Yamaha MusicCAST MCX-2000 Review

Audioholics reviews Yamaha's MusicCAST MCX-2000 digital music server. The features of this 2,000 dollar component are built-in 160GB hard drive, Wireless LAN connectivity (WiFi 802.11 b/g) hence has an ability to stream internet radio and music from the PC. Also, it can tune to XM, FM radio stations. That's pretty much it. Controlling the device is via remote control using front panel LCD screen or a TV screen. That's where you guess it connects to the TV using component or s-video connectors. Audio is output via RCA or digital optical. The unit can be extended using MCX-A10 Wireless Client or MCX-C15 Wired Client. Among other optional components are MCX-CA15 Inwall Amplifier and MCX-SP10 aesthetically matching to MCX-A10 speakers.

As far as the review goes, I think it is exaggerated. Gene gives this component 5 out 5 on audio performance and the total score is at 4.5 out of 5. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:

* Unlimited configurability
* Endless entertainment
* Easy to setup and operate
* Unobtrusive
* Excellent sound quality
* Integrated XM/FM capability

Cons:

* doesn't prevent or warn of double CD copy
* Limited Internet radio functionality
* High dependency on using OSD to operate

I may be mistaken but I will put some question marks in the pros area, specifically on lines that have to deal with emotions, such as "Endless entertainment".
All due respect, Gene is bringing in too many emotions into this review. Here is another one:

My whole experience with this system has been one of delight. It brought me in touch with the music I grew up with and often forgotten widened my listening palette. Most importantly, it made me a superstar to my guests at a recent party we threw that went on until the early hours of the morning because of all of the dancing and non stop great music it served up. Now if only it could brew a pot of coffee….

It seems that the previous generation of audio reviewers is not ready for the digital age. There is no mention of what types of audio formats MCX-2000 can recognize. Are those unknown formats compressed? Can they be stored in lossless format? It also seems to me that Gene has never had a music player with hard disk. All of a sudden, instant availability of all music from 20 years ago is overwhelming enough to forget such basics as sound quality and why it is good.
Sorry, I had to say all of the above regardless of Yamaha MCX-2000 being good or not. The only thing I see is that Sonos can save you money with their system and satisfy the urge to be a star among your friends and on top of it, give you a PDA-like remote control to cherish and brag about. So, go read the review and tell me what you think.

Source: Audioholics Yamaha MCX-2000 Review
Product Page: Yamaha MusicCAST