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Yamaha Expands MusicCast Line With High-End Sound-Bar, Affordable Wireless Speaker

Yamaha expanded its MusicCast wireless audio family today with the release of a new 7.1-channel sound bar and compact wireless speaker.

The YSP-2700 MusicCast Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer delivers 7.1-channel surround sound, drawing from the company’s Digital Sound Projector technology. The sound bar utilizes 16 speakers, each powered by a 2-watt amplifier, to produce discrete sound beams that reflect off the walls of a room to envelop the listener from multiple directions, the company said.

Yamaha’s MusicCast technology allows one-touch audio streaming from mobile devices and computers, as well as from subscription services including Pandora, Spotify, Rhapsody and SiriusXM directly to the sound bar. It can be linked to other MusicCast speakers, A/V receivers and components in other rooms, to redistribute TV audio, music and other content from multiple input sources throughout the home.

To that end, the YSP-2700 is equipped with three HDMI inputs and one output. HDMI connectivity ensures the sound bar can receive a true 5.1-channel or 7.1-channel audio source that won’t be down-converted by a TV to two-channel stereo from the TV’s optical output.

It supports HDCP 2.2 copy protection, Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround, Dolby True HD, and DTS surround sound technologies, including the DTS-Master Audio format.

The YSP-2700 can connect via Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Spotify Connect, as well as Bluetooth streaming either into or out of the sound bar, making it possible to listen in privacy with Bluetooth headphones or via a Bluetooth-connected speaker.

The system includes the Yamaha IntelliBeam auto calibration system for easy setup. A supplied microphone helps to measure room acoustics so the IntelliBeam circuitry can automatically set the best beam angles while optimizing the level and frequency response of each beam.

The sound bar enclosure itself is constructed with a solid aluminum body and an aluminum top panel with a hairline-line finish.

The YSP-2700 will be available in September with a $1,200 retail price.

On the lower end, Yamaha also introduced its WX-010 MusicCast wireless speaker, a small footprint speaker that allows users to start a MusicCast system from a single speaker and expand when they are ready, one speaker or component at a time. It joins an existing lineup of more than 30 MusicCast products.

The WX-010 can be linked to Yamaha MusicCast A/V receivers, wireless speakers, sound bars, hi-fi components and streaming amplifiers.

A small form factor (less than 5 by 7 by 6 inches) employs a driver configuration with a 3.5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter on the front, complemented by dual opposing passive radiators on each side.

 “This is a very important new addition to the MusicCast line,” said Bob Goedken, general manager of Yamaha’s A/V division. “It gives MusicCast users a way to bring music to small rooms and spaces where shelf or counter space is limited. It’s also our most affordable MusicCast model, which makes it easy for anyone to start building a powerful multiroom audio system at home.”

The speaker is equipped with a threaded hole on the back panel that enables it to be wall mounted using commercially available brackets.

Two WX-010 MusicCast wireless speakers can be paired in stereo mode using the MusicCast app for more authentic music reproduction with a wider listening area.

The WX-010 is available in black and white and will be available in late August for $200.

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