Sound QualityThe Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) has Good overall sound quality. Bass has good impact but is a bit boomy, a touch prominent, and deep bass is lacking. Midrange is fairly even but is hazy, somewhat grainy, and a bit metallic. Treble is fairly extended, prominent, and somewhat smeared, sizzly, and dry. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience, but sounds a bit congested. The unit is monophonic. It can be paired with a second Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) to form a stereo pair that can be placed to provide better stereo separation. Provides a decent volume level in a medium sized room, but when playing bass-heavy program material sounds like it's "pumping" when set to its higher volume levels.
Versatility
Versatility is Very Good. It's a monophonic speaker, which lacks multi-room support and can stereo pair with another Beosound A1 (2nd Gen). Wireless: This unit has Bluetooth only and has speakerphone functionality. Communications: Has support for calling and messaging but no SMS texting capability. Digital Assistant Muting: Has a dedicated function to disable the digital assistant by muting its microphones. Audio Connections: Lacks analog audio input and output. Audio Tailoring: Has user tone controls. OS Support: Android and iOS. Other connections and features: Lacks a USB device port. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of many common streaming services such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In, and iHeart Radio. Voice ID: Supports voice identity - a feature which allows the account holder with their "voice print" to access personal information.
Ease of Use
Overall ease of use of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) is very good. Wireless setup: Setup requires an app downloaded to a device or device connection, easy and intuitive - need instructions (may be included in app), may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password, and account setups. Console controls: The volume controls are labeled (+/-) on console device. Has visual indication when max volume is reached. Volume may also be controlled via a natural language command. Audio mute: Unlabeled - well placed - with indication when it is engaged. Microphone mute: Unlabeled multi-function button, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged. Source selections: Requires app to be installed, app installation is straight forward. Once app is installed switching between wireless sources is fairly intuitive within the app. Can't select Bluetooth but Bluetooth can be connected by button control on unit - auto re-connect to last paired device - ready to play. App remote: Volume control is persistent slide bar without index markings. Mute: (Remote) Well marked, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged and mutes the line input. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.
