WIthout telling the fine individuals in Struer how to do their jobs, I think the Beosound 5 was the complete wrong direction. Five years ago it would have been advanced but the user experience is clunky and is not a particularly compatible with Apple in terms of understanding (basically, you have to relearn something to complete the same functions). 

I actually think that the BeoPlay A9 is much more in the direction that B&O should be heading. Their older receivers had a simple user interface with dials, button and easy to read digital screens. B&O should focus on what they do best, sound, and leave the interfaces to others who are a little more experienced. The A9 is the perfect fusion as you get the B&O (or do we have to call it BeoPlay?) sound and design without all the messiness of a separate interface. 

Taking this to the next level, a system of whole-room sound that would be completely wireless and play through AirPlay would be awesome. You walk in, select your song from your device, and listen. 

Also, on a side note, I was told by an employee at the NYC SoHo B&O store last year that I could not play music via AirPlay into a Beosound 5. I was appalled! In my apartment right now I have the airfoil application on my iMac which is connected to a Beomaster 2400 and a set of S45s and a set of CX100s.... all equipment that is at least 20 years old. 

I am very interested in what other have to add. 

Wade

You can do exactly the same with the BeoSound 5 via usb-line in!

And with several A9's you can create "a system of whole-room sound" using Airfoil on your iMac!

Greetings MM

MM,

Great points! I guess what I was getting at is that I'd like to see something more innovative using Airplay/Airfoil. 

As for the line-in on the Beosound 5.... for that amount of money I would hope to see something nicer than what I can create with a system made up of 20+ year old B&O equipment (not talking sound quality but rather functionality).

Wade

I think that BS5 is a possible answer. In my humble view, there will not be one single solution to create the fusion between tactile, beautiful design and digital. Given the lifecycle of digital media, BS 5 is soldiering on quite nicely... However, interfaces develop, great to see that the quest for creativity continues. Not many companies push this development and not many try with concepts bridging old and new. BS5 could be enhanced by releasing mlgw capabilities without the cost of it.

We shall hope and look forward to the next B&O sound system that takes digital and design further.  Especially in a time when the not so desired alternative may be a simple looking music processor chip with embedded functions and the looks of a candy bar...

seethroughyou wrote:

How do you combine glass, aluminium and moving bits with digital music if Bs5 is not the way?

I stuck a hidden Airport Express on the AUX of my BS9000.

Job Done.

If the audio quality of the AE is not acceptable -add a Cambridge DAC or similar to the mix.

We are using a BS900 to play FM Radio and CDs.

Both is still required. Family wants to make the Radio Play when pressing RADIO on the Beo 4.
CDs from time to time.

Using Sonos with ipad (great user interace) to Access Internet Music (spotify) and MP3 files (stored on NAS).

Best of both worlds

B&O should try to integrate this into one device.

We are thinking about selling the BS9000 and use a Beomaster/Beogram CD Combo again (White Beosystem 6500/7000),
Take less space, but design not as iconic as BS9000.

Ralf

PS: I know, no hi-res files with the sonos ... but I don't care...

kallasr wrote:

B&O should try to integrate this into one device.

That is what I wrote...

People will still use their tablets / smart-phones to control the digital music.

Ralf