Linksys Premier Kit Build Quality

I had the pleasure of working with three elements of the Linksys system; The Director, The Player, and The Controller. We also had access to the Docking Station for iPod, which allowed us to set an iPod into the cradle and send that music throughout our networked system. In addition to these items, Linksys also offers The Conductor (coming soon), and speakers. All items come in a sleek black matte finish.

The Director

As you can imagine "The Director", as Cisco labels this component, is the brains of the Linksys system. Appropriately titled, the Director orchestrates synchronization of music files for your entire house. Music begins by plugging in the power cord and connecting speakers. With a built-in 50 watt per channel amplifier, the Director is designed to be connected to virtually any speaker or audio system via speaker cables. On the rear of the unit you'll notice a pair of gold-plated spring clips which will connect to any bare wire up to 16 gauge in diameter. Of course, it can also connect to an amplified system through USB, S/PDIF (TOSlink), dual RCA or even 3.5mm outputs. The Director can also be linked with an iPod dock to allow direct access to iPod songs that may not be on your network. We were very surprised (but pleased) to find a dedicated subwoofer RCA output as well, so feel free to use this with your existing subwoofer to give your music some kick (though we still advocate running a digital output to your A/V receiver and using it's bass management whenever possible).

Controlling the Director is very easy. Through its clear 3.5 LCD screen, you are able to scroll through several different music sources with the provided Controller, four buttons on the front of the Director, or by linking the Director with the touch screen Controller remote (not included). On the screen several different audio sources are available, including any computer connected to Linksys, libraries of music, Radio Tune, and Rhapsody (30-day trial included with purchase of the Wireless Home Audio system). To help organize your music, you can create playlists and favorites.

The Player

Expandability of the Director comes into play with the "Play to" feature, where you can link different rooms and control them through the Director. This is done through The Player which slaves to the Director and acts as a remote music hub to distribute audio throughout a home. A "Party Mode" allows you to link up all systems in a network to provide the same source audio throughout your home – perfect for parties. The Player is an extension of the Director but with some major differences. Unfortunately you cannot control content, skip songs or pause with The Player. You can only adjust volume with the provided remote or separate touch-screen remote (not included). Audio outputs on The Player are limited to S/PDIF, dual RCA, or 3.5mm.

The Controller

Because you cannot control the Player except for volume, in order to change a song or music source, you would have to be in the same room as the Director. That is, of course, unless you have Linksys' wireless touchscreen remote control. Then you can control audio wirelessly throughout the entire house via wireless networking. The Controller is a hand held remote that measures 6" x 3" x 1" and weighs about 2 lbs. Configuring and operating this remote is very simple. Directions on how to configure the remote to your network are the same as any other device in the Linksys system, and configuring the screen requires you to touch the screen only twice. As we mentioned, the Controller operates on the RF band via your wireless network, so it is compatible with 802.11b/g and even Wireless n-draft networks.

The Conductor

Another piece that is available for use with this system is the Conductor. While I did not have the opportunity to work with the Conductor it works on the same platform as the Director but adds speakers and a CD player for truly standalone use. The stylish Conductor is essentially an all-in-one wireless music center that is designed to receive and play digital music streams over your wireless network. Its built-in amplifier drives its built-in speakers. It includes a CD-player if you want to simply pop in a disc. The Conductor is light and easily portable, so you can move the Conductor from room to room wherever you want your music to play. It's good in the garage, perfect for the patio, and cool for the kitchen.