I have 3 bluetooth speakers (2 of which are connected to my LMS ecossytem). Here are my end-user commentaries on how they perform as alternatives to the usual speaker systems.
First and foremost, getting bluetooth to work on linux LMS/Squeezelite systems is a trial (either viewed as a pain-in-the-proverbial-arse. or a labour-of-love, depending on how much you are are subject to OCD syndrome). My experiences: Soundwave 100 This is a small and inexpensive device (there appear to be a number of variants) costing about 20 GBP. The one I have is the brushed metal silver version. It's very compact and charges in under 2 hours - playing time is quoted as 10 hours. It has no volume controls, so volume has to be adjusted by a squeezeplayer client. Sound quality is good - and differs considerably depending on which surface it is placed on - bass is increased considerably by placing the speaker on a resonant surface such as a small cupboard compared to a table-top. Volume is sufficient to sound good in an average sized room. Limited customer support. Logitech Mini Boombox i have the original version (which has been replaced by the rebranded UE versions - uggghhh!). Another small but powerful speaker - stylish design with a backlit touch senstive top panel which allows you to vary the volume. More expensive at around 70-80 GBP, if you can find one. Excellent sound quality given its small size. Again, charging and play time are more than acceptable. Compared to the SW100 I have doubts about how resistant the stylish finish is to everyday use - the top-panel touch-screen is easily scratched. Excellent customer support from Logitech (but for how long?). Sony SRS-BTM8 Depending on your taste, either a stylish or eccentric design - nicknamed the Handbag. Available at between 55-75 GBP - The white/silver model is more expensive than the black version. A larger portable speaker which operates either on AC power or 4 AA batteries with a 20-hour playing time Excellent build-quality matched by super sound. Has onboard volume control. Typical big corporate customer support - useless. I'm reluctant to rank any of these three speakers - the all have their own pros and cons - and sound quality probably depends more on the physiological state of your auditory system and your listening habits. In this respect, I have cloth-ears and listen mainly to streaming radio stations! Setup and connection is very easy for all three speakers using Android, but a nightmare with Linux. I have the SW100 and Boombox running with both Debian and Fedora F18 devices - I can't face the hassle of setting up the Sony with Linux. It works 100% with Android - up & running in minutes. Overall, these BT speakers are a nice addition to the LMS system for non-specialist and occasional use - YMMV !!! Touch - Muse M50 EX TPA3123 T-Amp Mini - Acoustics Q10 speakers Logitech Radio Logitech UE Smart Radio Raspberry Pi + Squeezeplug LMS + Squeezelite - Logitech Mini Boombox speaker Cubieboard + Fedora 18 + LMS 7.8 + Squeezelite - Soundwave SW100 bluetooth speaker O2 Joggler + SqpOS + Aune X2 T-amp + Mordaunt Short ms-3.40 speakers ------------------------------------------------------------------------ castalla's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15624 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=101425 _______________________________________________ discuss mailing list [email protected] http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/discuss
