Logitech Squeezebox Duet Network Music System

Reviews: Multimedia

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Bradford Day
Kurtis
Logitech
Jun. 19, 2008

Specifications

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Conclusion

This evolution of the Squeezebox should prove to be a winner for its new parent company. All the makings of a good sequel are there; extra goodies, unexpected surprises, a flashy new look and a slimmer and trimmer appearance. Logitech is unapologetically aiming squarely at Sonos with this one. Are the two systems direct competitors? Not exactly, but Logitech is bound to take a bite and woo away a few dollar conscious, tech savvy buyers.

The included options and features are almost overwhelming to the average user. Acclimating oneself to all the various settings and streaming music account configurations takes a bit of time but pays out in a multitude of listening options. Once installed, Duet users will rarely need to fire up a browser for streaming music or launch an application to access their digital music reserve.

I was impressed with the insignificant footprint of the Squeezebox Duet. The practically invisible receiver is offset by the flamboyant controller. All the flash and glitter is contained inside the iPod-like remote. Despite a touchy scroll wheel, the controller is a well designed, intuitive, and indispensable addition to the Squeezebox Duet player. Uninitiated users may find the initial wireless set-up and sea of options too much to handle at first, but the payoff is worth the hassle. With virtually unlimited access to streaming music, podcasts, internet radio and nature sounds, your house will beg you for a moment of silence. If you are an obsessive hoarder of digital music files looking for a way to set them free, the Squeezebox Duet is tailor-made for your addiction.

Pros

Good looks
Small footprint
Component stereo's feel with an iPod's interface
Features and options galore
Wireless connectivity

Cons

Somewhat steep learning curve
Won't play DRM-wrapped files
Overly sensitive scroll wheel

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Page 1: Introduction & First Looks
Page 2: Setup & Daily Use
Page 3: Conclusion

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3 User Comments

1 - Posted by MrO on June 23, 2008 - 11:21 pm

As a long time Squeezebox 2/3 owner I can tell you're quite the noob at this. You don't tell the SB where your music is. You tell SqueezeCenter (previously, and superior, SlimServer) where the music is. From there you have full control over your players and the ability to sync has existed for years. It's nothing new. In fact, I can probably sync faster through the clean interface of the SB2/3 than with the "new" remote or bloated interface of Squeezecenter. I personally do NOT like what Logitech has done with the branding. I have considered adding a SB Receiver to my collection so I can hide it in the attic above the kitchen. Maybe add a remote power or POE for control (reboots) when needed. I can say that is RARELY needed though. And while the specs for the backend can be quite low I'd recommend at least an old P4 with speedstep support. My server is set to clock throttle as needed so my music doesn't skip a beat. I could go on and on raving about how awesome (at least the SB2/3) these are but I'll stop.

2 - Posted by Kurtis on June 24, 2008 - 12:06 am

MrO: Thanks for the input and sharing your own experiences - though I think you're judging Brad a bit too quickly... for some additional reading, you might want to also check out his review of the Slim Devices Squeezebox V3 from back in June of 2006.

link: http://www.thetechlounge.com/article/284/Slim+Devi...

3 - Posted by handrail on June 24, 2008 - 12:43 pm

i'd certainly call myself a noob as i only have the demo model for a short period of time and don't intend to integrate it fully into any of my networks, especially not using a server as you have built. and i think you are taking my comments a bit too literally, but your point is well taken. although if you read the first paragraph of the Set up section, you'll see that i did acknowledge SqueezeCenter as the controlling entity and not the Squeezebox itself.

"SqueezeCenter tells the Duet which computer will be hosting local music files and allows users to set up streaming music, podcast and playlist preferences."

and i do greatly appreciate your input as a long time user, which i am not. i did like the addition of the remote, a new feature as far as i'm concerned as it now ships with the Duet. although you are correct, i was not aware that the syncing abilities are old hat. i've only been able to test one receiver at a time, so syncing is something that i've had to rely on press releases and user input to judge, hence the minimal coverage of the subject.

please feel free to leave a user review on either of the squeezebox articles!

thanks a lot!

brad.

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