Short answer: the Denon Envaya DSB-250BT for better sound quality, the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen for the lower price. The Denon Envaya DSB-250BT ranks #5 of 136 medium speakers at $250. The B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen ranks #10 at $200, $50 cheaper.
The case for the Denon Envaya DSB-250BT: One of the early Bluetooth speakers with excellent all-around sound quality, very neutral and great soundstage. The tradeoff: Expensive.
What the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen gets right: More neutral than the first A1. The catch: Not stereo.
Buy the Denon Envaya DSB-250BT if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Denon Envaya DSB-250BT | B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 Discontinued | $200 |
| Ranked | #5 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #10 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 13 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms | 90ms |
| Max Volume | 97dB | 93dB |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs / 750 g | 1.2 lbs / 558 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX, AAC | AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Charging Time | 3.5 hours | - |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers + passive radiator | 3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter |
| Output Power | 27W | - |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | - |
| Dimensions | 7.9" x 3" x 2.9" (200 x 77 x 74 mm) (W x H x D) | - |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Denon Envaya DSB-250BT: $250 Discontinued
Pros: One of the early Bluetooth speakers with excellent all-around sound quality, very neutral and great soundstage. Deep bass without distortion at high volumes. IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. USB charging port charges mobile devices. Built-in stand on back for sturdy tilted positioning.
Cons: Expensive. Treble is rolled off. Phantom battery drain issue, would not recommend these days. Uses some stereo enhancement reverb that can sound weird to some. Not as detailed as higher ranked speakers. Discontinued.
Full Denon Envaya DSB-250BT review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz |
| Battery Life | 13 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX, AAC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.9" x 3" x 2.9" (200 x 77 x 74 mm) (W x H x D) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers + passive radiator |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 97dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 27W |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs / 750 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Beoplay A1 Denon 250bt JBL Flip 5 Anker Flare 2
- Alan Ross Reviews: Bose Soundlink Flex or JBL Flip 6 (eq adjusted) or Denon Envaya - best speaker for travel!
- Alan Ross Reviews: Marshall Stockwell 2 vs Denon 250bt - little and large? 🙈
- Reddit Search for Denon Envaya DSB-250BT Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Denon Envaya DSB-250BT vs Minirig 4
- Denon Envaya DSB-250BT vs Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021
- Denon Envaya DSB-250BT vs Soundcore Motion+
- Denon Envaya DSB-250BT vs Minirig 3
- Denon Envaya DSB-250BT vs Soundcore Motion 300
- Denon Envaya DSB-250BT vs B&O Beosound A1
- Denon Envaya DSB-250BT vs Turtlebox Ranger
- Denon Envaya DSB-250BT vs KEF Muo gen2
B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen: $200 Amazon
Pros: More neutral than the first A1
Cons: Not stereo. Not as deep bass as the A1. Pumping sound artifacts above 60% volume, only good for lower listening levels.
Full B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth Latency | 90ms |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Drivers | 3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 93dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 558 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reddit Search for B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen Review
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