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
According to BOTF B&O will release an update of the level to be compatible with the Halo in Q1/Q2 and the update for NL is planned for Q3/Q4
diisign.com
Fantastic!!!!!
I want one!
As for NL, Henrik from BOTF said "it will have BeoRemote Halo Support in Q1-Q2 and BeoLink Support in Q3-Q4"
Steph:Fantastic!!!!! I want one! As for NL, Henrik from BOTF said "it will have BeoRemote Halo Support in Q1-Q2 and BeoLink Support in Q3-Q4"
BV Harmony 65 / Eclipse 55 / BL 50 / 19 / 18 / BS 2 all brass
BV Horizon 48 / V1 40 / BL 17 / Beoplay S3 all black
V1 / BL 3 / BS Essence MKII / Beoplay A3 all white
BS Moment / BS 3000 / BS 3200 / BL 400 all silver
Headphones / bluetooth speakers / BLC NL-ML / BLGateway
I know…B&O virus has grown on me !
Wonderful thing, need one at minimum once NL or equivalent and compatibility with Beoremote Halo is in place. And more units once stereo pairing is possible as "native" not through Chromecast as that fundamentally limits usability for anyone who want to use built-in streaming or is not in Google ecosystem.
Very eager to hear how it sounds! Supergood job B&O!
What I have noticed is that DEEZER is NOT integrated in the Level or in the Balance.
Is this the "new" thing that we will not be able to use Deezer with the B&O-app anymore with all new products from the new plattform? What I can see it is just Chromecast support, and with that You must use the native streaming app to controll the music.
Regards
Martin
NEW! Beovision Eclipse 65 2nd generation (G1) with floorstand (from STB Brackets), Beolab 50 front, Beolab 3 rear, 2 x Beoplay A6 linkrooms, 2xBeoremote one BT, Beosound 9000 Mark III (sw 3.4), Beosound 5 (for DLNA only), Philips Hue (all lights in the home), Oppo UDP-203, Apple TV 4K (2021 model). Beoremote HALO, 3xBeoplay Charging pad, Beoplay M5
B&O meets Apple MagSafe...
_BeoSound Essence / _BeoLab 3 + BeoLab 2 / _BeoVision 6-26" MKII (HDMI version) / _Form 2
This does seem to highlight the direction B&O are going (and what was explained to me by my dealer a while back after one of the big dealer meetings)
i.e that Airplay / CC and voice would be the primary control paradigms.
The implication of that decision seems to me the the B&O app would gain less emphasis and development resources, and I think over the last year or two we have seen just that.
Martin: What I have noticed is that DEEZER is NOT integrated in the Level or in the Balance. Is this the "new" thing that we will not be able to use Deezer with the B&O-app anymore with all new products from the new plattform? What I can see it is just Chromecast support, and with that You must use the native streaming app to controll the music. Regards Martin
I am pleased with the support for Spotify Connect - after all that is my main music source.
If you need Roon there just use CC as endpoint - should be sufficient for that sort of system.
And as per statement from Henrik/BOTF there will be support for NL later this year.
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
But why is the new BS Level compatible with Beoremote ONE but the BS Balance not?
Sandyb:i.e that Airplay / CC and voice would be the primary control paradigms.
..... and that the B&O app will only be a setup/diag/information tool, not more.
Signs of this direction IMO, there is no more B&O app enhancements/fixes in the music area since a while, on the other side new Support, Diagnostic, History sections are being developed.
BS Moment, BS Core, BG 4002, BC 4500, BS1, BL18, BL19, BL8000 + RCV1, A6, M5, M3, A1, P6 (tks Botty), H5, TR1
That is just AWESOME! After long time in my opinion, a product comes out on the basis of B&O standards and tradition. It resembles Beosystem 10 and it is truly going to be iconic as it seems they have pre-thought on compatibility and future upgrades possibilities. Will definitely buy!
Dimitris-
Yes, I ve been saying this for a while.
The B&O app seems to have moved to maintenance / bug fixes for 2 years now, and the App just becomes a setup venue.
Doesn't bother me specifically, others may care to a different degree, I dont really know.
mbolo01: Sandyb:i.e that Airplay / CC and voice would be the primary control paradigms. ..... and that the B&O app will only be a setup/diag/information tool, not more. Signs of this direction IMO, there is no more B&O app enhancements/fixes in the music area since a while, on the other side new Support, Diagnostic, History sections are being developed.
