Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance Review

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is a high-end speaker known for its exceptional sound quality and elegant design. With a cylindrical shape and premium materials, it doubles as a stylish piece of home decor. Its sound performance is impressive, featuring seven drivers that deliver a balanced audio experience, though bass enthusiasts might find it slightly lacking compared to other models. The speaker offers a 360-degree sound experience and maintains clarity even at high volumes.

In terms of features, the Beosound Balance includes Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Google Assistant for hands-free control. It supports various streaming services, although setup can be complex due to the wide array of options. The user interface is intuitive, but touch controls can be overly sensitive, and the app may feel cluttered to some users.

While it competes well against products like the Sonos Five and Apple HomePod, its premium price may not suit everyone. The Beosound Balance is ideal for those who prioritize design and sound quality, but those seeking budget-friendly or bass-heavy options might explore alternatives. Overall, it offers a blend of form and function that stands out in the market.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Bang & Olufsen Beosound 2 (3rd Generation).

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When it comes to high-end audio, Bang & Olufsen has long held a reputation for delivering top-notch sound and striking design. Their latest offering, the Beosound Balance, is no exception. This speaker combines cutting-edge technology with a sleek aesthetic, aiming to elevate your audio experience to new heights. Whether you're an audiophile or just someone who loves good music, this speaker promises to deliver a performance that captivates.

The Beosound Balance is not just about sound. It's a piece of art that can complement any living space. With its cylindrical shape and choice of premium materials, it’s designed to be both functional and beautiful. It’s available in various finishes, allowing it to blend seamlessly into different home decors.

Of course, no product is perfect. While the Beosound Balance offers incredible sound quality, its price point might be a bit steep for some potential buyers. Additionally, its advanced features may require a bit of a learning curve for those not familiar with smart speakers.

In this review, we'll dive into every aspect of the Beosound Balance, from its sound performance to its features and connectivity. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of what makes this speaker stand out and whether it’s the right fit for your audio needs.

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is a real head-turner when it comes to design and build quality. This speaker doesn't just look like any ordinary gadget; it’s a piece of art that fits right into your living room. The first thing you'll notice is its unique shape, a combination of a solid base and a cylindrical top, which gives it a modern yet timeless appeal.

Made with premium materials, the speaker features a top part wrapped in knitted fabric, adding a touch of warmth and elegance. The base is crafted from natural materials like oak or marble, providing a strong and sturdy foundation. This blend of materials not only looks stunning but also ensures durability. You can tell a lot of thought went into making sure it feels as good as it looks.

The attention to detail is impressive. Every edge is smooth, and the overall finish is flawless. It's not just about aesthetics, though. The design also serves a functional purpose. The cylindrical shape helps in dispersing sound evenly throughout the room, enhancing your audio experience.

However, beauty comes with a slight downside. The speaker is a bit on the heavy side, weighing around 7.2 kg, which might make it less portable than you'd like. But, if you're planning to keep it in one spot, this shouldn't be a big deal.

Overall, the Beosound Balance is a perfect blend of form and function. It’s more than just a speaker; it’s a statement piece that elevates any space it's in.

If you're into high-quality sound, you're going to love the sound performance of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance. This speaker packs a serious punch with its array of seven drivers, each strategically placed to fill your room with rich, immersive sound. Whether you're listening to classical symphonies or the latest pop hits, the audio clarity is nothing short of impressive.

Acoustic Design

The speaker employs an innovative acoustic design that focuses on both direct and indirect sound. This means you get a balanced audio experience, no matter where you are in the room. The bass is deep and resonant, thanks to its two 5.25-inch woofers, while the dedicated mid-range drivers and tweeters ensure that vocals and instruments are crystal clear. However, if you're a hardcore bass enthusiast, you might find it a tad less thumping compared to some other models in its class.

360-Degree Sound Experience

One of the standout features is its ability to deliver a 360-degree sound experience. This is achieved through beamforming technology, which adapts the sound output based on the speaker's position in the room. It's like having a personal DJ that knows just how to set the mood.

Volume and Clarity

Crank up the volume, and the sound remains distortion-free even at higher levels. This is a huge plus if you love to entertain or just enjoy your music loud. The clarity is maintained across the spectrum, ensuring you catch every little detail in your favorite tracks. Still, in extremely large spaces, you might notice a slight drop in the overall impact, but that's a rare scenario for most home settings.

