels kinda wroning, somehow.

Not really sure what my question is exactly, but I strongly feel my view on B&O is somewhat shared. Do you guys think the Beosound 2 would be a step up? Or should I dive deep into my pockets and go for the Beolab 18's and connect them to a Sonos Connect for instance?

Hi and welcome to Beoworld 

The BeoSound 2 spread it's sound at 360° so the feeling is different from what you get from your A8.

You've got to try it at home to see if it's pleasing for you, or not. Ask your dealer...

If you want a bigger sound, why not try the Beoplay A9 ?

Above this, you will need a system with separated speakers.

Hi. You could always try a ChromeCast with your A8. I'm finding the ChromeCast to be a very useful device.

As for you question comparing it to a BS2 it's quite difficult because I think the A8 is pretty good ( I have the beosound 8 which is basically the same unit appearance and sound wise. )

The BS2 would give you multiroom and probably does sound a bit better.

Personally I would go for your idea of the BL18s and the core. I love my 18s and that is what I would buy if I was getting something today.

You might want to think about the transmitter 1 to take advantage of the 18s WISA capability.

jansenamsterdam:

I have been a big admirer of Bang & Olufsen

Think about what is actually pleasing you. Is it the sound, the style, is it seeing, touching ?

Taking in account your B&O experience, you may be "upset" with systems that require a tablet or a smartphone to be operated (i.e. you don't touch a B&O object anymore).

My 0.02€

I have a Beosound 2 in brass. Nice sound but not as good as a pair of stereo speakers. Also a pain to use. I did use it with an Echo Dot and it kept resetting - now use it with Airplay and my computer but I use my far inferior Amazon Echo more simply because it is so much easier.

To your spotify comment, I don't know what this means.  I have an Essence Mk2, and Spotify connect still works.

Can't comment on the BS2 as I don't have one.

Trying at home should be the solution here, completely right :)

Thanks all the input so far! 

Using other tech to make sure B&O keeps up&running feels kinda off, but I am happy to hear that there is still support from Spotify. I feel that choosing for 2 speakers is more future proof than a one-solution-system.  

 

Thanks all the input so far! 

Using other tech to make sure B&O keeps up&running feels kinda off, but I am happy to hear that there is still support from Spotify. I feel that choosing for 2 speakers is more future proof than a one-solution-system.