{"id":122755,"date":"2021-02-16T19:53:21","date_gmt":"2021-02-16T19:53:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techweekmag.com\/?p=122755"},"modified":"2024-02-24T15:43:26","modified_gmt":"2024-02-24T15:43:26","slug":"yamaha-wx-021-review-accessible-and-practical","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/speakers\/yamaha-wx-021-review-accessible-and-practical\/","title":{"rendered":"Yamaha WX-021 : Accessible and practical"},"content":{"rendered":"

Japanese Yamaha continues to develop its MusicCast multi-room system and introduces the middle device in the line – the Yamaha WX-021 speaker. You can connect the Yamaha WX-021 speaker to your home network using either an Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.\u00a0In addition to supporting MusicCast multi-room technology, the speaker is ready to work with streaming services Spotify, Pandora and Rhapsody, as well as SiriusXM radio.\u00a0The maximum signal quality that Yamaha WX-021 supports when streaming over DLNA is 24-bit \/ 96 kHz in Apple Lossless and 24-bit \/ 192 kHz in FLAC, AIFF and WAV formats.<\/p>\n

\"Yamaha<\/p>\n

Thanks to its simple design, the Yamaha WX-021 system fits perfectly into almost any interior.\u00a0Convenient buttons on the top panel are used to control the operation of the device.\u00a0Dust-proof mesh grill covers the front and side speakers.<\/p>\n

MusicCast was developed from the ground up by Yamaha with the aim of achieving a stable and reliable multi-room system, as well as equipping it with modern functionality.\u00a0As we mentioned, one of the more interesting features of MusicCast is that it can include any compatible Yamaha components.\u00a0That is, you can simply build a system from the components you have, instead of purchasing a set of new equipment, and you will not be tied to any specific set.<\/p>\n

\"Yamaha<\/p>\n

MusicCast technology is integrated into many Yamaha models, including soundbars, AV receivers, wireless speakers and hi-fi systems.\u00a0This means that to create a multi-room system, you do not need to buy a specific set of equipment and it can be assembled from available compatible components.\u00a0And even if you haven’t thought about building a multi-room audio system, but you have several Yamaha units with MusicCast at your disposal, you can try to compose it just for fun.\u00a0Simple integration within the same network is a prerequisite for a modern multi-room system, as well as support for the latest high-resolution audio formats, as well as convenient control.\u00a0MusicCast has all of the above, plus excellent flexibility in use, which makes it very attractive.<\/p>\n

All Yamaha appliances equipped with MusicCast support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.\u00a0This ensures the interaction of components within the system – to create it, you can use an existing Wi-Fi router, or connect equipment directly to each other.\u00a0The system is also easy to set up: all you need to do is download the MusicCast app to your smartphone or tablet.\u00a0Then you connect compatible audio components to your existing network and pair them with your smart device.\u00a0It is quite simple and, if desired, you can constantly increase the number of components in the system.\u00a0MusicCast allows you to listen to music in any room with the appropriate Yamaha equipment and control it with one single application.<\/p>\n

\"Yamaha<\/p>\n

All MusicCast components have built-in Wi-Fi (2.4GHz, 802.11 b \/ g \/ n) and DLNA 1.5 support, so they can access network storage devices and receive signals directly via Bluetooth and AirPlay.\u00a0It also means that you can listen to music from a source connected to one of the MusicCast components through any other.\u00a0For example, you are listening to TV through a Yamaha soundbar, and then you need to go to another room, and if it has an active MusicCast speaker installed, you can continue listening to the soundtrack of the TV program.<\/p>\n

Due to the fact that MusicCast components are equipped with built-in Bluetooth modules (2.1, EDR \/ A2DP, AVRCP), various devices – speakers or headphones – equipped with BT can be connected to the multi-room system.\u00a0By connecting them to MusicCast, you can stream the music signal to them from any of the system’s components.\u00a0MusicCast supports digital audio up to 192 kHz (PCM) as well as DSD up to 5.6 MHz.\u00a0There is compatibility with all common formats, including WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, FLAC and it is possible to use the services of Spotify, Napster, Juke, Net Radio to expand the capabilities of the system.<\/p>\n

\"yamaha_app_1.jpg\"<\/p>\n

The Equalizer (EQ) function in the MusicCast control app allows you to adjust frequencies to suit your music preferences.\u00a0Treble, middle and bass levels are individually adjustable.<\/p>\n

