Slim Devices Squeezebox 2 Wireless - Network audio player - black
Warning: it will change your life (for the better)
This is a great product.  It's transformed how--and how much--I listen to music.  For me, I've ripped all my CDs to FLAC and can now quickly find anything I want to hear, and, at the same quality as the original.  Even if you listen to MP3s the Squeezebox is so darn convenient it's hard to imagine anyone would go back to a CD player or even CD changer.  The display is large and clear enough for me to read way across the room; and the remote is well designed.  (Don't discount such interface issues as it affects your daily use of a product--this one is well designed.)<br /><br />For some balance, here's my take on the adv/disadvantages:<br /><br />ADVANTAGES:<br />--super quality (built-in DAC is excellent; but you can also output digital)<br />--bright, clear, high framerate display<br />--server software is constantly improving<br />--slimdevices (the manufacturer) is a model of responsiveness (for example, when I upgraded my old Squeezebox 1--the day Squeezebox 2 came out--my particular WAP didn't work properly and they updated the firmware to fix the problem within 24 hours!)<br />--the user community is vibrant and helpful (they have an active user forum)<br />--it will make you listen to more music (so I guess your spouse might think that's a disadvantage because you'll spend more on music).<br />--every limitation of the Squeezebox 1 was eliminated with features in this version (FLAC decompression at the client; wireless g; audiophile DAC; etc.--talk about a company that listens to its customers)<br /><br />DISADVANTAGES:<br />--while the included server software is about as easy to install and maintain as anything like it, it's not really for everyone.  For example, I doubt my mom could get it running.<br />--you can't directly play itunes protected files (you have to convert them).  But... those are only encoded at 128kbps so it won't affect the audiophiles.<br />--the server software is open source which, in many ways, is a good thing.  But, I often wonder whether open source really is worth it. There are lots of developers improving the software but I don't think every new added feature is always a good thing.  (Of course you don't have to try every new plugin that comes out either.)<br /><br />I included the disadvantages because I don't think the product is for everyone.  But I also think none of those disadvantages make the Squeezebox less attractive than its competitors.  Many other products force you to turn on your tv to select songs... or run into the room where your computer is.  There's another product similar to Squeezebox (roku) that has you using the software made for Squeezebox! (After all it's open source.)  But I think in that case you'll always be one step behind as improvements are always made for the benefit of Squeezebox--not other devices.  Anyway, the competitive products have equivalent if not identical disadvantages.<br /><br />Finally, if you think I'm totally sold on this product you're right.  I have one in the office, the kitchen, and the living room. The thing is that I think my story is similar to other customers.  This product is a big deal because--like the VCR or answering machine--it will really change the way you live your life.  Sounds a bit dramatic but it's true.ers improving the software but I don't think every new added feature is always a good thing.  (Of course you don't have to try every new plugin that comes out either.)    I included the disadvantages because I don't think the product is for everyone.  But I also think none of those disadvantages make the Squeezebox less attractive than its competitors.  Many other products force you to turn on your tv to select songs... or run into the room where your computer is.  There's another product similar to Squeezebox (roku) that has you using the software made for Squeezebox! (After all it's open source.)  But I think in that case you'll always be one step behind as improvements are always made for the benefit of Squeezebox--not other devices.  Anyway, the competitive products have equivalent if not identical disadvantages.    Finally, if you think I'm totally sold on this product you're right.  I have one in the office, the kitchen, and the living room. The thing is that I think my story is similar to other customers.  This product is a big deal because--like the VCR or answering machine--it will really change the way you live your life.  Sounds a bit dramatic but it's true.