Wanted - Feedback / Comments on Logitech's Duet

Sonny · « **on:** 6 Jan 2009, 05:49 pm »

Ok, never thought I would look down this road, but since my airport express died, I've been thinking of another way to get music from my harddrive to system. I rarely use this method of listening, but think that it's convenient and not bad sounding. I want an affordable method so, here are my choices:

1- another aiport express so I can continue to use iTunes and get music from my HD to system
2- Duet, I hear this is one amazing piece...
3- more expensive Sonos or the like
4- None, go back vinyl and cd only...

Feedback / comments are welcome on all topics above...and any other that I've failed to list.

Thanks

mcgsxr · « **Reply #1 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 07:05 pm »

A device competitive with the Duet would be the Roku Soundbridge, as I understand it, it does what the Duet does.

As for convenience, there is no possible comparison between PC based, and manual. Even for a single system, it is so easy to just pick and choose music, and go. Now factor in that with PC based audio you could concurrently run many systems off the same PC...

I would go with the Duet, the new remote is fantastic compared to the original I use with my SB3. I programmed my Blackberry Bold to act as a wifi remote too, so I can adjust the basement system anywhere in the house.

Sonny · « **Reply #2 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 07:20 pm »

Thanks for the opinion, I think that as well, the Duet. I have heard, from blogs, that the remote is suspect to fail quite often, have you had this experience?

Thanks

tomjtx · « **Reply #3 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 07:35 pm »

I was a beta tester for the remote and never had a problem.
Either the duet or sb3 would be a great choice.

If you have an Iphone or an Itouch you can put on the Ipeng app from the Itunes store (9.99) and have a very slick touch screen remote. So if you have or plan to get one of those just get the SB3.

Squeezecenter works great with Itunes so you wont have to change anything there except you can't play Itunes purchased music (who would want to play lossy junk anyway

)

I wouldn't bother with the modders however. Just get a good DAC if you want to upgrade the sound. A lot of people are raving about the CambridgeDACMagic at 399.00

jhm731 · « **Reply #4 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 07:37 pm »

With Pat's mods see:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=61608.0

the Duet becomes an outstanding performer.

Haven't had any problems with my remote.

Philistine · « **Reply #5 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 07:54 pm »

I have had a SB3, now have a Duet/Transporter/Controller.
I've used my Nokia N800 as a 'remote' with no issues, and found the Controller to be a PITA - buggy, freezing, recycling, poor battery life and generally unstable. When the Controller works its great and when it doesn't it's about the most infuriating device known to man, we are all beta testers for Logitech on this one. If I had my time again I would go for the Itouch. Hopefully they'll get it right one day.
Having complained about the Controller the SB3/Duet/Transporter options are all 3 great concepts.

I have installed the Sonos Music System for a friend and the interface is more reliable and mature, but you get less functionality, it's definitely worth considering. You have to be a nerd to install and maintain a Logitech system, the Sonos System requires less nerdiness and they have a superior customer support process to manage it.

You didn't ask the question but I've compared a Bolder SB3 with a standard SB3, a Modwright Transporter with a standard Transporter - both the modded components are in a different league when compared to the off the shelf components. Haven't heard the ART (Pat) mod so cannot comment.

Sonny · « **Reply #6 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 07:57 pm »

Quote from: Philistine on 6 Jan 2009, 07:54 pm

I have had a SB3, now have a Duet/Transporter/Controller.

I've used my Nokia N800 as a 'remote' with no issues, and found the Controller to be a PITA - buggy, freezing, recycling, poor battery life and generally unstable.

So, the Duet's remote is having problems?

Sonny · « **Reply #7 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 07:58 pm »

Quote from: tomjtx on 6 Jan 2009, 07:35 pm

I was a beta tester for the remote and never had a problem.
Either the duet or sb3 would be a great choice.

If you have an Iphone or an Itouch you can put on the Ipeng app from the Itunes store (9.99) and have a very slick touch screen remote. So if you have or plan to get one of those just get the SB3.

Squeezecenter works great with Itunes so you wont have to change anything there except you can't play Itunes purchased music (who would want to play lossy junk anyway )

I wouldn't bother with the modders however. Just get a good DAC if you want to upgrade the sound. A lot of people are raving about the CambridgeDACMagic at 399.00

yes, I do plan to use an external dac. I have an older Audio Alchemy Dac with jitter control, which I plan to use...
I also plan to use the Duet to pull files from my Lacie harddrive, can I do this and bypass my G4 computer altogether?

