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Logitech 930-000054 Squeezebox Boom All-In-One Network Music Player with Integrated Speakers | 
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| Brand: Logitech
Category: CE
List Price: $299.99
Buy New: $279.99
You Save: $20.00 (7%)
New (36) Used (1) from $259.77
Rating:  52 reviews
Sales Rank: 628
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Shipping Weight (lbs): 9
Dimensions (in): 0.1 x 0.1 x 0.1
Warranty: 2 years warranty
MPN: 930-000054
Model: 930-000054
UPC: 097855052117
EAN: 0097855052117
ASIN: B001DJ64D4
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| Features:
| • | Integrated, all-digital amplifier and breakthrough acoustics for a big, crystal-clear sound that fills a room | | • | SqueezeNetwork online music service for easy access to your favorite musicon Virtually Any Surface | | • | Compact, all-in-one design with wireless connectivity for clean, clutter-free installation | | • | True 802.11g wireless networking for optimal network speeds and more secure connection | | • | A seven-day alarm that wakes you with your favorite playlist or Internet radio station |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
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| Customer Reviews: Read 47 more reviews...
 The Logitech Squeezebox Boom - Great Streaming Radio Addition to the Squeezebox Lineup November 20, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Logitech's Squeezebox Boom adds a quality all-in-one streaming radio to build on the positives of the Sqeezebox product family. This radio includes a simple monochrome screen, simple controls, a basic remote and nice quality integrated speakers. The integrated amplifier and improved Logitech sound delivery technology produce better sound than expected. Limited interfaces, software complexity and some missing features keep this from being a total slam dunk. But it's still one of the better options available.
PROS:
+ Easy wireless or wired network setup, including secured wireless
+ Built-in speakers produce very good sound quality setup
+ Fairly good clock radio design with customizable 7-day alarm clock
+ Simple, easy to use controls on the front panel
+ Nice presets for your favorites
+ Compatible with most standard audio file formats
+ Option of audio streaming from either the internet or your home network
+ Easy access to internet radio stations, both paid and free
+ Very functional given the price
+ Nice build quality and an included black cloth bag for protection
+ SqueezeCenter application includes many customization and other options
+ SqueezeNetwork allows you to easily collect all your favorite internet music sources in one location
CONS:
- SqueezeCenter software requires technical know-how on complex set-ups
- Included remote is rather minimal
- An LCD color screen would have been better
- Must buy other SqueezeBox products, like the master remote, to get the most out of this
- Lack of internal music storage means when the network is down, you are down if you are only using internet radio
- The list price is somewhat high because similar devices are few
- Limited interfaces for connecting home stereo equipment and other devices
THE SQUEEZEBOX PRODUCT FAMILY
The Logitech Squeezebox Duet Network Music System includes the Logitech Squeezebox Receiver and the Logitech Squeezebox Remote Controller. The remote works great with the Boom, and both components can also be purchased separately and integrated with the original Logitech Squeezebox. All of these components can work together to access internet radio and your personal music collection, and stream it throughout your home. For those looking for a digital music system, the combined power of all these components is a very compelling solution.
One drawback to the Boom is also a problem with Logitech's lineup as a whole. In order to really get the most out of this system, you must purchase a number of these components separately. The Squeezebox Boom would have been perfect if it had an LCD screen that could display more track and artist information at any given time. Instead, they included a basic monochrome screen. It's functional, and it does scroll artist information. But when you combine the Squeezebox Boom with the LCD remote from the Squeezebox Duet, you get a much more pleasing experience. I only wish they would have included it from the beginning.
SETUP
Setup was easy, though not as quick as one would like. It really depends on how many types of music sources you need to set up. Either way, you have to attach this device to your wired or wireless network. For wireless, if you have security enabled (as you should!) you will need to know your network ID and encryption info. The real setup challenge comes from the "SqueezeCenter" software, which may need various updates and patches to function depending on the configuration and location of your music library.
SqueezeCenter needn't be set up on a PC. It can also run on a network attached storage (NAS) appliance or network hard drive. Some drives that come with Ethernet can have the software installed on them. Other people may be able to create a hybrid solution by using one of the many next generation routers that allows a standard external hard drive to be made *network ready* by connecting to a USB port. This will allow you to stream from your music library without using your computer.
Wherever you plan on storing your music, you will have to run the SqueezeCenter software. Yes, if your disk is down, or your computer is down, then you will not be able to access your library. That is one of the reasons why the internet radio portion may be more reliable than the home library function. Accessing your home library will depend greatly on the stability and power of the computer or disk where your music is stored.
The documentation on all of the different setup options is very light. So if you are not comfortable configuring and setting up computer equipment, you may need some help.
THE CONTROLS AND INTERFACES
The controls on the front panel are simple, straight forward and functional. Other than your central control knob, you also have the basic play and pause functions you would expect with any radio. You can also program a number of favorite "stations" that can be any internet radio or playlist. Instant feedback is provided via the screen.
