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Linksys DMC350: Review

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

Review: Linksys DMC350

The Linksys DMC350
Conductor - Wireless-N Digital Music Center is an all-around media powerhouse for the home. The device can deliver streaming audio throughout a home and utilizes an existing network to do it. The device is capable of streaming audio throughout a home through a series of additional devices or can provide different music or audio for each room of the house, it is really your choice. The device is built off the design of past devices from Linksys and a series of audio devices currently on the market.

The Wireless-N Digital Music Center can stream music and audio from a variety of sources. By connecting to a network the device can stream music and audio from digital libraries stored on the PCs in the home. It can also grab audio from internet sources, although at the moment only RadioTime, Rhapsody and AudioLounge are supported. The DMC350 series also has an integrated CD player so consumers can also choose to slide a CD right into the device and it's ready to go. The system utilizes a touch screen which shows Linksys has done their market research on what people want out of such a system. Set up is also fairly easy and synchronizing the system appears to be fairly straight-forward.

Rating:

3.6 out of 5

Value

While I will admit that the Linksys system is an interesting product it really is priced out of the ballpark for most consumers. Kits can be had for anywhere from $600-$1000 and with similar systems from competitors coming in at fractions of the cost this system is only meant for the true audiophile. There is no doubt that the integrated touch-screen sensitivity and the connection options are great but one has to wonder if it's great enough to drop such a large amount of money on. This is definitely a product that is aimed towards a niche market and the general public will probably let it go by simply because of its price tag.

Ergonomics

In terms of style and sophistication this device is pretty top-notch. The folks over at Linksys have put series effort into really designing a device that not only does its job but will look good in the home. It is part of the recent revolution of devices that are both technologically sound and visually appealing. Sleek, thin and futuristic in nature the device will absolute become the center of a conversation or two.

The linking of multiple units is also a nice nod to its desired use. The basic concept is that such a device can stream audio to every room in the home, or office and the bundle system looks just as good.

Summary

The Linksys DMC350 Conductor - Wireless-N Digital Music Center is a great streaming audio device for the home or office. It streams video from PCs, subscription networks or a simple CD to provide background music for any occasion. The touch screen interface and the sleek sophisticated design has mass appeal but the price tag and lack of accepted subscription service put a real damper on the device, although Linksys is promising more subscription service support in the near future.

Pros

Ability to sync to multiple devices will draw a faithful audience
Touch screen is a nice feature for those who hate fumbling for remotes
Sleek design makes it visually appealing
Synchronization options are great for multi-room use.

Cons

High price tag makes the device prices out of most budgets