# BeoSound 5c

> BeoSound 5c is a free, open source (MIT) software recreation of the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 5 music system. A Raspberry Pi 5 replaces the aging BeoMaster 5 computer, bringing modern streaming — Spotify, TIDAL, Apple Music, Plex, and internet radio — to the original BeoSound 5 hardware: its screen, aluminum navigation wheel, laser pointer, and buttons. Audio plays through Sonos or through active Bang & Olufsen PowerLink speakers (e.g., BeoLab). Created by Markus Kirsten.

Key facts:

- The original BeoSound 5 (2008) required a BeoMaster 5 computer, whose software was long ago discontinued; BeoSound 5c makes these devices fully usable again.
- Hardware needed: a Raspberry Pi 5 (4GB, with 5V/5A PSU and 16+ GB SD card) and micro HDMI → mini HDMI cabling; roughly $100 in parts. The BeoMaster 5 chassis powers the screen and enables IR remotes.
- The modification is reversible — nothing in the original hardware is permanently altered.
- Works with B&O remotes: BeoRemote One (Bluetooth), Beo4 / Beolink 1000 / BeoSound Essence Remote (IR), and the Beo6 as a two-way remote with on-screen feedback.
- Integrates with Home Assistant for smart home control (scenes, cameras) from the arc interface.
- Extras: music videos and immersive mode, Spotify Connect, lossless CD playback, playback from the original BeoMaster 5 hard drive, PowerLink/S/PDIF/line out via a digital audio HAT.
- The BeoSound 5 Encore is NOT supported.

## Pages

- [Home](https://beosound5c.com/): features, requirements, full installation guide, optional hardware mods, FAQ
- [Demo](https://beosound5c.com/demo.html): videos of music browsing, Sonos playback, and Home Assistant control on real hardware
- [Emulator](https://beosound5c.com/emulator.html): interactive in-browser recreation of the BeoSound 5 arc interface
- [About](https://beosound5c.com/about.html): the story of reverse engineering the BeoMaster 5 daughterboard (a modified Beolink PC2) and the MasterLink protocol

## Source code

- [GitHub repository](https://github.com/mkirsten/beosound5c): full source, documentation, and releases