You can play any audio files from your smartphone wirelessly via Bluetooth or AirPlay.\u00a0You can play music from music apps, radio apps, or video hosting sites like YouTube \u2122.<\/p>\n

The Yamaha WX-021 is equipped with the latest Bluetooth technology for more convenient wireless audio streaming.\u00a0You can stream music from the Yamaha WX-021 to Bluetooth-compatible speakers or headphones for private listening.<\/p>\n

For all those home theater enthusiasts, the MusicCast 20 can be used as rear speakers, replacing the need for surround speakers.\u00a0Connecting wirelessly to the MusicCast AV Receiver means there are no extra speaker cables around the room.\u00a0With Alexa voice control integration, all you have to do is ask.\u00a0MusicCast 20 provides full compatibility with Amazon voice communication devices.\u00a0With the MusicCast app, two MusicCast 20 devices can be paired – left and right – for a stereo effect with a wider audio coverage.<\/p>\n

The Yamaha WX-021 and 50 speakers represent the latest addition to their respective lineup.\u00a0MusicCast is currently Yamaha’s most ambitious program yet.\u00a0It involves not only releasing wireless models, but also integrating this technology into a wide variety of AV equipment.\u00a0This made it possible to build scalable and expandable systems based on compatible Yamaha devices, and also prompted other manufacturers to start developing something similar.\u00a0But Yamaha is not standing still.\u00a0Today, MusicCast can be found, for example, in an 11.2-channel AV processor, an all-in-one turntable, and an electronic piano.<\/p>\n

\"yamaha_musiccast_1.jpg\"<\/p>\n

The MusicCast 20 and 50 are a good starting point for MusucCast if you are not planning on purchasing other Yamaha models with this technology just yet.\u00a0But the new products have other advantages as well.\u00a0All models with MusicCast have a wide range of features, but the MusicCast 20 and 50 speakers somehow managed to expand this list.\u00a0However, all of the above will not matter if the speakers sound bad.\u00a0We will now check it out.<\/p>\n

Parameters and design<\/b><\/p>\n

The MusicCast 20 and 50 are all-in-one powered speakers and while they can operate in a variety of modes, the most important thing is that they are self-contained.\u00a0Both speakers are based on the same decoders, which is good.\u00a0Both speakers are capable of receiving 24-bit \/ 192 kHz digital signal in all major formats.\u00a0The speakers provide for a wired network connection (Ethernet connector), but most users will probably be more interested in a wireless connection.\u00a0In this case, it provides support for dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4 \/ 5 GHz.<\/p>\n

Yamaha has worked hard to expand the list of supported services MusicCast 20 and 50. There are Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer and Deezer Hi-Fi, Spotify and Juke.\u00a0Support for the Alexa voice system is also provided.\u00a0You can stream your music signal to the MusicCast 20 and 50 using Bluetooth 4.1 with AAC or AirPlay.\u00a0Of course, the list of functions of MusicCast 20 and 50 also includes Internet radio, if all of the above seemed a little to you.<\/p>\n

As part of a multi-room system, the speakers can be used individually or in a \u201cgroup\u201d.\u00a0At the same time, they can send a signal from other components of the system – for example, sound from a TV to a speaker located in another room.\u00a0It’s comfortable.\u00a0Two of these speakers can be used in stereo pair mode.\u00a0Plus, if you have a compatible Yamaha AV receiver or soundbar, the MusicCast 20 and 50 can also be turned on as wireless rear speakers.\u00a0The younger model can even be hung on the wall, as it has a corresponding mount.<\/p>\n

The MusicCast 50 is, in my opinion, an optimally balanced solution in terms of size.\u00a0Yamaha has fully equipped the MusicCast 50 with various features.\u00a0There are linear (on RCA connectors) and optical inputs, so in principle this speaker can be used in conjunction with a TV instead of a soundbar.<\/p>\n

The MusicCast 50 has a stereo design, albeit housed in a single cabinet.\u00a0The speaker is equipped with two 10 cm woofers and two 2 cm soft dome tweeters.\u00a0The maximum power of the speaker amplifiers is 2 x 35 watts.<\/p>\n

