First before you plan to buy this be sure you have a desktop or laptop with a hard drive more than 500gb( if you have more than 300 CD collection). This will be best to rip the music as Flac so it will sound very good when you listen to your music. Second you need internet connection because this thing works using the wireless connection from the squeezebox to the control unit with the internet. This is a very easy machine to connect all you have to do is follow the instruction. I prefer using cable instead of wireless for the internet and the squeezebox unit because it gives a more stable connection than when using the wireless system. After assembly go to the internet with the computer you'll use and download the squeeze center from logitech. I think Logitech named their company as such because when you use their machines you use logic. So best to read through all the setting and set them as you want for your system. I warn you to be patient for the first two weeks you will use the unit because getting acquainted with how it works is a bit fustrating but when you get use to it it will be loads of fun.
One can use the squeezebox even when you havent downloaded your songs.You can use the world radio or which they call internett radio. When you first use the control go to home menu...settings ...music source... squeezenetwork this will connect your squeezebox to the control. Then from the control screen you will see internet radio from there you can choose radio channels which are available all over the world.
In the setting you can adjust things according to your preference specially with the home menu. This will limit or expand the list of controls you can see at the same time and use. Remember it takes getting use to it to be able to use it properly. Its worth all the time and effort because you can listen to songs you never dreamed of you can when your using your cd player. It take some clicks but its easier than changing from one cd to another.
One thing more so you dont lose too much battery when not using the control try to remember to put it to sleep or turn it off when your not using it for a long time. Dont worry you just need to click on the house botton to turn it on again. Practice makes perfect ok. Just send me a message if you have questions. But i am sure you'll get the hang of it as I and my husband did.
The sound is dependent on your soundcard and your speaker output. I suggest you connect it to your home entertainment system with a high quality external DAC like we did which will make listening more pleasant for the ears.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: All your music accessible from neat, simple controller. Lots of enthusiast support Disadvantages: None that you wouldn't expect from such a small device.
Advantages: All your music accessible from neat, simple controller. Lots of enthusiast support Disadvantages: None that you wouldn't expect from such a small device.
Feb 27th, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
