A great way of accessing your digital music (Logitech Squeezebox Controller)

Member Name: jodyv

Product:	Logitech Squeezebox Controller
Date:	05/05/09 (211 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Too many to list

Disadvantages: Doesn't have Spotify, no full instructions and can be tricky to set up

Prior to writing this review I requested the 'Duet' package was set up on the site as this is the most popular and offers a complete package. This controller won't function on its own.

I purchased the Logitech Squeezebox Duet in order to control my music without having to look at the computer. The Squeezebox (I'll call it SB for ease of typing...) is a network music player which provides you with an ipod-like interface to control and search through your music library. I'd looked at the Sonos before but never really wanted to spend £700, the SB cost £232 which is a little easier to swallow.

In the box:

Squeezebox Wired/Wireless Receiver
Squeezebox Remote Control with 2.4 inch display
Charge unit for remote
Battery for remote
Power supplies
Set up information

Logitech have made this product quite tricky to set up, however you can understand to some extent why.... The software is open source and regularly changing, so an extensive manual would go out of date very quickly. There is a great wealth of information on the software and hardware on the squeeze sites including a regularly maintained manual with the detail a lot of people want.

Set up:

No connecting cables were included in the box.... With the choice of optical, analogue and coaxial connections, I opted for the optical due to a free slot on my amp. I also opted for wired as the router is in the same location. Once plugged in the box can actually be hidden away as the remote doesn't require line of sight. I then installed the Squeeze Centre software on my chosen device and made sure it was on the network. Next I proceeded to turn the remote control on and run through the set up. I accidentally exited the setup mid-flow, I tried to input the information manually but it wouldn't work. I reset to factory settings and ran through the settings to the end. Set up was complete and I was connected to my music source.

Music Source:

I have a server which my music sits on and the SB software which links into the receiver. There are a couple of other options including network hard drives and using your PC. The SB connects to as many music sources as you can offer on the network; however it will only connect to one at a time.... Most of the music your after can be found by connecting to your music source and it also provides access to the internet, however it doesn't offer as much as connecting to the squeeze network (online music source for radio and more).

Use:

The software seems free from lag and other issues so far, however this product has been on the shelves a while now. The options available cater more than enough for my needs. You have access to...

your own music library,
internet radio stations,
Last.fm,
Shoutcast,
Live 365,
and more....

The only thing missing for me is the recent new comer Spotify. The music quality when streamed is lesser than the music library quality, which is what you'd expect. The music library quality is incredible; the Burr-Brown DAC provides a much better quality of sound compared to other network players. As the controller connects wirelessly to the network, you can use it like an ipod by connecting headphones to the jack at the top of the remote.

Features:

As you'd expect, the receiver can handle most audio formats - WAV, WMA, MP3, MP2, AIFF, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, PCM and Apple Lossless. When listening to music you can go and view it on Amazon using the controller. Album art is displayed it added to your library... Loads of playlist options and random mix choices, extensive search facility, great song categorisation, easily customisable with lots of options.... There are so many features it's hard to list them all.... If you want to know something specific, it's best to view the SB site for full details and future developments.

Reliability:

I have read some reviews by individuals who have experienced connection/network issues. I have a basic router and haven't had any problems so far. The only issue I encountered was a conflict between the Squeeze Centre software and Twonky Media Server. This was easily rectified by editing the .ini file and changing the HTTP port address.

Summary:

This product is the best gadget I've bought for some time, the usability in my scenario is perfect. I had friends round last week and they loved being able to pick the music and made ad-hoc playlists... The user interface is so intuitive most people pick it up in seconds.

Summary: This is the best network music player on the market behind Sonos...or is Sonos behind SB...

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