The Danes certainly have a knack for design controversy. That felt almost dirty to write. We’re big fans of modern Danish design, particularly because of their exceptional use of wood, which is always distinctive and thoughtfully integrated into their creations. But the new Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance Natura Wireless Loudspeakers might be an Øresund Bridge too far.
Beosound Balance
The Beosound Balance was first introduced in 2020 as a wireless loudspeaker that projects sound in a 360-degree (omnidirectional) pattern. The Balance incorporates seven drivers and outputs up to 850 watts of power.
The Beosound Balance provides streaming over Wi-Fi, with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Google Chromecast included. You can set up each as a smart speaker with either Alexa or Google Assistant, and take advantage of voice commands.
For setup, the Balance includes active room compensation. This is done via built-in microphones that allow the speaker to analyze room acoustics and adjusts the sound coming form the speakers accordingly.
Where the Natura Label Comes In
The original Beosound Balance incorporated a solid oak wood base that provides both a pleasing visual look and a stable platform for the speaker. Nothing has changed with that aspect of the original and current version of the speakers.
However, Bang & Olufsen just added a dramatic new option as part of its Atelier Bespoke program. In partnership with Antolini, an Italian natural stone brand, the Beosound Balance is being offered with a new pedestal design that replaces the oak wood base with a dramatic sculptured stone base.
The stone base options include quartz from Antolini’s Exclusive Collection and petrified wood from the Precioustone Collection, including Cristallo Iceberg, Cristallo Vitrum ‘Wow,’ and Cristallo Rosa ‘Wow’ quartz, and fossilized woods Retro Grey, Retro Brown, and Retro Fancyblack. These materials offer unique translucency and depth, enhancing the interplay of light, texture, and sound.
To integrate the design of the speaker with the stone pedestal, Bang & Olufsen has design an anodized aluminum ring that is placed between the two.
This variation continues Bang & Olufsen’s tradition of blending form, function, and luxury in their audio products while offering a unique visual appeal. The stone pedestal not only elevates the speaker’s appearance but also helps in enhancing sound quality by providing a stable and resonant base.
The Bottom Line
Bang & Olufsen has done a lot in recent years to change the opinion of audiophiles that its loudspeakers offer a lot more than just modernist design and similar features available in a growing range of wireless loudspeakers.
The brand has unveiled a number of successful collaborations with premium brands like Ferrari and wisely walked away from its shopping mall retail strategy that did little to raise its awareness with those who can actually afford its products.
Sound quality has become a huge focus and we’ve been impressed with its portable speakers and rather unique soundbar system.
We’re just not entirely convinced that the Beosound Balance Natura will sway high-end customers with its stone bases and petrified wood options. With new wireless speakers like the Pantheone I that also utilizes a 360-degree omni-directional design enclosed in a very inert and curved resin enclosure retailing for only $2,999 USD — the B&O speaker looks dated and overpriced. We just reviewed the Pantheone I and it’s one of the best wireless speakers we have tried so far.
Availability
The Beosound Balance Natura will be on display at the 2025 Milan Design Week from April 10th through April 13th. However, only a limited collection of 16 unique speakers will be produced, with each custom made to order. Final pricing was not released.
The original Beosound Balance remains available in solid oak wood, black oak, or white marble, priced from $3,300 to $3,900 (depending on finish) through Bang & Olufsen and Amazon.
Related Reading
- Bang & Olufsen’s New Atelier Program Offers One-of-a-Kind Customization of Its Beosound 2 Gradient Collection
- Bang & Olufsen Announces The 2nd Edition Ferrari Collection: Preview
- Bang & Olufsen’s Ferrari Collection Will Have You Seeing Red in a Good Way
- Bang & Olufsen’s Beosystem 9000c Goes Back to the Future
Anton
April 4, 2025 at 12:48 pm
Hideous looking. Even for Bang & Olufsen.
Who buys this overpriced and ugly crap?
Ian White
April 4, 2025 at 5:58 pm
Anton,
The speaker isn’t the issue. It’s actually a rather good wireless speaker on its own. But it’s $3,000 without the base. I think the base adds a few thousand dollars to the price which is somewhat ridiculous.
IW