Thousands of users have chosen ReQuest servers to store their music collections through the years, typically feeding their outputs to audio-distribution and control products made by others. Now, after sitting on the sidelines, ReQuest is breaking into audio distribution in a big way by addressing the most common shortcomings of similar systems: power and control.

The new ReQuest iQ multiroom audio-distribution system has two main components that create an eight-zone/eight-source audio system capable of serving up four simultaneous music streams. Two different touchpanels and a slick Web interface are available for controlling the system not only from your home but from anywhere in the world. What's more, ReQuest has thrown in a cool twist to iPod integration that should please even non-Pod owners. It all sounds smart — but can this iQ pass the test?

Setup
Wiring the iQ is a breeze, with all cabling running to the two principal components, the Intelligent Media Server (IMS) and the Intelligent Multiroom Amplifier (IMA). The system comes in three sizes, referring to the number of uncompressed CDs it can hold. My sample included the 400-disc model ($6,499); 600 ($6,999) and 800 ($7,999) versions are also available.

A single 15-inch TS.15 touchpanel connects to the IMS via USB and VGA cabling. Although there are ways to send VGA and USB signals lengthy distances over Cat5 cabling, this will need to be planned for if the IMS isn't centrally located. As many as eight of the smaller 3.5-inch iQ.TS35 touchpanels can be connected to the IMS via individual Cat5 runs. The IMS also has an Ethernet jack for Web connection and a two-way RS-232 serial port. Four sets of analog audio outputs correspond to the four available audio streams, with a set of optical and coaxial digital outputs carrying signals from Stream 1.

The IMS features composite-, component-, and S-video outputs. I was disappointed to discover that these are all disabled when the TS.15 touchpanel is connected to the VGA output, however. You get either the terrific touchpanel or an onscreen display, but not both.

Speakers connect to the IMA via standard speaker cabling, with the mega-sized IMA able to drive as many as eight pairs of speakers. This amplifier makes no apologies: It's the kind of amp that other components call "Sir." Unboxing and lifting it onto my rack, it had me questioning my masculinity in a way that no other distributed-audio amp has. In fact, ReQuest recommends putting it on its own 20-amp circuit. The IMA provides inputs for as many as eight analog sources (a ninth input can be used for doorbell/paging features), with loop-outs for each source to connect to a second IMA and a USB and serial jack for connection to the IMS.

Configuring the iQ system is a simple process completed entirely over the Web interface. From setting up an ARQLink account (for remote access) to assigning sources, adding and labeling rooms and control interfaces, and setting bass and treble for each zone, all adjustments are made in "real time," with changes taking effect immediately.

Audio distribution systems that integrate with iPods have a common shortcoming: When the Pod is gone, so is the music. ReQuest's NetSync software has taken a unique approach to iPod integration by going upstream to the source: iTunes. Since iTunes always remains behind, the music is always there, even if you don't own an iPod.

Installing the NetSync software is the final step for setting up the iQ. The basic version is available as a free download, with a Pro version available for $100. (Additionally, the Pro version requires decrypting software; ReQuest recommends Tunebite, which sells for $25.) The Pro version automates the process of incorporating DRM-protected songs purchased from iTunes.

Performance
Music servers are just big, black boxes until they're filled with music, and the IMS offers several options for accomplishing this. A front-panel CD drive rips discs in selectable qualities, from various MP3 bit rates to lossless FLAC or uncompressed WAV. You can also drag music into the server over a network.

The Short Form

Price $8,649 (as tested) / request.com / 800-236-2812

Snapshot

The combination of an easy-to-use music server, mega-amplifier, and effective iTunes interface makes for one sweet multiroom music system.

Plus

•NetSync marries beautifully with iTunes •Terrific ARQLink Web interface •Sweet 15-inch touchpanel •Powerful amplifier sounds great

Minus

•No IR control •No video output for TV display •No CD-burning function

Key Features

•System as tested: Intelligent Media Server 400/ Intelligent Multiroom Amp ($6,499) TS.15 15-inch touchpanel ($1,500) iQ.TS35 3.5-inch touchpanel ($500) iQ.RCK Radio Cable Kit ($150) •Stores up to 400 uncompressed CDs •Four simultaneous audio streams •Supports up to eight iQ.TS35 touchpanels (320 x 240 resolution) and one TS.15 touchpanel (800 x 600 resolution) •NetSync software for iTunes integration •80 watts x 16 (amplifier) •AM/FM and XM tuners via iQ.RCK •ARQLink Web control/streaming

But the best way to incorporate existing music libraries is via NetSync and iTunes. Once the IMS and iTunes have hooked up (in the platonic, digital sense), all media from your iTunes library is imported into the IMS, and any changes made or music added in one will update the other. The IMS even features a dual media-encoding option that lets you rip high-rez tunes for listening at home while sending compressed versions to iTunes for your Pod. Podcast subscribers will love that new episodes are added instantly.

