Logitech Squeezebox Boom – Internet radio
Yesterday I installed a Logitech Squeezebox Boom for a client. He purchased it on a friend’s recommendation. The unit retails for $299.99. Logitech describes it as a, “…compact all-in-one Wi-Fi music player that combines award-winning Squeezebox functionality with an integrated amplifier and speakers to deliver crystal clear sound—in any room in your home.”
My client was unable to set it up on his own. The device requires a network connection, wired or wireless, and registering for an account with Logitech at mysqueezebox.com. You then configure various streaming Internet services and finally you listen. So I first set up a wireless network. It took me a few minutes to install and configure the newly purchased Linksys wireless router.
I next configured the Squeezebox to connect to the Wi-Fi’s encrypted SSID. I also installed a “server” application on the iMac that was supposed to connect the iTunes music collection to the Squeezebox. I had to configure the iMac server IP address on the Squeezebox. This step is likely to confuse many home users. We did not successfully access the iMac’s music. This was of no consequence as he had only two music files in iTunes.
We next subscribed to some “apps” at mysqueezebox.com that are installed on the Squeezebox. We installed Pandora and hooked to my client’s Pandora account without issue. I also installed the Shoutcast app to provide the client with a large choice of Internet audio streams.
The Squeezebox works. Once configured it can be controlled and programmed from the on-device controls, the small remote control or via a web application from any computer. It is easy to add a stream you like to your favorites and then to find and play it later. The sound quality is good and the choice of audio streams is large.
I prefer and recommend Sonos systems over the Squeezebox. Sonos is more elegant, simpler to control and more flexible in whole house audio configuration. Sonos is also more expensive. It you cannot afford a Sonos system then the Squeezebox may be what you are looking for.