BS1 vs M5 vs Sonos Play5 vs possibly A6 vs rivals..

8 replies
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LR2015 (archived2)
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Posted July 8, 2017 at 14:06 GMT
#2087287

I appreciate this is probably going to be difficult to get an answer from without listening to all back to back.. but wondered if anyone else has had similar thoughts and ended up with a conclusion which resulted in buying any of the above wireless systems?

I'm looking for a small speaker for our kitchen. The M5 fits the size the best (I really like the look of A6 but would probably sit awkward in the small space we have for a speaker) but wondered if the sound quality of something like the M5 or possibly BS1 would be as good if not better than a Sonos 5?

Alternatively, does anyone have any opinions on possibly the best sounding all-in-one wireless speaker system for up to £1000? I would need to be able to stream music to it via bluetooth from an iphone and would also like to be able to listen to the radio occasionally. Sound quality with good amounts of bass are top priorities (we listen to dance, pop, rock etc). From a quick read on the internet it sounds like the best system is the Naim Mu-so but the size and shape is possibly a bit awkward.

Any thoughts / recommendations?

Thank you

 

ps - I will soon be signing up to a music streaming service like Spotify or Deezer so I'm not sure if the type of speaker we buy will influence which service we sign up to..?

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Sibbi (archived2)
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Posted July 8, 2017 at 16:32 GMT
#2087288

HI, I have heard all of these speakers. I own the Beoplay A6 and like it a lot.  The Naim mu-so might be a bit better but its more a matter of taste.  For me the A6 works better as it can be wallmounted. 

I really like the BS1, but it is best in small rooms. For me the Sonos play 5 is better than the M5 but I have heard the M5 is getting better with software updates. 

As for the control apps I find that both Sonos and Naim are a lot better than B&O. But if you are a B&O fan like me you will get used to the B&O app.

L(
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LR2015 (archived2)
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Posted July 8, 2017 at 21:11 GMT
#2087289

Thank you for your reply Sibbi. I like the look of the A6 but might struggle to wall mount it. I'm leaning towards the Sonos at the mo.. but will go and listen to it first, and the B&W systems. I'm looking forward to seeing and listening the BS1 too -visually it looks the best out of all of them!

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cboudier (archived2)
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Posted July 8, 2017 at 21:53 GMT
#2087290

LR2015 wrote:
I'm looking for a small speaker for our kitchen.

Considering your intended use, I'd go for the BS1 (or BS2) only, just because of the atmosphere in a kitchen.

It's far more easier to clean the grease on aluminium than on canvas !

CH
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checkler
Bronze
Posted July 9, 2017 at 00:05 GMT
#2087291

A bit biased as a B&O aficionado, but I really enjoy the M5, A6 and Beosound 2. I have had the Beosound 2 in the kitchen since this past January, and throughly enjoy its flawless sound as well as how it blends in with the rest of the kitchen. If you are looking to conserve space, the A6 is perfect for the wall. Frankly, any of the three would be a good purchase for your need. 

 

My B&O Icons:

Beosound-Theatre-.png Beosound-Theatre-.png
Beoremote-One.png Beoremote-One.png
Beoplay-Beosound1.png Beoplay-Beosound1.png
Beoplay-A9.png Beoplay-A9.png
Beoplay-A6.png Beoplay-A6.png
Beolab-28.png Beolab-28.png
Beolab-20.png Beolab-20.png
L(
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LR2015 (archived2)
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Posted July 9, 2017 at 12:24 GMT
#2087292

I don't think I can quite stomach the cost of the BS2 - It would have to sound amazing! When I get around to it i will go and listen to the M5, A6, and possibly the BS1. If the A6 sounds much better than the M5 then I might be able to wall mount it, although would prefer to have a freestanding unit. 

 

Probably a silly question, but do all these speaker systems work fine bluetooth'd from an Iphone or Ipad? 

 

Ta

L(
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lonfred (archived2)
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Posted July 9, 2017 at 19:14 GMT
#2087293
Does anyone know if it in the future will be possible to connect two of the M5 or BS1/2 in stereo mode? Is it only a software issue? Or i the hardware not stereo compatible?

GA
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Ga53n
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Posted July 12, 2017 at 18:57 GMT
#2087294
I am in a similar situation. I am looking for a multiroom audio solution. Software wise Sonos seems to be a very good solution. Nevertheless I do not like the look of the system.

I really like the look of the b&o solutions m5 and beosound 1&2, also the essence is something I like.

So which solution was would you select as an audio setup if you had the chance for a new start?

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