Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen: Unboxing, Sound Test, and Value Comparison

Unboxing the Beosound A1 3rd Gen

• 📦 The unboxing reveals paperwork and a braided USB-C cable with branded connectors.
• 💡 The speaker itself features a premium aesthetic with an aluminum front grill and a rubberized bottom.

Setup and Connectivity

• ⚡ The power button is easily located, indicated by a light when pressed.
• 📱 Connecting to a phone is straightforward; the speaker appears in Bluetooth settings without needing a dedicated app.

Sound Quality and Comparison

• 🎶 A brief sound test suggests the speaker sounds "all right", but not exceptionally good.
• 🔊 In a direct comparison with a SoundLink Mini, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen is described as sounding flatter, while the SoundLink Mini offers deeper bass and a fuller sound.
• 🎧 The speaker's primary function is sound, and the speaker prefers something that sounds better over something that looks nicer.

Price and Value Assessment

• 💰 The Beosound A1 3rd Gen is priced around $250, with potential to reach $350 depending on the retailer.
• 💸 This price point is considered a massive uplift compared to the SoundLink Mini, which was purchased secondhand for under $100.
• 🤔 The value proposition is questioned, suggesting that for the price, one might prefer a cheaper alternative that offers superior sound quality.

Design and Aesthetics

• ✨ The speaker boasts a modern, minimalistic aesthetic that is personally appealing.
• 🔗 A notable design element is the strap with a "shortening thingy" for adjustment.
• ✅ Objectively, the device offers a premium look and feel.

Final Verdict

• ⚖️ While the Beosound A1 3rd Gen is a premium-looking device, the speaker's personal preference leans towards better sound quality and value over brand and aesthetics alone.
• 💡 The speaker is still considered good, but the price point makes it seem expensive for its performance.