Logitech Squeezebox Duet Network Music System

Reviews: Multimedia

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Bradford Day
Kurtis
Logitech
Jun. 19, 2008

Specifications

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Introduction

Two years ago when Slim Devices released the Squeezebox V3 (now called the Squeezebox Classic) I was one of the lucky few to get one for review. I was impressed with the traditional component stereo feel the Wi-Fi capable digital music box captured. Similar to its high-end competitor, the Sonos system, the Squeezebox let users connect to their digital music files and broadcast them over a stereo unit without sitting in front of their home PC or fiddling with their iPod.

In late 2006, Logitech acquired Slim Devices and incorporated their streaming music systems into their own product line. This was a clever move on Logitech's part, allowing them to take aim at the likes of Sonos with a solid and well-tested product line. A new manifestation of the Squeezebox Classic was recently released, sporting a Logitech badge and a completely redesigned chassis.

The new model is dubbed the Squeezebox Duet and features entirely new input and display options, even more features, and an appetite for a slice of the home-based digital music market. Streaming music, podcasts, MP3 playback...it's like iTunes in a black, plastic box. But will it become a digital music file-o-phile's new best friend?

First Looks

It's impossible. Well, nearly impossible, that this new Squeezebox is the successor to the one I reviewed nearly two years ago. Where the previous version was half display and half component case the Squeezebox Duet is merely a tiny little box. In fact the Duet is but a sliver of its former self; a miniscule black box with a single button and no bigger than a paperback book. This smaller unit is fitted with standard RCA output jacks, two hi-fi digital S/PDIF audio outs (one optical, one coax), a standard Ethernet connection port and 802.11g wireless connectivity. Not bad for a paperback. Oh, and it comes with a remote control, too.

The remote control represents the true leap forward for the new Squeezebox. The display on the Squeezebox V3 was impressive. It fed all the necessary information about your network settings, audio content and streaming feeds through a crisp, readable screen. But the scrolling text and electric blue backlighting has been dropped. In its place is a merger of TV remote and iPod. The Duet Controller lets users carry the display with them while clicking through their MP3 collection, favorite streaming music services, and podcasts. The 2.4" color LCD is as adept at showcasing album covers and menu screens as any iPod or Zune and looks just as good. A scroll wheel selector, menu, volume, FF/REW and Play/Pause buttons round out the black remote. It fits snugly into a handsome recharge cradle and displays a digitized version of an analog clock face while refueling. A 3.5mm headphone jack resides along the top so that the remote may be used similarly to the iPod that inspired it.

Also new to the improved Squeezebox is the ability to link multiple units and control them with one remote or treat them as individual systems. Obviously the appeal of multiple Squeezeboxes might lure away a few potential whole-home system buyers and Logitech is promoting the Duet as a lower-cost option to the higher-end Sonos. For those users looking to set up a multi-room digital music network in their home, the Duet might just deliver, and at a more affordable price point. Couple the lower cost with the Squeezebox's open-source software and Lua-based software applets and tech geek users will start crawling out of the woodwork.

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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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