Bang & Olufsen is known for making high-quality audio equipment but its newest Bluetooth speaker comes with the added advantage of being able to charge a smartphone. The new Beolit 20 has a built-in Qi charger allowing it to charge any iPhone or Android device that supports wireless charging. That means consumers can listen to their music free of worries that their phone's battery will drain.
Founded by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen in 1925, the Danish consumer electronics company has manufactured a variety of audio equipment, televisions, and telephones over the years. The Beolit brand name originally referred to Bang & Olufsen's line of portable radios, but it has expanded into the wireless speaker market. The Beolit 20 is the first speaker released by the company since the Beolit 17 in 2017.
Available in grey mist and black anthracite, the Beolit 20 is Bang & Olufsen's fourth generation wireless speaker. Other than the color, it has the same physical design as the Beolit 17. In other words, it basically looks like a portable radio with no dials or button. The main difference is the built-in power bank. By placing an iPhone or Android phone on the top of the device, the Beolit 20 will recharge it with its Qi wireless charger. While the speaker can be plugged into the wall, it has its own 3,200 mAh capacity battery which promises up to eight hours of power at typical listening volumes, or 37 hours at a lower background listening level. Of course, these numbers will be lower if the speaker is charging a mobile device at the same time.
A Speaker For Audiophiles
The Beolit 20 will likely also be a good choice when it comes to sound quality. Bang & Olufsen generally makes superior audio products and this new speaker doesn't look like it will disappoint. The Beolit 20's speaker configuration consists of three 1.5-inch full-range drivers, a 5.5-inch long-stroke wideband woofer, and two four-inch passive bass radiators. It also has two 35-watt class D (digital) amplifiers and a frequency range stretching from 37Hz to 20,000Hz. The speaker also features a maximum loudness of 93dB, a 77dB bass capability, and a 360-degree range, so it can send the music around the entire room.
In addition, buyers will also have the option of pairing the Bluetooth speaker with another Beolit 20 or the older Beolit 17, although that would get a little expensive. The new Beolit 20 is now available at Bang & Olufsen's website, stores and select third-party retailers in the U.S. for $500. That's $1,000 if you want two, along with the option to wirelessly charge a smartphone at the same time.
Source: Bang & Olufsen