• Highs: Crisp and clear, perfect for vocals and strings.
• Mids: Well-balanced, offering a natural sound.
• Lows: Deep and powerful, though not overwhelming.

In summary, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance stands out for its innovative sound technology and exceptional clarity. While it might not satisfy those who crave the heaviest bass, it offers a beautifully balanced listening experience that’s hard to beat.

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is packed with a slew of features and connectivity options that cater to modern audio needs. First off, it's equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable connection with your devices and minimal audio delay. This makes streaming music a breeze, whether you're using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

For those who prefer using Wi-Fi, you're in luck. The Beosound Balance supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), which offers flexibility and a strong network connection. This is particularly handy for high-resolution streaming services, ensuring your music plays without a hitch.

Another nifty feature is the integration with Google Assistant. This allows for hands-free control, making it super convenient to play your favorite tracks or check the weather with just your voice. However, if you’re not a fan of smart assistants, you might find this feature a bit redundant.

The speaker also boasts a variety of input options, including a line-in/optical combo jack. This versatility means you can hook it up to a range of audio sources, from older devices to modern systems. It's great for those who like having options, although some might find the setup process a bit overwhelming due to the variety of choices.

On the streaming front, the Beosound Balance supports popular services like Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Cast. This makes it easy to stream directly from your favorite apps without needing a separate device. However, if you rely heavily on other services not natively supported, you might need to work around this.

Overall, the features and connectivity options of the Beosound Balance are robust and cater to a wide audience. While the array of options can be slightly intimidating at first, they ultimately offer flexibility and convenience for most users.

The user experience with the Beosound Balance is nothing short of impressive, yet there are a few quirks to note. This speaker boasts an intuitive interface that makes controlling your music a breeze. The top panel is touch-sensitive, allowing you to easily adjust volume, skip tracks, or pause music with just a swipe or tap. The touch controls are responsive, though they can be a bit too sensitive at times, leading to accidental adjustments if you're not careful.

One of the highlights is the integration with voice assistants like Google Assistant. This feature allows you to control the speaker hands-free, which is super convenient when you're busy or across the room. Just be sure your commands are clear, as it occasionally struggles with understanding certain accents or phrases.

The Beosound Balance connects seamlessly to your devices via Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, or Chromecast. This variety of connectivity options ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, making it easy to stream your favorite tunes. The initial setup is straightforward, though the app used for configuration could be more user-friendly. Some users might find the app's interface a bit cluttered, but once you get the hang of it, it functions smoothly.

Another cool feature is the ability to create custom sound profiles through the app. This allows you to tailor the audio output to your preferences, enhancing the overall listening experience. However, this might require a bit of trial and error to perfect, especially if you're not familiar with audio settings.

Overall, the user experience with the Beosound Balance is largely positive, offering a good blend of modern conveniences and high-end audio controls. Just be prepared for a slight learning curve with the app and touch controls.

When you crack open the box of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance, you'll find a neat and well-organized package. Here's what you can expect to see inside:

• The Speaker Itself: The star of the show, of course, is the Beosound Balance speaker. It's securely packed to prevent any damage during transit, so you know it's safe and sound.
• Power Cable: A high-quality fabric power cable, 2 meters long, is included to juice up your speaker. It's pretty standard but does the job well.
• Quick Start Guide: This handy little booklet helps you get set up in no time. It's straightforward and easy to follow, even if you're not a tech wizard.
• User Guide and Warranty Information: You'll also find the user guide and warranty details tucked in the box. It's always good to know what coverage you have just in case something goes wrong.

One thing you might notice missing is any additional audio cables or adapters. Unlike some other brands, Bang & Olufsen keeps it minimalistic, assuming you'll mostly use wireless connectivity. This might be a bummer if you're someone who prefers a wired connection, though a combination line-in/optical jack is available on the speaker itself.

Overall, the packaging is sleek and user-friendly, much like the product itself. Everything you need to get started is right there, without unnecessary frills.

When discussing high-end speakers, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance faces stiff competition. Let's see how it compares to a few well-known competitors.

