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How to Add Streaming to Your Legacy Audio System

The right kind of preamplifier can give your system a whole new life.

Twenty years ago you bought your dream home audio system, complete with all the bells and whistles that were available back in the day. Today, you’re still using that same system — and why not? It still sounds great!

The preamplifier.
Yamaha WXC-50 streaming preamplifier.

But let’s face it, times have changed. Your old cathode ray tube television has probably morphed into a flat-screen HDTV, and you’re almost certainly listening to music on your computer, smartphone and/or tablet.

If you’re ready to take that next leap forward into the 21st century, but don’t want to abandon your gorgeous-sounding legacy audio system altogether, there’s a solution. Instead of replacing it, update it with a Yamaha WXC-50 MusicCast wireless streaming preamplifier.

Why Go Wireless?

The WXC-50 is specifically designed to allow systems with older amplifiers to play back music from streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and Napster — even high-res ones like Deezer and TIDAL. It also provides you with access to the audio files stored on your home computer, USB flash drives with preloaded music, or any devices connected via Wi-Fi™, AirPlay®, Bluetooth® or Spotify Connect. All are controlled from our free MusicCast app, which even gives you the ability to create playlists and save your favorites as you go.

How to Connect

View of the back side of the amplifier showing the various connection points for other music components.
The compact WXC-50 has a straightforward design and offers a wide range of input and output jacks that makes interconnection quick and easy.

The WXC-50 gives you a number of different ways to connect it to any standard audio setup (such as one containing a legacy 2-channel amplifier or stereo receiver). Its various rear-panel jacks allow you to use your choice of analog, digital or optical cables, depending on what your amp requires. (Remember, it’s good practice to always connect all audio cables prior to plugging in the main power cable.)

If you’re using a Yamaha integrated amplifier, make sure to connect its “Trigger In” to the corresponding “Trigger Out” on the WXC-50. This will allow you to control both units with a single remote.

Setting up MusicCast

Even if you’ve never used the MusicCast Controller app before, the process is fast and user-friendly. First, download it from the Apple® App Store or Google Play™ and install it on your iOS or Android™ device. Then open the app, tap “Setup” and follow the remaining instructions to establish your network connection.

That’s it! Now you’re ready to begin playing music throughout your entire house via other MusicCast products.

For more information about Yamaha MusicCast wireless multi-room audio products click here.

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