Showing posts with label wireless music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wireless music. Show all posts

2/03/2012

Logitech Squeezebox Wi-Fi Internet Radio and Wireless Music Player Review

Logitech Squeezebox Wi-Fi Internet Radio and Wireless Music Player
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Pros:
-Amazing sound quality
-Burr-Brown DAC (pretty much the best around)
-Easy to configure
-Great interface
-Rock-solid performance (no waiting when you hit play, and no network issues)
-Created for IT people by IT people, but doesn't require a lot of IT literacy to get up and running (and their documentation is great).
-Price

Cons:
-The only thing I can think of is that it would be cool to have a USB port with USB Mass Storage Device support so you can plug a USB HDD directly in to this puppy and rock and roll.But, this is just nit-picking, and they probably didn't include USB because it would increase the price and wouldn't offer a lot of performance to a lot of people.Details:
Every once in a while there is a product so genius that it reminds me why I love technology.I had read up about the Squeezebox and I figured it would be really cool.When I picked it up I immediately noticed that it was small.Smaller and sleeker than I expected.It seems to be made of high-quality materials, and at this point I'm feeling pretty unimpressed about the whole thing (since I figured the sound quality would let me down like most digital audio devices... *cough* *cough* *iPod* *cough* *cough*).

My brother and I plug it in to his Denon receiver and B&W speakers, and we power it on.I immediately notice that I like the interface.It's snappy, and the slide transitions actually look pretty cool.The screen is also pretty nice, so I'm starting to feel good about things at this point.

The configuration of this device was a breeze.It auto-detects networks (with broadcast SSID turned on) and I was able to get it on the network in a matter of minutes without reading the manual.The SlimServer software for the PC is also pretty easy to install and configure, and I noticed that they released the source code for the server software.

I first listened to some streaming radio, and I have to say: I was impressed with the quality of the radio stations.I hate MP3 compression (I use FLAC), but the classical stations actually sounded pretty good to my ears.The best part is that the radio stations just work.No problems.No weird network timeouts.Just on-demand radio by Genre, City, Etc.

After playing around with the radio, I decided to listen to some FLAC that I am really familiar with to get an idea of the DAC and the fidelity of the player.My brother and I were blown away by the sound quality of my FLAC files.It sounds about as good as his Denon CD player, and it puts every other digital audio player I have ever heard to complete and utter shame.

There are a lot of things I like about this product.The fact that they release the source and allow you to create custom plug-ins is cool.Everything about this seems like it's created by some friggin' good engineers that want other IT people to appreciate it.

This thing is simply amazing.For price-to-performance, you can't beat it!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech Squeezebox Wi-Fi Internet Radio and Wireless Music Player

Product Description:

The Logitech Squeezebox enables you to stream your favorite music to your stereo--even when your computer is off. You'll be able to tune in to thousands of Internet radio stations as well as listen to online music services such as Pandora and Rhapsody when connected to your home's wireless network. Additionally, you can play songs from your personal library stored on your computer.



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4/13/2011

XACT XS097 Deluxe Universal Satellite Radio CD / MP3 / AM/FM Boombox System Review

XACT XS097 Deluxe Universal Satellite Radio CD / MP3 / AM/FM Boombox System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
XACT is a dishonest company. They claim to have a warranty on their products, but there is literally NO WAY to get them to repair or replace a product. If you call their support number, you get an automated system with no option to talk to an operator. Instead, the system gives you an e-mail address. Then you have to e-mail them several times to get a response, and all they say is "Send it back to the retailer," even after the 30 day return period.

I bought the XACT COMMUNICATIONS XG2500 Cordless Headset Telephone in late 2008 and it was of mediocre but acceptable quality at first. But then the battery life took a nosedive. A cordless phone that lasts ten minutes on a full charge isn't useful. And that happened during the one year warranty period. But I couldn't get a repair, replacement, or refund from the company. So my only recourse is to give out one-star reviews and warn others about the company.

Click Here to see more reviews about: XACT XS097 Deluxe Universal Satellite Radio CD / MP3 / AM/FM Boombox System

Product Description:
Compatible with XTR3 Visor, XTR8 Replay, and XTR7 XTR Satellite Radio Receivers. (Sold Separately) * CD Player Capable of CDRW and MP3 Playback * Top Load CD Player with 45 second ESP * Digital AM/FM Radio Tuner with 10 Presets * Includes Satellite Antenna * Rotary Volume Knob * Auxiliary Line Level Input * Auxiliary Line Level Output * 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack * 4" Full Range Speakers, 5W per Channel * Extended Outdoor Play with 8

4/06/2011

Logitech Squeezebox Boom All-in-One Network Music Player / Wi-Fi Internet Radio Review

Logitech Squeezebox Boom All-in-One Network Music Player / Wi-Fi Internet Radio
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am a radio nut (going back to the tube days)and the Squeezebox Boom is my third internet radio. I have a Roku Soundbridge R1000 and Sangean WFR-20 as well. All have their strengths, but the Squeezebox Boom is without a doubt a significant step up; it sets a new high standard in performance, capabilities, and ease of operation.

For wireless streaming of your music collection from a PC or Mac, the Boom is best. It can handle more formats (nearly anything except DRM protected iTunes files) and works well without crashes or delays.In this the Roku is #2, and the Sangean ranks 3rd(crashes and stutters a lot).

For internet radio, they all work well. The Sangean is the only one that natively handles RealAudio Streams (like BBC) but has problems with clear channel stations.All of them pick up the stations I want without problems, so I rate this a tie.

If you want to interface with online music services like Rhapsody/Pandora/ MP3Locker etc, the Boom works great, with far more capacity than the other two. The Slimdevices/Squeezebox folks also update and improve their software far more frequently than the other two, so I expect it to remain in the lead in features and available services.

In sound quality, the Roku and Boom are both outstanding, with the Sangean good, but clearly a step lower.The Roku's subwoofer seems to go a bit deeper in my room, but the Boom is perhaps a bit more smooth and musical. The Boom uses the same woofers and tweeters as the highly rated Logitech Z-10, but with better bass (because of a larger cabinet and new amp/equalizer circuitry). They both sound absolutely great and play quite loud.

Ease of initial setup: If you are starting from scratch, I think the Sangean is the easiest to set up, if you do NOT want to stream audio from your PC...that is a real hassle. Both the Boom and Roku require a bit more work.

Ease of Use AFTER set up:Boom is best BY FAR.Not only do the menus make real sense, but the illuminated controls make it the only radio you can use easily without turning on the lights. The big control knob and back lit function buttons get you through all of the functions fast.

As a Clock Radio, the Boom has more options than the others, and the display has a huge adjustment range so it will not disturb light sleepers.

All of these radios are a lot of fun.The Boom does most, and does it best.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech Squeezebox Boom All-in-One Network Music Player / Wi-Fi Internet Radio

Product Description:
Logitech Squeezebox Boom all-in-one network music player with integrated speakers. Plug it in. Turn it on. Rock the house! The all-in-one network music player that combines award-winning squeezebox functionality with an integrated amplifier and speakers to deliver your digital music to any room in your home. Enjoy the music and content you love, with crystal clear sound.

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