Bang & Olufsen, the Danish purveyor of luxury audio, has launched the third generation of its acclaimed Beosound A1 portable Bluetooth speaker, setting a new benchmark for premium portable audio. Available now for $349 / ยฃ299 / โฌ349, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen combines refined aesthetics, superior sound, and a groundbreaking commitment to sustainability, making it a standout in the high-end audio market.
Timeless Design with Fresh Finishes
True to its Scandinavian roots, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen retains its iconic circular, puck-like form, crafted from pearl-blasted aluminum with 2,173 precision-milled holes for acoustic clarity. The speaker is complemented by a redesigned waterproof leather strap, enhancing both functionality and elegance. Available in three sophisticated finishesโNatural Aluminum, Eucalyptus Green, and the warm, bronze-like Honey Toneโthe A1 3rd Gen exudes a luxurious yet understated charm that fits seamlessly into both chic interiors and rugged outdoor settings.
Weighing just 576g and fitting comfortably in the palm, the speakerโs compact design belies its robust build. With an IP67 rating, itโs fully dust- and waterproof, capable of withstanding submersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes, making it an ideal companion for poolside gatherings or mountain retreats.
Elevated Audio Performance
Under the hood, Bang & Olufsenโs engineers have fine-tuned the A1 3rd Gen for exceptional sound. The speaker boasts the largest woofer in its class, an 85mm mid/bass driver, paired with a 15mm tweeter, each powered by 30W of Class D amplification. This configuration delivers a claimed bass SPL of 64dBโ2dB deeper than its predecessorโoffering rich, 360-degree sound that fills rooms with surprising authority for its size.
The A1 3rd Gen supports Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX Adaptive codec for high-quality audio streaming, alongside multipoint connectivity for seamless pairing with two devices. While it lacks newer features like Auracast, it supports Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair for quick setup. A USB-C port allows for both charging and wired audio playback from devices like laptops, with a fabric-wrapped USB-C cable included.
The Bang & Olufsen app enhances the experience with customizable equalizer settings, offering presets like โOptimal,โ โParty,โ and โAmbientโ to tailor the sound to various environments. Stereo pairing is also supported, allowing users to pair two A1 3rd Gen units or even a 3rd Gen with a 2nd Gen model for immersive stereo sound.
Pioneering Sustainability
Perhaps the most groundbreaking feature of the Beosound A1 3rd Gen is its commitment to longevity. Itโs the worldโs first Bluetooth speaker to earn Cradle to Cradle Bronze certification, emphasizing a modular design that prioritizes serviceability, upgradeability, and repairability. With a projected 10-year lifespan, the speaker features a replaceable battery available through authorized Bang & Olufsen service centers and comes with a five-year Beocare warranty.
This โcircularโ approach minimizes waste, aligning with modern demands for sustainable luxury. โThe Beosound A1 3rd Gen represents everything we stand for at Bang & Olufsenโbeautiful sound, enduring design, and a commitment to doing things better,โ said CEO Kristian Teรคr.
Practical Features for Modern Lifestyles
The A1 3rd Gen offers up to 24 hours of battery life at moderate volumes, a six-hour improvement over the 2nd Gen, ensuring all-day playback for extended outings. A three-microphone array with FarField technology ensures crystal-clear calls, making it a versatile speakerphone. However, unlike its predecessor, the 3rd Gen drops Amazon Alexa support, a decision that reflects its focus on portability over smart assistant integration.
A Premium Proposition
Priced at $349 / ยฃ299 / โฌ349, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen commands a premium over competitors like the JBL Flip 7 ($150) or Bose SoundLink Flex ($150), but its superior build quality, refined sound, and sustainable design justify the cost for discerning audiophiles. As Mads Kogsgaard Hansen, Head of Product Circularity at Bang & Olufsen, noted, โWhy fix something that isnโt broken? Weโve focused on reducing waste while enhancing performance.โ
Available now at Bang & Olufsen stores and online at www.bang-olufsen.com, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen in Honey Tone is particularly striking, offering a bronze-like warmth that elevates its visual appeal. For those seeking a portable speaker that blends art, sound, and sustainability, the A1 3rd Gen is a compelling choice.
