Logitech Squeezebox Boom

Logitech's Squeezeboxes have always had extensive radio features, but the lack of integrated speakers has hampered their usefulness.

But that's all changed with the Squeezebox Boom. It's essentially a Squeezebox 3, but with speakers and controls added on. The former sound fantastic, thumping out the music with a confidence and agility superior to the already excellent sound of the Pure Evoke Flow.

The feature set is just as impressive too. Audio file format support runs not only to WMA, MP3 and AAC, but also to AIFF, OGG, WMA Lossless, WAV, FLAC and Apple Lossless. It can operate in wireless bridge mode, allowing you to connect other non-wireless Ethernet-based products to your network via its Ethernet port, and it will stream audio files from any networked PC with Logitech's SqueezeCentre software installed.

And it's as competent an internet radio as it is a music streaming device. Register the Boom with the SqueezeNetwork website and it will connect directly to the internet (no PC required), with stations provided directly from RadioIO, RadioTime listings and others. These listings include BBC stations, and favourites can be managed both on the device and via the website.

Most intriguing of all, though, is the fact the Boom offers integration with Last.fm's customised radio streams. Enter your Last.fm login details on the SqueezeNetwork website and you can tune in to your account as if it were a standard internet radio stream. There's also support for popular music services Pandora, Rhapsody and MP3locker. And, bar the odd network drop-out, this all worked admirably well.

But as a standalone internet radio, we're not convinced. Yes, its sound quality is good, and its connected services exciting, but it's all a bit much for a device intended to sit in your kitchen. For our money Pure's Evoke Flow with its DAB facility and lower price, fits the bill more comfortably.

Author: Jonathan Bray