Bang & Olufsen’s 100th Birthday: Celebrating with Three Iconic Heritage Audio Designs

Celebrate a century of iconic sound with Bang & Olufsen’s heritage audio collection, blending timeless design and cutting-edge tech.

A Century of Sound and Style: The Centennial Collection Unveiled

There’s something truly enchanting about a brand that’s stood the test of time for a full 100 years. Bang & Olufsen, the Danish audio maestro known for making speakers that don’t just sound incredible but look like art, just dropped its Centennial Collection. Let me tell you, these three stunning pieces are making me rethink my entire budget—and maybe my living room layout too.

Launched to mark B&O’s 100th anniversary, this trio of special edition products pays deep homage to the brand’s rich design heritage. You can feel the intention in every detail—from the vintage-inspired color palettes to the subtle commemorative touches that whisper “this is something truly special.”

The Beoplay H100 Headphones: Headphones That Are Mid-Century Chic Meets Modern Mastery

First up on my wishlist: the Beoplay H100 headphones. Honestly, these might be the most beautiful cans I’ve laid eyes on all year. The H100 sports a muted Century Brown finish, offset by a rich Century Red leather headband and accents of Century Blue. Imagine draping a piece of mid-century modern furniture on your head—that’s the vibe here, in the best possible way.

But these aren’t just about looks. Underneath that sleek exterior, the H100 packs 40mm custom titanium drivers nestled behind aluminum grills, Dolby Atmos support, and advanced noise cancellation. Bang & Olufsen boldly claims these are the best headphones they’ve ever created—which is saying a lot for a company with nearly 100 years of audio expertise.

The Beosound A5 Portable Speaker: Portable Speaker Meets Vintage Radio Glam

Next, meet the Beosound A5, a portable speaker that’s serving major vintage radio vibes with a modern twist. Its Century Weave edition rocks a paper raffia weave in beige and chestnut brown—a clever nod to the checkered speaker grills from the 1950s, echoing the look of B&O’s earliest radios.

What fascinates me is how this speaker manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh simultaneously. The Century Weave pattern stretches across the grille, framed by brushed aluminum, with strap and cable details in matching reds and blues. It’s portable audio wrapped in a design that’s more art piece than gadget—something you want front and center in your space.

The Showstopper: Beosound A9 Speaker in Century Blue

And then, there’s the Beosound A9—arguably the crown jewel of this collection. This is no ordinary speaker. Picture a massive, circular marvel draped in Century Blue, featuring Kvadrat’s Centennial Cadence fabric, a natural aluminum ring, and brushed legs. The design pays deliberate homage to B&O’s aesthetics from the 1980s, combining nostalgia with futuristic flair.

If you aren’t familiar with the A9, imagine a bold statement piece that’s recognizable from across the room and unlike anything else on the market. Its modular design means parts can be swapped out, and the software is updateable—this speaker is built for the long haul, a rare gem in a world obsessed with planned obsolescence.

A Thoughtful Tribute: Heritage and Innovation Hand in Hand

What truly captivates me about this collection is how thoughtful every detail is. Each piece carries the commemorative inscription: “A never failing will to create only the best.” This was the creed of B&O’s founders and perfectly ties the modern products back to the brand’s roots in precision engineering and minimalist elegance.

This isn’t just anniversary merch slapped together for the occasion; it’s a genuine reflection of what Bang & Olufsen has always stood for—timeless design married to cutting-edge technology.

Price Tag and Prestige: Worth Every Penny

Of course, with heritage and craftsmanship like this, the price tags are firmly in the high-end category. Here’s the breakdown:

• Beosound A5 Century Weave: $1,750
• Beoplay A9 Century Blue: $5,500
• Beoplay H100 Century Brown: $1,500

Yes, these are investment pieces. But for collectors, design lovers, or anyone who wants more than just another tech gadget, this collection resonates on a different level.

Honoring the Past, Innovating the Future

What I find most impressive about Bang & Olufsen’s Centennial Collection is how the brand honors its storied past without being trapped by it. These aren’t mere replicas or kitschy retro throwbacks. Instead, they’re genuinely modern, cutting-edge products wrapped in colors and textures that pay respectful homage to the brand’s design milestones.

This collection doesn’t just celebrate 100 years of history—it shows B&O’s ongoing commitment to creating audio that’s worth owning, using, and treasuring for the next 100 years.

What do you think of Bang & Olufsen’s approach to blending heritage with innovation? Are these pieces calling your name, or do you prefer modern minimalism with no nods to the past?

FAQ

• How does the Beoplay H100 differ from other wireless headphones?
  The H100 features custom titanium drivers, Dolby Atmos support, and advanced noise cancellation, combining superior sound quality with a vintage-inspired design.
• What makes the Beosound A5’s design unique?
  Its paper raffia weave mimics 1950s radio grills, blending nostalgic aesthetics with modern materials like brushed aluminum for a contemporary yet vintage look.
• Why is the Beosound A9 considered an icon?
  Its massive circular design, modular components, and updateable software make it both a design statement and a future-proof audio solution.
• Are these products limited editions?
  Yes, these are special editions released to celebrate Bang & Olufsen’s 100th anniversary, making them collectible items.
• Is the high price justified for these products?
  For those who value design history, craftsmanship, and innovation, the prices reflect the quality and heritage embedded in each piece.

If you’re inspired by this celebration of audio art, consider shopping your favorite album cover poster at our store—a perfect way to complement your sound system with iconic visuals. Shop now at Architeg Prints.