I think something is going wrong! BeoLab 3s sound much duller to my ears than 5s, which have far more 'zing'. Cymbals sound a bit flat and lifeless on the 3s (digital is the best word to describe it), and sometimes harsh. BeoLab 5s sound much more 'alive'. I don't know how you managed to have that experience, but maybe all the setups you heard them

Sounds to me like you've been seriously scammed! B&O do not scam people, if they did, they would not have been in business for 80+ years... A BeoCenter 9000 will NEVER cost that much to repair, not in a million years. Don't just accept what happened, get in touch with the company who did the repair, see why it cost such an absolutely ridiculous amount

Generally though, you would want to go for the Beo4 over the 1000. The 1000 is still a fantastic remote, and IMO, better than anything from any other manufacturer, while the Beo4 is more suited to more recent B&O kit, particularly with the LIST menu.

The BeoSystem 4500 is also one of the most beautiful B&O systems yet designed. The 6500 system is my favourite though (visually identical to the 7000), as I own one!

I'm pretty sure, yes. I may be wrong though, but I only say that because you've put doubt in my mind!

Yes, they do. I believe you can still get the BeoLink 5000 as well...

Let's not also forget the difference in finish between the mk1/2 and the mk3 visually (other than the button layout). My mk6 on the left (same as the mk3), and mk1 on the right.

I doubt it, the power supply is in the chin of the machine, and that's about how much space it takes up. They can't make the chin much smaller at present...

Ridax's solution would allow you to control the iPod with the B&O remote. It would connect to either the AUX input connection, or to the TAPE 2, so Van's suggestion would give the best results in the end. If you don't know anything about wiring electronics for yourself, then you can order them pre-made (they're normally a vaguely DIY solution). Of course

As Christian says, it'll work absolutely fine. In terms of functionality, this is in some ways preferable to many modern systems.