Bang & Olufsen launches extraordinary new wireless speaker: the BeoPlay A9

By Simon Lucas
published

We guarantee you haven't seen one like this before: Bang & Olufsen's new A9 wireless speaker makes a big a visual statement

Bang & Olufsen sub-brand B&O PLAY (where Bang & Olufsen ideas go to be made more affordable and youthful) has launched its latest wireless sound-system: the BeoPlay A9.

Looking not unlike an elegant, well-turned-out satellite dish, the A9 features an 8-inch woofer, two 3-inch midrange drivers and two 3/4-inch tweeters, each powered by individual class-D amplifiers – the woofer is treated to 160 watts of power, while the other four drivers receive 80 watts each.

Connectivity extends to AirPlay or Bluetooth via a free BeoSetup app, or by using the USB socket. Control is via the app or by using the integrated capacitive sensor.

The A9 has a dedicated DSP alogorithm, something B&O's calling Adaptive Bass Linearisation, which allows positioning either on the floor/table-top using the screw-in wooden legs or on the wall.

This being a B&O product, there are a number of options in colour and finish: seven, in fact, for the fabric and three for the legs.

The BeoPlay A9 goes on sale next month, and is expected to cost £1700.

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Simon Lucas

Simon Lucas is a freelance technology journalist and consultant, with particular emphasis on the audio/video aspects of home entertainment. Before embracing the carefree life of the freelancer, he was editor of What Hi-Fi? – since then, he's written for titles such as GQ, Metro, The Guardian and Stuff, among many others.