Yamaha WXC-50 MusicCast Wireless Streaming Preamplifier, Dark Silver

2023-12-22T19:00:00

I bought this to play hi rez files from my hard drives. While it only accepts a 32g thumb drive, I can live with that. It plays EVERYTHING I have including DSD/DSF and AIFF! Not only does the app work well for me, I love the fact that it can be controlled with my iPad (a benefit for my aging eyes.) currently using the built in DAC, and it sounds excellent so far. As for Bluetooth, its works well too, even though I don't use that near as much as the usb input. For my purposes, this thing is great!

Rick

Originally posted at

2023-09-26T20:00:00

Yamaha not updating WXC-50 to Airplay 2, no Qobuz for WXC-50, 2.4 ghz only, leaves the only network streaming offering from Yamaha in the dust compared to Bluesound Node or NodeX. Don't buy this thing, especially for the asking price. Web interface for configuration looks like some 80's mainframe system, very retro. Buggy in setup and at times just drops from network and returns. Have to use mconnect to push high res Qobuz music to the unit as a renderer. Doesn't decode MQA either if that matters to you. And Yamaha just doesn't seem to care.

12fretter

Originally posted at

2023-06-25T20:00:00

I connected the WCX-50 to an old Adcom GFA-545 100 watt power amp to replace my failing Adcom pre-amp, which used a Chromecast adapter to stream Spotify. The WCX-50 simply works and sounds better using Spotify Connect. This system is used to power some Bose satellite/subwoofer speakers. Not terribly hi-fi, but it sounds better than my friends' set-ups. I use the Musiccast app for radio streaming and to link with a wireless WX-051 speaker in another room. Only 4 stars because the Musiccast app/system are not easy to set up and unreliable. Could not troubleshoot on my own and required an Xfinity service call to sort out the network problems to get it to work right. Ultimately had to use a wired LAN connection to a new Xfinity router/modem and configure via the web browser interface described in the downloaded Advanced Owner's Manual.

Mark

Originally posted at

2020-08-20T20:00:00

I had an older Aventage RX-A1020. Most of the streaming functions had quit working after Yamaha quit providing updates - Airplay, Sirius Radio, & Net Radio all ceased to work. The receiver still worked great. The WCX-50 allowed me to add those services back to that receiver plus adding Spotify Connect & some other music services, including MusicCast. I ended up purchasing a second one to replace an Airport Express in my garage. Sound quality was improved over the Airport Express plus MusicCast gave me more versatility over Airplay 2.

Genealto

Originally posted at

2020-04-24T20:00:00

I have a Yamaha mini stereo system which I use with the WXC-50. It is about 12 years old, but I did not want to replace this system because it still works good. With the WXC-50, I can now listen to digital radio stations and use my smartphone to change stations and other functions. I can also now listen to music from my smartphone on my stereo system via Bluetooth. The wi-fi connection works fine for me (no connection problems). The WXC-50 also contains various additional inputs and outputs. I do not use most of them but its nice to know they are there if need them. The only problem is that there is no way that I know of to share the same set of digital radio stations between two MusiCast devices. I have a Yamaha MusiCast stereo receiver in another room but could not tell the Musicast software (on my phone) to use the same stations for the WXC-50 as I had programmed in for the receiver. Hopefully, Yamaha will fix this issue in a future software upgrade.

Lower S.

Originally posted at

2020-04-03T20:00:00

As a network streamer, it's solid, but it needs work. When navigating the server, THERE'S NO SEARCH! Every time you want to play an album/track you MUST traverse through artist and album. Several panes need simple (but serious) organizational restructuring. Also, there's a very noticeable hum when using the optical input at higher volumes (just past 9 o'clock) that isn't present when you bypass the preamp. Lastly, built-in DAC on my CD player actually sounds better, though not by much. The convenience of this streamer outweighs the slightly better sound of my CD transport.

Ordinary G.

Originally posted at

2020-02-26T19:00:00

This is obviously a network streamer, but can be used for a not-so-obvious scenario: The WXC-50 digitizes analog input, so if you route the surround left and surround right preamp output of your AVR to the AUX input of the WXC-50, you can cast wirelessly to a pair of MusicCast speakers with any brand AVR with the appropriate preamp out jacks.

JT

Originally posted at

2019-12-27T19:00:00

I set up Plex to stream my iTunes library...no Quobuz, had I known probably would have kept looking before buying this...too many manuals, user information not well presented

wpc

Originally posted at

2019-12-13T19:00:00

I purchased a refurbished WXC-50 preamplifier from a Yamaha authorized dealer. The product looks and works like new. I hooked it up to a 10 year old Yamaha bookshelf mini stereo system that still works very well. With the WXC50 I can stream music from my Apple i-phone. It also hooks up to my wi-fi signal. The wi-fi reception in my small condo is fine (no dropouts or connection problems). I also can listen to internet radio, Sirius XM and Pandora. All functions can be operated via my i-phone. Limited functionality is available using the supplied Yamaha remote control. My only disappointment is that I cannot use certain online inputs (such as internet radio and Pandora) that I already have programmed for use with the Yamaha MusicCast Stereo receiver in my living room. I had thought I could listen to the same internet radio stations on the WXC-50 without reprograming them in separately for the new system. But it appears there is no way for the two MusicCast devices to share these stations unless I link them together (as if I were using them simultaneously). Other than that small disappointment, I am happy with the WXC-50. Hopefully, Yamaha will address my problem in a future MusicCast firmware update.