Connecting an MP3 player, CD player or stereo system is as easy as plugging it in to the line-in jack. Standard analog RCA jacks are not included. One of the biggest missing items is the lack of various interfaces including digital audio. Never mind that adding a dock adapter for an MP3 player can not be done directly. Sure you can use the line-in, but that doesn't give you much control. Those small omissions make this product more ideal for those with less audio equipment.
WIRELESS AND WIRED CONNECTIVITY
For most households with wireless internet, the included 802.11g support will be adequate. You can also set up this device via a wired Ethernet connection, which fewer people are doing. Still, this is a great option if you have weak wireless transmission in your home. If you run an Ethernet cable up to your router, you can keep the music coming. The only limitations are the physical distance limits of Ethernet, which are still much greater than the ranges of most wireless routers. Obviously, running a cable is not nearly as convenient as connecting wirelessly, but it's great to have the option.
SUPPORTED AUDIO FORMATS
The Squeezebox product family, including the Boom, supports almost every digital music format. Not only are the standards like MP3 supported, but also Apple Lossless, FLAC, WMA Lossless, AIFF, WAV, PCM, WMA, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, Mp2, and Musepack. I have tested my unit with three quarters of these formats. The sound quality is very good considering the size.
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITY
This device is meant to act as both a clock radio and internet radio. As such, it includes a built-in 7 day alarm that can be set to any playlist or station. If you have satellite radio configured on your unit you can set it to that as well. So a very standard feature is made incredible by the way it's totally integrated with the advanced features of the Squeezebox.
The "SqueezeNetwork" is Logitech's online music service. It helps you collect your favorite music stations so that you can get easy access to it on your SqueezeBox. Combine this with your personal music library and you will have your favorite music, new and old, at your fingertips.
INTERNET AND SATELLITE RADIO
All the standard internet radio applications, including Pandora and Rhapsody, are supported by the Boom. The Boom performed very well during my testing. Free internet radio stations like LastFM and Slacker are also easily accessed. While not all internet stations are free, most pay services offer free *basic* versions to entice membership. If you do a little research, you will find tons of free internet radio sources no matter what kind of music you listen to.
The product information also says it supports Live365. Sirius and XM satellite radio services can also be configured if you have a subscription. I did not test those directly as I don't yet subscribe to satellite radio. I would guess that the receiver would be required separately, unless there is an integrated one that I'm not aware of. I will update this if I get more information about included and add-on components for satellite radio.
CONCLUSION
This unit is a nice addition to your home if you already have the Squeezebox Duet, or a great all-in-one solution if you don't own any internet radio. There are alternatives out there on the market, but the Squeezebox Boom should be high on your list of products to consider.
Enjoy!
 Instant gratification, surprising audio quality from a little package. November 20, 2008
This is, essentially, a clock radio. Only the 'radio' is a powerful network device that streams from your own music sources (MP3, iTunes, etc.) and/or a number of online sources and streams. By no means do I call it a clock radio to reduce the meaning or value of the product, I just want to put the size and typical application out on the table. This could find a home on a bedside table, in your kitchen, on a desk, or in a gym -- and hold its own in terms of volume and clarity. It comes with a mini remote that sits happily in a small recess on top of the machine, meaning you may have full control from any reasonable distance, while you're cooking, running on a treadmill, whatever you like.
Setup could not possibly have been faster or easier. It's all done through the device itself the first time you turn it on. We already had the Squeezebox software installed, but even had we not, that would have only taken 2-3 minutes tops to download and install, or to have done so from disc. Despite being on a well secured non-broadcasting network, we were online and running with just a few clicks on the box, and playing music no more than 5 minutes after removing it from the box.
The browser based interface for the product is brilliant. We already had a Logitech Squeezebox Duet Network Music System, so I was a little concerned that adding a second device would confuse the software. Those fears were quickly allayed once I realized that the controls allowed us to differentiate between the two devices, making each uniquely configured, and allowing them to work either independently or even (and this was a happy surprise) cooperatively inasmuch as one may now control the other.
I didn't expect much from the audio quality. Each speaker is roughly 4"x4", but in an almost Bose-like fashion, Logitech has squeezed startling depth and range out of this box. Even at higher volume, there was very little distortion, and a surprising (and adjustable) amount of bass.
Little bells and whistles just increase my appreciation. While in clock mode, you can have the device pulling RSS feeds from your favorite news or content sites and scrolling headlines across the screen. You can draw new music dynamically from wonderful services like Pandora. As previously noted, you can make full use of existing iTunes installations and libraries. This little box contains a lot of freedom and opportunity in regards to access to your music, as well as even more online.
Couldn't be happier with this product, can't possibly recommend it more. Another wonderful release from Logitech.
Fantastic product, can't live without it now! November 20, 2008
This is one of the best things I have gotten from Amazon ever! Usually I don't listen to radio unless its from my alarm clock, opting for internet radio instead, half the time that requires me to turn on my pc, look up stuff, set it up, but this little magic box makes it all seamless and a snap.
