Beosound 2 vs Beoplay A9 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Beoplay A9 5th Gen & Beosound 2 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Beoplay A9 5th Gen rather than the Beosound 2.

Why Do I Recommend The Beoplay A9 5th Gen?

  • The Beoplay A9 5th Gen features a 1500 W total amplifier system for significantly higher sound pressure and room-filling output in large spaces, while the Beosound 2 uses a 105 W amplifier system.
  • Beoplay A9 5th Gen includes a 4-way speaker configuration with 7 dedicated drivers for improved frequency separation and more accurate audio reproduction across lows, mids, and highs, whereas the Beosound 2 uses a 3-way configuration with 4 drivers.
  • It comes with an 8-inch woofer for deeper low-frequency extension and stronger bass impact in music playback, while the Beosound 2 uses a 5.25-inch woofer.
  • The Beoplay A9 5th Gen has a maximum sound pressure level of 100 dB for higher volume output without distortion in larger rooms, while the Beosound 2 reaches 94 dB.
  • Beoplay A9 5th Gen features true stereo front-facing driver placement for more precise left-right channel separation and focused listening positioning, whereas the Beosound 2 uses 360° omnidirectional dispersion.
  • It includes dedicated full-range drivers for smoother midrange transitions and more consistent vocal clarity across different genres, while the Beosound 2 does not include full-range drivers.
  • The Beoplay A9 5th Gen supports placement in rooms up to 100 m² for broader coverage in large living areas or open-plan spaces, while the Beosound 2 is specified for rooms up to around 60 m².
  • Beoplay A9 5th Gen features a floor-standing design with a 70.1 × 90.8 cm form factor for stable positioning and optimized acoustic projection height, whereas the Beosound 2 uses a compact 20 × 43.1 cm tabletop design.

Maybe the Beosound 2 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Beoplay A9 5th Gen. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureBeoplay A9 5th GenBeosound 2
Speaker TypeFloor-standingTabletop
Speaker Configuration4-way3-way
Total Amplifier Power1500 W105 W
Tweeter Count2 × 0.75″1 × 0.75″
Midrange Drivers2 × 3″2 × 2″
Full-range Drivers2 × 1.5″None
Woofer Size1 × 8″1 × 5.25″
Amplifier (Tweeter)2 × 150 W1 × 15 W
Amplifier (Midrange)2 × 200 W2 × 15 W
Amplifier (Full-range)2 × 200 WNone
Amplifier (Woofer)1 × 400 W2 × 30 W
Maximum SPL @1m100 dB94 dB
Bass Capability95 dB SPL84 dB SPL
Frequency Range33–23,000 Hz33–23,400 Hz
Sound DispersionFront stereo360° acoustic lens
Recommended Room Size15–100 m²10–60 m²
Power Consumption (Typical)23 W15 W
Standby Power8 W4.5 W
Material CompositionAluminium + fabric + wood + polymerAluminium
Design ShapeCircular discConical cylinder
Driver Count7 drivers4 drivers
Acoustic TechnologyAdaptive Bass LinearizationAcoustic Lens Technology
PriceCheck Beoplay A9 5th Gen PriceCheck Beosound 2 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both speakers include Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing stable high-quality streaming without relying on Bluetooth compression. This ensures consistent playback across larger distances and supports multiroom audio setups.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Both models support Bluetooth for direct wireless playback from smartphones and tablets. This provides quick and easy pairing without needing a network connection.
  • Apple AirPlay 2: Each speaker supports AirPlay 2, enabling seamless streaming from Apple devices and synchronized playback across multiple compatible speakers. This is useful for users within the Apple ecosystem.
  • Google Chromecast: Both devices include Chromecast built-in, allowing users to stream directly from supported apps on Android and other platforms. This expands compatibility across different ecosystems.
  • Spotify Connect: Both speakers support Spotify Connect, enabling direct streaming from Spotify servers rather than the phone. This improves audio stability and allows phone use without interrupting playback.
  • Multiroom Support: Each model integrates with Bang & Olufsen multiroom systems, enabling synchronized playback across multiple speakers. This is useful for whole-home audio setups.
  • Bang & Olufsen App Control: Both speakers are managed through the Bang & Olufsen app, providing access to EQ settings, presets, and system configuration. This centralizes control and customization.
  • Voice Assistant Support: Both devices support voice assistants through built-in or linked systems, allowing hands-free control for playback and smart home functions. This enhances convenience in daily use.
  • Room Compensation: Each speaker includes room compensation technology that adapts sound output based on placement and environment. This helps maintain consistent audio performance across different spaces.
  • Automatic Sound Tuning: Both models feature automatic tuning systems that adjust audio balance dynamically. This ensures optimized sound without requiring manual adjustments.
  • Ethernet Port: Both speakers include an Ethernet port for wired network connectivity. This provides a stable alternative to Wi-Fi for streaming.
  • Touch Controls: Each speaker features touch-sensitive controls for volume and playback. This allows quick interaction without needing a mobile device.
  • Streaming Services Integration: Both support direct integration with major streaming services. This enables playback without routing audio through another device.
  • Firmware Updates (OTA): Both speakers receive over-the-air updates, ensuring continued software improvements and feature additions. This extends the product lifespan.
  • Stereo Pairing Capability: Each model supports stereo pairing with another unit of the same type. This allows users to create a wider soundstage with left and right channel separation.
  • High-Resolution Audio Support: Both speakers support high-resolution audio streaming formats. This allows playback with greater detail and clarity compared to standard compressed audio.
  • Built-in Amplification: Each speaker includes internal amplifiers matched to their drivers. This eliminates the need for external amplification equipment.
  • Premium Aluminum Components: Both models use aluminum in their construction. This contributes to durability and acoustic performance.
  • Wireless Streaming: Each speaker supports wireless streaming across multiple protocols. This enables flexible playback from various devices.
  • DSP Audio Processing: Both speakers use digital signal processing to optimize sound output. This ensures balanced frequency response and controlled distortion.