The MusicCast 20 has a monaural configuration and is equipped with a 9 cm woofer and a 3 cm tweeter.\u00a0In this speaker, each radiator is connected to a separate amplifier.<\/p>\n

In addition to improving performance over the previous MusicCast speakers, the 20 and 50 models have a redesigned design that is more attractive.\u00a0On the top panel of their body there is a row of buttons that allow you to switch inputs, control playback, and put the speakers in standby mode.\u00a0This is a good solution in my opinion.\u00a0The ability to directly control the speakers (and not just through the application) provides convenience on-line use.<\/p>\n

Unlike other MusicCast devices I’ve dealt with, the MusicCast 20 and 50 turned out to be quite moody.\u00a0The speakers were not as predictable and stable as, for example, the Yamaha WX-AD10 I had at my disposal.\u00a0I hope that these shortcomings will be eliminated in the next firmware version.<\/p>\n

\"Yamaha<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, structurally, both speakers are very good.\u00a0Dense, high-quality plastic with a soft-touch coating in the places where you will most often touch the case, makes a pleasant impression.\u00a0The touchpad is responsive and the base coating ensures the speaker remains stable on any surface.<\/p>\n

How were the MusicCast 50 and 20 tested?<\/b><\/p>\n

Both speakers were connected to a Huawei B311 wireless router, through which they had access to the Melco N1A NAS driver, as well as various services.\u00a0Bluetooth was tested using the Essential PH-1 smartphone and AirPlay was tested using the iPad Air.\u00a0Additionally, the MusicCast 50 was further evaluated when connected via an optical input to an LG 55B7 TV.\u00a0We used Lossless and High resolution FLAC and AIFF files, Tidal, Spotify, Deezer and Qobuz services, internet radio, and in the case of MusicCast 50, TV programs as test material.<\/p>\n

Sound quality<\/b><\/p>\n

In general, connecting the MusicCast 50 and 20 to a wireless network is quite simple and does not take long.<\/p>\n

Despite the fact that both speakers are built on the basis of the same type of technical solutions, there are very interesting differences between them.\u00a0Let’s start with the MusicCast 50. This speaker has two main features.\u00a0It is capable of sounding more powerful than one would expect for its size and reproduces something similar to stereo sound.\u00a0Of course, systems consisting of two speakers (for example, the Klipsch R-41 PM) form a true stereo picture, but if you do not make such a comparison, the MusicCast 50 also performs better than most competitors.<\/p>\n

The column has shown itself well as a soundbar.\u00a0The MusicCast 50 reproduced dialogue with clarity and articulation, and added depth and weight to the sound that the TV’s built-in speakers lacked.\u00a0The bass boost function allowed us to raise the low frequency level, but at the same time the overall uniformity of the sound was disturbed, so I decided to turn it off.<\/p>\n

\"Yamaha<\/p>\n

The MusicCast 20 is slightly different from the older model.\u00a0At its cost, it looks more attractive in terms of quality \/ price ratio, especially since two MusicCast 20s in a stereo pair will cost you less than one MusicCast 50. So if you don’t need additional inputs, this may be a better buy.\u00a0At the same time, MusicCast 20 has a livelier and more captivating sound than the older model.\u00a0One such speaker will easily sound a small room like a kitchen, but a couple will make up a full-fledged stereo set with good sound.\u00a0I also did not like the bass boost mode of this speaker – its two bass radiators do an excellent job without any help.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/b><\/p>\n

MusicCast technology is unprecedented in terms of expandability and flexibility, but it is presented as an optional feature in expensive models.\u00a0The MusicCast 50 and 20 offer to make the multi-room experience more accessible and practical.\u00a0Yes, these speakers are not without flaws, both in terms of software and sound.\u00a0However, their functional equipment, as well as the expandability of systems based on them, are impressive.\u00a0The MusicCast 20 looks better than the older model, but both deserve our recommendation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Japanese Yamaha continues to develop its MusicCast multi-room system and introduces the middle device in the line – the Yamaha WX-021 speaker. You can connect the Yamaha WX-021 speaker to your home network using either an Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.\u00a0In addition to supporting MusicCast multi-room technology, the speaker is ready to work with streaming […] More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10404,"featured_media":122765,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[646],"tags":[778],"class_list":["post-122755","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-speakers","tag-reviews"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122755","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10404"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=122755"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122755\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/122765"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=122755"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=122755"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=122755"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}