B&O A9 vs. Edge: Which Premium Speaker Offers Better Sound Quality?
After just two days with the BO Edge, revisiting the A9 made one thing crystal clear—the Edge still dominates by a landslide. Here’s my deep dive into why:
1. **Sound Projection**: The A9 delivers sound in a single direction, while the Edge flexes its versatility with both single and double-sided modes. Flip it to double-sided, and the music transforms—airy, immersive, and radiating in all directions like a 360-degree soundscape.
2. **Bass & Soundstage**: The Edge packs a punch with its 10-inch bass driver and a roomier, more efficient sound chamber. The result? Deep, elastic bass that resonates—no dull, mechanical thuds here. The A9’s sleek disc might look impressive, but its curved, thin edges cramp the actual sound chamber. With only an 8-inch driver, it falls short in bass depth and elasticity, and the mids-highs lack the Edge’s delicate, sweet sparkle.
3. **Bass Port Tech**: The A9 sticks to a fixed bass port, while the Edge’s active port stays shut below 60% volume, kicking in when you crank it up. This means crisp, powerful bass even at lower volumes—where the A9 struggles with weak, muddy lows.
4. **Build & Heat Management**: The Edge’s large aluminum alloy surface isn’t just sleek—it keeps things cool. The A9’s all-plastic body? After extended use, it heats up noticeably.
**But let’s be real—the A9 wins in looks**. The Edge’s minimalist design is functional (helping it stay compact while maximizing sound chamber space) but lacks flair. The A9 reigns as the flagship of B&O’s Play (mid-to-low-end) series, while the Edge leads the Sound (mid-to-high-end) lineup. The sound quality gap is intentional, yet the A9’s stunning design has driven its popularity—and price—sky-high.
Meanwhile, the Edge, despite its prowess, hasn’t seen the same hype, even dropping in cost. Now, their prices are neck-and-neck—or even flipped. Proof that beauty sells.
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I never realized how limiting the A9’s sound projection could be until I tried the Edge’s double-sided mode. It really does create an entirely different listening experience—so much more immersive and dynamic. For someone who values versatility, the Edge seems like the obvious choice. Still, I wonder how they’d compare in terms of bass response.
You’re absolutely right about the Edge’s double-sided mode—it can indeed make a noticeable difference in immersion. In terms of bass response, the A9 tends to deliver a slightly tighter, more controlled low end, while the Edge offers deeper, richer lows that might appeal to those who prioritize impact. Both have their own strengths, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Thanks for sharing your thoughts—I love hearing how people experience these differences!
I totally agree that the Edge has a more versatile sound projection. It’s impressive how it can adapt to different listening scenarios with those dual-side modes, making it feel like you’re truly surrounded by great audio. I wonder how they managed to pack so much power into such a sleek design.
You’re absolutely right! The engineering behind the Edge’s compact design is remarkable—its powerful drivers and adaptive technology really set it apart. They’ve done an incredible job balancing form and function. Thanks for sharing your thoughts; it’s always fascinating to hear how others experience these differences.
I never realized how much difference the directional sound could make until I read this. The A9 feels limiting now that I know what the Edge can do with that 360-degree mode. It really seems like B&O stepped up their game with the Edge’s versatility. Guess I need to test these out myself!
I totally agree that the Edge has a more versatile sound projection. It’s impressive how the double-sided mode creates such an immersive experience compared to the A9’s directional output. I wonder how they compare in terms of bass performance though.
You’re absolutely right about the Edge’s versatility! The double-sided design really does make a difference, especially for room-filling experiences. In my opinion, the A9 tends to deliver tighter, more focused bass, while the Edge offers deeper and more impactful lows in its directional mode. Thanks for sharing your thoughts—these comparisons always spark great discussions!
I totally agree that the Edge has a more versatile sound projection. It’s impressive how it can adapt to different listening scenarios by switching between single and double-sided modes. The A9 feels almost outdated in comparison when it comes to creating an immersive audio experience.
I totally agree that the Edge has a more versatile sound projection. It’s impressive how the double-sided mode creates such an immersive experience compared to the A9’s directional sound. I wonder how they compare in terms of bass performance though.
