Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Bose describes the SoundTouch 10 as a "wireless music system". While this is a fair enough description, anybody considering this device should be aware that you'll need an external control source (I used both an Android phone and Windows PCs [running both Windows 8.1 and Windows 10]) there is a definite hierarchy of wireless sources it prefers. First: the sound from this device is very good, and unless the rooms in your place of use are *really* large, this will provide big sound in most indoor room sizes. Some may find the midrange slightly too bright, but across a range of programming types (from classical to acoustic to hard rock), I found the overall sound clear and pleasing. The on-device interface and remote control are simple: power, source presets and volume buttons (plus Pandora thumbs up/down buttons on the remote). The face of the SoundTouch also has four subtle LEDs to indicate WiFi, Bluetooth, Aux and overall SoundTouch status. For users, the complexity is off the device, and appears during set-up and configuration. What the SoundTouch likes for sources: -Internet radio via WiFi -Bluetooth devices -Aux in (wired). -Some streaming services (Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Deezer users are good to go. If you use Amazon, Slacker or anything else, the SoundTouch 10 does not currently support those services). -An extremely limited selection of DLNA services. The Bose support site states that it is not fully DLNA compliant; it recommends WD MyCloud or Synology NAS products, and provides additional instructions for NAS devices from Iomega, Lacie, Netgear and Seagate (but not the Buffalo Systems DLNA NAS that routinely stream music from via other DLNA compliant devices). FWIW, the SoundTouch10 recognized my NAS resident DLNA music library, and streamed the content...but in a semi-intelligible audio output that confirmed the Bose statement of "not fully DLNA compatible". Too bad... What you'll need to get it playing wireless content: -For streaming services or Internet radio: either of an Android/Apple phone or a Windows PC. The SoundTouch10 has no display for configuring these sources. You must download an app and you must create an account. While the Bose privacy policy permits "pseudo-anonymous" (Bose's terminology, not mine) configuration, some collection of information about your system and use will continue, but you'll lose information on updates. If you elect full functionality, you can imagine that the potential uses are broad. -If you are configuring the SoundTouch via an Android phone, you'll provide information in the WiFi network you want to connect to and then run through options to add content types. Inexplicably, if you are configuring via a Windows PC, you'll have to briefly connect the SoundTouch via an included USB cable to complete the initial configuration. If you are streaming via DLNA content via an NAS device, both the NAS and SoundTouch must be connected to the same network. Bluetooth connection was straightforward and quick (for both an Android phone and an Apple iPod Nano (7th generation). The SoundTouch application is satisfactory, but it has some quirks. Instead of an intuitive tabbed interface or obvious menu icon, many of the advanced functions reside under an "explore" label on the right side of the app that is not particularly intuitive. As you use the application to store sources, you can save up to six preset content streams, which correspond to the buttons on top of the SoundTouch and its included remote. Interestingly, the application offered options for wired Ethernet network connectivity; presumably this is for SoundTouch models 20/30 that live higher up the Bose food chain. The device arrives with a quick guide; the full 30-page user guide does not ship with the product, but available at the SoundTouch (.com) support site.