The CD returns to its original position
The discs are easily loaded and held by spring suspended jaws. Discs not in play can be replaced without interrupting the playback. The auto-positioning feature ensures that CDs are always returned to the position in which they were first placed. With the CDs visible and positioned correctly, there is easy access to the text information printed on the label. The glass-covered natural aluminium plate holds the CDs and the rails for the CD carriage, while a backlit acrylic plate illuminates the CD currently playing.
Glass cover to counteract gravity
BeoSound 9000 offers unprecedented flexibility for a product of this type, and to ensure the same uniform movement of the glass cover regardless of the placement of BeoSound 9000 vertically or horizontally, upright or flat. To counteract the effect of gravity, a digital time control constantly monitors the movement of the cover and adjusts the motor, keeping the complete movement within 3.5 and 4 seconds.
Safety first
Such an abundance of fast moving mechanics means that special measures have been taken to ensure that BeoSound 9000 is safe to operate. Small prismatic lenses are placed at each end of the aluminium frame, controlling an infrared beam across the front of BeoSound 9000. If the beam is violated, the CD clamper will stop immediately.
If the glass door is lifted while the clamper is in motion, it will decelerate immediately. A power failure feature ensures that the clamper is not damaged in a gravitational free-fall, if BeoSound 9000 is mounted vertically.
Ingenious engineering solutions and intricate mechanical movements in a product that continues to surprise and delight users today – and all this from the inspiration of old vinyl records spinning on the record player’s turntable.
The unit may be played in one of seven different positions. In each one, gravity has a different effect on the CD clamper (the aluminium ‘arm’ which rests over each CD when it is being read), yet it still works with the same precision and speed: a good example of how Bang & Olufsen uses technology to overcome acceptable limitations. Place BeoSound 9000 upright in a bookcase, lay it flat on a shelf or hang it directly on the wall – either vertically or horizontally. It can stand, for example, between a pair of BeoLab 1 or BeoLab 8000 loudspeakers (as above), or with any other speaker in the BeoLab range. With BeoSound 9000, the possibilities – and the enjoyment – are endless!
BeoSound 9000 starts with the technical excellence of the CD, but moves on from its limitations. A couple of good old-fashioned mechanical virtues make a welcome comeback. You can see it work and understand how it reacts when you touch its buttons. Or you can sit back with your Beo4 remote control and browse through over 7 hours of musical pleasure.
BeoSound 9000 makes a virtue of displaying the features that so many manufacturers try to hide away” welcoming the user with open arms to use it.
Features
BeoSound 9000 works so fast and so quietly that the change-over between two CDs seems no longer than the normal interval between tracks. Using the inaudible initial lead information on the discs, each CD can be named and memorised, and will be left in the same position as it was loaded, with its title clearly legible. Enter up to 200 titles in the memory and they’ll appear on the display whenever one of those CDs is played.
The FM/AM radio has memory for up to 60 stations which can be identified by their names instead of their frequency numbers. Set the timer and wake up to your favourite programmed CD sequence or radio station.
The fine art of control of BeoSound 9000
Lift the lid on BeoSound 9000 and the extensive control panel with timer, editing and sound adjustment operations is at hand. Since the BeoSound 9000 can be placed in a great number of positions, the control panel can turn as you prefer. The display follows the same orientation, of course!
So what’s the difference between the different BeoSound 9000 versions?
- The MK I model is not upgradeable for N-Music
- The MK II model is upgradeable
- The MK III has a different CD mechanism and PIN code security. The glass plate has also undergone several updates as the earlier ones tended to come loose