Skip to content. Skip to navigation
You are here: Home → Pro Reviews → Digital Media Servers → Slim Devices Squeezebox v2 Review
 

Slim Devices Squeezebox v2 Review

Digg this story!
Post to del.icio.us
by Clint DeBoer — last modified July 05, 2005 20:00
Slim Devices Squeezebox v2 Review

Squeezebox v2 Digital Music Player

Summary

  • Product Name: Squeezebox v2 Digital Music Player
  • Manufacturer: Slim Devices
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStarhalf-star
  • Review Date: July 05, 2005
  • MSRP: $299
Specifications

System Requirements

  • All systems: 128MB RAM, Ethernet or wireless network, and 20MB hard disk space
  • Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.1.5 or later
  • Windows: 233Mhz Pentium running Windows NT/2000/XP
  • Linux/BSD/Solaris/Other: Perl 5.6.0 or later

Audio formats

  • Lossless Formats (FLAC, Apple Lossless, WMA Lossless)
  • Uncompressed formats (AIFF, WAV, PCM)
  • Compressed formats (MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, MP2, MusePack, WMA)
  • High accuracy 24-bit synthesis

Wireless Interface (wireless model only): 802.11b/g wireless networking with dual int/ext antennas; Bridging capability allows Ethernet devices to connect to the network through Squeezebox2; Automatic detection of available networks; Support for both WPA Personal and 64/128-bit WEP encryption

Ethernet: True 100Mbps throughput; Shielded CAT5 RJ-45 connector; Automatic receive polarity correction

Display: 320x32 VFD with brightness control

Firmware: Flash-upgradeable; Network settings stored on non-volatile memory

Architecture: 250 MHz 8-way multithreaded RISC processor; Field-upgradeable Xilinx CPLD; 64Mb high-speed RAM; 16Mb program flash

Warranty: One year parts and labor; 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee

Internet Radio

  • "Always-on" Internet Radio, powered by SqueezeNetwork
  • Internet Radio favorites can be saved in a playlist for easy access.
  • Displays song title information during playback
  • Support for MP3, Ogg Vorbis, and WMA formatted Internet Radio streams

Analog RCA outputs

  • High fidelity Burr-Brown 24-bit DAC
  • Two dedicated linear power regulators for DAC and line-out stages
  • Full 6.0Vpp line-level signals
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: over 100dB
  • Less than 0.003% THD

Digital S/PDIF outputs

  • Optical and coax digital connections
  • Dedicated high-precision crystal oscillators (no PLL, no resampling)
  • Sample rates: 44.1Khz, 48Khz
  • Audio format: linear PCM, 16- or 24-bits per sample

Headphone output: Multifunction 1/8" jack (also functions as an IR blaster); 16-ohms minimum impedance; less than 0.03% THD

Dimensions: 8.5"W x 1.9"H x 4.5"D (216mm x 48mm x 117mm)

Finish: choice of Triple Platinum or Soft-touch Black

Pros

  • Wireless connectivity with good range
  • Easy to follow setup procedure
  • Digital coax and optical S/PDIF outputs
  • Excellent audio quality
  • Small footprint
  • Flexible system with many customization options including fully-customizable navigation

Cons

  • Average "no-frills" remote control and design
  • No Direct Selection of Internet Radio from SlimServer software
  • Unsearchable Help topics

Introduction

Since the introduction of their SLIMP3 system in 2001, Slim Devices has captured the hearts of audio enthusiasts everywhere by producing affordable, scalable solutions that focus solely on audio. Their newest development, the Squeezebox v2, is the next product from a company that appears to be focused on continually improving its product platform. The Squeezebox2 is not a video server, it doesn't display your photos or have TV outputs for on-screen display. It focuses solely on serving audio to an external powered system, whether located in your office, bedroom, or home theater. In addition, the Squeezebox v2 seems dedicated to maximizing audio quality and providing a flexible interface that has room to grow and adapt to new formats.
  1. Squeezebox v2 Overview and Basic Setup
  2. Squeezebox v2 Operation and Remote Control
  3. Squeezebox v2 Listening Tests and Conclusion
Up to Digital Media Servers ↑