Squeezebox alternative?

pjchappy · « **on:** 27 Dec 2005, 04:39 am »

I was wondering if anyone has or is willing to check this out. . .it's only $100.

http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/catalog/product.jsp?activeCategory=&language=en&country=US&catalogType=CONSUMER&productId=SLA5500NS_17_US_CONSUMER

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mr_bill · « **Reply #1 on:** 27 Dec 2005, 04:57 am »

That seems to function just like a squeezebox.

pjchappy · « **Reply #2 on:** 27 Dec 2005, 05:06 am »

And this has more functionality and is only $200. . .looks like plenty of room for mods. . .

http://www.store.philips.com/b2c_redesign/b2c/productdetail.do?productguid=4191CF47A596009600000000828BD4723FFD930E367301B0E1000000828BD4B7&productarea=4191CF47A596009600000000828BD472&scenario=catalog&shop=DIRECT

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Mathew_M · « **Reply #3 on:** 27 Dec 2005, 05:50 am »

True it works the same but the Squeezebox has better tech specs.

With the Philips unit (at least the $100 model. The specs page wasn't working for me for the upsized model) you're stuck with a mini-jack for stereo and no digital out. It's also not Mac compatible (no good for me). Also I doubt the Philips has as good of a onboard D/A converter as the Squeezebox does.

However that's just looking at the specs. It would be interesting to hear the two compared.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 Dec 2005, 01:20 pm »

No support for FLAC, and a 3.5mm stereo output... I will stick with the SB3 thanks...

It certainly will be the future though, with wireless video likely only 1-2 years away, for the affordable, wireless solution.

thuway · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Dec 2005, 01:57 pm »

the reason you pay the premium for the Squeezebox, which seperates it from Sonos, Windows Media Player Center recievers, and that Philips unit, is for the pure fact that you have audiophile components trapped inside that little squeezebox.

That burr brown dac has alot to do with it.

Anyways, the squeezebox is aimed at the true audiophile, and its not just some lame components snugged inside a box.

In the future you can expect to see perhaps better DACs inside, maybe the motrola chip, I'd definetely like to see that installed inside. It could even function as a pre/pro for strict two channel, who knows, but I think Squeezebox could make a very nice Audio-only solution. I'd love to see if it could one day be able to store DVD-A and SACD somehow and truly free me.

Now if only I could wirelessly amplify my speakers....