So this is the first B&O product release in some time that has got me straight into my local dealer - had a look at the beolit 12 yesterday. They had recieved 4, that morning - one was already sold (AU$990), one was on hold - and one as shop display. I actually like the design of this thing - I am predominantly interested in vintage B&O for both design aesthetic and its functionality - I listen to vinyl predominantly at home. However, I want music where ever I am and the beolit delivers this. And does so while disguised as an esky - how Australian...it also comes with a handy tray on top where you can sit your beer - sweet...if you spill yr beer it is caught in the hollowed tray - and still quite an easy matter to slurp up yr dregs from the tray (Note to readers:I did not try any of this in store - if you do or already have, please report on beer-proofness of tray and controls)
Anyways, the little Beolit was playing when I walked in the store - the saleperson (as usual in this store knew nothing of the product). As we were chatting I was getting a little annoyed that he hadn't turned off all the other speakers in the shop playing the same music so I could hear the beolit properly. I kept looking up to the ceiling where i could hear the music coming from - couldn't see the speakers but it was still making it quite hard to pick the quality if the beolit. The salesbloke suggested I plug my own iPhone into the beolit and played some music I knew well - great idea (the beachboys, "darlin'" off smiley smile/wild honey)- and can you turn off the other speakers? As he switched off Airplay and plugged in my phone I realised the beolit was the only thing that had been playing the whole time - pretty impressive. It really throws the sound up there. Probably most similar speaker I have heard is some little Sonab OD-11's i have kicking around at home - the 'sound image' really floats above the speaker (what wank!! it does tho...). I would however add that the bass is a little heavy (read: hollow cardboard box/half deflated football) for my ear - but I believe that's how the kids like it these days - I'd probably have fiddle with the EQ on my iPhone/Pad/Pod and dial this down...
Been some discussion about the beolit not being able to create it's own ad-hoc wifi network - I don't know that this would bother me. I use airplay at home (airport express into a beocenter 7007 - another into a beomaster 901). And I'd probably use airplay on the beolit at home (outside - on the deck etc). But I did notice that the beolit charged my iPhone 4 when connected by USB (beolit running on battery) - I would expect battery life would be compromised (phone and beolit) if doing everything wirelessly on beach/watching footy/at the cricket...? no radio? - no drama - if I want one I believe I have seen them in the shops also...
My first impressions were positive - do I want one? yes. did I buy one? (the only one left less than 24 hrs after it arrived in store) no. reason? my budget - otherwise would have certainly walked out with me.
I think it carries the beolit tradition forward...good one B&O...
