Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A8 adds AirPlay to BeoSound 8
Apple docking speakers go wireless under B&O Play brand
High-end audiovisual brand Bang & Olufsen has announced a replacement for its BeoSound 8 iPhone/iPad docking speakers, bringing wireless AirPlay support to the family for the first time.
The BeoSound 8 is to be replaced by the BeoPlay A8, under the company’s new B&O Play brand, which extends the functionality of the design by adding wireless AirPlay streaming while changing little of the underlying specifications.
As with its predecessor, the BeoPlay A8 boasts five-inch midrange/bass speakers as the outputs for 70W fully-integrated Class D amplifiers, while 3/4in tweeters get 35W each. The hardware, which includes a removable Apple docking connector, is housed in a body designed by David Lewis Designers which hides the impressive 1.3-litre speaker casings in behind a flat front and clean lines.
To further improve audio quality, the BeoPlay A8 includes a switch which allows the user to compensate for wall resonance by choosing between three pre-programmed location modes: wall, corner or freestanding.
The iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch support of the original BeoSound 8, which required the device to be connected to the docking port, is now extended with full AirPlay wireless streaming capabilities and an app which allows full remote control of the device – in addition to a dedicated controller provided with the dock.
Available in black and white, Bang & Olufsen have yet to confirm UK pricing but have stated the BeoPlay A8 will be on sale in the US for $1,149 (around £713 excluding taxes.)