The Bang & Olufsen Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition is a made-to-order masterpiece that merges high-end audio engineering with experimental material science. Priced at approximately $5,800 (€5,000 / £4,450), this special edition reimagines the iconic conical speaker with a "burnout" finish inspired by the scorching heat of atmospheric re-entry. While the internal hardware remains consistent with the legendary Beosound 2—offering 360-degree sound and advanced acoustic lens technology—the exterior is a unique artifact of chemistry, ensuring that no two units are identical.

The Alchemy of a Happy Accident

Most luxury products strive for perfection through uniformity, but the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition finds its soul in a controlled failure. The origin of this collaboration traces back to a serendipitous discovery at Bang & Olufsen’s legendary Factory 5 in Struer, Denmark. Martin Schmidt, an anodization specialist, was attempting to create a deep, flawless black finish on a test piece of aluminum. Instead of the expected monochromatic surface, the metal emerged from the chemical bath with textured swirls of grey, grainy patterns, and dark streaks.

To a traditional quality controller, this was a defect. To Kresten Bjørn Krab-Bjerre, B&O’s Creative Director for Atelier, it was a breakthrough. The visual language of the "failed" piece evoked the aesthetic of space exploration—specifically the charred, weathered look of a space capsule that has survived the intense friction of returning to Earth. This "burnout" effect became the cornerstone of the partnership with Vollebak, a brand renowned for pushing the limits of clothing technology with materials like graphene and copper.

Developing the process to replicate this effect consistently, yet unpredictably, took months of research. The finishers had to manipulate edge-case parameters in the anodization process—shifting voltages, electrolyte temperatures, and surface preparation—to encourage these organic, chaotic patterns to form within the metal itself.

The Material Science of Factory 5

To understand why the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition is more than just a painted speaker, one must understand the physics of anodization. Unlike paint or powder coating, which sits on top of a surface and can chip away, anodizing transforms the aluminum at a molecular level.

In the electrified vats of Factory 5, aluminum parts are submerged in a mixture of water and sulfuric acid. When a specific electric current is applied, oxygen ions bond with the metal surface to create a hard, porous layer of aluminum oxide. This layer is roughly one-tenth the thickness of a human hair but is incredibly tough and corrosion-resistant.

During the process for the Vollebak Edition, dye molecules are introduced into these microscopic pores. In a standard production run, the goal is total saturation for a uniform color. For the Vollebak Edition, however, the process is interrupted and manipulated. The resulting "Scorched Silver" finish locks the swirling pigments deep inside the protective oxide shell. Once sealed, the finish is virtually scratch-proof and permanent. In our physical examination of the device, the texture appears to have a three-dimensional depth; it looks like frozen smoke or cosmic fire trapped within the metallic grain.

360-Degree Sound Powered by Acoustic Lens Technology

While the exterior tells a story of cosmic survival, the interior remains a pinnacle of acoustic fidelity. The Beosound 2 has long been praised for its ability to fill a room with sound regardless of its placement, a feat achieved through a unique driver architecture.

The Driver Configuration

Hidden beneath the extruded aluminum shell is a sophisticated 4-driver setup, each powered by its own dedicated Class D amplifier:

  • One ¾" Tweeter: Positioned at the very top, firing downward into an acoustic lens.
  • Two 2" Mid-range Drivers: Mounted back-to-back to provide a rich, full-bodied middle frequency.
  • One 5 ¼" Woofer: Located at the base, firing downward to utilize the surface it stands on for low-end reinforcement.

This configuration allows the speaker to produce a frequency range of 33 to 23,400 Hz. In our testing environment, the bass response is surprisingly authoritative for a device of its footprint, reaching a maximum loudness of 94 dB SPL. The low frequencies don't just radiate; they anchor the soundstage, providing a tactile thump that feels balanced rather than boomy.

Acoustic Lens Technology

The defining feature of B&O’s high-end speakers is the Acoustic Lens. In the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition, the tweeter’s output is directed into a conical lens that disperses high frequencies in a horizontal 180-degree arc (which, combined with the overall design, creates a 360-degree field). This eliminates the "sweet spot" problem typical of traditional speakers. Whether you are standing directly in front of the device or across the room at an angle, the clarity of the high-frequency detail remains remarkably consistent.

Adaptive Room Calibration and Intuitive Control

One of the challenges of a 360-degree speaker is how it interacts with the room's boundaries. A speaker placed in the middle of a hall sounds very different from one tucked into a corner. To solve this, the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition features active room compensation. Upon setup, the speaker uses its internal microphones to map the acoustic reflections of its surroundings. It then applies a digital filter to the signal to ensure that the bass doesn't become muddy and the mids stay crisp, regardless of whether it’s sitting on a marble countertop or a wooden floor.

The user interface of the Beosound 2 is equally avant-garde. The top of the speaker is a touch-sensitive disc. To adjust the volume, you don't press a button; you spin the top of the aluminum cone like a high-precision dial. The resistance is perfectly tuned, providing a tactile experience that matches the industrial beauty of the object. Proximity sensors detect your approach, causing the interface to light up only when you are near, maintaining the speaker's monolithic, sculptural appearance when not in use.

