My experience has always been to get the latest version. In my case, I bought 2 generations of BL6000s, they were supposedly unchanged, the 2nd gen sounded better, lasted longer. I owned a BL 8000 mk2 and then BL8002, they were supposed to sound the same. There is no doubt the BL 8002 sounds better. I went from Beoplay H9i to H9 3rd gen with the voice assistant. Both Bluetooth and noise cancelling are better on the 3rd gen. I therefore went with the BS1 GVA. I seldom use GVA, but when I need to, it works perfectly for simple things. If it were me, I’d go with the latest. I am really impressed with the current gen of B&O products. The quality seems to be top notch.

My 2 cents worth. 

Hi The Beonix man,

not many know, but you can order the second version without Google assistent if you want.

the second version have a newer audio engine than the first one. 
thats meen it respons better on AirPlay 2 and chrome cast. And also is more ready for new function coming up. The second version is open for order in 2 different version. With or without Google.

:) good luck for your choice.  

andybandy wrote:

not many know, but you can order the second version without Google assistent if you want.

To be fair, it's advertised on the Bang & Olufsen website :) There's the GA version and non-GA version. I have the non-GA.

I also have the first revision and it's absolutely fine with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast - better and more responsive than my Edge!

My only point would be, if you go for a Natural or Bronze, just make sure you do get the newer BeoSound 2 as both those colours came with the first revision.

Thanks guys.

Curious what colours people have chosen? I note there is a new brushed finish available but not sure what I think looking at photos. Looks a little too brushed to me in an awkward direction. Maybe someone purchased one and can comment further? I am also a fan of bronze when it comes to sculptures so this colour could be an interesting addition to the home. However, I am not sure that its the same bronze you would find on typical sculptural works of art; it looks much more darker to me so wouldn't match. Anyway, fun to think about it before making the purchase.

Anyone bought the Balance over the BeoSound 2 or maybe have both and can make a sound comparison? I've not seen it or heard it but on photos alone it's just not appealing to me at all. I heard the BeoSound 2 several years ago at a dealer and was blown away by the sound and the shape and design is pure B&O to me. Excited to purchase.

The Beonic Man wrote:

Thanks guys.

Curious what colours people have chosen? I note there is a new brushed finish available but not sure what I think looking at photos. Looks a little too brushed to me in an awkward direction. Maybe someone purchased one and can comment further?

I have the naturally brushed A1 and would probably agree that I'm not sure I'd want it on something as big as the BeoSound 2. It's quite obviously brushed.

I have the Infantry Green BeoSound 2.

Don't buy something if you don't like the look of it. It's not going to blow you away - if you want that go for an Edge or A9. Far far better than a BeoSound 2. My A9 blows the doors of the BeoSound 2. I'd prefer a pre-loved A9 over a BeoSound 2 any day.

I actually bought the Beoplay A9 over the BS 2about a year and a half ago. I then bought a BS Stage to use only for music. If there was a Balance, I might have gotten the Balance instead. I did extensive listening of the BS 2 and feel the Stage, A9 and Balance would likely outperform it. I haven’t heard the most recent BS 2 or Balance. I have a new BS 1 in Anthracite and it sounds OK, not as good as the M5 (which I also have), but looks amazing and is also battery powered. Perhaps the BS 1 and 2 sacrifice some performance for the looks. To me the BS 2 looks amazing. 

moxxey wrote:

Don't buy something if you don't like the look of it. It's not going to blow you away - if you want that go for an Edge or A9. Far far better than a BeoSound 2. My A9 blows the doors of the BeoSound 2. I'd prefer a pre-loved A9 over a BeoSound 2 any day.

Thanks Chris.

I know you are a huge fan of the A9 and I have been considering that too. The appeal of the A9 would be the choice of covers, several of which would really add something aesthetically to my home but not necessarily the sound. I say this because I live in a small dwelling and simply wouldn't need the power of the A9 to fill such a small lounge. It is a beast, well liked with top reviews I know.

If you are saying that the A9 offers a better quality sound (I know this is so subjective) compared with the BS2 at similar volume levels, say 50-60, then that's an important point and perhaps I should reconsider. I really do like the designs of both and am surprised you say the BS2 doesn't blow you away but then its not going to against something like an A9 I suppose.

Very difficult selecting speakers as we all hear and like different things. I always find it tricky to explain the kind of sound that appeals to me but over the years I've loved the BL4000s, BL8000s, BL3s and BL9s and purchased them as a result. Does that help give a better idea of the kind of sound I like? I suppose I am drawn to a warm, well rounded, cosy and complete (sound that surrounds me) experience if that makes sense. I remember really liking the sound from the original BL4000s, that was just lovely to my ears but I couldn't afford them at the time.

Any further comments helpful along with which model of A9 you would recommend. Thanks again.

The Beonic Man wrote:

moxxey wrote:

Don't buy something if you don't like the look of it. It's not going to blow you away - if you want that go for an Edge or A9. Far far better than a BeoSound 2. My A9 blows the doors of the BeoSound 2. I'd prefer a pre-loved A9 over a BeoSound 2 any day.

Thanks Chris.

I know you are a huge fan of the A9 and I have been considering that too.

The A9 is a huge step above the BeoSound 2. Fills a massive room and has a much wider sound (or appears that way).

Jaffrey2230 wrote:

I actually bought the Beoplay A9 over the BS 2about a year and a half ago. I then bought a BS Stage to use only for music. If there was a Balance, I might have gotten the Balance instead. I did extensive listening of the BS 2 and feel the Stage, A9 and Balance would likely outperform it. I haven’t heard the most recent BS 2 or Balance. I have a new BS 1 in Anthracite and it sounds OK, not as good as the M5 (which I also have), but looks amazing and is also battery powered. Perhaps the BS 1 and 2 sacrifice some performance for the looks. To me the BS 2 looks amazing. 

Thanks Jaffrey.

Any other thoughts about the type of sound and experience you had from your extensive listening with the BeoSound 2? I'd be interested in how you would describe the sound and your overall listening experience? I have only ever heard it once. A few years ago when the BeoLab 50s came out I had arranged for a demo of them with a dealer near London. When I walked into the shop and heard the music playing I was quite literally blown away by what I was hearing. I commented how amazing the sound was. The owner said to me, "Simon, I haven't switched them on yet, that's the BeoSound 2 you're listening to." Hence, my instant love for this product - a natural love affair without any thought or discussion.

Recalling the above memory, I would add to the comment I just left Moxxey that the A9, impressive as it is, sounds like the big powerful speaker you would expect it to be given its shape and form. In contrast, the BeoSound 2 was interesting, captivating, shocked me and blew me away in the sense that I just didn't expect to hear what I did from that thing! I have always loved industrial designs too so the BS2 fits that bill more than the A9, which I would categorise more as a furnishing.