Will non CC stereo pairing be available though?
Adding some form of NL is a different question - joining one Level via NL to another isn't stereo pairing (which I'm sure everyone knows_
AnalogPlanet: Wonderful thing, need one at minimum once NL or equivalent and compatibility with Beoremote Halo is in place. And more units once stereo pairing is possible as "native" not through Chromecast as that fundamentally limits usability for anyone who want to use built-in streaming or is not in Google ecosystem. Very eager to hear how it sounds! Supergood job B&O!
Level or a pre-loved BeoSound 2...? Which and why?
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
Curly: Level or a pre-loved BeoSound 2...? Which and why?
I guess it really depends what you want from the speaker.
Personally I own the BS2, BS1, BeoLit 17, and a couple of A1’s so while I have yet to listen to the Level I am familiar with both the BS1 and BS2 and I feel that the BS1 and Level are a little similar in that they’re rather powerful semi-portable speakers with a battery inside.
From a purely acoustic perspective I absolutely do not see the Level matching up with the BS2. As it stands the BS2 blows away the BS1, and with its Acoustic Lens and its 5 1/4” woofer the BS2 is unbelievably good at filling a very decent sized room with chest-thumping music. I’m a huge fan of the BS2 and will be keeping mine until it cannot be serviced anymore. I’ve always said that the BeoSound is more of a BeoLab speaker.
Aesthetically I love both the BS2 and Level, but extra points will have to go to the Level purely because I love some of the BeoMaster design elements it possesses; it truly is a classic and I’ll definitely be very happy to own one.
Ultimately I can see myself owning both as I’m sure that the Level will fit right at home in a smaller room.
If I could only choose one speaker though, it’ll probably be the BS2 because for me the sound will always come first.
As always though everyone’s entitled to their own preferences!
Agreed - not only does the BS2 sound good deal better than the BS1, I would take some convincing that the Level sounds as good as the BS2.
Different configuration of course in the Level, and different ethos, so I may well be surprised.
But absent a direct comparison, the BS2 is so very good (and close to my favourite A9 MK2)
I’m tempted to agree with you (obviously not having heard Level yet). BS2 for the acoustic lens and larger woofer. :)
Sandyb:Will non CC stereo pairing be available though?
That's what I hope for, as CC is not a real solution. But no, I have never heard any indication that such (non-CC) feature is even considered.
The best part of the level imo? The upgradability! Battery, cover of course, but also the internal streaming chip. This means it’s really futureproof and makes you enjoy the level much much longer (and helps to battle the e-waste problem as well) compare this with Sonos for example, who will brick the devices you bought after a few years when Sonos decides they have become ‘obsolete’.
RichardIII:but also the internal streaming chip.
I would not call it "futureproof" until further details. The fact it has a little door to access it is a good thing but without a common standard for the board (maybe to come) and without any idea on cost we also might end up throwing the thing because uprgade cost close or more than a whole new speaker. (maybe like MMC cartridges are now, often more expensive than a whole deck).
I must say it's very good marketing, still.
It does feature internet radio, albeit not TuneIn but B&O’s own internet radio service.
A bit confused by something, and can't quite figure this out....
Is it a BT/wireless speaker designed to be charged up when low on battery, or a mains-powered speaker that has the option to be portable?
Essentially both and that makes it unique! But portability, IP-rating and ease of attaching the magnet charger means that actual ease of use of the battery mode is much higher than with the BeoSound 1.
Earle: A bit confused by something, and can't quite figure this out.... Is it a BT/wireless speaker designed to be charged up when low on battery, or a mains-powered speaker that has the option to be portable?
My personal opinion is the latter although it does fit your first option also.
B&O products are V1-32, BS2, H95, E8 and an Essence remote.11-46 now replaced with Sony A90J 65”, Sony HT-A9, Sony UBP-X800M2 and Sony SRS-NS7.
Beolab 28s Beolab 9s Beolab 12-3s Beolab 1s Beolab 6000s 2 pairs Beolab 4000s Beovision 7-55 Beovision 10-40 Beoplay V1 32 inch Beovision Avant 32 inch Beosound 1 (CD player) Beosound 3000 Beosound 5 Core Essence MKII Beoplay M5
As always, I shall wait until I see one in the flesh to give a definitive opinion, but one of the press photos that was sent to me shows the light wood grille at such a angle that the shadow of the speaker cutout underneath can be seen.