LowerEastSider

Originally posted at

2019-11-11T19:00:00

I purchased this item to pair with my Luxman R-115 stereo receiver circa 1987. The Luxman R-115 is now used in my office at work. The Luxman only has RCA inputs so, I needed a device that would accept a USB drive for my digital tunes but output to RCA connections. I wanted something for this application that would not break the bank. The Yamaha WXC-50 fits the bill. I have 70 GB of tunes on a flash drive. I run the output directly to the amplifier section of the Luxman. I like the sound I get through my Vandersteen Model 1b's (the Luxman was always sweet sounding). I use the MultiCast app on my phone or through the Web interface. The MusicCast is functional but has the same limitations as similar apps (HEOS). I want to play music by genre, year, and artist. These apps limit you to just playing an album, song, or playlist. Build quality is top-notch. For the price, it is hard to beat.

Jerry

Originally posted at

2019-07-09T20:00:00

Seamlessly integrates with your existing system. I have been looking for something like this for a VERY VERY long time. EXCELLENT sound reproduction. (contrast to the Sonos Connect, which I tried just did not live upto my Audio quality expectation) I am hoping the Musiccast app improves over time to add more music service providers. Also, better search capabilities, for both cloud music and local network music. Its been a really long time since I REALLY enjoyed a music component as this one!!! Thank you!

Shashi

Originally posted at

2018-11-28T19:00:00

I have just hooked this up to my system. I have an older model Yamaha integrated amp and a Synology NAS holding all of my ripped cd's. We have a password protected wi-fi that the NAS is connected to. Setting this unit up was a breeze. Just make all of your hardware connections (I used hard wire ethernet for the NAS and WXC-50, and didn't have to enter the network password), download the MusicCast app to your phone or tablet and turn it on, turn on the WXC-50, hold the connect button in for 5 seconds, and you're done. I have my music stored by directories A-Z, but the MusicCast app allowed me to view my music any way I chose, including Artist and Album. The sound from the unit is very good. I am very pleased with this unit.

Dave H.

Originally posted at

2017-03-24T20:00:00

After much research into competing products, I chose the WXC-50 as the way to add network music and streaming to my existing home stereo system. I have bought quite a few Yamaha components over the years, and I have been delighted with this device. I use the WXC-50 primarily to feed Spotify Connect into my McIntosh C-220 tube preamp, which drives a McIntosh MC-7150 for my main speakers and an NAD T-761 for a porch zone. I have not yet graduated to network streaming of HD Tracks, but that's next.

DBX

Originally posted at

2017-03-18T20:00:00

For the price and after reviewing several other streamers, this Yamaha is well worth the money and holds its own against any higher priced streaming device!

Nemeans

Originally posted at

2017-01-01T19:00:00

Exceeded my expectation. I've used it just as a player,dac and Pre-amp and it handled all of them really well.Works well with 3rd party Dlna/upnp controller and the Iphone app.Just surprise how Yamaha was able to fit so much features into such a small device. Well done Yamaha.

Ceerad

Originally posted at

2016-12-26T19:00:00

Replaced high level Bose 4 zone system with 3 WXC-50s at 1/4 the cost

New F.

Originally posted at

2016-11-14T19:00:00

excellent sound, fast streamer, w/o hiccups. very versatile use, with B/T and Airplay, and Optical in, and 2 digital outs for a better DAC. App is excellent, on my IPhone. Highly recommend. No buyers remorse or second thoughts what so ever.

pallpoul

Originally posted at

2016-11-09T19:00:00

I use this as a Preamp feeding a Peachtree amplifier for my 2 channel music system. I was drawn toward the size, and specs of this unit. It has a good DAC for the money, and a good build. Connectivity is good with the iPhone app. Sound quality as far as I can tell is great. I especially like the variable equalization feature that boosts the highs/lows for lower volume listening. I'm knocking 1 star off the review as I think Yamaha's Musiccast system needs to work with integrating more streaming services. There is currently a very limited amount offered, especially when compared to the competition (Sonos). For example I prefer Tidal for it's lossless streaming feature, but I have had to integrate a Chromecast Audio into my system to get there (through the optical connection on the WXC-50). For this product being pitched as a "hi-fi" component it should offer compatibility with the hi-fi streaming services out there.

R12s

Originally posted at

2016-10-17T20:00:00

This pre-amp feeds into my 15 year old analogue Bose Lifestyle controller through the aux input. Now I have got the possibility to connect to the internet or my NAS with all the advantages of a modern digital system without the need to scrap a very good system extending to two listening zones for a fraction of the replacement cost. I am very happy with the quality and ease of operation. I have not experienced any negative issues. Well done. I am now thinking of expanding with more wireless MusicCast speakers for our outside verandah. Brilliant!!

Kungalegtsok

Originally posted at

2016-08-30T20:00:00

I love this product, but have some misstake yes. Can play file DSD from a NAS of my network but I couldn't use as transport to the DAC Yamaha CD-S2100 throught optical connection. In the display of CD-S2100 appear Fs:---kHz, no sound pass thought. I'm waiting in the next Firmware update Yamaha can fix this problem.

Papucho

Originally posted at