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Linksys The Premier Kit KWHA700: Review

Posted to Wi-Fi Media Players 2009-07-07

Review: Linksys The Premier Kit KWHA700

If you have ever found yourself wishing you could experience all the music that exists on your computer in other areas of your home, then you may want to check out the Linksys The Premier Kit KWHA700. As a package that is made up of four of some of the popular media devices from Linksys, The Premier Kit KWHA700 offers you the ability to experience your music collection or favorite radio stations in the areas of your home that may not have a stereo system installed.

Unlike other models on the market, The Premier Kit KWHA700 utilizes wireless N technology which allows it to be easily integrated into your current home network setup. It allows users the ability to experience their music in various areas of their home with the ability to stream different media to certain rooms of their home. The package comes complete with the Director, Player, Controller and two IR remotes. It is compatible with PCs running Windows XP or Vista with a home network of at least wireless G, with N being the preferred. Each component in this kit is also available separately so you can create the media kit of your dreams. Combine this technology with the ability to utilize the Rhapsody music library or RadioTime to access radio stations around the world, and you will soon find that your music options are nearly endless with The Premier Kit KWHA700.

Rating:

3.8 out of 5

Features

Those who hate wires will love the functionality that The Premier Kit KWHA700 provides. Since this kit utilizes the users home wireless network, you can install either the Director or Player in the room of your choice with the ability to control the music that is streamed to either device with the use of the included Controller.

The Director offers users the ability to connect it to your home theater or high end stereo system so you can access and play all your music without wires. It has a built in amplifier so it can even power the entire setup without the use of a stereo system. Consider adding the Stereo Speaker Kit, available separately, and you can experience quality sound in any area of your home.

The Player on the other hand acts similarly to the Director, but it does not contain an amplifier, so it needs to director or home stereo system in order to work. Other than that it gives you the ability to extend your music to other areas of your home with the ability to stream the music of your choice to it.

The most unique feature of this package is the Controller. This device is a color touch screen remote that allows you the ability to control every one of the audio devices in this package. Due to the fact that the system utilizes your home network, you do not even need to be in site of the device in order to control it. This device has much more power than the included IR remotes in the fact that it allows you to control each listening zone, and choose music for each area based on the users listening needs.

The Premier Kit KWHA700 also offers users the ability to connect to Rhapsody so you can stream music from their as well as from your own media library. If you have grown tired of listening to the same music, you also have the ability to utilize RadioTime which allows you the option to experience a wide range of radio stations from around the world. This allows you the option to experience something different when you have the need for music that may be outside your norm.

Performance

The system performs well overall, with the only possible problem being with users who are utilizing wireless G instead of upgrading to the wireless N that the system is based on.

This does not mean that the system will not run on G, its just that users of this wireless version may experience some performance issues, especially if you have a house full of technically savvy users who will be spending most of their time utilizing bandwidth hogging applications or sharing a large quantity of media files.

Summary

In conclusion, The Premier Kit KWHA700 by Linksys offers users the ability to enjoy their music collection in the areas of their choice. With the ability to either stream the same music to every device or the option to stream different music to each area based on the users listening needs, The Premier Kit KWHA700 can be configured to meet the user's needs. With the ability to grow and expand this kit with additional Directors or Players that are available separately, The Premier Kit KWHA700 may just be the way to go.

Pros

Multi-room media experience
Expandability to meet the users needs
Access to Rhapsody and RadioTime
Can run on Wireless G, but N is recommended

Cons

Windows Only