Bang & Olufsen has officially hit the century mark — a milestone few audio brands can claim — and to celebrate, the Danish design powerhouse has unveiled The Centennial Collection. It’s a slick, heritage-inspired lineup featuring reimagined editions of the Beoplay H100, Beosound A5, and Beosound A9 5th Generation. Each model nods to B&O’s storied past, from the checkered grille patterns of its early radios to the bold ‘70s hues of Century Red, Chestnut Brown, and Century Blue.
It’s a well-earned victory lap for a brand that helped define modern audio design — but as Bang & Olufsen turns 100, one can’t help but ask: on such an iconic anniversary, where’s the innovation?
The Danish brand hasn’t exactly been coasting into its centennial either. 2025 has already been packed with launches and headlines — from the debut of the Beo Grace wireless earbuds to new partnerships with Four Seasons Yachts and TCL, the latter bringing Bang & Olufsen’s audio expertise to TCL’s premium 2025 TVs.
The company also rolled out the Beosystem 300C, a modern nod to its classic audio systems. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing — B&O stirred controversy earlier this year with threats of legal action against fellow Danish loudspeaker maker CANVAS HiFi, following the latter’s partnership with Samsung on The HiFi Frame.
Feels like an odd way to celebrate a century of innovation. New finishes. Higher prices.
Bang & Olufsen Reimagines the Beoplay H100, Beosound A5, and Beosound A9 5th Generation for Its 100th Anniversary
The 100th anniversary Centennial Collection blends archival details with modern craftsmanship, reimagining three of the brand’s icons: the Beoplay H100, Beosound A5, and Beosound A9 5th Gen.
“Since our founding in 1925, timeless design has been at the heart of everything we craft. The Centennial Collection honours our past, celebrates our present, and looks to the future. It is a tribute to the icons that have shaped Bang & Olufsen and to the enduring values that define our legacy,” says Kristian Teär, CEO of Bang & Olufsen.
Each model celebrates a defining era in B&O’s long history, from the checkered grille patterns of its early radios to the bold 1970s colors of Century Red, Chestnut Brown, and Century Blue. The brushed aluminum finishes recall the industrial elegance of the 1980s, while refined leather accents and precision-turned dials nod to the brand’s more modern era of luxury. Every product is finished with the B&O Est. 1925 Anniversary logo and bears the founders’ credo: “A never failing will to create only the best.”
The Beoplay H100 wireless headphones stands out in Century Brown with titanium drivers, Dolby Atmos optimization, and adaptive noise cancellation. The leather headband contrasts Century Red and Chestnut Brown, with Century Blue detailing adding a subtle punch. A matching leather pouch in Century Red completes the design—perfect for collectors who like their nostalgia color-coordinated. $2,300 at Bang & Olufsen.
The Beosound A5 Century Weave takes B&O’s portable speaker and dresses it in Beige and Chestnut Brown paper raffia, a callback to the brand’s 1950s chequered speaker grilles. The brushed aluminum frame, Century Red strap, and Century Blue cable add just enough flourish to earn the “special edition” tag. $1,750 at Bang & Olufsen.
Finally, the Beosound A9 Century Blue gets the full retro treatment with Kvadrat’s Centennial Cadence fabric—a bold blue and brown weave wrapped around its sculptural frame. The natural aluminum ring and brushed legs keep it grounded in B&O’s classic aesthetic, while the matching Century Blue cable and feet give it a pop of color that feels more playful than posh. $5,500 at Bang & Olufsen.
The Bottom Line
It’s a beautifully executed tribute, no question. But for a company turning 100, it feels more like a greatest hits playlist than a new track. Bang & Olufsen has spent a century defining the look and sound of modern luxury; here’s hoping the next hundred bring a little more invention to match the polish.
The Beosound A5 Century Weave ($1,750), Beosound A9 Century Blue ($5,500), and Beoplay H100 Century Brown ($2,300) make up the Centennial Collection, available from October 22 at select Bang & Olufsen stores and online at bang-olufsen.com. Beautiful? Absolutely. Innovative? Let’s just say it’s more champagne toast than sonic revolution.
For more information: Bang & Olufsen Centennial Collection
Related Reading:
- Bang & Olufsen Beo Grace: Luxury Wireless Earbuds For Those Who Think AirPods Are Too Common
- Bang & Olufsen Beosystem 3000c: $30K For Vinyl And Streaming—Luxury Markup Included
- Bang & Olufsen Threatens Legal Action To Block Samsung + CANVAS “The HiFi Frame” Launch
- Bang & Olufsen Turns Four Seasons Yachts Into Floating Theaters Of Excess
Max Powers
November 4, 2025 at 12:15 pm
Looks like the inclusion of DEI is the innovation part.