Logitech Squeezebox sound compared to CD Player

As with any product in audio, you're probably going to get a range of answers.

I've had a Squeezebox Touch as my only music source on my system since they came out almost 2 years ago. (And I've had other Squeezebox players for almost 10 years now.)

My opinion is they are an incredibly good player, especially given they sell for $300 and under. I previously had a Nad 542 CD player and compared its playback quite a bit with my prior Squeezebox Classic / Lavry DAC combo and could not reliably tell the difference. I sold the Nad and haven't looked back.

After I got the Touch, I ran the same comparison with the Classic/Lavry (synced and level matched) and found I again couldn't tell the difference.

So, I sold the Lavry and moved the Classic Squeezebox to my second system. I've had zero urge to change anything since, other than just adding more music to my collection.

Others are certainly going to give you a different opinion.

My point is that you should get a Touch for yourself and run your own comparison. I believe Logitech still has a money-back guarantee if you're not happy.

As for cables, that's something you'll also need to experiment with to find what works best for you.

Agree with Mlsstl.

Thanks for the great responses. Thanks Mlsstl, that is exactly the kind of information I have been looking for. The Squeezebox seems to get great reviews everywhere I look. Do you use itunes and Media Monkey as I do or any other suggestions. Thanks again.

Another point to make is that the Squeezebox can be modified to approach many reference CD players. Modding services such as Bolder can improve the analog and digital outputs as well as the power supply. The mods aren't cheap, but neither are those reference level CD players.