Beoplay A9 2nd Generation or A9 4th Generation

27 replies

Hello guys,

I really want to get a B&O speaker.

Recently, I found a website selling 2nd Generation A9 for A$2160. 

Currently, 4th Generation is selling for A$3200.

I'm wondering whether there are huge difference between 2nd Gen and 4th Gen. 

Do you guys think it's still worth to get 2nd Gen?

May I have some comments and feedback from you guys please? 

Thank you

The A9 is supposed to be noticeably more powerful. Not that the MK2 is not loud, but I guess if you have a large space to fill sound wise, the newer one might be more appropriate.

I have the 2, for my bedroom, and inclusion of Google Assistant is a problem for me, so I wouldn't go near the MK4

hee8336 wrote:

Recently, I found a website selling 2nd Generation A9 for A$2160. 

Currently, 4th Generation is selling for A$3200.

I'd go for the MK-2 personally. I own(ed) a MK-1 and it was phenomenal. No idea why it would need to be more powerful. I did a test in the Berlin B&O store compared the Edge, Stage and A9 and the A9 came out on top, over even the Edge. And the dealer agreed.

I'd save some cash and get the MK-2. I hate those silly 4 red LEDs you see behind the speaker cloth, too, on the MK-4.

thank you for the reply!

thank you for the reply!

A9 4th gen has, iirc, some DSP magic that will correct for listening-room variances. I believe that I saw a B&O engineer talk abou it on a YT video. Or was it Geoff M.?

My B&O Icons:

BeoCenter-9500.png BeoCenter-9500.png
Beosound-Shape.png Beosound-Shape.png
Beosound-9000.png Beosound-9000.png
Beoremote-One.png Beoremote-One.png
Beoplay-H9i.png Beoplay-H9i.png
Beoplay-A8.png Beoplay-A8.png
I have a Mk2 and I love it.

It’s powerful enough for me and does all of the b&o multiroom netlink stuff that the mk1 didn’t do.

I do wish it had google assistant as I love the GA. I get why others don’t.

The 4 is more powerful and does 360 sound if I recall correctly.

But if it’s going against a wall I would go for another mk2 considering the price differential.

BeoFrederic wrote:
A9 4th gen has, iirc, some DSP magic that will correct for listening-room variances. I believe that I saw a B&O engineer talk abou it on a YT video. Or was it Geoff M.?

Who knows? It's not worth an extra $1000. Trust me on that. And 'magic' really is something I take with a pinch of salt. I think 'magic' is used by B&O staff to convince potential purchasers you're paying for something really special...

Hello,

Does anyone know if there is any significant improvement in sound quality?

I am asking because the appearance between those versions is nearly the same but internally the hardware is completely different.

I am sure MK4 sounds louder but I am wondering if it is also sounding better.

Today MK2’s can be found at very good prices and I have an empty spot in a 7x5x3 m room. 👍

Thank you.

Olivier

My B&O Icons:

Beoremote-Beo4.png Beoremote-Beo4.png
Beosound.png Beosound.png
Beoplay-V1.png Beoplay-V1.png
Beoplay-S3.png Beoplay-S3.png
Beoplay-A1.png Beoplay-A1.png
I think the A9 is the best bang for buck speaker in the range.

The Mk2 sounds amazing to me so Oli I wouldn’t go passed it.
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