Style:
By design, the box can be seen. The housing is made of brushed aluminum and not plastic imitation. Thus, the receiver is very high quality and can fully convinced of the processing. In addition to RCA multimedia devices can be connected via an optical cable to the box.
Installation:
Commissioning is very simple. Box with electricity, goes via USB cable directly to the device to be connected, or by included AC adapter. This solution I think is very good! In the next step the desired audio device to be connected via RCA or optical cable to the receiver. Both versions work perfectly! Now only the box needs to be configured. About WLAN receiver has been found immediately. At this point, however, I noticed that the Streaming Box no 5GHz WLAN support (unfortunately, no indication on the packaging)! Is certainly not a big problem, because 2.4GHz is widespread. Users with 5GHz network should have this in mind. Network Integration, ie connecting to the router was quick and easy and therefore the installation is already complete.
Operation:
Unfortunately, the operation with the Icy Box is not running quite as easy as the installation. About Apple Airplay and Android to stream music is very simple and there are no problems at all. Simply select Device and you're going on a smooth music enjoyment. That's very good! But unfortunately there are a few problems with Windows to the receiver. In Windows 7, I did not make it with the instructions on the Internet to connect to the box. In Windows 8.1, it was much easier, the receiver has been detected and stream music also was possible, but unfortunately there are from time to time little skip. This does not occur under Airplay or Android to comically. Here I know but honestly do not whether it is the Windows PC or the receiver. Perhaps more is a firmware fixes these problems. Currently, the receiver is in my eyes for Windows users not available.
On the back there is a USB port located on the external hard drive or USB stick can be connected for music playback. This has so far as works without problems. One must keep in mind that only the surface is a control possible.
In the sound quality can not be faulted.
Conclusion:
The Icy Boy Streaming Receiver leaves me with a mixed picture. On the one hand satisfy the design, ease of initial installation and easy operation with Airplay and Android devices. On the other hand, the problems with Windows PCs tarnish the overall impression and it would be nice to have though 5GHz wireless networks are supported.
Must also say that this is the first product of Icy Box is where there are problems. Compare to other products was and I am fully satisfied. Therefore, I hope yet on improved firmware that corrects these problems.
