Introduction
Since the introduction of the first MP3 player by Eiger Labs MPMan followed by Diamond Multimedia’s Rio 300 the portable audio market has been one of the fastest growing markets of present times. And now with the recent popularity of NAS systems portable audio streaming media players are making quite an impression among consumers. Manufactures such as DLINK, Archos, Roku-Labs are all well known for producing WIFI enabled network media players but today we take a look at Logitech’s Squeezebox version 3 which has been getting rave reviews from everyone around.
The Squeezebox is actually designed by a company called Slim Devices, which was recently acquired by Logitech. The Squeezebox is essentially is a miniature type of PC interface with a DAC unit built into it. In a nutshell the main functionality of the squeezebox is its capability to stream music from your PC or any NAS device through a stereo system.
Since Logitech bought over Slim Devices it seems as if they have done a few cosmetic changes to the early version of this unit. Lets take a look at it’s specifications before going onto more detail.
Specifications
Audio Outputs
Audio outputs (general)
- Digital and analog outputs
- All RCA connectors are gold-plated
- Volume control is provided for all outputs
- Multiple outputs may be used at the same time
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
- Total harmonic distortion: less than -93.5dB (0.002%)
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Digital S/PDIF outputs
- Optical and coax digital connections
- Dedicated high-precision crystal oscillators (no PLL, no resampling)
- Standard IEC-958 (S/PDIF) encoding
- Optical connector: TOSLINK 660nm
- Coax connector: RCA, 500mVpp into 75 ohms
- Sample rates: 44.1Khz, 48Khz
- Audio format: linear PCM, 16 or 24 bits per sample
- Intrinsic jitter: less than 50ps (standard deviation)
Headphone output
- Standard 1/8″ jack also functions as an IR blaster
- Minimum headphone impedance: 16 ohms
- Total harmonic distortion: less than 0.03%
- Left/right crosstalk attenuation: 92dB
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Audio Formats
Audio formats
- Lossless Formats (Apple Lossless, FLAC, WMA Lossless)
- “Bit-perfect” CD audio streaming, with reduced storage and bandwidth usage.
- Approximately 2:1 compression ratio
- Uncompressed formats (AIFF, WAV, PCM)
- Supports raw pass-through of uncompressed PCM audio formats
- Digital passthrough to S/PDIF for DTS
- Compressed formats (MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, MP2, MusePack, WMA)
- MPEG decoding uses MAD software, widely regarded as the most accurate, most compatible MP3 decoder.
- High accuracy 24-bit synthesis
- Supports all MP3 data rates and sample rates, including VBR
- May be streamed in PCM (raw), MP3 (transcoded), or FLAC (transcoded) formats
- Sound Check and Replay Gain support for automatic volume control.
- Some formats may require additional software installation (e.g. QuickTime), depending on platform.
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Internet Radio
- “Always-on” Internet Radio, powered by SqueezeNetwork, lets you tune in to Internet Radio streams even when the home PC is switched off.
- Quick selection from hundreds of Internet Radio streams offered by Slim Devices’ partners.
- 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
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Tech Notes
Firmware
- Flash upgradeable firmware
- Network settings are stored in non-volatile memory
- Auto-configuration for most networks
- Easy setup for wireless networks
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Architecture
- 250 MHz 8-way multithreaded RISC processor
- “Pure software” SlimDSPâ„¢ architecture
- Field-upgradeable Xilinx CPLD
- 64Mb high-speed RAM
- 16Mb program flash
- Low-power design, all solid-state, fanless
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Network
Wireless Interface
- True 802.11g wireless networking
- Bridging capability allows Ethernet devices to connect to the network through Squeezebox Wireless
- Throughput up to 54Mbps, high speed PCI interface to radio module
- Dual antennas for improved range and throughput
- Supports all 802.11b and 802.11g access points
- Internal antennas: planar inverted-F antenna
- Automatically detects available networks for quick setup
- Supports both WPA Personal, WPA2-AES and 64/128-bit WEP encryption
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Ethernet Interface
- True 100Mbps throughput
- Shielded CAT5 RJ-45 connector
- Connects to any 100Mbps or 10Mbps network
- Auto-detects full duplex and half duplex modes
- Automatic receive polarity correction
- Maximum cable length: 100 meters (328 feet)
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Power
Power input
- 5.0V DC, regulated
- Center positive, sleeve ground
- Connector: 2.5mm ID, 5.5mm OD, 11mm long
- Min supply rating: 1000mA
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Power supply
- Switching power supply included
- Input voltage range and plug style specific to shipping destination
- Power supplies are small, efficient, and do not get hot
- One of four styles is included depending on country
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Basics
What’s included:
- Squeezebox Digital Media Player
- AC Power adaptor (appropriate plug by region)
- User’s manual
- SlimServer software (requires download)
- Custom infrared remote, 2 AAA batteries included
- 6-foot gold plated RCA patch cord
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System requirements:
- All systems: 256MB RAM, ethernet or wireless network, and 20MB hard disk space
- Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.3 or later
- Windows: 733Mhz Pentium running Windows NT/2000/XP
- Linux/BSD/Solaris/Other: Perl 5.8.3 or later
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Physical
General
- Dimensions: 7.6″W x 3.7″H x 3.1″D (192mm x 93mm x 80mm) including stand
- Finish: choice of high gloss white or black
Display
- Large, high-resolution vacuum fluorescent display
- 320×32 grayscale pixels
- Beautiful high-speed, full-screen visualizers
- Bitmapped graphics, multiple fonts, animation, and images
- Brightness control
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Infrared remote
- Standard 38Khz IR
- Hand-held remote, 30 buttons
- Durable black or white finish
- Includes “SmartScroll” algorithms to quickly access favorite songs within large lists
- Custom codes do not conflict with other devices
- Data format fully compatible with most programmable and universal remotes
- Templates available for Pronto and other remotes
- Supports discrete on/off and other “shortcut” codes
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Legal Notes
Warranty:
- Two years parts and labor
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Regulatory compliance
- CE Class B
- FCC Class B
- Canada ICES-0003 Class B
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