Interesting visit into my dealers this morning. Listened to the BS1, 2 and A9 back to back, alongside each other. This wasn't planned, walked passed store, saw they had the BS2 in store, so dragged my friend in.

We just used Bluetooth to all three and electronic music, not for everyone but it's what I listen to, mainly. Spotify or DNLA would have been better, but it was a quick visit.

First off and considering this was in a large showroom the BS2 sounded great, my friend was very impressed, as was I. We then compare the BS1 and it just didn't compare to be honest, sounded good but for the price difference to us and the guys working in store, it was an easy decision - I get the bonus of it having a battery but I have a beolit15 - so that isn't important to me. Plus, I still don't like the look of the BS1, but the BS2 is lovely, it's all down to taste of course. The horizontal lines in the 2 just give it something, to my eyes anyway.

Sound wise, the BS2 had more depth, soundstage, power etc and left us a little taken aback to be honest. The lower end was fantastic, mids and treble more balanced, not by much but mids were noticeable.

Interestingly I then asked to play the same music on the a9 and whilst it did sound better, it wasn't much, which amazed us all. I really like the a9, but honestly to our ears the BS2 had something that was very similar - but just looked much better, if you are looking for a multi room speaker. My friend was even thinking this would be his main system, this is the way the hi fi world is going - for most people anyway.

Didn't take any pics, sorry - I can do next time I pass. We were only in there for 20 mins, but I think I will be swapping out my a6 for a BS2 in December when the stock arrives. A lovely piece of kit!

It's all subjective and if you listen to classical or acoustic or at low volume then the BS1 I am sure would be fine. But for me (and others in store) there was a clear difference, for the better with the BS2.

My dealer also said this was the way forward for them, as they have many enquiries and customers going in and purchasing BV's and then these additional speakers for around the house. Not a system (moment/essence) and speakers (Beolabs) anymore. This is in a relatively affluent area of the UK, Bournemouth/Poole.

Needless to say, I liked the BS2's looks and sound