When it comes to high-end audio systems, the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge are two fantastic choices. Both of these premium speakers deliver exceptional sound quality and eye-catching designs. Selecting the right one for you depends on your needs, preferences, and priorities for your listening experience.
The Beoplay A9 offers a more versatile design, allowing it to be placed freely in your home, and even mounted on a wall. It’s packed with features such as AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and direct Spotify streaming, making it an easy integration for any smart home setup. The Beosound Edge, on the other hand, boasts a minimalist circular shape that blends seamlessly into your home decor. This speaker delivers powerful sound in 360 degrees, enveloping the listener, and even adjusts the volume based on proximity.
Both of these options are impressive in their own right, but choosing between them requires careful consideration of their unique features and designs. In the following article, I’ll go into more depth about the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge to help you determine which luxury audio system best matches your preferences and environment.
- Comparing Design and Aesthetics
- Audio Performance and Sound Quality
- Connectivity and Compatibility
- Integration with Streaming Services
- Control and Usability Features
- Portability and Placement Options
- Pricing and Value for Money
- Warranty and Customer Support
- Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge: Pros and Cons
- Final Thoughts on Beoplay A9 vs Beosound Edge
Comparing Design and Aesthetics
When it comes to design, both the Beoplay A9 and the Beosound Edge display stunning aesthetics and unique appearances. Let’s dive into the specifics of each product’s design.
The Beoplay A9 boasts a distinct, circular shape that sets it apart from other speakers on the market. The circle design isn’t just eye-catching—it’s highly functional, allowing for seamless integration into any living space. Its key design features include:
- Visually appealing fabric speaker covers
- Three slim wooden legs that provide stability and style
- The option to mount it on the wall for a truly floating effect
- A wide array of color options, allowing for customization to fit your space
Now, let’s take a look at the Beosound Edge. At first glance, you’ll notice its unique circular design, inspired by the British pound coin. Both its shape and features contribute to a one-of-a-kind aesthetic. Here’s what you can expect:
- An aluminum frame with a matte finish
- A minimalist look and feel with no visible controls
- A subtle LED touch interface that appears only when needed
- The option for wall mounting or placement on an included floor stand
| Beoplay A9 | Beosound Edge | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Circle | Coin-inspired Circle |
| Material | Fabric cover, wood | Aluminum, fabric |
| Mounting options | Wall mount, wooden legs | Wall mount, floor stand |
| Color options | Multiple | Limited |
While both speakers are undeniably beautiful, they cater to different tastes and preferences. The Beoplay A9’s versatile design, with its customizable color options and wooden legs, leans towards a more classic and cozy atmosphere. On the other hand, the Beosound Edge’s sleek, minimalist appearance with an aluminum frame is perfect for those who prefer a modern and bold aesthetic.
It’s clear that both the Beoplay A9 and the Beosound Edge have been thoughtfully designed, making it a tough choice for anyone seeking a speaker with outstanding visual appeal. The decision ultimately comes down to your personal style and what you envision for your space.
Audio Performance and Sound Quality
When comparing the audio performance and sound quality of the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge, it’s essential to dive into the technical aspects of each speaker. I’ve spent time with both of these extraordinary devices and here’s what I found out.
The Beoplay A9 boasts a powerful and crystal clear sound. With its 480-watt digital class D amplifier system, you can expect an impressive audio experience. The A9 consists of the following components:
- 1 x 160-watt class D for the bass
- 2 x 80-watt class D for the midrange
- 2 x 80-watt class D for the treble
On the other hand, the Beosound Edge houses a unique 700-watt digital class D amplifier system that delivers an equally outstanding audio performance. Here’s a breakdown of the Edge’s components:
- 1 x 200-watt class D for the woofer
- 4 x 100-watt class D for the midrange
- 4 x 50-watt class D for the treble
Both speakers come equipped with Adaptive Bass Linearization technology, ensuring exceptional bass performance no matter the volume level. However, the Beosound Edge benefits from its Active Bass Port, resulting in an even more powerful and accurate low-frequency response.
Regarding sound customization, the Beoplay A9 allows for adjustment of the speaker’s positioning. By selecting its location—free-standing, corner, or wall-mounted—using the Beoplay app, you can optimize the audio experience. The Beosound Edge, however, introduces a directional sound control feature, where users can adjust the sound distribution to spread evenly or focus in one direction.
To summarize, here are some key points of comparison:
- Amplifier System: Beoplay A9 has a 480-watt system while Beosound Edge comes with a 700-watt system.
- Adaptive Bass Linearization: Both speakers feature this technology for enhanced bass performance.
- Active Bass Port: Exclusive to the Beosound Edge for a more powerful and accurate low-frequency response.
