With technology and content access options constantly advancing and changing, manufacturers need to offer solutions to customers to keep legacy products current.
A lot of older products don’t have built-in streaming features, but add-on streaming devices can still keep these products viable. In addition, these devices often add new connectivity options so that other modern sources can be used with your older audio gear and speakers. Examples include solutions from WiiM, Cambridge Audio, and Bluesound (more on these options later in this article).
Beoconnect Core
As a result of this trend, Bang & Olufsen has “joined in on the fun” with the Beoconnect Core, a new streaming box that supports its product connectivity and longevity promise.
This device was developed as part of Bang & Olufsen’s commitment to extending the lifetime of its products. It does so through easy upgradeability, long-term serviceability, as well as the replaceable Mozart streaming module to ensure that it can continue to carry Bang & Olufsen’s products into the future with the latest technology.
Key Features
Streaming: Stream music from a favorite app to Bang & Olufsen speakers dating back more than 30 years, extending their lifetime.
Connectivity: Several connectivity options are offered, such as Powerlink and USB optimized for the Beolab 50 and Beolab 90 speakers, and line-in connections for turntables and other sources.
TV Sound: Integrate Bang & Olufsen speakers with third-party TVs with HDMI eARC for a better home theater audio experience.
Tip: The Beoconnect Core is designed to only work with Bang & Olufsen powered speakers. It does not have digital optical/coaxial or analog audio outputs for connection to other branded powered speakers or audio systems.
Styling
Beoconnect Core’s sleek and compact design is made to fit any system. It features a curved, pearl-blasted aluminum chassis that absorbs heat and a non-conductive cover to ensure full antenna transparency. As a bonus, the Beoconnect Core can be installed into the Beosound Shape using a bracket that can be flawlessly docked inside a Beosound Shape tile.
From Michael Henriksson, Vice President of Product Marketing at Bang & Olufsen: “Our aim is to build product icons that can last a lifetime, and Beoconnect Core is an important addition to our product offering, that enables us to deliver on this longevity promise. Beoconnect Core connects our past with our future and comes with our replaceable Mozart streaming module that can easily be upgraded to the newest technology…This means that the products that our customers love can be used for years to come and continue to provide memorable moments”.
Comparison
Let’s see how the Beoconnect Core features compare with some other popular stand-alone music streamers.
| Beoconnect Core | WiiM Pro Plus | Cambridge Audio MXN10 | Bluesound Node X | |
| MSRP (US) | $1,150 | $219 | $499 | $749 |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (two-way) |
| Streaming Platform | B&O App | Linkplay | StreamMagic Gen 4 | BluOS |
| Chromecast Built-in | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Apple Airplay | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spotify Connect | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tidal Connect | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hi-Res Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MQA | – | – | – | Yes |
| Roon | – | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI-ARC/eARC | Yes | – | – | Yes |
| Wired Inputs | 3.5mm analog/digital combo | Optical | USB | Optical, Analog |
| Wired Outputs | Powerlink USB-C COMM (to B&O speakers) | Analog Line-out Optical Coax | Analog Line-out Optical Coax | Analog Line-out Optical, Coax USB ¼” headphone output |
Price & Availability
Beoconnect Core is available for $1,150 at bang-olufsen.com and in Bang & Olufsen stores.
Also find it for sale at £999 in the UK and €1099 across Europe.
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Julian Crawford
March 19, 2024 at 1:58 am
A good step… but what a waste. No surround sound for full home theater? I already have a Beosound Core. Since I have Sony 75 inch TV, Yamaha RX-3060 Home Theater Receiver, Beolab 1 Speakers for front, Beolab 4000 for rear surround and Beolab 2 subwoofer, I would rather spend my money buying an Almando System for the full Home Theater surround sound integration with my existing B&O speakers. Bang and Olufsen missed the boat and opportunity for a new product to integrate their older high quality speakers for a true home theater experience. SAD. They might want to consider acquiring Almando or a joint marketing partnership with Almando to meet the needs of the Home Theater market for new Bang and Olufsen Speakers and for the large existing installed base of Bang and Olufsen Speakers. As you can tell, I am a big Bang and Olufsen fan and also have Beosound 9000, Beolab 8000 Speakers, 2 Beosystem 4000s and 4 Beolab 4000 Speakers. Any wonder why the Bang and Olufsen continues to struggle?