Connectivity and the Mozart Platform

Despite its primitive, "relic-like" appearance, the Vollebak Edition is a highly connected piece of modern technology. It is built on Bang & Olufsen’s Mozart platform, which is designed for longevity and modularity. The platform ensures that the speaker can be updated to support new streaming protocols as they emerge.

Currently, the speaker supports a vast array of connectivity options:

  • Apple AirPlay 2
  • Spotify Connect
  • Google Cast (Chromecast built-in)
  • Tidal Connect
  • B&O Radio and Deezer
  • Bluetooth 5.3

This ensures that the speaker fits seamlessly into any existing smart home ecosystem. Furthermore, the Mozart platform is designed so that the streaming module can be replaced in the future if technology evolves beyond current capabilities, a rare commitment to sustainability in the world of luxury electronics.

The Vollebak Vision: From Jackets to Spaceshops

To understand the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition, one must understand Vollebak’s role. The British brand, founded by twin brothers Nick and Steve Tidball, treats clothing like aerospace engineering. They have created jackets made of 11 kilometers of copper to kill viruses and hoodies designed to last 100 years.

The collaboration with B&O was launched alongside the "Vollebak Spaceshop," a mobile structure designed by SAGA Space Architects. This 1,000-kg aluminum installation traveled across Europe, showcasing the intersection of sound, light, and extreme materials. The interior of the Spaceshop featured the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition alongside the massive Beolab 5 towers, creating an immersive, otherworldly environment.

As a companion to the speaker, Vollebak also released the "Anodised Jacket." This garment uses a galvanic treatment similar to the speaker’s finish, fusing a layer of metal to a ripstop fabric. It reflects 97% of body heat and provides a stealth-like aesthetic that mirrors the "burnout" pattern of the speaker. This holistic approach to the collaboration—blending wearable tech with home audio—positions the Beosound 2 not just as a piece of equipment, but as part of a futuristic lifestyle.

Is the Vollebak Edition Worth the Investment?

At $5,800, the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition is significantly more expensive than the standard Beosound 2 (which typically retails around $3,000 - $3,500). The question for potential buyers is whether the aesthetic and exclusivity justify the premium.

For the audiophile who prioritizes sound quality alone, the standard edition offers the exact same performance. However, the Vollebak Edition is aimed at the "collector of experiences"—those who view their home environment as a gallery of innovation.

The value proposition of this edition lies in three areas:

  1. Uniqueness: Because the "burnout" process is inherently unpredictable, you are purchasing a one-off work of art. The specific swirls on your unit will never be seen on another.
  2. Material Legacy: B&O’s Factory 5 is arguably the world’s most advanced aluminum facility. Owning a piece that represents their most experimental work is a point of pride for design enthusiasts.
  3. Future-Proofing: The combination of a virtually indestructible exterior and a modular software platform makes this a "legacy" purchase that can be passed down for decades.

In a world of mass-produced, plastic smart speakers that are destined for landfills in five years, the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition stands as a defiant counter-argument. It is heavy (4.1 kg), it is made of solid metal, and it looks like it could survive a trip to Mars and back.

Summary of the Collaboration

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition is a rare example of a collaboration where the narrative and the material science are as compelling as the product itself. By embracing the beauty of chemical "errors," B&O and Vollebak have created an audio device that feels ancient and futuristic at the same time. While its acoustic performance is world-class, its true triumph is the "Burnout" finish—a permanent, molecular record of an experimental moment in a Danish factory. For those who can afford the entry price, it offers a sensory experience that no other speaker on the market can replicate.

FAQ

What is the difference between the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition and the standard version?

Technically, they are identical in terms of drivers, amplifiers, and connectivity. The difference is purely aesthetic and conceptual. The Vollebak Edition features a custom "burnout" anodized finish that is unique to each unit, whereas standard versions come in uniform finishes like Gold Tone, Natural, or Black Anthracite.

How do I clean the "Burnout" finish?

Because the finish is a result of anodization (an oxide layer), it is extremely durable and scratch-resistant. A soft, dry cloth is usually sufficient for dusting. Avoid abrasive cleaners, as they could potentially mar the texture over long periods, though the finish is chemically bonded to the metal.

Can the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition be used outdoors?

While the aluminum shell is highly corrosion-resistant, the Beosound 2 is designed as a mains-powered indoor speaker. It does not have an internal battery and is not rated for water resistance (IP rating). It is best suited for indoor living spaces or well-protected sunrooms.

How do I order the Vollebak Edition?

This is a made-to-order item. It is available through Vollebak’s official online store and select Bang & Olufsen Atelier channels. Due to the custom nature of the anodization process, lead times may be longer than standard B&O products.

Does it support voice assistants?

Yes, the Beosound 2 hardware supports integration with Google Assistant (depending on the specific regional version), allowing for voice control over music playback and smart home devices.

What is the "Mozart" platform mentioned in the specs?

Mozart is Bang & Olufsen’s internal software platform designed to ensure product longevity. It uses a modular design, meaning the processing and streaming unit can be upgraded in the future, preventing the speaker from becoming obsolete as streaming technologies change.