- Sound Customization: Beoplay A9 utilizes the Beoplay app for optimal speaker positioning, while Beosound Edge offers directional sound control.
All in all, the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge possess remarkable audio performance and sound quality. Each speaker brings its unique set of features to the table, ensuring that users can enjoy immersive, powerful, and customizable listening experiences.
Connectivity and Compatibility
When it comes to connectivity and compatibility, both the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge have a lot to offer. In this section, I’ll delve into the specific features that set these two devices apart, making it easier for you to decide which one is right for you.
Beoplay A9 Connectivity Options:
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 4.2
- AirPlay 2
- Chromecast built-in
- 3.5mm mini-jack
- Optical input
- USB connector
Beosound Edge Connectivity Options:
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 4.2
- AirPlay 2
- Chromecast built-in
- 3.5mm mini-jack
- Optical input
At first glance, you might think they offer the same features, but there’s one key difference — the Beoplay A9 has a USB connector, which allows for easy connection to a variety of devices. This could be a deciding factor if you’re looking to connect your speaker to a wider range of sources.
Another thing to consider is the compatibility of streaming services. Both the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge can access popular music streaming platforms, like:
- Spotify
- Deezer
- TuneIn
- QPlay
- Tidal
- Apple Music (via AirPlay 2)
These available streaming platforms allow you to enjoy your favorite tunes without any hassle.
Now, let’s talk about multi-room capabilities. Both devices can be easily integrated into a multi-room setup, thanks to their compatibility with the Bang & Olufsen app. With this app, you’re able to control all of your B&O devices from one central hub.
Lastly, voice control is becoming increasingly important in today’s smart home landscape. Both Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge can be connected to your Google Assistant, Apple Siri, or Amazon Alexa devices for voice control convenience.
To sum it up, you can see that both the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge offer a myriad of connectivity options and compatibility features. While they’re similar in many ways, the addition of a USB connector on the Beoplay A9 might make it more suitable for some users. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your home audio setup.
Integration with Streaming Services
When it comes to integration with streaming services, both the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge are excellent options, offering flexibility and convenience. I’ve found that these speakers provide seamless connectivity to a variety of popular services. Some of the supported platforms include:
- Spotify Connect
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Chromecast built-in
- Bluetooth Audio Streaming
- Deezer
The Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge don’t just stop at these services, but also offer compatibility with Bang & Olufsen’s own BeoLink Multiroom system – perfect for managing multiple speakers in different rooms.
I’ve also noticed that both speaker systems support hi-res audio streaming. With the Beoplay A9, you’ll get the added benefit of Deezer Hi-Fi compatibility, which means you can stream lossless quality audio for an enhanced listening experience.
| Speaker | Spotify | Deezer | AirPlay 2 | Chromecast | Bluetooth | BeoLink |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beoplay A9 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Beosound Edge | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Both devices are equipped with Bang & Olufsen’s mobile app for controlling the speakers as well as the streaming services. The app allows you to:
- Customize sound settings and presets
- Manage your BeoLink Multiroom system
- Access your favorite streaming services
- Update your speakers conveniently
When setting up these speakers for the first time, I was impressed by the ease of connecting them to my Wi-Fi network. The WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) feature made connecting them to my network a breeze.
In summary, the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge handle integration with streaming services quite well. Excelling in compatibility, both devices provide you with access to numerous platforms, with the added convenience of controlling these services directly through the Bang & Olufsen mobile app.
Control and Usability Features
When evaluating the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge, it’s crucial to consider their control and usability features. From my personal experience, both products offer unique and user-friendly ways to interact with their audio capabilities.
The Beoplay A9 has an intuitive touch interface located on the back of its main circular body. Users can easily adjust volume, skip tracks, and even customize their audio preference with this sleek interface. To help visualize volume levels, the A9 features LED lights that brighten as the audio output increases. Some key features of the Beoplay A9 control interface include:
- Easy-to-reach touch controls
- Customizable audio settings
- LED volume indication
On the other hand, the Beosound Edge comes with a cutting-edge motion-activated interface. By simply rolling the speaker back and forth, users can control volume output. Additionally, the Beosound Edge employs proximity sensors that light up its touch controls when approached, creating an interactive and engaging user experience. The Beosound Edge interface boasts the following features:
- Motion-activated volume control
- Proximity sensor interaction
- Multi-directional touch controls
Moreover, both the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge are compatible with the Bang & Olufsen app, allowing users to control their devices remotely through their smartphones. The app also offers customization options such as speaker grouping and sound presets. I’ve found this to be particularly useful when I want to adjust my audio settings from a distance.
It’s also essential to note that both the A9 and Edge are compatible with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2. This makes life easier by allowing users to control their favorite speakers hands-free.
