Yamaha’s new WX-051 (MusicCast 50) WiFi speakers
Just released in New Zealand is Yamaha’s new WX-051 (MusicCast-50) speaker.
It is the first in the range that, (when added to an “80” series Aventage amplifier), allows for wireless rear speakers.
Tips and tricks for their set up and use
Firstly, check that your RX-Ax80 series Yamaha AVR is running the latest software. Within the AVR’s speaker set up, you set the rears to “wireless”
The WX-051 has dual 2.4 / 5Ghz WiFi and improved internal aerial design, so pairs to the MusicCast network via a 5Ghz connection that is created by the AV receiver. (If you pair two speakers, there’s still only one WiFi connection created – minimizing disruption to your network).
The speakers seem to handle DTS: MASTER HD without any hiccups. While the literature only mentions Dolby and DTS, it did not make mention of their ability to handle the lossless audio varieties… but they seem to (tested Game of Thrones Season 1 on Blu-ray).
You can run Yamaha’s YPAO calibration for the AVR and it will measure the speakers as it would for a standard loud speaker. This is a massive deal, as no other AVR that we know of can do this.
РSonos uses the customers iOS device (particularly awesome if you’re an Android user) and the Heos AVR doesn’t have room correction whatsoever.
All speaker levels etc are adjustable from the AVR’s menu as you would typically expect.
Note…
When you have both passive loud speakers AND then connect MusicCast WiFi rear speakers, the output to the passive speakers is no longer available… so no, you can‚Äôt use the MusicCast WiFi speakers to take a 5.1 system and extend it to a 7.1 with your existing cabled 5.1 speaker setup.
While running as a single rear speaker the WX-051 does a good job of the dispersion of sound throughout the back of the room. The results are better with 2 x MusicCast 50 speakers (but we don’t recommend this investment, as the Musiccast 20 will be better suited (and cheaper).
Crighton
