When it comes to premium home audio, few names carry as much prestige as Bang & Olufsen. The Beosound A9 (5th Generation) isn’t just a speaker—it’s a sculptural centerpiece that combines acoustic excellence with Nordic design sensibility. With a sleek aluminum finish, intelligent room calibration, and seamless streaming, it offers a refined listening experience. But does the price match the performance?
Let’s explore what sets the Beosound A9 apart—and whether it earns its high-end status.
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Key Features of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9
1. Seven-Driver System for Rich, Room-Filling Sound
Inside the A9 is a powerful 7-driver setup: an 8″ woofer, two 3″ midranges, two 1.5″ full-range drivers, and two ¾” tweeters, all powered by dedicated Class D amplifiers totaling approximately 1500 watts. This combination delivers expansive stereo separation, warm mids, crisp highs, and satisfying low-end punch—especially at higher volumes.
2. Active Room Compensation
The A9 uses Active Room Compensation to tailor its sound output to your space. Whether placed near a wall, in a corner, or out in the open, the speaker adjusts itself to minimize distortion and enhance clarity—no manual calibration required.
3. Multiroom & Streaming Flexibility
With AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth 5.3, and Spotify Connect, the A9 supports nearly every streaming method. It also integrates into Bang & Olufsen’s Beolink Multiroom system for seamless whole-home audio—though the best performance is experienced when using only B&O products.
4. Touch Controls & Bang & Olufsen App
The top of the speaker features an intuitive touch interface: slide your hand for volume, tap to pause, skip, or resume. The Bang & Olufsen app provides detailed control, from EQ tuning with Beosonic to multiroom setup and software updates.
5. Design That Doubles as Decor
More than a speaker, the A9 is a design statement. Available in Natural Aluminum, Black Anthracite, and Gold Tone, with interchangeable textile covers and leg options, it complements a variety of interior styles. It can also be wall-mounted for a cleaner look.
6. Mozart Software Platform: Future-Proofing Built In
The A9 runs on Mozart, B&O’s new modular software and hardware platform that ensures the speaker stays up-to-date and compatible with future features, streaming formats, and ecosystem upgrades.
Sound Quality & User Experience: The Heartbeat of the Beosound A9
The Beosound A9 (5th Gen) delivers a commanding and immersive sound experience that adapts exceptionally well to different environments. User feedback has indicated that the seven-driver array produces well-balanced audio with articulate mids, detailed highs, and rich, controlled bass. Even at high volumes, the sound remains clear and distortion-free, making it suitable for everything from casual background listening to party-level playback.
Its bass performance is strong for a standalone unit, though it doesn’t quite reach sub-bass depths below ~33Hz. Audiophiles seeking ultra-deep, tactile bass might prefer pairing it with a dedicated subwoofer.
One of the standout features is Active Room Compensation, which automatically tunes the sound based on the speaker’s placement. This ensures clarity and balance, whether it’s near a wall, in a corner, or standing freely in an open room. Many users find this feature eliminates the need for manual EQ adjustments.
The speaker excels at ambient, room-filling sound. However, it doesn’t deliver pinpoint stereo imaging in the way traditional Hi-Fi setups do. While the soundstage is wide, listeners seeking precise directional separation may find this a minor limitation. That said, stereo pairing with a second A9 greatly enhances depth and spatial accuracy, making it a more immersive option for serious music lovers.
User interaction is smooth thanks to the touch controls and app. The gesture-based volume and playback interface is sleek and responsive, though it may take some adjustment if you’re used to physical buttons. The companion app offers EQ presets and multiroom configuration, though it doesn’t allow for highly granular tuning beyond the presets.
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Pros
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Excellent sound quality with powerful, balanced performance
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Room-filling output suitable for large spaces
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Auto-calibrates to its environment with Active Room Compensation
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Beautiful, customizable design that complements modern interiors
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Wide compatibility: AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect
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App control and future-proof software (Mozart platform)
Cons
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Premium price point may not fit every budget
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Bass doesn’t fully replace a dedicated subwoofer
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Stereo imaging is limited unless paired with a second unit
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Best performance in multiroom setups comes with B&O-only systems
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Touch controls may feel unfamiliar to traditional users
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No built-in voice assistant
Who Is the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 For?
The Beosound A9 suits those who see sound as a part of life, not just background noise. It is for lovers of true sound who also want a beautiful design. It fits homeowners who need personalized sound and tech that joins well with their decor.
If you host gatherings or move between rooms often, the A9’s streaming and multiroom skills will win you over. But if you look for a simple, low-cost Bluetooth speaker or simple controls, the A9 may prove too much and cost more than you expect.
Final Thoughts
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 (5th Generation) joins form with function. It is more than a speaker; it is a center of sound and style that transforms home audio. Its seven-driver set and smart room tuning work closely together, along with clear controls and a look that fits your home. Every part is made to please both your ears and your eyes.
Though its price and brand focus may not suit all, buyers gain a sound experience that is deep, clear, and full of detail. Its lasting design and future updates make it a smart choice for those serious about high-end sound.
If you are ready to turn your home into a space for concerts, relaxed tunes, and a design statement all at once, then the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 deserves a spot on your list. Your ears—and your space—will thank you.
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