Denon HEOS Link

[Mr Boochie]

Was thinking about getting this item to stream Pandora. As my old Squeezebox is dying. Anyone used this device to stream?

Thanks!

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033HEOLNK2/Denon-HEOS-Link.html

 

[Spitfirejoe]

I'm going to watch this thread, as the idea is intriguing. I started looking at Denon Heos systems about a week ago, and didn't know this unit was available. It's interesting, but I'd be a LOT more interested if the price was more reasonable. $350 for just the link seems awfully high.

 

[ldatlof]

Since you are in the squeezebox world I would consider getting a RaspberryPi and a DAC. There are special internal DACS for the Pi called hats or you can buy an external DAC. This gives you the ultimate in flexibility.

All you need to do is flash an image (PicorePlayer which is free) to a micro SD card and your on your way. All configuration is done via a web browser. It can easily be done for under $200. You actually end up with a machine that is better than a real squeezebox IMHO.

Just an idea. Good luck with your search.

 

[Mr Boochie]

Well, I ordered it. The Denon has an analog output to go to a pre-amp. That's nice for my existing system, which has no digital inputs into the old-school pre-amp. Also, the free 2-day delivery from Crutchfield is cool beans. And is Pandora compatible. Which is also nice, since I've built quite a few custom stations, over the years.

Will report how it sets up & works.

 

[imral3]

 

[Mr Boochie]

Okay. Got the HEOS today, from Crutchfield. Came nestled in two boxes. Very secure. Two-day shipping, as advertised. A couple things to note.

1.) I was going to use a 4 year-old iPad to operate the HEOS. I haven't used the iPad at all and thought its big screen would be nice for viewing the playing album info. When I tried to log-on, I forgot the frickin' passcode. Two hours on the phone with two different Apple techs lead to no access to the frickin' iPad. To boot... now I'm completely locked out of the device, since they tried too many times to retrieve or reset the frickin' device. So, I got an appointment to see the Apple Store on Saturday.

Addendum... Now I remember the damn passcode. It's numbers! Not letters. Even though the frickin' log-on screen shows letters keyboard. Apple...

2.) I decided to use my Samsung phone, just to see if this thing would work. However, I couldn't link the HEOS device to the Wi-Fi. I called Crutchfield. The tech got the thing connected in less than 5 minutes. NOTE: the CONNECT button is a tiny button hidden in the lower right rear corner of the unit. And NOT the tiny button next to a Bluetooth sign. Once onto HEOS app & device is connected to Wi-Fi... all is easy. All streaming apps are shown on phone. You select your service, log-in as usual. System goes into action. You do not need HEOS app to be active, for streaming ---- once you've logged onto the streaming service. The phone does not need to be on, once hooked to your Wi-Fi.

The HEOS is a well-made unit. Small ( 6" wide X 5" deep X 3" tall). Weighs about 5 pounds. It has its own 120VAC power cord input. The charger in the photo is for the phone.

 

[Spitfirejoe]

Ooohh. it's smaller than I thought it would be. That's good. How does it sound?

 

[Mr Boochie]

Ooohh. it's smaller than I thought it would be. That's good. How does it sound?

Sound is great, for Pandora. Cue time to next song is instant. Volume control is with phone, too. So, you can adjust volume from next room --- no line of sight is needed.

UPDATE: Finally got my iPad working. Both Apple techs were giving my the wrong information to reset my particular iPad (Mini 4). So after another 30 minutes of erasing the iPad and reinstalling the operating system and basic software... it works! And it only took 6 hours! Damn Apple!

And yes... you can control the HEOS from several devices. Both phone and iPad works. Which is good.

 

[BruT-804]

Sound is great, for Pandora. /QUOTE]

@Mr Boochie - I'm wondering if you're still happy with the Heos Link? Have you used it to stream any of the music services other than Pandora?
How do you like the User Interface?

I'm looking for a more affordable alternative to a Node 2i - and one that'll stream AmazonHD. The Denon Link looks to be a decent alternative.
Thanks
BT

 

[Mr Boochie]

@Mr Boochie - I'm wondering if you're still happy with the Heos Link? Have you used it to stream any of the music services other than Pandora?
How do you like the User Interface?

Very happy. The HEOS app is on my iPad, phone, and computer. I can control song selection and volume from any one of these, at any time. HEOS software has upgraded a couple of times. This upgrade goes through whatever device you are monitoring the music, at that time. No oddball freezes in the system, due to HEOS and Pandora not working together. HEOS is seamless.

 

[Mr Boochie]

I updated the HEOS firmware and the iPad software today (4-13-2024). I noticed that the download progress bar is not smooth (and I have a fast WiFi connection with an extender).

It may pause for a long time around the 66% completion area (like 5 minutes or more). The iPad's screen may time out. For all intents, it looks as if the upload has failed. But it hasn't.

Just tap the home screen or log back in, but don't turn off any of the HEOS devices or try to reboot the iPad. The firmware and software will eventually load and send you to the HEOS home screen.