The long, agonized death slide of my cherished, now perished, Logitech Squeezebox Touch is over. After numerous successful efforts to keep it working online, after almost fifteen years it finally decided to fall off the network once and for all. For those who have working units, the Touch continues to be as good as anything available today, excepting for its selection of applications compared to newer products.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/logitech-squeezebox-touch-network-music-player
I was prepared for the Touch’s demise, having pre-selected a replacement that’s compatible with Lyrion. It’s the WiiM Pro (pronounced “whim”). Amazon caught me with a $22 off deal on the Plus version, and guaranteed next day delivery, on Sunday. So, less than 24 hours after laying the Touch to rest, streaming music had returned to the living room.
Here’s Amir with a technical review (of a unit he received for free):
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/wiim-pro-plus-streamer-review.50254/
The WiiM also replaces a couple other gadgets; a Google Chromecast Audio “puck” and a Topping DAC. They didn’t need replacing, but I like the simplicity of the new setup.
Unlike the very classy and solidly built Touch, the WiiM case is a cheap, plain, black plastic box. So, I’m keeping it out of sight in the cabinet. That reduces WiFi reception a bit, but the signal is still “very good,” so not enough to be a problem.
Here’s Darko with a more subjective review (of a unit I assume was provided gratis), including a comparison with the Touch:
https://darko.audio/2023/10/wiim-pro-plus-video-review/
The WiiM doesn’t actually do it all, as it lacks a SiriusXM app. I will continue using Chromecast from my phone for that service.
A streamer like the WiiM is on my eventual purchase list, along with a higher res streaming service. Some day when I have more time to just sit and listen to music. Will be interested to hear what you think.