Sonos Five

The Sonos Five is a popular choice for those seeking rich sound quality without excessive cost. It is slightly more affordable than the Beosound Balance and offers seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem. However, the Beosound Balance edges out with its premium design and craftsmanship, which might appeal more to those who value aesthetics.

Apple HomePod

Apple’s HomePod is another competitor in the smart speaker market. It's known for its excellent sound quality and deep integration with Apple services. While both the HomePod and the Beosound Balance offer great audio, the latter provides a more immersive listening experience with its room-filling sound. Additionally, the Beosound Balance supports a wider range of connectivity options, making it more versatile.

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge

The Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge is often compared to the Beosound Balance due to its unique design and high-end audio performance. Both speakers are visually striking and deliver top-notch sound. However, the Bowers & Wilkins model is typically more expensive, which could be a deciding factor for budget-conscious buyers. The Beosound Balance offers a better balance of price and features, especially with its smart capabilities.

Devialet Phantom Reactor

The Devialet Phantom Reactor is renowned for its powerful bass and compact design. It's a bit of a powerhouse in a small package. While the Beosound Balance offers a more balanced sound profile that's suitable for a wider range of genres, the Phantom Reactor is perfect for those who prioritize bass-heavy tracks. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference in sound signature.

• Design and Build: Beosound Balance excels in design aesthetics compared to most competitors.
• Sound Quality: Offers a balanced audio experience, but some competitors like Devialet focus on stronger bass.
• Price Point: Beosound Balance is competitively priced for its features, though not the cheapest option.

In summary, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance holds its own in a crowded market. Its design, sound quality, and smart features make it a strong contender, especially for those who appreciate a blend of style and performance. However, if budget or specific audio preferences are a priority, exploring other options might be worthwhile.

When considering value for money with the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance, it's essential to weigh the features and performance against its price tag. This speaker sits in the premium range, so it's naturally priced higher than many other options on the market. But is it worth the investment?

The Beosound Balance offers a distinctive design and top-notch sound quality, which might justify the cost for those who prioritize aesthetics and audio excellence. Its craftsmanship is impressive, with high-quality materials that not only look good but also enhance durability. This speaker is a statement piece that complements modern interiors beautifully.

In terms of sound, the Beosound Balance delivers a rich and immersive experience. The sound performance is among the best in its class, offering clear highs, deep bass, and a generally well-balanced sound, though some reviews note an uneven tonal balance. For audiophiles and design enthusiasts, this could make the price tag more palatable.

However, if you're looking for a speaker with extensive features and smart functionalities, you might find it a bit lacking compared to some competitors. While it does offer basic connectivity options and some smart features, such as Google Assistant integration and advanced sound technologies like Active Room Compensation, it doesn't push the envelope like some other products in the same price bracket.

Overall, the Beosound Balance is a great purchase if you're looking for a speaker that excels in both design and sound quality. However, if your primary focus is on smart features or budget-friendly options, you might want to explore other alternatives. In the end, it comes down to what you value most in a speaker and how much you're willing to pay for it.

Video by: Bang & Olufsen

In wrapping things up, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance impresses with its striking design and robust sound performance. This speaker is not just a feast for the ears, but also a stylish addition to any room. Its sleek, modern aesthetic blends effortlessly with various decor styles, making it a visual centerpiece rather than a mere gadget.

The sound quality is top-notch, delivering a rich, immersive experience that caters to both casual listeners and audiophiles. The bass is deep, the mids are clear, and the highs are crisp, creating a balanced sound profile that many will appreciate. However, if you're a bass-head looking for something that shakes the room, you might find the bass a tad restrained.

When it comes to features and connectivity, it’s packed with options. From Bluetooth 5.0 to dual-band Wi-Fi, and even voice control via Google Assistant, it covers all the bases. The setup process is straightforward, making it user-friendly even for those who aren't tech-savvy. That said, some might find the price tag a bit steep, especially if you're seeking basic functionality over premium features.

In terms of value for money, it leans towards the premium side, which might not be for everyone. However, if you’re in the market for a speaker that combines high-quality sound with an eye-catching design, it’s definitely worth considering.

Overall, the Beosound Balance stands out in the crowded speaker market. It’s perfect for those who appreciate both form and function. But if you're on a tighter budget or prefer a more bass-heavy sound, there might be other options better suited to your needs.

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