Logitech Squeezebox Wifi Radio

[AC Tones]

OK, while this is OT, I am nonetheless compelled to share my experience about the latest Internet radio toy in my arsenal. This clean and nifty little device cost me less than $160 on amazon.com, and I feel like kid again on Christmas morning. I can't put the thing down. I am having so much fun with this thing I can't see straight. Besides the crisp digital sound that emanates from just one small woofer and one tweeter (which can be enhanced with an AUX/headphone output), what amazes me about this thing is how easy it is to navigate through the thousands of stations that are pre-programmed into unit (it is equipped with a built-in LED screen that displays station logo art and track data). I often hear complaints about the same old crap you hear on terrestrial radio these days. Well, drop a few bucks on this thing, and you'll be changing your tune and leaving the FM dial and your computer for good. But if there is one terrestrial radio station you have a soft spot in your heart for (for me, it's WMID in Atlantic City, NJ ), as long as they are streaming, odds are you'll find it. BTW, kudos to my fellow Internet broadcasters across all genres of music fighting the good fight. I am blown away by the sheer number of PROFESSIONAL, QUALITY streams out there, in terms of sound and production quality, as well as operators' programming skills. And FWIW, wavjazz.net is one of the several thousand presets on this particular device---they would not have gotten my money if it were not.

 

[mikedow]

I have the Logitecg Squeezebox Boom and listen to smoothjazznow.com (incredible music selection,) but too much Casey Kasem talk. I also like Bay Smooth Jazz. What else is good?

 

[AC Tones]

I have the Logitecg Squeezebox Boom and listen to smoothjazznow.com (incredible music selection,) but too much Casey Kasem talk. I also like Bay Smooth Jazz. What else is good?

My best advice is to give a station a legitimate chance, i.e., listen for an hour or two, before formulating an opinion. Provided you are tuned in during regular programming (not during syndicated shows), you should be able to formulate a reasonable opinion about the station and whether it is consistent with your taste. It all boils down to personal taste, but I also try to be as objective as I can in evaluating all aspects of the listening experience. For me, programming/music selection is the most important factor, as well as HOW the tunes are presented (programming logic). A programmer must be very mindful of maintaining good balance in the program between older and newer cuts, knowing when to change pace/tempo when it is needed, and avoiding harsh transitional cuts or tunes that are inconsistent or out of place for the overall programming strategy. Professional imaging is important as well. Do you prefer vocals or instrumentals? Do you prefer more R&B or funk influence, or do you prefer melodies and/or a throwback NAC sound? Generally speaking, I think you will find that stations broadcasting this genre take one or the other approach, as the transitions from one sound to another in a given program can be challenging and can put off your base listeners. Stream quality is also a very importnat factor for me, as well as a clean and attractive website that is both informative and easy to navigate. But at the end of the day, it is all about the music. Where you align yourself on that Smooth Jazz musical spectrum (R&B/funk vs. vocals vs. contemporary instrumental melodies) will ultimately determine what stations you perceive as "good" and those you don't particularly care for.