Description
This auction is for a Yamaha MusicCast2 MCX-ZP2ABL Zone Pack Bundle Network Music System. The bundle included the MCX-RC100 remote and two MCX-A300 units. It is in like new condition. It has been tested and works.It has only been out of the box for me to test it. When I opened the MCX-RC100 a couple days ago, it showed no signs of use. I assume it once has a sheet of plastic over the top, but there were no finger prints. I have tried to not put fingerprints, etc. as I have tested it but it looked like new when I began testing. I will clean it as I box it back up. I did have to reset the MCX-RC100 controller. All components of this bundle are included. All manuals and connectors. Following the instructions is not too difficult. It took a while to figure everything out, but I am a 70 year old man and got it up and running with minimal problem. The easiest source would have been Internet radio, but you have to subscribe for very minimal price to access the Yamaha site for obtaining internet stations. I am playing it through a Cocktail Audio X12. I have it hooked up to a pair of Sony speakers - they were easiest to set up for testing - and it sounds very good. I have tested both clients and they both work fine. There are not cosmetic issues as this was likely never opened. I bought it as an overstock from an electronic warehouse. I did not hook both clients up together but did run both separately without a problem. I had them playing music for several hours each. I have DSL (I am 70 afterall, at least its not dial-up) and the signal easily transferred to the MCX-A300 with no dropouts - with DSL. MusicCAST2 supports iTunes AAC files via TwonkyMedia Server software which is bundled with the MCX-RC100 Network Music Commander. In addition, individual MusicCAST2 Network Music Players can playback music from iPod and Bluetooth devices via optional accessories, as well as from USB thumb drives. The MusicCAST2 system consists of the Network Music Commander (MCX-RC100), a remote control with a full-color LCD screen, touch pad and intuitive graphic user interface (GUI), and Network Music Players (MCX-A300 and MCX-P200) that can be placed anywhere throughout the home. Depending on the size of the living space and individual preferences, users can employ any number of Commanders and Music Players, up to 32 each, to enjoy their music experiences. MCX-RC100 Network Music Commander The driver of the MusicCAST2 system is the MCX-RC100 Network Music Commander, which controls the distribution of audio content to all zones in the house. The MCX-RC100 can be carried from room-to-room to operate all of the systems network players and connected components. It is easy and fun to browse and access all available entertainment options with the units full-color, 3.5 inch LCD screen, touch pad and intuitive GUI that displays zone and source icons, album art, song titles, and other information. Alarm and sleep functions allow users to start and end their days with their favorite music. The controller includes a charging cradle that keeps it handy and ready for use anytime. MCX-RC100 Advanced Control Capability Right out of the box, and without cutting holes and running wires, MusicCAST2 can smartly integrate multi-room music distribution into existing home theater systems. When Yamaha network receivers, such as the RX-Z7 or RX-V3900, are on the same network, the MCX-RC100 Network Music Commander becomes a multi-zone remote control for these receivers. Utilizing two-way communication, the Network Music Commander can power A/V receivers on, browse and navigate content, select sources and adjust volume levels from anywhere in the house. MCX-A300 and MCX-P200 Network Music Players The MCX-A300 Network Music Player only requires speakers to deliver sound to the zone in which it is placed. The player can receive music streamed from the Rhapsody online music service, Internet radio and NAS drives even when the computer is not powered on. The player is compatible with a wide array of audio formats, including MP3, WMA (except lossless and PRO), AAC (except Apple lossless and Apple FairPlay DRM), FLAC and WAV. The MCX-P200 Network Music Player is similar to the MCX-A300, only it is a pre-amp component with great setup flexibility. A line out terminal enables it to work in conjunction with any A/V receiver, HTiB or mini-system for amplification. The MCX-P200 can function as a universal IR remote with multiple IR outs that can control other AV components, such as a TV, set-top box or Blu-ray/DVD player, via IR flashers and the MCX-RC100 Commanders intuitive GUI display. The individual remotes sold with each of these receivers and systems can be put in a drawer. Yamahas dock port on back of the Network Music Players allows connection to iPods and Bluetooth devices via optional Yamaha accessories (YDS-11 iPod docks and YBA-10 Bluetooth receivers). The music players also feature subwoofer outs for additional bass response in a given zone. Top panel controls provide convenient access to basic functions, such as volume and muting.The styling of the new MusicCAST2 system is surely intriguing. The players have a sort of X look to them sort of like the markings on a black widow spider. The black color of the units certainly separate them from their main competition (the white Sonos) and the overall look is much more serious. The MCX-A300 and MCX-P200 share a price tag and many of the playing functions but different fairly significantly otherwise. The A300 has internal amplifiers and is designed to be a standalone unit connected to speakers. This is the unit for a bedroom, kitchen, or other room that is looking for music but little else. The P200 is a preamp so it lacks amplifiers completely. It does have analogue outputs for amps (both units have a subwoofer output for additional bass) and has the 3 IR outputs for controlling other devices. The IR functions are probably designed to turn on a receiver/amplifier for playback when you are out of the room (think of an set of external speakers powered by a receiver in the home theater) rather than as a universal remote. The MusicCAST2 system gives you access to up to 16 different computers for streaming content along with a connection for an iPod dock (not included) and a USB connection. What is missing is analogue inputs to accept music from a connected CD/DVD player - something we liked on the Sonos but not a fatal omission. This gives you access to music without having to burn it to your computer. There are all your standard functionalities here including Rhapsody, Internet radio, or tracks stored on your Mac, PC, USB sticks, and Bluetooth devices (with additional BlueTooth receiver). iTunes support is enabled via a bundled TwonkyMedia. File support includes MP3, WMA (no lossless or PRO), AAC (no Apple lossless or FairPlay DRM), FLAC and WAV audio files. Wed like to see at lest Apple lossless though were happy to see uncompressed WAV and lossless FLAC included. Yamaha has taken a bold step with the MusicCAST2 - Theyve completely redesigned their system from the ground up. You will in no way be able to confuse the previous incarnations of the MusicCAST with this current one. Sure, it looks and plays much like its competition, but it doesnt seem to be doing anything wrong. The aesthetics are different, the pricing is similar, and the functionality is expanded. We look forward to getting on of these systems in for test and direct comparison with their competition (since weve experienced nearly everyone else out there). Shipping will be $30.
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