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Digital Drive: REVIEW: Slim Devices Squeezebox 3 DAC Processors by mls-stl

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REVIEW: Slim Devices Squeezebox 3 DAC Processors

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Model: Squeezebox 3
Category: DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price: $299
Description: DAC meets Airport Express
Manufacturer URL: Slim Devices
Model Picture: View

Review by mls-stl ( A ) on August 04, 2006 at 20:22:13
IP Address: 70.242.159.179
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The Squeezebox 3 is the current model network music player from Slim Devices. For those unfamiliar with the it, this is a very clever device that allows you to connect your stereo to your computer. You can then use your stereo to play music stored on your computer's hard drive, or audio that has been streamed from an internet radio source.

Here is a description for those unfamiliar with the basic nature of the beast. Audio can be stored on your computer's hard drive in a variety of formats. Lossless formats include WAV, Apple, WMA and FLAC formats. Lossy formats include MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis and WMA. (See Slim Devices website for more info.) Slim Devices has a software program called "SlimServer" that can be used to manage your music library and send the music data to the Squeezebox device. The software is available free of charge (the hardware does not need to be purchased to get the program) and is available for MS Windows, Mac OS-X and Linux operating systems. The software server program will also allow you to build "playlists" of various material.

The Squeezebox 3 is the current model as of mid-2006. It comes in a wired version (CAT5 ethernet) for $250 and a wireless version (802.11b/g) for $300. It hooks up to your home network as if it were another computer or laptop. The unit sits by your stereo and is connected to your amp via a set of regular RCA stereo cables or to your DAC via either optical or coax S/PDIF outputs. A remote is also included that allows you to change volume, switch songs and browse your music catalog using the fluorescent display on the Squeezebox. (A new high-end model, "Transporter," is due out soon but is not covered by this review.)

I used the original version of this device - the "SliMP3" - for a couple of years. It was imminently useful for casual listening, but I found the audio quality of the original unit simply mediocre. It lacked the depth and clarity of my standalone CD player and was slightly harsh in the upper midrange and highs. As such, it fell a bit short of the mark when it came to critical listening.

The Squeezebox 3 changes all this. It is easily the equal of my NAD C542 CD player when playing lossless material. The Squeezebox has a good soundstage, depth and a smooth and extended high end that is very musical. I don't use an external DAC, so this is based on the analog RCA output to my preamp. I've found the unit so satisfactory that I've added hard drive capacity to my Linux server and am ripping my CD collection (in Flac) to it. The ability to compose a seamless listening session from a multitude of different albums without having to switch CD's - and more importantly without a loss of quality - really spoils a person.

There are already a couple of companies doing further audiophile mods to the Squeezebox for those who are into tweaking. However, this can triple the price of the unit.

As is, the Squeezebox 3 is simply an outstanding value. There are not many things that one can do to an audio system for $250 to $300 that are at this level of sound quality, certainly not that add a whole new music source to your system. For someone who is interested in converting their music collection to a lossless format this can be a wonderful new way to enjoy their music.

The drawbacks? There are some and they center primarily around getting everything connected, up and running. If you already have a home computer network (especially a wireless one) then you're more than halfway there. However, the non-computer savvy person may find things daunting. Another drawback is hard drive storage space. Lossless compressed formats offer a bit of space savings, but nothing like the reduction of file size offered by MP3's and the like. However, I consider the lossy formats simply unsuitable for serious listening. Large hard drives are not too expensive (I just bought a 300GB drive for $100) but again, not everyone is adept at installing them. Plus you also have the job of ripping your CD material in front of you. Some may find the technical learning curve and ripping time investment not worth it. (However, Slim Devices does offer CD ripping as an extra cost service.)

For me this has been an exciting process that is proving well worth it. For those who are comfortable with the technical end of things, I'd highly recommend it.


Product Weakness: Technical learning curve and setup issues may be daunting for those not computer savvy.
Product Strengths: Great sound for price. Great way to add computer based storage and playback capability to your system.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: CJ MV60
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): CJ PV10AL
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Computer hard drive
Speakers: Spendor S5e
Cables/Interconnects: 12 GA OFC
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Variety
Room Size (LxWxH): 13 x 15 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments: rug on hardwood, plaster walls
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): None
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): N/A




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Topic - REVIEW: Slim Devices Squeezebox 3 DAC Processors - mls-stl 20:22:13 08/4/06 ( 3)