Multi-room audio: Squeezebox Duet vs AirTunes
See how Logitech compares to Apple in Adam Turner's quest for music wherever he goes.
If you want decent multi-room audio and money is no object, check out the Sonos Digital Music System I wrote about recently. It's awesome, you won't regret it.
If, however, the $AU1800 starter kit is a little rich for your blood, Logitech's Squeezebox Duet and Apple's AirTunes are two respectable budget alternatives.
I have to admit up front that I'm a recent Mac convert - I own a MacBook and a first-gen iPhone - so it will come as little surprise to those who've followed my conversion that I favour the Apple solution.
It's not just Mac zealotry coming through, as Apple offers a far more user-friendly and cost effective solution.
Setting up AirTunes
AirTunes is Apple's system for streaming audio from a computer running iTunes to an Airport Express ($AU129) or Apple TV (from $AU329). In typical Apple style it's very easy to configure, and the Airport Express has the added bonus of extending your wireless network and offering a USB port for a network printer.
When you fire up iTunes on your computer, a new drop-down menu appears allowing you to treat any AirPort Express or Apple TV as an external speaker. Any audio you can play in iTunes (including music purchased from the iTunes Store) can be streamed to up to three devices simultaneously.
The amazing Airfoil, available for Mac and Windows for $US25, lets you stream audio from any application to AirTunes speakers.
My problems setting up Airport Express
At first I had problems with the Airport Expresses disappearing from my network, or the music starting to break up after a while. After a few days of frustration I even went out and bought an Apple Time Capsule (an Airport Extreme wireless base station with a built-in hard drive) to see if it would fix the problems.
I'd been looking for an excuse to buy one anyway. The situation improved but the problem didn't go away completely and I eventually narrowed it down to interference from my microwave (something that's only been a problem since I moved house last month). I suspect one of my new neighbours could be using a 2.4GHz cordless phone as well.
Switching to 5GHz solved the problem
Since I was now using all Apple wireless gear, I switched from using 802.11g/n at 2.4GHz to using 802.11a/n at 5GHz. Ever since it's been perfect, although I've had to run a separate 802.11b/g network to keep some of my other wireless gear happy. Now AirTunes "just works".
I use my iPhone as a remote
The icing on the cake is using my iPhone as a remote control - switching between devices, selecting music, changing speakers and adjusting the volume.
For $458 you can get yourself an Airport Express and an iPod touch to use as a remote, while another $250 will get you an 802.11n-capable Airport Extreme router as well.
The other approach - Logitech
Logitech's Squeezebox Duet sells for $599, which buys you a remote control, a recharge cradle and a tiny receiver that connects to your stereo (analogue or digital) and your home network (wired or 802.11b/g wireless).
The remote control also connects to your wireless network, meaning you can use it anywhere in the house rather than relying on line of sight.
The Squeezebox Duet remote control is very sexy, with a 2.4 inch colour screen which lets you browse the music library on your computer (Mac, Windows or Linux). It uses an iPod-esque scroll wheel interface, but unfortunately the scroll wheel can be imprecise at times. Not as imprecise as the setup though.
Logitech wouldn't play nicely
I couldn't get it to play nicely with my 802.11g wireless network unless I disabled the encryption, and even then it was hit and miss as to whether the computer, remote control and receiver could detect each other. The troubleshooting support from Logitech could generously be described as "sparse".
Squeezebox impressive once you get it working
Once the technological gods took pity on me, the Squeezebox Duet was fairly impressive. You can also control the music from your computer, within your web browser.
The system supports multiple remotes and receivers, allowing you to either synchronise what they’re playing or have different music in each room. You can also access internet radio stations without the need to turn on your computer, or access your music collection if you copy it to the associated MP3tunes online storage service.
Working with iTunes and DRM music
Once running, the Squeezebox Duet can scan your hard drive for music or read your iTunes library -- but it can't be controlled directly from iTunes library and it can't play DRM-protected Apple or Windows tracks. Of course you're stuck using 802.11b/g at 2.4GHz, leaving you at the mercy of wireless interference.
If you're already drinking the Apple Kool-Aid, or just an iTunes user, then using AirTunes is a no-brainer - especially if you already run an 802.11a/n network and own an iPhone or iPod touch.
Even if you're not already in the Apple camp, AirTunes has several key advantages over the Squeezebox Duet - the equipment is cheaper, it's more user friendly, it extends your wireless network and it offers the option of running at 5GHz to avoid interference.
I know what I'll be spending my money on.
Share your experience using Apple AirTunes or the Logitech Squeezebox below.
Other Blog Entries written by Adam Turner:
Thoughts on this article? Add a comment below.
Comments: 2
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bbjai
Sep 13, 2008 3:11 AM
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I bought a Airport Express and Airport Extreme as well. I'm going to try it out soon but I don't even have a stereo to get it to work which is a bit of a bummer. Looks an excuse to buy speakers now haha |
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Adam Turner
Sep 16, 2008 10:37 AM
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I've got one plugged into a set of Harmon Kardon SoundStick II and it sounds great. If you're looking for smooth multi-room audio, it might be worth using the same speakers in each room. Otherwise you notice the difference as you walk between rooms. |