After just two days with the BO Edge, revisiting the A9 made one thing crystal clear—the Edge still dominates by a landslide. Here’s my deep dive into why:
1. **Sound Projection**: The A9 delivers sound in a single direction, while the Edge flexes its versatility with both single and double-sided modes. Flip it to double-sided, and the music transforms—airy, immersive, and radiating in all directions like a 360-degree soundscape.
2. **Bass & Soundstage**: The Edge packs a punch with its 10-inch bass driver and a roomier, more efficient sound chamber. The result? Deep, elastic bass that resonates—no dull, mechanical thuds here. The A9’s sleek disc might look impressive, but its curved, thin edges cramp the actual sound chamber. With only an 8-inch driver, it falls short in bass depth and elasticity, and the mids-highs lack the Edge’s delicate, sweet sparkle.
3. **Bass Port Tech**: The A9 sticks to a fixed bass port, while the Edge’s active port stays shut below 60% volume, kicking in when you crank it up. This means crisp, powerful bass even at lower volumes—where the A9 struggles with weak, muddy lows.
4. **Build & Heat Management**: The Edge’s large aluminum alloy surface isn’t just sleek—it keeps things cool. The A9’s all-plastic body? After extended use, it heats up noticeably.
**But let’s be real—the A9 wins in looks**. The Edge’s minimalist design is functional (helping it stay compact while maximizing sound chamber space) but lacks flair. The A9 reigns as the flagship of B&O’s Play (mid-to-low-end) series, while the Edge leads the Sound (mid-to-high-end) lineup. The sound quality gap is intentional, yet the A9’s stunning design has driven its popularity—and price—sky-high.
Meanwhile, the Edge, despite its prowess, hasn’t seen the same hype, even dropping in cost. Now, their prices are neck-and-neck—or even flipped. Proof that beauty sells.
Naomi Banks 
Willa Roberts 
Hazel Snyder