It has been in the audio game for more than 90 years, but it was only recently that Bang & Olufsen finally set foot in the portable Bluetooth speaker arena with the BeoPlay A2. The new BeoPlay A1 might be even smaller than the company's previous take on a compact audio solution, but it does retain its killer feature in the form of a claimed 24 hour battery life.
Measuring just 4.8 cm thick and 13.3 cm across, (1.9 and 5.2 in), the disc-shaped BeoPlay A1 isn't much larger than a headphone earpiece, and it kind of looks like one too. Inside are two 30 W Class D amps for the 3.5 inch full range driver and a 3/4-inch tweeter, with B&O rating peak power output at 2 x 140 watts. The system has an effective frequency range of 60 to 24,000 Hz.
The BeoPlay A1 also weighs around half as much as the BeoPlay A2, tipping the scales at a rather lean 600 g (21.2 oz). Built into the base is a microphone for use with voice calls, along with touch controls for calls, volume, power and connectivity. There is also a 3.5mm mini-jack and USB-C port for charging.
Powered by a 2,200 mAh lithium-ion battery, Bang & Olufsen claims that the BeoPlay A1 will last up to 24 hours of playback at a moderate listening level, much like the BeoPlay A2.
There are other Bluetooth speakers around that boast similar numbers, albeit at a much lower cost than the A2 (US$399). This may have factored into the company's thinking in going with a friendlier price tag this time around. In colors moss green and silver, the Beoplay A1 is available now through the Bang & Olufsen website for $249.
Source: Bang & Olufsen