T

mcgsxr · « **Reply #8 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 08:06 pm »

I am not aware of how to get the Duet to pull directly from an HD, unless it is a NAS.

I own a Bolder modded SB3, so I don't have the Controller, I have the older, boring remote. No troubles in 3 years.

I don't bother with an external DAC, as the analog outputs from the Bolder SB3 bested my DAC, Pre, and cd/transport combo.

Philistine · « **Reply #9 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 08:13 pm »

Quote from: Sonny on 6 Jan 2009, 07:57 pm

Quote from: Philistine on 6 Jan 2009, 07:54 pm
I have had a SB3, now have a Duet/Transporter/Controller.

I've used my Nokia N800 as a 'remote' with no issues, and found the Controller to be a PITA - buggy, freezing, recycling, poor battery life and generally unstable.

So, the Duet's remote is having problems?

Yes I have problems with the Controller reliability, but I'm just one data point!
Recommend you get feedback from others before making the jump - also you can always try it and return it if it doesn't work. I don't want to put you off, just to let you know that its not a seamless integrated and fully reliable device.

Sonny · « **Reply #10 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 08:18 pm »

Quote from: Philistine on 6 Jan 2009, 08:13 pm

Quote from: Sonny on 6 Jan 2009, 07:57 pm
Quote from: Philistine on 6 Jan 2009, 07:54 pm
I have had a SB3, now have a Duet/Transporter/Controller.

I've used my Nokia N800 as a 'remote' with no issues, and found the Controller to be a PITA - buggy, freezing, recycling, poor battery life and generally unstable.

So, the Duet's remote is having problems?

Yes I have problems with the Controller reliability, but I'm just one data point!
Recommend you get feedback from others before making the jump - also you can always try it and return it if it doesn't work. I don't want to put you off, just to let you know that its not a seamless integrated and fully reliable device.

No, I much appreciate the comment!!!
I am still looking around for my options... but a new airport express, being $100 does solve my problem, but not really worth it if I can get something as a stand alone...
Couldn't I hard wire my harddrive to the Duet and use the navition from the control to pull the music?
T

Sonny · « **Reply #11 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 08:46 pm »

Just talked to Logitech tech help...

The Duet can not be directly connected to an external harddrive as the harddrive would have to be able to run the Squeeze Box's music center software, therefore, the external hd would have to be connect to a computer then the Duet can pull the music.

T

Wayne1 · « **Reply #12 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 08:53 pm »

As another data point, I am not having any problems with my Controller using the latest SqueezeCenter 7.3.1.

Earlier versions of the software were buggy when using the Controller. Most of the problems were solved with 7.2. Even more were resolved with the latest version.

The DUET system is just an interface between the computer and your stereo. It is a "Slim Device" in that is does not have anywhere near the processing power to run the software needed to make everything work.

SqueezeCenter is what controls the DUET system. It needs to be loaded into a computer to function. It will then talk to the controller and the receiver through your home network. You will need a wireless router along with a computer.

There are some folks who do run SqueezeCenter on a NAS. There have been mentions of rather slow response times doing this.

Running a dedicated media server would be the best idea. Lots of people seem to be happy using a headless Mac Mini with an external HD to hold their music files.

I have used a Dell AXIM X50 PDA and a Nokia N770 for remote control of my SBs. I prefer the Controller over either of these.

Sonny · « **Reply #13 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 09:11 pm »

Thanks Wayne...

I wonder if this is better than say a sonos server...

richidoo · « **Reply #14 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 09:33 pm »

Sonos...... Ahhhhhhhhhh, that's nice.

Make sure the new gold SC7 firmware 7.3.1 really does fix the remote as many are claiming - if so it's a nice system IF you run a PC all the time anyway, and already have a wireless network installed. You have 30 day refund privilege to decide if it's perfect so no harm in trying. You still need a computer running to play music, the library scanning is slow, cloogy web interface and other niggles justified by the "low price." Having owned both, and taken altogether I think Sonos is a better system for the money. No separate server, built in wireless network, bit perfect zone sync, great sounding built in amp, lightning fast scans and response, excellent tech support, no hassles at all. You get what you pay for. I still run slimserver6 in my NAS for a Squeezebox in my kids room. It is an excellent reliable system. Duet has great potential, sexiest of all. None stream high res audio

Next gen maybe....

