The ClearFrame CD player is a transparent polycarbonate CD player that displays the CD and album art as if in a frame during playback. It offers Bluetooth 5.1 (for wireless headphones/speakers), 3.5mm output, 7-8 hours of battery life via USB-C, and anti-skip protection. It sells for 199 $ at Yanko Design Select.
In an era where “play next” has become the default attitude, ClearFrame (ClearFrame CD player) deliberately slows down the tempo. You insert a disc, slide the cover under the transparent back panel, and — click — the music takes over. There are no apps, no notifications, just the CD spinning like a small kinetic sculpture, with a dotted “nixie” LED next to it to tell you which track you’re on. This isn’t a retro pose, but an invitation to listen without distractions.
ClearFrame CD player: Transparent industrial design that's also an exhibition
The ClearFrame CD player’s housing is made of crystal-clear polycarbonate, with a deliberately exposed black panel with electronics underneath. The device measures 160 × 140 × 26 mm, weighs 300 g and accepts 12 and 8 cm discs (CD, CD-R/RW, MP3). A “nixie-style” LED display (21 × 14 mm) provides basic information, and the buttons also have a “lock” to prevent them from switching in your bag.
A player without a built-in speaker (and why that's a good thing)
ClearFrame has no built-in speakers — and rightly so. It’s a pure source: it sends sound to wireless headphones or speakers via Bluetooth 5.1 (AC6956C chip) or via a cable via a 3.5-mm output. This means fewer compromises in the case and more freedom in choosing how you listen. It’s also clearly marked on the manufacturer’s website: “Speaker is not built-in.”
Hardware base and features that count
ClearFrame CD player. Antishock? Yes: 2 MB SDRAM as an anti-skip buffer. Battery? 1,800 mAh for about 7-8 hours of playback, charging via USB-C. There are three playback modes (all, repeat all, repeat one). And since it's a physical medium, there's also a little treat: mini CDs (8 cm) spin nicely in the frame.
“ClearFrame” is a renamed Japanese KM5 CP1
If the shape looks familiar, you're not alone. The ClearFrame CD player is essentially a Japanese KM5 Instant Disk Audio CP1 in a transparent version, which first appeared at BEAMS and on official KM5 websiteThe specs match (Bluetooth 5.1, 7–8 hours, 300g, 160×140×26mm, 2MB anti-skip), and ClearFrame transforms the package into a more “gallery” experience, making it global sales Yanko Design.
Price and availability
ClearFrame CD player is available in store Yanko Design Select for 199 $, stand and wall mount are optional extras. Ships from Japan; no customs duty for US orders under 800 $. Real-time stock was also listed on the site at the time of writing.
Is the CD really coming back?
The bigger picture is interesting: in the US, CD revenue grew slightly in 2024 to 541 million $, and the number of units is 32.9 million (≈ +1.5 %), according to the RIAA. Globally, however, the physical segment slipped by 1.5% last year after a remarkable jump in 2023. –3.1 % (vinyl was still growing), IFPI states in its 2024 report. In short: the CD lives on, but more as a niche item for “listening with purpose” — exactly what ClearFrame is addressing.
Specifications (official): ClearFrame
- Material: polycarbonate, visible electronics
- Dimensions & weight: 160 × 140 × 26 mm; 300 g
- Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3; 12 cm and 8 cm
- Antishock: 2 MB SDRAM buffer
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1 (AC6956C), 3.5mm output
- Display: LED “nixie‑style” (21 × 14 mm)
- Battery: 1,800 mAh; 7–8 hours; USB‑C charging
- Modes: Play All / Repeat All / Repeat One; Lock switch
Conclusion: in some way, everyone wants it
ClearFrame is technologically simple and aesthetically compelling: the disc is once again a physical object, the cover is once again part of the experience. For 199 $ you get a clean build with modern conveniences (Bluetooth 5.1, USB‑C, anti‑skip) and no unnecessary “smart” extras. If you’re tempted by a slower, more deliberate way of listening — or if you want to give the albums on your shelf the stage they deserve — this is one of the most elegant ways for the CD to survive 2025.
