ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Hello BeoWorlders!
The new Beosound Essence is a handy music controller, and while its wall-mounting option seems perfect, I am not so sure about the table-top version, where the Essence is mounted on a slab. The slab IS handy for keeping the Essence on an armrest of a sofa or other not completely flat, steady surfaces. However, I find it lacking in design and ergonomics, when placed on a table-top or a counter-top. The slab has an unnecessarily large footprint, and all the controls are facing upwards, not towards the user.
So I came up with an alternative idea for a table-top stand design for Beosound Essence, something for example STBbrackets could produce:
A simple, black, angled (slanted) round, cast-iron base, on top of which the Essence (wall-mount version) would be fixed. The diameter of the stand would be the same as the diameter of the Essence control unit. If you think of the table-top stand for Beosound 5, and you get the idea:
Benefits:
- controls are facing towards the user on the table, making the Essence more accessible and pleasant to use
- the footprint of the controller on a table is much smaller
- cast-iron material with non-sliding bottom (rubber?) would make it steady and sturdy to operate
- it's still small enough to pick up in hand and move around
- it has similarity in design to the Beosound 5 table-top stand: Beosound Essence with the suggested stand would somewhat resemble a table-top mounted Beosound 5, without the display part.
Also in wood?
The rounded, angled base could also made out of wood, which seems to be a new trend in materials at B&O. The wooden version would simply require a lead / iron core fixed inside the base to add weight and stability (the metal core would of course not be visible in the wooden version).
Viability as an accessory?
I'd buy this smaller, cast-iron table-top stand for Essence over B&O's "slab version" in a heartbeat – as a matter of fact, if no one else will produce it, I’ll have a couple of them custom made for myself.
It is simpler in design, has smaller footprint and the controller knob is angled forward (easier to operate than pointing up) — and, as I said, it has a design resemblance to the Beosound 5 table-top stand both in looks and material. This version would give customers the choice between it or B&O’s version, or opt for both depending on placement of Beosound Essence around the house. Also, the customer would need to buy only one version of Beosound Essence (wall-mount version) and decide wether to fix it on a wall or use it on the iron base on a table, making the wall-mount version a more flexible choice.
What do you think?
Could there be any interest in this alternative version among Essence buyers?
KMA
B&O product history since 1991: Ridiculously long to list in a signature.
Livingroom: BL3, BL11, BV11-46 Kitchen: Beosound 1 GVA, Beocom 2 Bathroom: M3 Homeoffice: M3, Beocom 2 Library: Beosound Emerge, Beocom 6000 Bedroom: M5, Essence remote Travel: Beoplay E8 2.0, Beoplay EQ, Beoplay Earset
Barry Santini:Errrr...Cast iron + Glass tabletops = trouble. B
B
Non-slippery, non-scratch rubber bottom – I don't see that much trouble with it. And size-wise, it would not be too heavy.
As a wood turner, I can't see a problem with a wooden version. Dimensions would be nice to see. Slightly oversize with a recess for the Essence to fit into would be a possibility, though there are other ways.
Dave.
Good idea, KMA
You can already buy a stand for the round ir eye - I guess that a similar stand soon will be made for the Essence.
Would be my choice too, if...
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
Dave Farr: As a wood turner, I can't see a problem with a wooden version. Dimensions would be nice to see. Slightly oversize with a recess for the Essence to fit into would be a possibility, though there are other ways. Dave.
I don't think it would need to exceed the outer dimensions of the Essence's controller wheel. The bottom of the Essence itself is slightly smaller than the controller wheel. The table stand would simply be made to accommodate the wall-fixture element, leaving the Essence exposed similarly as it is on a wall.
Millemissen: Good idea, KMA You can already buy a stand for the round ir eye - I guess that a similar stand soon will be made for the Essence. Would be my choice too, if... MM
Here's hoping... I'm not that big a fan of the B&O's "slab" version for table-top / counter-top use.
@ KMA Congrats ! Nice idea ! Write to STB and ask them if they can manufacture your accessory.
KMA: Dave Farr: As a wood turner, I can't see a problem with a wooden version. Dimensions would be nice to see. Slightly oversize with a recess for the Essence to fit into would be a possibility, though there are other ways. Dave. I don't think it would need to exceed the outer dimensions of the Essence's controller wheel. The bottom of the Essence itself is slightly smaller than the controller wheel. The table stand would simply be made to accommodate the wall-fixture element, leaving the Essence exposed similarly as it is on a wall.
OK, I haven't seen the Essence so that was why I suggested that. If that is the case with the recessed section it makes it even easier and neater. Of course, virtually any wood could be used to either match decor, or speaker frets for the new Beolabs.
ähmmmmm..... sorry it was obvious for me because i own a second hand BS5 with the table stand
Gatex: ähmmmmm..... sorry it was obvious for me because i own a second hand BS5 with the table stand
Gatex, yes – that is exactly the idea, and it should be obvious: consistency in the table-top stands of these two products that have the wheel and controls on the round top.
I find myself missing "a design language consistency" in the B&O product line a lot these days. In David Lewis' time, he kept it pretty well together.
BeoBoy68: @ KMA Congrats ! Nice idea ! Write to STB and ask them if they can manufacture your accessory.
BeoBoy68, I've written to STBbrackets, I'm sure they could manufacture this :)
@ KMA Hoping for you that you will be lucky !
I asked STB to produce special round Alumium plate for my BeoLab 12 stand.
They answered me that it is not possible. B&O have the right to refuse.
Bang & Olufsen is not fair.