Bang & Olufsen Unveils Beosystem 9000c
Bang & Olufsen today announced the return of a classic with the launch of the Beosystem 9000c music system. The new system includes a completely restored and redesigned Beosound 9000 CD player from the 1990s, combined with modern Beolab 28 speakers for a rich listening experience.
Success of Previous Recreated Classics
Following the success of the Beogram 4000c turntable in 2020, the Beosystem 9000c is the second project in the recreated classics series. This series highlights Bang & Olufsen’s dedication to creating products that endure through time.
Commitment to Longevity
“With our Recreated Classics series, we showcase Bang & Olufsen’s unique capabilities in sound, design, and craftsmanship,” says Mads Kogsgaard Hansen, Head of Product Circularity & Portfolio Planning at Bang & Olufsen. “We aim to show that a second-life product can be as appealing as a new one, proving that high-quality items like the Beosound 9000 don’t need an expiration date.”
Celebrating Physical Media
Mads continues, “Beyond demonstrating our dedication to product longevity, we wanted to celebrate the resurgence of physical media in recent years. Vinyl records and CDs have become special again, with people investing time and energy to connect with the music and artists they love. This launch is about keeping listening choices vibrant and available.”
Restoration Process
Bang & Olufsen has sourced 200 units of the original Beosound 9000 CD player and returned them to their factory in Struer, Denmark. The same place where they were originally created in 1996. The CD players are disassembled and thoroughly inspected by skilled technicians, including many who originally worked on them in the 1990s, using the same workshop tables from 1996. Each component is meticulously cleaned and repaired, and after inspection, every Beosound 9000 is individually tested and fine-tuned to meet Bang & Olufsen’s stringent standards.
Modern Design Enhancements
Building on the original CD player’s design, the new Beosystem 9000c features inverted deep black and natural aluminium finishes. The Beolab 28 speakers are a world-first premier design, featuring Natural Aluminium lamellas and a Cosmic Black aluminium base with deep black surfaces, creating infinite depth and layers.
Maintaining Original Integrity
“We wanted to enhance the graphic edge of Beosound 9000 whilst maintaining the integrity of the original design. To do this, we introduced a Cosmic Black finish to Beosound 9000’s aluminium back plate so that the CDs stand out even more as artworks which was Lewis’ original design intention. This creates a stark contrast against the Natural Aluminium on the control panel, creating a bold and modern finish whilst referencing the 90’s aesthetic of the original CD player. The result is timeless and showcases that even though the two products were designed in different decades, they become closely related through the application of colours, materials and finishes”
Tiina Kierysch
Head of Design at Bang & Olufsen
Expertise in Aluminium Craftsmanship
The Beosystem 9000c highlights Bang & Olufsen’s skill in aluminium craftsmanship. To achieve the various finishes, the aluminium is hairline brushed, etched, and pearl-blasted at Bang & Olufsen’s Factory 5 in Struer, Denmark. All aluminium elements are original parts that have been re-machined and re-anodised to unify the products, despite their age difference.
The Iconic Beosound 9000
The Beosound 9000, first introduced in 1996, featured a six-CD changer with built-in AM/FM radio. Designed by David Lewis, the system aimed for long life and desirability, showcasing the idea of ‘autovisuality’ where music is displayed for users to see and connect with. His long and successful collaboration with Bang & Olufsen stemmed from their shared philosophy of longevity, simplifying technology to champion original ideas and designs. According to legend, Lewis got the idea while walking past a record store in London where six CDs were displayed in a row in the window. This inspired his concept of displaying album art in a linear fashion instead of hiding it in a black box.
Magical Mechanical Movements
Bang & Olufsen is known for creating magical moments, and the Beosound 9000 is no exception. The CD clamper’s linear movement is a complex construction that enables quick and silent transitions between discs. It moves from the first to the sixth CD, holds it, reads the information, and begins playback within seconds. With the Beosound 9000, auto-positioning was not necessary for its function, but it added a magical touch, allowing users to always read the text on the CD. The motorized glass lid of the Beosound 9000 opens and closes uniformly, whether lying down, standing up, or hanging on the wall. Two optical sensors and a digital timer control ensure the door opens and closes within 3.5 – 4.0 seconds.
Advanced Features
When you switch on the Beosystem 9000c, the Beolab 28 speakers’ curtains slide aside, ready to deliver powerful sound. The system includes a Beoremote One for control, or users can control it via the Beolab 28 speakers or a smartphone. The speakers offer narrow and wide beam modes, enhancing the listening experience.
Wireless Connectivity
The Beosystem 9000c supports Airplay 2, Chromecast, and Bluetooth 5.0. The Beolab 28 speakers’ physical interface lights up when approached, allowing users to control playback, skip tracks, and adjust volume. Four favourite buttons enable quick access to preferred radio stations or playlists.
Pricing & Availability
The Beosystem 9000c Recreated Classic in Cosmic Black/Natural Aluminium will be available in a limited edition of 200 units for 50,000 EUR. It will be showcased at select Bang & Olufsen stores worldwide and available for purchase from April 24, 2024.
YOU ASKED…
What is the Beosystem 9000c?
The Beosystem 9000c is a restored and modernized version of the Beosound 9000 CD player, paired with the Beolab 28 speakers, offering a contemporary listening experience.
How many units of the Beosystem 9000c will be available?
Only 200 units of the Beosystem 9000c will be available, making it a limited edition release.
When will the Beosystem 9000c be available for purchase?
The Beosystem 9000c will be available for purchase from April 24, 2024, at select Bang & Olufsen stores worldwide.
What are the features of the Beolab 28 speakers?
The Beolab 28 speakers offer narrow and wide beam modes, wireless connectivity options like Airplay 2, Chromecast, and Bluetooth 5.0, and a physical interface for playback and volume control.
Editor’s Note: All listed prices were correct at the time of publication. This article contains editorial selections and paid partnerships. Please note that this article may contain some affiliate links to products and we may receive a commission for selected purchases.
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