Qsonix Q100 Digital Music System Review

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Summary

  • Product Name: Q100 Digital Music System
  • Manufacturer: Qsonix
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStar
  • Review Date: August 01, 2006 20:00
  • MSRP: $ 5495
Specifications

Music Storage Q100
Q100–160GB Model
Lossless* approx 500 CDs
High Quality approx 1500 CDs
Normal Quality approx 3000 CDs
Q100–400GB Model
Lossless* approx 1200 CDs
High Quality approx 3500 CDs
Normal Quality approx 7500 CDs
*Qsonix use lossless compression technology which increases storage capacity without compromising sound quality.

Interfaces
1 x S/PDIF Coax digital audio output (24 bit, 192Khz,
107dba)
2 x Analog stereo (RCA) output
1 x VGA Video Output (1024x768)
2x Accessory Ports (future upgrades)
1 x 10/100MBit Ethernet
Cat5 Monitor Extension (optional)**
Crestron controller support (available Q2 2005)
** Allows extension of touchscreen up to 600’ from main system

Touchscreen Technology
15” TFT Active Matrix Screen
1024 x 768 Resolution
Anti-glare screen
Includes tabletop stabilization bracket
VESA 75 compliant for wall or arm mount (optional)
Elegant and rugged design

Audio output:
Dynamic Range 106dB (A-weighted)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 107dB (typical, A-weighted)
THD 0.00235% (-92.6dB)
Maximum Line Output Level +2.1dBV (1.276 Vrms)
Frequency Response +/-0.6dB; 22Hz-20kH
@48kHz Samplefrequenz
+/-3.0dB; 22Hz-80kHz

Dimensions / Weight:
Chassis: 17”(w) x (14”(d) x 4”(h) with feet (2U rack) 21 lbs
TouchScreen Controller: 17”(w) x 16.0”(h) x 6.7”(d) 12lbs
Crosstalk: -118.9dB


Pros

  • Touchscreen interface is just cool
  • GUI is intuitive with virtually no learning curve
  • Interfaces with Crestron products via RS-232
  • Two zone ability (Zone 2 only analogue)

Cons

  • Dealer-targeted pricing
  • No wireless networking ability
  • Can’t burn CDs
  • No ability to access music off other computers on the network
  • No screensaver on touchscreen without password protection
  • Loud fan makes placing the server a good distance from you (or in another room) a necessity

Introduction

Music managers seem to be the wave of the future. Every product seems to claim some sort of music management system no matter how rudimentary. It also seems that the more of these reviews I do, the more often I get comments like, “Yeah but you can do all that with your computer.” My answer has always been – but how well? I don’t care if you can store 5 billion albums on your modded PC. If it crashes all the time, takes forever to access your library, and you can only listen to it from your office it is useless. In my opinion, the most important part of a server of any kind is that it works – every time.

 

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