![]() ![]() ![]() I used a number of different outputs for testing the Squeezebox, including the Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus, the Denon AVR1912, and the Marantz SR5005. In comparison, the Sonos doesn't read the raw folder data, just its own cached version of it, and if it can't find ID3 tags - for example on new WAV files - it skips over them completely. The Logitech software is quite smart and if you don't scan your library that often, Folder view is best, as it uses the well-established Artist Name > Album folder format to guess file names when it comes across files without ID3 tags. While it's currently up-to-date in terms of services it would be great to see it add further apps such as Google Music and Amazon Cloud Player for futureproofing. Whether it's the use of the "favorites" button or creating dynamic playlists, it's easy to blend Spotify in with your lossless, 24-bit FLACs, and this is the device's greatest strength. The beauty of the Squeezebox Touch is that it can seamlessly combine online sources and your private collection. In terms of digital entertainment we are at a tipping point, with more and more streaming services coming online - at higher quality than MP3 as well - and the need to keep your music on your hard drive will soon disappear. Serious audiophiles will want to connect the digital output to the outboard equipment of their choice, but the onboard DAC isn't too bad: according to the Hi-Fi Vision forum the device uses the budget AKM AK4420 DAC capable of 24-bit/192KHz conversion. With that sorted though, connectivity is provided by digital coaxial and optical, stereo RCA, an Ethernet port, 802.11g wireless, USB, an SD card slot, and a headphone jack. The Touch's many connectivity options include USB, digital, and analog outputs. Logitech provides a Web-based interface () for juggling all the various log-ins, which may looks a little "techie," but it's right up the alley of digital audio tweakers. On the other hand, streaming-music services like Pandora and Spotify don't require a NAS or computer, since they stream directly from the Web. That's right, you'll need to leave a server of some kind on to use the Squeezebox if you want to use your own music. So you have the player, how do you connect it up to stuff? First you'll need the Logitech Media Server software, which is available for PC or Mac and Netgear NAS. If you're interested in a full list you can find it here. The device also supports Flickr for music slideshows and Facebook, though sadly it lacks Spotify/Facebook integration. But it's not the only online music-streaming service covered the Squeezebox works with dozens, including Pandora, MOG, Sirius, Last.FM, and Rhapsody. Though a few features have been added since the device first appeared, arguably the most high-profile one is Spotify support. Unless you invented your own file type just a little while ago, odds are your library is supported. Until recently, the only file type the Squeezebox didn't support was Windows Lossless, but an update at the end of 2011 means all major formats are now playable. However, I'd imagine most people would just use their phones or tablets instead. The device ships with a chunky black remote that feels decent in the palm and enables most of the functionality you'd expect. This screen is a little small to read from across the room, where its touchability becomes useless anyway. Despite a brushed-metal stripe across the bottom, the device looks a bit plasticky and the touch-screen overlay means the screen isn't as vibrant as an iPad's, for example. ![]() The player consists of a main unit with a 4.3-inch touch screen with a stable metal base that prevents it from sliding around when you use it. I have personally been on a mission for a standalone music player, and I think I have found what I was looking for. While I wouldn't recommended it for people who want a plug-and-play music system - Sonos products are so much better for that - this is a highly tweakable system that really delivers sonically. While it doesn't look "all that," it's small enough that you can hide it away if you want and control it solely via any number of apps. At $250 online, the Squeezebox Touch costs more than multimedia players like Roku boxes and Apple TV, but half as much as dedicated audio players like Pioneer's N-30. ![]()
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