How does it work?
The first step in configuring the Squeezebox is downloading the latest version of the open source SlimServer. We appreciate the fact that it supports Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, thereby opening up a larger target market for Slim Devices. Once the 16MB file is downloaded, and during the installation sequence, you are asked to define where on your hard drive(s) your music collection and playlists are kept. The Squeezebox supports pretty much all the music format flavours, including MP3, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, FLAC and WMA, but, as of yet, doesn't have the capability of running DRM-protected audio, say files downloaded from Apple's iTune store.
The next step is to configure the unit itself, so it's best to have the SlimServer active on the music-holding PCs.
The purpose of the above shot is to highlight the simple setup procedure and the quality of the vacuum fluorescent display. You toggle the options by using the arrow keys on the remote control, and the unit picked up our wireless network first time. After a few further configuration screens, the unit found the host music-holding PC and the SlimServer software on it. You're also able to use WEP/WPA security on the wireless connection, with the passcodes inputted via the remote control.
Once completed, which took us all of 5 minutes, you can review the current 15-step settings which offer information on network, player, and quality attributes. If you need to come back to the configuration menu at any time, simply hold the left-arrow button for 5 seconds. It really couldn't be any easier. The Squeezebox then updates itself to the latest available software and you're then ready to go. The next step, if you haven't already done so, is to connect the Squeezebox to the player of your choice. In our case, the test system was as follows:
| Device type | Component |
|---|---|
| Streaming device | Slim Devices Squeezebox 3 Wi-Fi model (v55 firmware) |
| Playback device | Denon DM-35 DAB mini-system |
| Interconnect | Analogue - Chord Cobra 3 0.5m |
| Speakers | KEF Cresta 3 floorstanders |
| Headphones | Sony CD-1700 studio-class |
We eschewed the supplied patch cables and used a Chord Cobra 3 analogue interconnect between Squeezebox and Denon DM-35 DAB system.
Now that the unit and music are connected via a wireless connection and SlimServer software, you have two choices. You can either connect to your music library on your PC or to Squeezebox's own servers. We'll consider the former first.