I can listen to my favorite stations with a push of a button, you can program few so there is no searching, I mean how awesome is to walk into the room and use the cute mini remote or simply pushing the saved station button to hear glorious music that fits my moon. All internet radio stations as well as regular air wave stations are there and I can even connect to my Rhapsody account to hear millions of albums available or my favorite Shoutcast stations. This little gadget has scrolling new options, like they do on the buildings, and tons of alarm clock sounds form all types of rain, to submarines, cars, animals, hilarious bits and pieces that amazed me and some made me laugh.
I gave this to my bf and he absolutely loved it, we enjoy it together and its never been easier to fill a room with music than with this little device. This is a winner and serves as a great digital clock when not in use.
Looooove it!!!!!
Boom Boom Boom let's go back to my room! ... and I'll show you my Squeezebox! November 19, 2008
I have become such a huge fan of Logitech through the years. Over a decade ago (that's like 30 years in web time!) I had this little Connectix camera ball (QuickCam) on my monitor that shot black and white images and became the biggest perv-sensation through CU-SeeMe... and then Logitech comes along, takes over, and things have just been getting better and better. They have set the standard of what computers and the internet is all about. Ironically I was a product tester for Connectix in about 1994, so I've been following them for a long time.
In recent months, I have been amazed at the QuickCam 9000, the beauty and function of remote controls and their Harmony series, the George Jetson appeal of the MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse, and my favorite is the ... Logitech Squeezebox Duet Network Music System ... which seriously rocks!
Squeezing in the "BOOM" was a no brainer. I have it in my bedroom, and it is now my ultra-fab "clock radio". It goes to work as soon as you plug it in. The hardest part is simply entering your network password, and that's it. I do use Logitech's (free) "Squeezebox Network", as it just makes everything more organized. i.e. if you have iTunes, there is nothing much for you to do except to play music, because it finds all your playable files, and does all the work. So, your library is covered, and then if you have a satellite radio service, it's ready to go too. I don't pay for radio, but there are options available. There are some that are free, but you need to create a username etc., and then there are some that are just there, free and ready to play... and those are the ones I use... there's a station of just 80's music!
There are other elements that keep surprising me. I actually set the alarm to play this really cool looped music as the alarm. Very pleasant. And there are things like environmental sounds of the ocean or rain etc.
Most importantly, the sound quality in this little Boom is superb. This will definitely give Bose some competition. My main stereo is a Bose, and my "Duet" is connected to it. Everything works well with each other.
There are vaguely similar units like this from other companies at half the price, but after testing them, I assure you this is the one to get.
I try to find something negative for reviews, but I got nothing. Maybe a handle on the Boom so I can walk from my bedroom to the patio with it on my shoulder while wearing my Hammer pants?
The Boom is Awesome! November 19, 2008
I'm really becoming a big Logitech fan. Their products seem to all be very high quality and the packaging is always very impressive. The Squeezebox Boom reinforces this. It comes in very nice packaging and includes a protective cloth bag, remote control, and power cord. It is a very good looking high quality unit. The sound quality is excellent. I already have the Squeezebox Duet which must be hooked to your home stereo and love it. Now with the Boom, I can listen to our music collection anywhere in the house! I took it into the garage for my last home improvement project and felt spoiled not having to listen to that 20 year old clock radio. The Internet radio features let me listen to my local stations as well as to my XM account.
I love the Squeezebox Boom and highly recommend it!
Notes:
- Awesome sound quality. It is very rich and deep. I was surprised how great it sounds.
- Very solid high quality unit. Comes with a protective black cloth bag and a remote.
- Works as a clock radio with alarm.
- Lighted buttons let you see it in the dark
- Works great with my wireless network. Just had to enter my wep key and I was connected.
- The preset buttons on the from of the unit can be assigned to a radio station or a playlist!
- Very cool display.
- Easy to connect to SqueezeNetwork for internet radio.
Technical Notes:
-You can program XM stations into your favorites if you are an XM subscriber.
- LastFM and Slacker are internet stations that you can listen to for free.
- I can connect to SqueezeCenter running on my ReadyNasDuo. This allows me to stream all my mp3 files and playlists without using a PC.
- Menu can be highly customized from the SqueezeCenter application. Put the items you want first and take out ones you don't want.
- There are websites dedicated to working with Squeezecenter and the Squeezebox products. These are very helpful. [...]
- Logitech is constantly upgrading both the Squeezecenter application and the device firmware. This means bugs will get fixed and improvements made.
- You can use the Duet remote to control the Boom
- Read but not yet tested: One surprising feature of the Boom is that it can act as a WiFi to Ethernet bridge. For example if you have the Squeezebox Boom sitting next to your XBox game console, you can plug the XBox into the Boom and have it access your network using the Boom's WiFi connection.
Room for Improvement:
- After unplugging the unit, it runs through the setup again. You don't have you re-enter any data, it remembers all that, but you do have to keep hitting enter to reconnect to your network and SqueezeCenter.
Concerns:
- SqueezeCenter the software that must run on a PC or NAS unit in order for you to stream your own music collection can be a difficult to get working. I'm a computer geek so I was able to plow through it and tweak all the settings for the various plugins. Someone not as computer literate may find this very hard to do.
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