Unveiling the BEAMS km5: The CD Player Revolutionizing Instant Music Experience

BEAMS, in collaboration with Japanese audio label km5, has introduced a transparent version of the Instant Disk CP1 CD player.

This clear edition follows the audio experts’ black and white variants and evokes the transparent tech trends of the 1990s with its durable polycarbonate construction. Viewers can observe the internal components of the device through the casing, offering a distinctive futuristic allure to this analog device.

km5’s Instant Disk CP1 features Bluetooth 5.1 and provides 7-8 hours of rechargeable use. Additionally, the player can connect to an existing sound system via the 3.5mm Stereo Earphone Jack. By adding a lyric sheet with the separately sold wall mounting bracket or stand, this device transforms into a decorative piece for interiors.

Transparent gadgets have made a comeback recently, aligning with the broader Y2K trend that has influenced fashion and gradually made its way into technology. The aesthetic is reminiscent of clear tech previously released by Japanese gaming brands such as Sony, Nintendo, and Tamagotchi. CD sales are also witnessing a resurgence as vinyl sales began to rise in the late 2010s.

The clear Instant Disk CP1 player is currently available for purchase at BEAMS, with an estimated delivery by mid-January 2025.