Review on 🚫 Discontinued Logitech Squeezebox: Wi-Fi Internet Radio & Wireless Music Player - Limited Stock Available by Josh Maher

I did a lot of research to find a way to stream music from my computer to my home stereo. I started with a list of requirements: - Streaming should include the ability to handle "lossless" formats like Apple uses for iTunes - Connection should be wireless - Installation should be simple and technically straightforward - User interface should be as simple as possible be web oriented - the product should integrate with iTunes, at least to the extent that I can use my existing iTunes library, genres and playlists - the device should be visually unobtrusive - the ability to use a remote control would be a plus. I'm happy to report that the SqueezeBox met all my needs and once set up just worked. SqueezeBox requires separate software (called a server) to run on the PC that manages the music library, but installing this software is easy, takes about three minutes, and doesn't add any noticeable load to my computer. The PC is an HP laptop with Windows Vista. As an added benefit, the server also runs Linux and Mac, which is a definite plus as I plan on moving my music to a Linux server in the near future. The setup process for SqueezeBox is as simple as it gets. well explained in the documentation that comes with the device. However, the overall documentation leaves a lot to be desired and is the only real issue with the hardware. There is an active online community and it's easy to get the answers you need from there. The online help facility leads to the SlimDevices website, which contains links to online forums. So far I haven't had a question I couldn't get an answer to, it's just that I'm old enough to appreciate the feel of a 'real' owner's manual. Using the SqueezeBox via the built-in web interface is also easy. The device allows playlists to be created, although the process here isn't as simple and obvious as it could be and better documentation would be useful. If you use the available iTunes integration, all genres etc. configured in iTunes are available through the SqueezeBox. Keep in mind that iTunes integration isn't perfect and sometimes playlists and album art don't transfer properly. However, given the overall capabilities of the device, I can accept some downsides of this nature. All functions of the web interface can also be accessed via the device's remote control, although it sometimes takes several button presses to get to the right place in different menus. I'll be honest and say that I exercise 90% of my control over the internet, although I've found the remote control useful in certain circumstances, e.g. B. when I have to pause the music to answer a call and I can't. on my PC when a call comes in. Overall, I rate SqueezeBox 5 stars. If it were a ten star rating system I would give it a nine mainly due to the lack of user documentation that comes with the device. It takes some time to get used to all the features SqueezeBox has to offer, and there are a number of third-party add-ons that enhance the product's core functionality. I didn't really touch on the device's ability to play internet radio - it's a whole "other world" and I haven't played with it much other than setting up links to a few local NPR stations, which was a breeze. I've had the SqueezeBox for about two weeks and am still finding new things to do with it. If you are serious about streaming high quality audio (not MP3) from your PC to your stereo, there is simply nothing else that compares to this product in terms of overall performance, user interface and ease of use. It's more expensive than other solutions, but it's the only solution I know of that lets you stream digital audio straight to your receiver if you want. The SqueezeBox has a very good built in 24-bit DAC and for the money I think it beats the DAC in my Pioneer Elite receiver. In any case, the product is feature-rich, well-made, has an active user community, and just works. It's worth the money and I would buy one again anytime.