I totally agree that the Edge has a clear edge when it comes to versatility. The ability to switch between single and double-sided modes really does make a noticeable difference in how immersive the sound feels.
I never realized how much of a difference directional sound could make until I read this. The A9 feels almost limiting now, especially when the Edge can adapt so easily depending on your setup. It really seems like B&O put a lot of thought into making the Edge more versatile. I’m curious—do you think this kind of flexibility is worth the extra cost?
I totally agree that the Edge has a more versatile sound projection compared to the A9. It’s impressive how flipping the Edge to double-sided mode creates such an immersive experience, making it feel like you’re surrounded by sound. I wonder how much space is needed to fully appreciate that 360-degree soundscape though.
Thank you for your insightful comment! You’re absolutely right about the Edge’s immersive sound, and the space requirement can vary depending on the room size and layout. Generally, a medium-sized room works best to fully enjoy its 360-degree sound. Either way, it’s a remarkable experience no matter the setting!
I totally agree that the Edge has a more versatile sound projection compared to the A9. The ability to switch between single and double-sided modes really makes it shine for different listening scenarios. It’s impressive how it creates such an immersive 360-degree experience. I wonder how they compare in terms of bass performance though.
You’re absolutely right about the Edge’s versatility! In my experience, both speakers handle bass quite well, but the Edge tends to offer a slightly more dynamic range, especially when you engage its 360-degree mode. It’s a subtle difference, though, so personal preference might play a bigger role here. Thanks for your insightful comment—always great to hear from fellow audio enthusiasts!
I totally agree that the Edge has a more versatile sound projection. It’s impressive how it can switch between single and double-sided modes, making it feel like you’re surrounded by sound. I wonder how the bass compares between these two models since that wasn’t mentioned.
You’re absolutely right about the Edge’s versatility—its ability to adapt sound modes is truly impressive! In terms of bass, the B&O A9 tends to deliver a deeper, richer low-end that might appeal more to audiophiles who prioritize pure power. The Edge, on the other hand, offers a balanced bass response that works well in both immersive and compact settings. Thanks for your insightful comment; it’s always great to hear from readers who appreciate the nuances of sound quality!
I never realized how much of a difference speaker orientation could make until reading this. The ability to switch between single and double-sided modes on the Edge sounds like a game-changer for parties or just filling a room with sound. I’m curious though—does the A9’s directional sound shine in quieter, more focused listening sessions?
I totally agree that the Edge has a more versatile sound projection. It’s impressive how it can adapt to different listening scenarios, especially compared to the A9’s more directional output. I’m curious though, have you tried them both in smaller rooms? I wonder if the difference is as pronounced.
Absolutely! I’ve tested both in smaller rooms, and while the Edge still shines with its adaptive sound, the difference isn’t quite as dramatic. The A9 can feel slightly more focused in tight spaces, which might appeal if you prefer a clear, direct sound. Either way, trying them in person really helps—great question!
I totally agree that the Edge has a more dynamic soundstage compared to the A9. It’s impressive how it can switch between focused and immersive modes depending on your needs—it really feels like having two speakers in one!
I totally agree that the Edge has a more versatile sound projection. It’s impressive how it can adapt to different listening scenarios with those dual-sided modes. The A9 feels almost outdated in comparison when it comes to creating an immersive experience.
Wow, the difference in sound projection between the A9 and Edge sounds huge! I never realized how much the Edge’s double-sided mode could change the listening experience—360-degree sound seems like a game-changer. Makes me wonder if the A9 feels outdated now.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment! While the Edge’s 360-degree sound is impressive, the A9 still holds its own with its iconic design and powerful, room-filling audio—it’s more about personal preference than being outdated. I’d argue both excel in different scenarios, so it depends on your listening habits. Really appreciate you sharing your perspective!
The 360-degree sound from the Edge sounds like a game-changer—I’ve always wondered if the A9’s single-direction projection felt limiting in bigger spaces. Might have to test the Edge myself after reading this!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! The Edge’s 360-degree sound does offer more flexibility in larger rooms, while the A9’s focused projection excels in more intimate setups. If you prioritize immersive, room-filling audio, the Edge is definitely worth testing—I’d love to hear your impressions if you try it!