Beosound A5 vs Beolit 20

Today we have introduced a new member of the Bang & Olufsen family: Beosound A5. Beosound A5 is a portable WiFi speaker and considering the sound, design, size and features, we have chosen to compare Beosound A5 with one of our most popular speakers in the same category, namely Beolit 20. So read on as we clarify the similarities and differences between two of our most powerful portable B&O speakers: Beosound A5 vs Beolit 20.

Both speakers:.

• are portable – perfect for taking out on the balcony, garden, boat or just around the home
• has a strap/handle for lightweight and easy carrying.
• features Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound with True360 audio technology for sound all the way around the speaker.
• offers wireless charging of Qi compatible devices on the surface.
• has the ability to wirelessly pair two speakers (same model) for a full stereo experience.
• is made from robust and luxurious materials.

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What are the differences between the two products?.

• The main difference is that Beolit 20 is a Bluetooth speaker, where Beosound A5 is a WiFi speaker. By being connected to WiFi, we open up a wealth of features such as: multiroom via Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, Bang & Olufsen Radio and software updates – Read more further down the page under Technical Features.
• Beosound A5 also offers a range of advanced audio features developed for our flagship speakers. Active Room Matching, Proximity Stereo Pairing and Sweet Spot in more than one place – read more further down the page under Advanced Audio Features.
• Beosound A5 can be operated via the Bang & Olufsen app and Beoremote One.
• Beosound A5 has the latest Bluetooth 5.2 – Beolit 20 has Bluetooth 4.2
• The Beosound A5 has an IP65 certification*, which means the speaker is completely dustproof and water resistant.
• Beosound A5 has a battery capacity of 9,000 mAh against Beolit 20’s capacity of 3,200 mAh. This gives the Beosound A5 a total battery life of 12 hours compared to 8 hours for the Beolit 20 (at typical volume).
• Beosound A5 is built so that it is possible to replace parts over time instead of replacing the entire speaker, and thus upgrade the system as new features become available. For example, the battery pack in Beosound A5 can be replaced by the user, should this become necessary.
• Beosound A5 weighs with its 3.7 kg. 1 kg. more than Beolit 20, which weighs 2.7 kg.
• The Beosound A5 is 10 cm wider and 4 cm lower than the Beolit 20 (see exact dimensions below).
• The sound in Beosound A5 is slightly larger (see data below)

*IP65 certification: the product is completely impervious to dust and sand particles and can withstand water from a jet pipe / water hose, from any direction. Wood parts and fabric covers may be damaged by exposure to water. 

TECHNICAL FEATURES

So the main difference between the two speakers is that the Beolit 20 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that streams from a device via the Bluetooth function and the Beosound A5 (which of course also has Bluetooth) is a WiFi speaker.

is super easy and fast, but also has the disadvantage that the music stops if a call is received on the phone being streamed from, and then the phone must also be within a relatively short radius to maintain the connection.

Streaming over WiFi offers a completely different freedom. Firstly, the device being streamed from does not need to be near the speaker being streamed to. Secondly, it allows the speaker to be upgraded via software updates as new features that can enhance your music experience become available. In addition, Beosound A5 offers streaming via WiFi with AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in or Beolink, access to Bang & Olufsen Radio and Spotify Connect, and remote control via the Bang & Olufsen app or our elegant remote control, Beoremote One.

ADVANCED SOUND FEATURES

Beosound A5 has been equipped with an advanced technology, “Active Room Compensation” – Active Room Compensation ensures that your Beosound A5 not only looks good, but also sounds good. The technology comes from the creation of our proudest speaker to date, Beolab 90. Reflections from furniture and wall surfaces affect the acoustic properties of the room and distort the sound from your speakers. Active Room Compensation technology analyzes your room with an internal microphone and creates a set of custom filters to compensate for these reflections. The result is perfect, tailored sound in all your favorite listening positions.

Beosound A5 also features stereo pairing, allowing you to wirelessly pair two Beosound A5 speakers for a sound experience that gives you a true sense of the sound recorded in a professional studio.

(upcoming feature)
For the first time, Beosound A5 introduces ultra-wideband technology. It enables the speaker and other devices such as smartphones or a secondary speaker to be aware of each other and their position in relation to each other. Place two Beosound A5 speakers close to each other to pair them. Experience clean and detailed stereo sound without all the hassle. Proximity pairing automatically connects two speakers as a stereo system when placed close to each other. Without an app or complicated setup.

(upcoming feature)
The Sweet spot is the ideal listening position between two speakers. Traditionally, the location of the speakers has always determined where the sweet spot was. Outside the sweet spot, the sound was imprecise. Now, location no longer determines the best position. You do. When you set up two Beosound A5 speakers in a stereo pair, you can control the sweet spot and direct it to your position with a single touch. Ultra-wideband sensors calculate the distance between the speakers and your phone. The latency and gain of each speaker is then adjusted based on your position. This is how you get the optimal stereo sound everywhere.

So all in all, Beosound A5 is far more technically “loaded” than Beolit 20 and offers a wealth of features and exciting possibilities.

PRICES

• Beolit 20 has a recommended retail price of 4.499,- kr.
• Beosound A5 has a recommended retail price of 7.499,- kr.

Both Beosound A5 and Beolit 20 can be purchased in our physical stores in Frederiksberg or Vedbæk. You can also reserve your copy, see more pictures or read more about our latest portable speaker Beosound A5 right here on our website.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the above or any other Bang & Olufsen products.

Below is a comparison of the technical info on the Beosound A5 and Beolit 20:

FACTS / INFO