Squeezebox experiences

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freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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#15450 23-Aug-2007 17:15

Anyone using a Squeezebox here? I am thinking of buying one, but I didn't want to have to run the SlimServer. Would it work with any other UPnP server?

timbosan

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#83537 23-Aug-2007 22:14

Hi, I just reviewed one of these for Tone magazine, and I thought it was fantastic. It did just what it said; stream MP3 and Internet radio, and did it well. I didn't checkout any other servers, but the software is open (there are screensavers and games available) so I guess there would be something out there.

When I first powered it up, it found new firmware, downloaded it, and restarted, all without me doing anything. It is this kind of attention to maintaining a product that I think a lot of manufactures miss; they release something and then just move onto the next model without any real thought for the current or previous versions.

What I liked - The interface was clean, fast and intuitive. The sound was very good, I am not an audiophile but I wouldn't listen to 128k MP3's either.

Price wise I THINK there are 599 retail, but I would have to check. About the only complaint would be the form factor, it is a strange shape and sits upright, doesn't really integrate into a rack of components.

I think the review is in the lastest issue of Tone.

freitasm

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#83538 23-Aug-2007 22:17

Thanks... I found out they have a software version of the Squeezebox, so I just installed the SlimServer on my Windows Home Server, and used the soft version to test. It worked really well, off the Windows Home Server, which was my main worry... So I will go fo the hardware now.

Cheers

MackinNZ

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#83543 23-Aug-2007 22:59

I'm on my second squeezebox. I had an SB1 for about 2 years until the power supply died at which time I upgraded to an SB3.

I have to say that Squezebox an excellent product. I run Slimserver on my Mandriva Linux box and the Squeezebox connects wirelessly via my access point. It plays virtually all audio formats natively out of the box. Make sure your ID3 tags are up-to-date, some of mine were pretty messy. Navigating your way around SlimServer is much easier if your tags are accurate.

There has been the odd glitch with SlimServer updates but the software is open source and any problems are quickly fixed. You can download nightly builds of the software if you want to live on the bleeding edge. Great support is available via the support forums or by e-mailing Slim Devices direct.

There's heaps of add-on's and plug-in's available for SlimServer to give it extra bells & whistles. You'll find links on the Slim Devices website.

The company has been recently bought out by Logitech but there hasn't been any noticeable decline in service or quality as some predicted. I bought my SB3 about 4 months back via the Slim Devices website and it arrived with the Slim Devices logo on the device but the software shows a Logitech logo. I understand they now come Logitech branded, not that it makes any difference.

I suggest you purchase an additional power supply as I couldn't find anything equivalent here, and it won't add much to the cost of freight (assuming you order from the US).

Squeezebox is a top rated product in my book.

freitasm

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#83544 23-Aug-2007 23:03

These are now available in New Zealand - and they are not badly priced either...