I got my Duets and SB3 direct, and Sonos from Black Sands, a perfect deal, as always. There are several AC member/sellers for both brands, that's your best bet for good service.

Sonny · « **Reply #15 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 09:58 pm »

Quote from: richidoo on 6 Jan 2009, 09:33 pm

Sonos...... Ahhhhhhhhhh, that's nice.

Make sure the new gold SC7 firmware 7.3.1 really does fix the remote as many are claiming - if so it's a nice system IF you run a PC all the time anyway, and already have a wireless network installed. You have 30 day refund privilege to decide if it's perfect so no harm in trying. You still need a computer running to play music, the library scanning is slow, cloogy web interface and other niggles justified by the "low price." Having owned both, and taken altogether I think Sonos is a better system for the money. No separate server, built in wireless network, bit perfect zone sync, great sounding built in amp, lightning fast scans and response, excellent tech support, no hassles at all. You get what you pay for. I still run slimserver6 in my NAS for a Squeezebox in my kids room. It is an excellent reliable system. Duet has great potential, sexiest of all. None stream high res audio Next gen maybe....

I got my Duets and SB3 direct, and Sonos from Black Sands, a perfect deal, as always. There are several AC member/sellers for both brands, that's your best bet for good service.

Thanks for the feedback - regarding the sonos, it's just the server, correct? well and amp etc...so, the music still needs to sit somewhere, say external hd and the sonos can wirelessly get that and play it back. if i don't need the z120 or z90 player, can i just get the controller and control the harddrive music files?

mgalusha · « **Reply #16 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 10:12 pm »

I picked up a Controller to use with my SB2 and SB3 and it has been 100% trouble free. I am running Squeezecenter 7.3.1 as well. It was pretty bad on the earlier versions of Squeezecenter.

BradJudy · « **Reply #17 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 10:22 pm »

The controller has definitely improved over time. The beauty of the Duet Controller, IMO, is that the iPod-like interface makes it easy for friends and family to pick it up and use it (the same can be said for Sonos).

With Sonos, you cannot just buy a controller - at the very least, you also need a player to output the music. While it is a bit more flexible than the Duet in terms of accessing files, you still need either a networked hard drive (NAS) or a computer running to access the files.

Philistine · « **Reply #18 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 10:35 pm »

Quote from: Wayne1 on 6 Jan 2009, 08:53 pm

As another data point, I am not having any problems with my Controller using the latest SqueezeCenter 7.3.1.

Earlier versions of the software were buggy when using the Controller. Most of the problems were solved with 7.2. Even more were resolved with the latest version.

The DUET system is just an interface between the computer and your stereo. It is a "Slim Device" in that is does not have anywhere near the processing power to run the software needed to make everything work.

SqueezeCenter is what controls the DUET system. It needs to be loaded into a computer to function. It will then talk to the controller and the receiver through your home network. You will need a wireless router along with a computer.

There are some folks who do run SqueezeCenter on a NAS. There have been mentions of rather slow response times doing this.

Running a dedicated media server would be the best idea. Lots of people seem to be happy using a headless Mac Mini with an external HD to hold their music files.

I have used a Dell AXIM X50 PDA and a Nokia N770 for remote control of my SBs. I prefer the Controller over either of these.

Sonny, excuse the brief hijacking.

Thanks for the headsup on the 7.3.1 Wayne - I was running 7.3 and have just installed 7.3.1, lets see if this is more robust as most of you guys seem to be having more success with it.

Wayne/Mike are smarter nerds than me, I'm just an average nerd - if this (7.3.1) works out them most nerds can use it.
I see SlimDevices vs Sonos as Computer Nerd vs Computer Dummy, and Soolos as 'moneys no object, I have the best user interface and whats a computer?'
I'm being tongue in cheek but having played with both Slim and Sonos its a first step in the decision making process, if you feel comfortable working with networks/computers then Slim remains an option, if you don't feel comfortable then it's not in the decision making process.

John151 · « **Reply #19 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 10:42 pm »

Can the Duet Controller control multiple SB devices (i.e. similar to who you select the device to control in Squeeze Center)?