Here’s a table summarizing the control and usability features of both devices:
| Feature | Beoplay A9 | Beosound Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Motion-Activated Controls | No | Yes |
| Proximity Sensors | No | Yes |
| LED Volume Indication | Yes | No |
| Bang & Olufsen App Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
Putting these control and usability features into perspective, it’s evident that both the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge are well-designed audio devices. By offering a range of interactive options and compatibility with popular voice assistants, these speakers cater to today’s consumer needs. However, depending on individual preferences, some may favor the A9’s more traditional touch interface, while others might find the Edge’s motion-activated controls intriguing and innovative.
Portability and Placement Options
When it comes to portable speakers, my experience with the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge taught me that there’s more than meets the eye. Let’s dive into their portability aspects and placement choices to give you a deeper understanding.
Examining the Beoplay A9, it’s definitely not your average portable speaker. Weighing in at roughly 33 pounds, this speaker demands some strength to move around. Fortunately, the three wooden legs make it a stunning floor-standing piece that’s easy to tilt and relocate, should you need to. When wall-mounted, the Beoplay A9 becomes a piece of visual art, giving your room a stylish touch. In short, the A9 isn’t a speaker you’d carry around, but its design allows for creative placement options within your home.
On the other hand, the Beosound Edge offers a unique circular design that instantly catches the eye. Its versatility allows it to be placed on the floor or mounted on a wall. Weighing around 29 pounds, it’s ever so slightly lighter than the A9, but again, not a speaker you’d casually take with you to the beach. Its sleek design and modest dimensions (21.3 x 21.3 x 7.4 inches) allow it to blend seamlessly into any modern setting.
In terms of placement options, here’s a quick rundown for easy reference:
Beoplay A9:
- Floor-standing: 3 wooden legs for a stylish yet sturdy stance
- Wall-Mounted: Turns into an art piece on the wall
Beosound Edge:
- Floor-standing: Circular design sits comfortably on the floor
- Wall-Mounted: Unique aesthetic when displayed on the wall
While neither speaker is ideal for regular travel due to their size and weight, the portability factor should be considered for the occasional room reorganization. After all, it’s essential for these luxury speakers to fit seamlessly into their surroundings.
Ultimately, the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge are both remarkable speakers offering exceptional sound quality and premium design. The choice between them may come down to personal taste in aesthetics, as well as how much emphasis you place on the mobility aspect. Explore your space and think about how each speaker’s design could fit into the overall décor.
In the end, the right decision will be the one that checks off the most boxes on your list and aligns with your long-term speaker placement vision. Take your time weighing the pros and cons, and always trust your instincts.
Pricing and Value for Money
When considering the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge, it’s essential to evaluate their pricing and overall value for money. Both speakers offer exceptional sound quality and striking designs, making them worthy contenders for a premium audio device.
The Beoplay A9 typically retails for around $2,999 while the Beosound Edge is priced at $3,500. To better understand the value of these speakers, let’s analyze their key features.
| Feature | Beoplay A9 | Beosound Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,999 | $3,500 |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm Jack | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 27.56 x 35.43 x 16.14 inches | 20.87 x 20.87 x 6.10 inches |
| Weight | 33 lbs | 29 lbs |
Apart from the obvious price difference, there are some key distinctions between the two speakers that can impact each one’s overall value:
- The Beoplay A9 has a more substantial oval-shape design, which may be more suitable for those with larger living spaces or who prefer a more prominent presence from their speaker.
- On the other hand, the Beosound Edge features a unique circular design that’s ideal for homeowners who appreciate a more minimalist aesthetic.
- The Beoplay A9 offers slightly more connectivity options with the inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack, which the Beosound Edge lacks.
- With regard to dimensions and weight, the Beoplay A9 is bigger and heavier than the Beosound Edge. The choice here might come down to personal preference and the available space within a room.
To determine which speaker is a better value, consider the following factors:
- Design preferences: Are you drawn to the distinctive circular look of the Beosound Edge or the larger and bolder Beoplay A9?
- Connectivity needs: Will the additional 3.5mm jack on the Beoplay A9 be a significant advantage for you? If you primarily rely on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, both units will serve you well.
- Budget constraints: Is the extra $500 for the Beosound Edge justifiable for its unique design, or would you prefer to stick within a tighter budget without sacrificing sound quality?
In the end, choosing between the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge comes down to personal preference, priorities, and budget. Both speakers deliver exceptional sound and eye-catching designs, ultimately leaving the decision to individual needs and expectations.
Warranty and Customer Support
When I’m evaluating different high-end speaker options like the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge, it’s essential to examine the warranty and customer support aspects as well. After all, I want to ensure that I’m making a long-term investment in a product I can rely on.