Unfortunately his makes it look like one of those old radios wit a beige coloured grille, where the cloth has got so dirty, you can see the shape of the speakers marked out in dust and grime!
Hi guys, maybe a dumb question but is it possible to use my Beoremote one, hit the music button and choose Tunein on the Level? Or internetradio?
Can the BeoSound 2 do that or the Balance?
Thanks for any reply guys.
Sandyb: Agreed - not only does the BS2 sound good deal better than the BS1, I would take some convincing that the Level sounds as good as the BS2.
I own a BS2, BS1, Edge, Stage and Balance and can safely say the BS2 is the standout of the bunch. It's not A9 class, but it's very balanced.
I have a feeling the new Level will be more like the A6?
How long will it take before we see some SKINIPLAY covers for the BS Level?
What would you want?
IMHO is the BS Level designwise pure reincarnation of the Beolit 500 (60's version).
Just my 2 cent...
Vintage Bang & Olufsen
the_o_master: IMHO is the BS Level designwise pure reincarnation of the Beolit 500 (60's version). Just my 2 cent...
I think it fits several incarnations depending how you look at it. I thought of a single BeoLab 5000 speaker when I first saw it hung on the wall. But its also reminiscent of a BeoSound 1 (original version), the A6 like Moxxey says, a BeoLit 500 as you suggest and who knows what else. It does seem that B&O have gone for a more traditional approach design wise with a modern twist, which I think they have pulled off very nicely. The display definitely gives it the finishing touches.
BeoAnna: Curly: Level or a pre-loved BeoSound 2...? Which and why? I guess it really depends what you want from the speaker. Personally I own the BS2, BS1, BeoLit 17, and a couple of A1’s so while I have yet to listen to the Level I am familiar with both the BS1 and BS2 and I feel that the BS1 and Level are a little similar in that they’re rather powerful semi-portable speakers with a battery inside. From a purely acoustic perspective I absolutely do not see the Level matching up with the BS2. As it stands the BS2 blows away the BS1, and with its Acoustic Lens and its 5 1/4” woofer the BS2 is unbelievably good at filling a very decent sized room with chest-thumping music. I’m a huge fan of the BS2 and will be keeping mine until it cannot be serviced anymore. I’ve always said that the BeoSound is more of a BeoLab speaker. Aesthetically I love both the BS2 and Level, but extra points will have to go to the Level purely because I love some of the BeoMaster design elements it possesses; it truly is a classic and I’ll definitely be very happy to own one. Ultimately I can see myself owning both as I’m sure that the Level will fit right at home in a smaller room. If I could only choose one speaker though, it’ll probably be the BS2 because for me the sound will always come first. As always though everyone’s entitled to their own preferences!
You've pretty much nailed every point I would have made. The BeoSound 2, which is my favourite product right now in the range for a whole host of reasons is currently my main speaker downstairs in the lounge and kitchen. The Level will be perfect for putting in my main bedroom and will then replace BeoPlay P6 and A1 speakers I currently use. I think it'll be the perfect addition to my home at this time.
Fansastic:If it had NL, I would have ordered one already! Flashback of the NL rand on the Balance introduction a year ago. They really should include the NL on both Balance and now Level already. Designwise it is love at first sight
Flashback of the NL rand on the Balance introduction a year ago. They really should include the NL on both Balance and now Level already.
Designwise it is love at first sight
I agree completely. The moment I saw it I decided to buy it . . . and then I discovered no NL. :(
The day they add the NL is the day I buy one. (Or buy two. My God, I love this thing!)
Absolutely brilliant, B&O. Bravo!!
Sources: 2x Beosound Moment • 4x Beosound Essence Mk II Speakers: 3x Beolab 8000 • 2x Beolab 6000 • 2x Beolab 3 • 3x Beolab 2 Integrated: 1x Beosound 2 • 1x Beosound Level • 4x BeoPlay M5 • 1x BeoPlay A6 Control: 16x* Essence Remote • 1x Beoremote Halo
* Yes, really! 🤦♂️
moxxey:I own a BS2, BS1, Edge, Stage and Balance and can safely say the BS2 is the standout of the bunch. It's not A9 class, but it's very balanced. I have a feeling the new Level will be more like the A6?
It feels like somebody will come with an accessory leather strap and floor stand…