Bang & Olufsen is not just an audio brand — it’s a design statement. Since 1925, B&O has made speakers and sound systems that double as striking home decor. The Beosound A9, now in its 5th Generation, is one of its most recognizable products: a huge circular speaker on minimalist wooden legs or a wall mount, blending Scandinavian furniture design with high-end multiroom audio tech.
But at nearly $4,550, this is one of the most expensive wireless speakers on the market. For that price, you could get a whole surround system, a high-end TV, or a full Sonos multiroom setup for your entire house. So what exactly makes the A9 worth considering — and who should actually buy it?
Let’s break down what you get, where it shines, where it doesn’t, and how it compares to other premium audio options.
What Exactly Is the Beosound A9?
The Beosound A9 is a wireless home speaker that combines:
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Powerful, room-filling sound with a built-in amplifier and multiple drivers.
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WiFi and Bluetooth streaming.
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Support for AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect.
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Multiroom capability with other B&O speakers.
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Active Room Compensation that adjusts the sound profile based on your room’s acoustics.
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An iconic circular design with customizable covers and leg finishes.
It’s meant to be placed as a showpiece in your living room, bedroom, or studio — something that sounds as good as it looks.
Major Pros of the Beosound A9 (5th Gen)
1. Beautiful, Iconic Design
No one buys a Beosound A9 just for specs alone — the design is the star:
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A perfectly round acoustic fabric front, with natural aluminum trim.
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Wooden legs (oak or walnut) or wall mount option.
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A sculptural object that looks like modern art or furniture.
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Available in multiple color combinations to suit your decor.
Few speakers can double as decor like this. It’s a statement piece.
2. Powerful, Room-Filling Sound
Under the designer fabric, the A9 is serious audio engineering:
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7 built-in drivers (including an 8-inch woofer) with separate amps.
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480 watts of total power.
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Wide dispersion — it can fill a large living space with clear, deep sound.
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Crisp highs and mids plus impressive bass for its size.
It’s not just pretty — it delivers rich, powerful sound that easily handles party levels or refined background listening.
3. Active Room Compensation
Many big speakers sound boomy or unbalanced depending on where you put them. The A9’s Active Room Compensation uses a mic and DSP to measure how sound bounces off your walls and furniture — then it tweaks the output for the best possible clarity and balance.
Set it near a wall or in a corner — it self-adjusts for optimal performance.
4. Easy Wireless Streaming
The A9 supports all the modern standards:
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WiFi streaming via AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in.
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Bluetooth for quick pairing.
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Spotify Connect and B&O’s own app for multiroom control.
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Works with Alexa and Google Assistant if you add a compatible device.
You don’t need extra hubs or cables — plug it in, connect to WiFi, and stream.
5. Expandable Multiroom Audio
If you’re already in the B&O ecosystem, the A9 links seamlessly with other Beosound speakers:
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Play the same song in every room.
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Group speakers or play different music in each zone.
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Control everything through the B&O app.
It’s an easy way to build a stylish, powerful multiroom audio setup.
Real-Life Use Cases — Who Actually Buys the Beosound A9?
This isn’t your typical Bluetooth speaker for the patio. It’s for people who care about aesthetics as much as sound.
1. Design-Lovers and Style-Conscious Homeowners
The A9 is perfect for open living rooms, modern apartments, or designer lofts. It blends into high-end interiors while standing out as a conversation piece.
2. High-End Apartments or Studios
For people living in stylish condos where space is at a premium, the A9 replaces the need for separate amps, speakers, and furniture.
3. Small Businesses and Showrooms
Boutique stores, creative studios, or design shops often use the A9 as background music and decor in one.
4. Families Who Hate Clutter
If you want premium sound without a maze of cables, AV receivers, or bookshelf speakers cluttering your space, the A9 delivers.
Honest Drawbacks of the Beosound A9
No luxury product is perfect. Here’s what to consider.
1. It’s Expensive for What It Is
At $4,550, the A9 costs more than:
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A full Sonos 5.1 surround system.
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Two or three top-end smart speakers like Apple HomePods.
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A powerful stereo amp plus passive speakers from traditional hi-fi brands.
So you’re paying for the design, brand, and integration — not just raw sound specs.
2. Not a True Audiophile Stereo System
The A9 is powerful and rich — but:
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It’s still a single unit.
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You don’t get true stereo separation like you would with two bookshelf speakers spaced properly.
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For critical listening, a proper hi-fi system with dedicated amp and speakers still wins.
3. Limited Physical Inputs
If you want to hook up a turntable, CD player, or wired source, the A9 is not ideal. It’s primarily for wireless streaming.
4. Size and Placement
At 35 inches wide and about 28 inches tall with the legs, it’s large — more like furniture than a portable speaker. Not for tiny apartments or dorms.
Comparison vs Cheaper Alternatives
Could you get similar sound and convenience for less?
Sonos Five
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Costs about $550.
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Excellent room-filling sound.
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True stereo pair is possible — two Fives together rival the A9’s width.
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Easy multiroom.
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Less “designer art piece,” more simple box design.
Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
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About $300 each.
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Two HomePods in stereo pair deliver amazing detail for their size.
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Full integration with Apple ecosystem.
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Not as loud or commanding in big spaces.
KEF LSX II
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Wireless stereo pair, about $1,400.
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Compact, true stereo.
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Supports WiFi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth.
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Modern design but more discreet than the A9.
Why the A9 Still Wins
If you care deeply about style and want a single device with rich, room-filling sound — there’s really nothing like it. The A9 is furniture, art, and audio rolled into one.
Where to Buy Safely
For an investment piece like this, buy from trusted stores:
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Bang & Olufsen Official Store: Custom finishes, full warranty, support.
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Amazon (Sold by B&O): Fast shipping, easy returns.
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High-End Audio Dealers: Some designer furniture stores or audio boutiques also sell B&O products.
Where to Get It Cheapest or Fastest
Prices are usually consistent — B&O rarely discounts heavily. Sometimes you’ll find:
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Open box or renewed units on Amazon or trusted audio shops.
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End-of-year sales.
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Dealer promotions if you buy multiple B&O speakers for multiroom.
Check that you’re getting an official warranty — avoid unauthorized sellers.
Final Verdict — Should You Buy the Beosound A9?
✅ Buy if:
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You want your speaker to double as furniture or art.
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You value beautiful, minimal design as much as powerful sound.
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You prefer wireless streaming and multiroom over traditional wired hi-fi gear.
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You have the space to show it off properly.
❌ Skip if:
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You want maximum audio performance per dollar — you’ll get more power and true stereo elsewhere.
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You need a discreet, portable speaker — the A9 is big.
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You plan to wire in other sources — it’s best for wireless.
Final Thoughts
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 (5th Generation) is the perfect example of luxury home audio — more than just a speaker, it’s a statement. If you love design, minimalism, and Scandinavian style, few products blend aesthetics and audio like this one. : https://amzn.to/3TIWv2l
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