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Roku was one of the first makers to realise that network music players should not only work but also look the part, and the neat-looking M1000 continues the company’s fine traditions.
This unit, like the Philips and Slim Devices, hooks into your stereo amp and (refreshingly) doesn’t cart along a barrow load of proprietary software – yes, the sluttish little Roku will jump into bed with practically any old software, be it iTunes or PlaysForSure, and gaily wears the colours of AAC, AIFF, MP3 and WAV.
Naturally, given Apple’s, shall we say, protectiveness, it can’t deliver AAC files purchased from iTunes. Also, out of the box, it can’t handle Apple Lossless or FLAC but download SlimServer (cheers, Slim Devices!) and it quickly undresses these higher-quality files.
Given the Roku’s impressive sound quality – yes, all network music players sound different – it’s well worth ripping some high-quality tunes. The Roku is also so laughably simple to set up and operate, you’ll have plenty of time to lay back, zone in and zone out. A highly accomplished bit of kit: top marks.
Comments
hybrid_snyper
6 years ago
Can this little beast be used with a HDD connected to a router, rather than having to have a PC switched on. Im in the market for a large external harddrive and a router which allows for a HDD to connect to it. This would be the perfect solution for my wireless needs.
TobesEtc
6 years ago
About a year ago I bought a Roku. I wanted something that was wireless, had it's own display (thus didn't need to be connected to a TV), was compatible with iTunes (because I use an iPod connected to my car stereo), was also compatible with Windows Media Player and most importantly looked good. At the time this was by far the best option. It has been a delight to use, easy to set-up, VERY well supported by Roku (sent me 2 free remotes when I dropped mine) and reliable. Now a year later I'm looking for a similar device for another room. Uless I'm willing to pay a fortune this is still the best ption. So a second one it is - why bother with anything else?
nailsworth spurs
6 years ago
I bought the Roku Soundbridge as a budget music option. I already had the following.... 1. All my music on my Windows PC's hard drive 2. WiFi network setup for my laptop 3. Big beefy Sony amp and Mission speakers I plugged it in and attached it to my amp. I configured my PC to share the music as instructed. It automatically downloaded the latest firmware update and then it was working. Really easy. I was amazed at the sound quality (especially at 192Kbps) and ease of use. The display is nice and clear. The menus are easy to navigate and my wife, who isn't at all techy, loves using it. I use it for playing MP3s rather than AAC or any other format but it plays all my DRM'ed (Digital Rights Management) music and any WMA files I've got too. Since I've bought it, 6 months ago, I haven't had one single problem with it and I use it every day. For me it was the perfect solution and when I have finished renovating the house I'm getting another for the bedroom. I love this little machine.