A Sound Investment: Bang & Olufsen Launch the Beosound A1 3rd Gen

Bang & Olufsen doesn’t just make speakers. It makes statements. Its latest offering, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen, continues that tradition with the kind of precision and style more commonly associated with a heritage watchmaker than a Bluetooth speaker brand. And that’s precisely why it deserves a place in The Rakish Gent.

Designed in collaboration with Danish minimalist Cecilie Manz, the A1 3rd Gen speaker takes its aesthetic cues from the clean lines and subtle presence of Scandinavian design. Think of it as the desk accessory equivalent of a 38mm field watch on a suede strap—understated, tactile, and functional, without ever shouting for attention.

But while it looks the part, this isn’t just a styling exercise. There’s substance behind the form. Under the pearl-blasted aluminium shell is the largest woofer in its class, giving the A1 3rd Gen a deeper, room-filling bass than its predecessor. The performance upgrade is akin to swapping a quartz for an automatic movement—you might not see the difference, but you’ll feel it. The improved Bass SPL (now 64dB) and 24-hour battery life mean this speaker holds its own, whether you're hosting at home or playing DJ at a weekend retreat.

Then there's the approach to longevity. In a world increasingly obsessed with disposable tech, B&O takes a different route—designing for repairability, modularity, and long-term ownership. With a 10-year service life, a replaceable battery, and Cradle to Cradle Certified® credentials, it aligns with the kind of slow luxury that’s gaining ground in menswear—tailoring, heritage denim, Goodyear welted shoes, and now, portable sound.

From a design standpoint, details matter. The updated aluminium strap lock, IP67 waterproof rating, and natural palette of colourways—Natural Aluminium, Honey Tone, and Eucalyptus Green—mean it won’t look out of place next to your weekender bag, your Berluti leather folio, or a linen suit in Amalfi.

It’s smart, too. A three-microphone array ensures you can actually take work calls from your beach chair. Bluetooth 5.1, Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair mean seamless setup across devices—crucial if your rotation spans Android and iOS like your wardrobe might switch between Saint Laurent and Sunspel.

For £299, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen doesn’t just compete with other speakers. It rivals the modern man’s other essential daily carry pieces—built to last, quietly confident, and always dressed appropriately.

Available now at Bang & Olufsen stores and bang-olufsen.com.