Mind you, whether the traditional B&O audience "get" this is another matter entirely.
True, but as has been discussed elsewhere, this is the first product under a new Brand, so I'm not certain that we need for all of our traditional audience to 'get' it. Our first sale was to a traditional client who came in to see it, and took it immediately, and our second sale was to a client whose only other purchase was a BeoSound 8, and now he can go portable. I want to see how it does once it is properly displayed and hi-lighted in the shops.
I believe that I may be the "traditional client" Russ mentioned. In any case, now that I've used the Beolit 12 for three days I can say that I am extremely pleased with it. The aspect of the Beolit 12 that really stands out is the amount of sound it outputs given its size…it boggles the mind (mine at least). When looking at the Beolit 12 while it is being used, I find that I have trouble believing it is the Beolit 12 that is producing the sound I am hearing. I think my subconscious is expecting to see a much larger unit. If you feel like playing a trick on your mind, place the Beolit 12 between two larger speakers and listen to it…you will swear the sound is coming from those speakers and not the Beolit 12.
Also, I am happy to report that the Beolit 12 looks better in person than it does in the photos (my unit is the dark grey model). I am one that generally despises plastic and lusts over the aluminum used by B&O (and Apple 😐). However, I have been surprised by how receptive I’ve been to the esthetics of, and tactile experience with, the plastic/rubber used in the Beolit 12. I actually find myself somewhat relaxed when using the Beolit 12 as my subconscious isn’t screaming at me to give the Beolit 12 the white glove treatment; and yet the Beolit 12 still has that impeccable design and build quality that I expect from B&O. In addition, I am somewhat surprised by, and appreciative of, the size and weight of the Beolit 12. It is smaller than I was expecting. Also, I was expecting the Beolit 12 to be much heavier than it is given its sound output and the fact that it has a battery. While the Beolit 12 is not a device you will pack in a suitcase, there is no doubt that the Beolit 12 may truly and easily be used as a portable device, which is precisely how I have been using it.
Regarding its sound quality, either to cater to different type of clientele or as a result of necessary comprises in design, I would say that the Beolit 12 does not have the neutral character of sound that I have long associated with B&O. I would described the character of sound as having smooth and appropriately bright highs (with more stereo separation than it should have), a somewhat muted midrange, and a strong punchy low end (there is definitely psychonautics at play here, a la Bose). However, this is not to say that that the Beolit 12 sounds bad. Quite the opposite really. In fact, the Beolit 12 definitely sounds better than it should given its size (i.e., an ultra-compact system) and/or its intended purpose (i.e., a portable system).
To put its sound quality in perspective, I compared the Beolit 12 to my Beosound 3. To my ears, it is immediately apparent that the Beolit 12 clearly produces a better quality of sound. Whereas the Beosound 3 outputs in mono and is more tonally neutral (but lacking in output volume and the low end), the Beolit 12 is stereo with a significantly greater output and, at times, almost too much low end. Other than FM and a clock, I can’t see why one would prefer the Beosound 3 over the Beolit 12. To me, the Beolit 12 is clearly superior.
Also, I compared the Beolit 12 to my Beosound 8. (I didn’t even try to compare it to my Beolab 5s or 3s as such a comparison would be inappropriate.) To my ears, while not immediately apparent, the Beosound 8 does produce a better quality of sound. The bass is tighter and the midrange is fuller. Thus, the Beolit 12 is not a replacement of the Beosound 8 with respect to sound quality. For a dedicated listening session, I would say one should move up to the Beosound 8 and, if possible, move up to the Beolabs. However, if an ultra-compact or portable system is desired, I believe the Beolit 12 may be unequaled.
Using airplay with the Beolit 12 is a joy. However, this really highlights the Beosound 8’s lack of airplay, which I now intend to remedy in short order with the addition of an airport express. While I have thus far only experienced a onetime one second dropout, I do not hold this against the Beolit 12 as it was likely the fault of my network. However, regarding WiFi, airplay requires a WiFi connection, which leads me to my chief complaint with the Beolit 12. That is, it takes way too long for the Beolit 12 to connect to a WiFi network with which it already has credentials. While it may only be one minute, that minute feels like an eternity when you are waiting to use it. I noticed that the software of the Beolit 12 may be updated, hopefully this is an issue that can be addressed.
Others have raised concerns regarding a lack of a wireless connection to the Beolit 12 when not in a WiFi network. I concur with those concerns and feel that B&O should have addressed this by allowing the Beolit 12 to be a hotspot (can this be added via a software update?), by having Bluetooth capabilities included, etc. However, this is not as significant a shortcoming as the Beosound 8’s lack of airplay and is something I can easily live without. There are two mitigating factors to this shortcoming. First, the significance of this issue depends on how much you will use the Beolit 12 when not in a WiFi network. For me, I will only sparingly be using the Beolit 12 when not in a WiFi network, and thus using a cord will be fine. Second, the Beolit 12 includes an accessible compartment that can store the requisite cable to use in those situations. Thus for me, while I would have appreciated the ability to wirelessly connect when not in a WiFi network, this by no means even approaches a deal breaker. Regarding the compartment, it is also used to store the power cord, which is utterly brilliant. However, I do note that the supplied power cord is a bit rigid for my taste and I will be on the hunt for a more pliable power cord.
A device like the Beolit 12 is inherently full of various compromises, and thus cannot be perfect all respects. However, when considered in its entirety, the Beolit 12 is an amazing device. Despite my significant B&O collection, the Beolit 12 may end up being one of my most used B&O items. I am proud to have the Beolit 12 in my collection and highly recommend it to anyone seeking an ultra-compact or portable system.
