B2 > B&O Beosound Level via Wifi or Bluetooth

[Paul Hetherington]

Hi

I'd like to 'stream' to my B&O Beosound Level wifi+bluetooth speaker.

I've seen there are posts advising on connecting to B&O products, but I'm not technically fluent - so if anyone can advise on the steps required to achieve this, it would be appreciated.

Bluetooth would be preferred, as I do not always have a wifi signal in the places where I wish to play.

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Bluetooth is very limited in the range (area) it covers, much less than WiFi. 

Your B2 works best with an Ethernet or WiFi connection (it can work using the front controls or remote without), so if where you want to use the B2 and Bluetooth is out of range of your house WiFi your experience may not be the best (especially as control for Bluetooth is best done from the web UI).

You should also be aware that Brennan no longer markets its unit with "Bluetooth Out" - the functionality is there and it may work OK but it could also be problematic.

If you really need Bluetooth it is best to use the B2's optical output to a DAC which delivers Bluetooth.

Hope this helps, Fred

[Dennis]

On Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 9:11:07 AM UTC-4 fred.w....@gmail.com wrote:

You should also be aware that Brennan no longer markets its unit with "Bluetooth Out" - the functionality is there and it may work OK but it could also be problematic.

I think this is no longer true since the B2B firmware was introduced. See here:  https://thebrennan.com/pages/bluetooth-1

B2 has a Bluetooth Out function - it can play music to a Bluetooth speaker instead of the wired speakers. Early B2s had trouble with some Bluetooth loudspeakers. So if you have an early B2 you may need to get a new SD card. The software version on the info display shows B2B on the latest SD Card.

There may still be a few incompatible speakers out there - so no guarantees - check the forum for known good/bad speakers.

 

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

I may be wrong but it is my understanding that even with B2B, Bluetooth is still not marketed because it would be very difficult to keep up with developing Bluetooth standards without changing/upgrading the underlying version of Linux operating system. 

It is cleaner to use the B2's optical output to a DAC with comprehensive Bluetooth capability (and coverage/strength).

Fred

[Dennis]

Bluetooth Out is unambiguously listed as a feature, today, on Brennan's own website. The link is in my previous reply. I see no reason to make excuses for them if the product does not perform as described.

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Hi Denis,

Well I just looked and found this

Which covers Bluetooth IN but not OUT.

And ig you look on the Audio Connections page

I can not see a mention of connecting to Bluetooth speakers!

And if you go to the Bluetooth page

You will find this.

I think this proves what I was saying, and I rather resent your implication that I am "make excuses for them" - I was and am just reflecting what Brennan are saying in their documentation and my experiences using my B2.

Fred

[PMB]

Hi Paul,

Make sure your B2 has the 'B2B' version of the software - press INFO on the remote twice to see this on the B2 or click the COG wheel icon on the web UI to it there - so for example B2B Oct 22 2021 - if not please email us on -  thebrennanb2  @  gmail  .  com  - no spaces.

I find the web UI is the best way to setup a Bluetooth connection - 

Open a web UI page >> click the COG wheel icon >> click the Bluetooth tab >> make sure your B&O is in Bluetooth discovery mode (check the manual for how to do this) >> click 'Scan Bluetooth' on the web UI - you may have to repeat if the B&O is not listed first time >> click 'pair' for the B&O >> when paired, click the 'Out' box.

If the B2 and B&O pair but there is no sound, try clearing all previous Bluetooth pairings from the B&O - check the manual or online for how to do this >> click on 'Reset Bluetooth' >> repeat the above procedure

Paul

Brennan Support.