The system's large 15-inch touchscreen just begs to be played with, and while the panel's resolution is sufficient for the graphical user interface (GUI) and album art, digital images I loaded for the screen saver showed the limitations of the panel's 800 x 600 resolution, appearing grainy and a little smudgy. Operationally, though, the system is a treat. The home page displays the current weather conditions and tomorrow's forecast for your area — a nice touch — and ReQuest plans to add stock-quote updates as well as Webcam viewing support. More important, the interface makes finding and selecting your music a breeze, letting you quickly find and play whatever your ear desires.

Start by selecting the room you want to control — and I love that any controller can control any room. Then select your source. When controlling one of the four simultaneous streams from the IMS, you can browse by artist, album, song, genre, or playlist. Making a selection brings up a list of music that you can scroll through, or you can touch one of the A-Z buttons along the bottom of the screen and jump directly to that letter for rapid selection. When you know exactly what you want to hear and don't want to scroll through your music, a "Search" option brings up a virtual keyboard. Once you've got your music going, the "Now Playing" screen displays the album cover art and song title as well as the next song in the queue. The smaller iQ.TS35 touchpanel's GUI is very similar to the TS.15's, but it's scaled to the smaller screen and augmented by six hard buttons to make selection easier.

Beyond the four IMS streams, iQ currently interfaces with Polk Audio's XRt12 XM satellite-radio tuner as well as NuVo's NV-T2 dual tuners. I had a NuVo AM/FM and XM tuner on hand while evaluating the company's Grand Concerto system (see review), so I was able to add it to the ReQuest system with the iQ.RCK cable kit ($150). Once added, the touchpanel then displayed AM/FM station frequencies and XM metadata. Although legacy analog sources can be added and listened to on the system, they currently can't be controlled. To resolve this, ReQuest plans to offer an optional IR-over-Ethernet kit.

Although nearly every audio-distribution system includes some kind of "Party" mode — where all zones sync to the same source — the iQ system goes further, enabling you create multiple groups of rooms that can each receive different music. But I was surprised that, unlike many other servers, the system doesn't support CD burning from the iQ's drive. Even more surprising (and disappointing) is that the iQ offers no facility for IR remote control to let you browse the system from your couch without the touchpanel. Although a remote is supplied, it's used only to help obtain an IP address if the system can't find one automatically with its DHCP function.

Fortunately, ReQuest begins to make up for this omission with the iQ's Web-based control option, which has a drag-and-drop interface similar to that of the Qsonix Q100 music server I previously reviewed (and loved — see the report here). ReQuest says that the big touchpanel will ultimately move to this same interface through an automatic software update.

And if you like using the Web interface at home, you'll love using it anywhere in the world through a free ARQLink account that enables you to stream your music collection to wherever you happen to be. I tapped this function repeatedly to enjoy my iTunes library while working at my custom-installation firm. Additionally, ARQLink gives ReQuest and the installer lots of useful technical feedback, such as the system's operating temperature, reporting status, drive capacity, amount of media loaded, and so forth.

As for the amplifier, I don't think my distributed-audio speakers ever sounded so good, with deep, tight bass and a general richness to the sound that smaller amps just can't match. My performance touchstone for multiroom audio is my swimming-pool speakers; if the system can play loud out there without sounding cranky, it passes the test. The iQ actually had me repeatedly backing the volume down for fear of disturbing the neighbors. This amp is the real deal.

Bottom Line
A lot of cool gear crosses my doorstep. I've had Kaleidescape and Escient systems and nearly every housewide music-distribution system you can think of. Usually, my wife ignores all of this technology and turns to our 12-year-old CD changer. But the ReQuest iQ multiroom audio-distribution system, with its large touchpanel and attractive interface, is just so inviting that even she couldn't resist its allure. This system looks great, sounds great, and is simple to use. Put it in your home, and you'll enjoy your music more often. That's intelligent indeed!

Photo Gallery
Test Reports RSS Feed
More Test Reports
Back to Homepage
What's New on S&V