For the Beoplay A9, it comes with a two-year limited warranty. The warranty for Beosound Edge also lasts for two years. In both instances, these warranties apply to defects in materials and craftsmanship; however, they don’t cover accidental damage or wear and tear from regular use.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the warranty coverage for both speakers:
| Product | Warranty Duration |
|---|---|
| Beoplay A9 | 2 Years |
| Beosound Edge | 2 Years |
Moreover, both Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge users can benefit from free software updates. These updates ensure that your speaker system stays up-to-date with improved performance, functionality, and potential bug fixes.
When it comes to customer support, I’ve noticed that both Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge are backed by Bang & Olufsen’s dedicated customer service team. They provide different channels for assistance, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience:
- Online chat: You can get instant help from support agents through the Bang & Olufsen website’s live chat feature
- Telephone support: Bang & Olufsen offers telephone support to customers who prefer discussing their concerns over the phone
- Email support: If you like to outline your issue comprehensively, you can send an email and wait for a detailed response
- FAQ and support articles: For quick guidance and self-help, Bang & Olufsen’s website houses informative articles, troubleshooting guides, and an extensive FAQ section
I must say that it’s quite reassuring to know that both speaker models provide solid warranties and customer support options. With these measures in place, I can feel more confident in my decision, knowing that I’ll have access to professional help and protection against potential defects for my speakers.
Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge: Pros and Cons
Having used both the Beoplay A9 and the Beosound Edge, I’ve noticed that each speaker offers its own set of unique benefits and potential drawbacks. In this section, we’ll delve into those pros and cons and provide you with valuable insight on what sets these two high-end speakers apart.
Beoplay A9
Pros:
- The unique design of the Beoplay A9 resembles a piece of modern art, making it an eye-catching addition to any room.
- The sound quality is impressive across various music genres with powerful bass and clear, crisp audio.
- With its built-in Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast, the Beoplay A9 offers numerous streaming options.
- It comes with a wall mount option as well as tripod legs.
Cons:
- The price of the Beoplay A9 may be a deterrent for some, as it’s on the higher end of the market.
- Some users may find the touch-sensitive controls on the Beoplay A9 to be less user-friendly than traditional buttons.
Beosound Edge
Pros:
- The innovative circular design not only looks striking but also delivers a clean, powerful sound.
- A unique feature is the rolling volume control, allowing users to change the sound by rolling the device.
- With directional sound control, the Beosound Edge can emit audio in one direction or fill the room.
- Like the Beoplay A9, it offers multiple streaming options, including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Bluetooth.
Cons:
- Once again, the price may be a barrier to entry, as the Beosound Edge also sits on the higher end of the spectrum.
- The size and placement options may be more limited than the Beoplay A9 since it is designed to be freestanding or wall-mounted.
There is no denying that both the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge are top-of-the-line speakers that pack impressive sound quality and unique design elements. Observe their pros and cons, understand your needs and preferences, and make an informed decision about which speaker is right for you.
Final Thoughts on Beoplay A9 vs Beosound Edge
After careful analysis and hands-on experience with both the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge, I’ve put together my final thoughts on these two luxury audio products.
Pros
Both speakers boast fantastic audio quality, but there are specific aspects that they excel at:
- Beoplay A9
- Versatile placement options – can be wall-mounted or stand on its slender aluminum legs.
- Wide color and fabric options – personalize it to fit your interior design.
- Multiroom audio capabilities – integrate easily into existing home audio systems or multiple A9s can be placed throughout the home.
- Beosound Edge
- Striking and unique design – crafted with attention to detail and high-quality materials.
- Intuitive touch controls – rolling it to adjust volume is a unique and satisfying experience.
- Directional Sound Control – tailor your listening experience by choosing the sound dispersion direction.
Cons
Despite the many positive features, no product is perfect, and each has its drawbacks.
- Beoplay A9
- High price point – it’s a significant investment for a single audio unit.
- Bulky size – might not fit seamlessly into every living space or layout.
- Beosound Edge
- Limited placement options – best suited for floor placement due to its design, limiting its versatility.
- Not customizable – unlike the A9, it doesn’t offer the same level of personalization through color and fabric choices.
| Beoplay A9 | Beosound Edge |
|---|---|
| Exceptional audio quality and customizability | Visually stunning and innovative features |
Ultimately, it narrows down to personal priorities and preferences in design and function. If your main goal is to have customizable options, flexibility in placement, and a system that can be expanded, the Beoplay A9 may be the best fit for you.
However, if you’re looking for a speaker with an eye-catching design and highly intuitive controls, then the Beosound Edge could be the standout choice.
Both the Beoplay A9 and Beosound Edge provide a fantastic, immersive audio experience, and you can’t go wrong with either of them. It’s important to weigh these factors and consider which speaker aligns best with your needs and preferences. Whichever you choose, the sound experience will undoubtedly be impressive.