Common Features

FeatureBeoplay A9 5th GenBeosound 2
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
Bluetooth ConnectivityYesYes
Apple AirPlay 2YesYes
Google ChromecastYesYes
Spotify ConnectYesYes
Multiroom SupportYesYes
Bang & Olufsen App ControlYesYes
Voice Assistant SupportYesYes
Room CompensationYesYes
Automatic Sound TuningYesYes
Ethernet PortYesYes
Touch ControlsYesYes
Streaming Services IntegrationYesYes
Firmware Updates (OTA)YesYes
Stereo Pairing CapabilityYesYes
High-Resolution Audio SupportYesYes
Built-in AmplificationYesYes
Premium Aluminum ComponentsYesYes
Wireless StreamingYesYes
DSP Audio ProcessingYesYes
Price Check Beoplay A9 5th Gen Price
Check Beosound 2 Price

FAQ

Can both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 connect to Wi-Fi networks?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 support Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing direct streaming from online services and integration into home networks for stable, high-quality playback.

Do both speakers support Bluetooth streaming?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 include Bluetooth functionality, enabling quick wireless pairing with smartphones, tablets, and laptops without requiring a Wi-Fi connection.

Are Apple AirPlay 2 features available on both models?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 support Apple AirPlay 2, allowing seamless streaming from Apple devices and synchronized playback with other AirPlay-compatible speakers.

Do both speakers include Google Chromecast built-in?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 feature Chromecast built-in, enabling users to cast audio directly from compatible apps on Android and other platforms.

Can both models be used in a multiroom audio setup?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 support Bang & Olufsen multiroom functionality, allowing synchronized playback across multiple speakers in different rooms.

Do both speakers work with Spotify Connect?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 support Spotify Connect, enabling direct streaming from Spotify servers for stable playback without relying on a phone connection.

Is there a dedicated app to control both speakers?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 are controlled via the Bang & Olufsen app, which provides access to settings, sound customization, and device management.

Do both speakers support voice assistant integration?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 support voice assistant functionality through connected ecosystems, allowing users to control playback and smart home features using voice commands.

Can both speakers automatically adjust sound based on room placement?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 include room compensation technology that adapts audio output depending on placement, helping maintain balanced sound in different environments.

Do both models feature touch controls?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 use touch-sensitive controls for volume and playback, allowing users to interact directly with the speaker surface.

Are firmware updates available for both speakers?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 receive over-the-air firmware updates, ensuring ongoing improvements, bug fixes, and feature enhancements.

Can both speakers stream music without using a phone continuously?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 support direct streaming via services like Spotify Connect and Chromecast, allowing playback to continue independently of the phone.

Do both speakers support wired network connections?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 include Ethernet ports, providing a stable wired alternative to Wi-Fi for network connectivity.

Is stereo pairing possible with both models?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 support stereo pairing with another unit of the same model, enabling left and right channel separation for a wider soundstage.

Do both speakers use digital signal processing for audio optimization?
Both Beoplay A9 5th Gen and Beosound 2 use digital signal processing to manage frequency response and sound balance, ensuring consistent audio performance across different listening conditions.