WiFi Radio Review: Logitech Squeezebox

Accessory Review:
Logitech Squeezebox WiFi Music Player
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

If you spend as much time behind your desk as I do, then here’s the perfect companion to make that work day go a little faster: the Logitech Squeezebox WiFi Radio.

If you haven’t jumped on board the WiFi train as of yet, then you’re missing out on one of the most fascinating and inexpensive entertainment components of your home or office. A router can provide streaming radio via wireless broadband, opening up a whole new world of music and talk radio, and the Logitech Squeezebox requires very little download rates. In fact, not only is initial setup of the Squeezebox simple, but Logitech also provides you with a free account and free software updates for your unit.

As I write this review, the Squeezebox (suggest retail $199 US) sits on my desk and plays classical music from BBC Radio 3 in London – that’s the other London, across the pond. And with its attractive aesthetics, the Squeezebox is an attractive addition to any room in the house. An optional battery pack makes it even more mobile, and an optional remote (highly recommended) makes navigating through the Squeezebox play options a snap.

Measuring 8.7 in. x 5.1 in. x 5 in., the Logitech Squeezebox is, quite simply, the best WiFi radio we’ve tested, and it has a permanent place amongst my entertainment centre. I utilize my wireless router, and the Squeezebox built-in WiFi, but you can also use the unit’s Ethernet connection to plug directly into your router. A headphone jack on the left side of the unit allows for private listening, but the large front speaker produces amazing sound quality – the best we’ve sampled in similar units.

Some of my favourite Squeezebox offerings – all free – include classical music from around the globe, decade music specialty stations (I admit that I am stuck in the ‘80s, the last great decade of music in my humble opinion), and on-the-scene action from a myriad of scanner channels. Not only can you listen in on local fire and ambulance calls, but I find it amazing that the Squeezebox can, for example, bring me action from the California Highway Patrol, New York City Fire Department and even Ham (Amateur) radio samplings, and CB Radio from across the U.S.

Navigating through the Squeezebox offerings at the home screen is easy via the front panel or optional remote – I like the ease of use provided with the remote. There are six station presets for your favourite stations, an enormous number of suggested favourites built into the Squeezebox screen and memory, and an endless amount of genre choices. You can play Internet radio, plus digital music files, including DRM-free iTunes, and subscription services like Rhapsody, Napster, Pandora and Sirius. A front colour screen can display album art, track and station information, plus photo screen savers. In fact, Facebook users can share music recommendations, and see their friends’ recommendations right on the display; Flickr users can show a slideshow, too.

True 802.11g wireless networking optimizes wireless network speeds and provides a secure connection for your Squeezebox, which I have found to be a consistently solid performer. I really like the auto-dimming display which adjusts brightness of your Logitech home screen based on room lighting – great if you want your Squeezebox on your night table. And I appreciate the auxiliary input which accommodates my MP3 player, too

If you’re about to enter the world of WiFi radio, then I highly recommend you purchase a Logitech Squeezebox. It offers superb audio quality, ease of use and solid support we’ve come to expect from Logitech.

For more information, visit http://www.logitech.com/en-ca/speakers-audio/wireless-music-systems/devices/squeezebox-radio-black .

About Logitech

Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music, home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).