Sonos Move Vs. Yamaha MusicCast? (We Have a CLEAR Winner!)

Overall, the Sonos Move is a superior speaker over the Yamaha MusicCast 50. Compared to the Yamaha, the Sonos can create deeper bass thanks to a more well-balanced sound profile. 

It is more portable than the Yamaha because it is battery-powered and has an IP56 rating for water and dust protection; however, we do not test for this.

	Sonos	Musiccast
Voice Assistant	Yes	No
Speakerphone	No	No
Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes
Weight	6.6 lbs (3.0 kg)	9.8 lbs (4.5 kg)
Volume	4,838 cm³	9,600 cm³

With Alexa and Google Assistant already built, it provides excellent voice assistant functionality.

However, the Yamaha can achieve maximum volume with less compression, producing audio that sounds cleaner at higher volume settings.

Because of the graphic EQ and presets offered by its companion app, it is also more individualized.

When I first entered the field, having freely chosen and managed music in every room was the exclusive domain of the very wealthy.

Although they were intricate and pricey, the systems I created (including one for a certain Robbie Williams) were amazing. 

Nowadays, everyone can afford high-quality wireless home audio systems. Let us contrast Yamaha’s MusicCast with the market leader, Sonos. 

At this point, I want to distinguish between placing a few inexpensive wireless speakers about the house and using in-wall, in-ceiling, or standalone speakers of higher quality.

The former works fairly well, but as a music enthusiast, I am more concerned with getting the finest quality while also having the convenience of choosing and managing my music from such a phone or tablet in various places throughout the house.

I could examine the more basic “wireless speaker” possibilities in a different piece.

Still, this one focuses on finding ways to create as convenient systems and high quality as those I built 15 years ago while spending a lesser amount of money.

Music Cast

Learn more about Yamaha’s whole home technology and how it may enhance your listening pleasure in the places you love.

The cutting-edge audio technology and distinctive sound quality Yamaha is known for embodying MusicCast. 

The world’s largest musical instrument producer has a philosophy reflected in its use of innovative technology, finely crafted design and superior workmanship. Whatever your needs are, MusicCast takes your home entertainment to a whole new level, whether it is with AV receivers, sound bars, or wireless speakers.

Yamaha provides similar hardware choices, including the WXA-50 integrated amplifier and the WXC-50 pre-amplifier, which links to an external amplifier and/or DAC.

Both offer the ability to connect a stereo component for dissemination throughout the home, such as a powered turntable.

Yamaha also offers the WXAD-10 streaming adapter, which enhances anything with a stereo input with streaming and control capabilities.

The addition of Yamaha’s MusicCast capability, which offers audiophile-quality music reproduction, a DAB and FM tuner, built-in phono stages, and its Home Cinema amplifiers and processors, creates another significant choice.

These all effortlessly connect, expanding the universe of music dissemination. The MusicCast components can be linked wirelessly or with ethernet cables to the same network infrastructure as the rest of the home.

Even though this may seem like it would lead to congestion, a modern home network will be configured for Gigabit bandwidth, so even with HD music and video streaming along with regular usage, the local network won’t be overloaded.

Sonos

There are three methods to listen to music on Sonos: the Connect: Amp, which functions similarly to the Connect: Amp but delegates the amplification to a separate (non-Sonos).

The wireless speakers are off the table for us. Both the Connect and Connect: Amp allows for the connection of a stereo source, such as an amplified turntable, allowing for the distribution of the source throughout the house.

Of course, you can combine the two. For a small dedicated system, the Connect: Amp is practical. Still, depending on the number of rooms, acquiring a multi-channel power amplifier and using unamplified connections can be more economical. 

Similar to this, the Connect might be used with a stronger stereo power amplifier and/or a dedicated DAC for output of higher quality. The amplification and control devices might all be hidden.

Once configured, Sonos establishes a connection to the existing home network before establishing a separate, music-only network. Since all music is transmitted across this network, it is incredibly dependable and uninterrupted.

Many streaming services are accessible, including Tidal, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and many others. Music can be accessed via a server on the network, such as a NAS or an iTunes account.

The Spotify app offers amazing control over the music itself. It makes choosing and playing music completely smooth because it is simple to use, responsive, and well-thought-out.

Additionally, it may be linked with any Amazon Echo device to enable voice control.

Which One is the best?

The network design, the excellent interface, and the clever room equalization all work in Sonos’ favor.

However, I question whether a dedicated network is necessary at all if the home network was structured effectively, to begin with; the Yamaha app is still excellent;

I would say Yamaha has won the race once you take into account its background in music and high-end audio, integration with AV and Stereo receivers, and support for high-resolution music, Bluetooth, and AirPlay.

The Yamaha MusicCast is the greatest wireless home sound system when all of its capability is considered, and less money is spent on it.

Yamaha Musiccast YSP-5600 Vs Sonos

Under the grille of the Yamaha YSP-5600, there are a total of 46 speakers: two woofers and 44 array speakers.

Twelve arrays are employed as “height channels,” in which six upward-firing drivers on either side sound so that it appears to be coming from above.

According to Yamaha, the YSP-5600 has the same impact as a 7.1.2 system. With one subwoofer and two upward-firing speakers, there are seven surround speakers in total. 

Everything from a single bar. That’s a big statement. It is imperative that you calibrate the soundbar to your space in order for it to know how to angle and bounce the sound from those 44 speakers.

The sound field is enormous. You can convincingly hear surround-sound effects coming from beside and behind you, such as the loud ping of gunshots, the chirping of early-morning animals, and the party music.

Raindrops falling in a demo track for Dolby Atmos are more in front of you as opposed to straight above your head, but the height is still there.

Although the final sound will be influenced by how reflecting your room is, there is still room to explore the soundbar’s menu and adjust the settings. 

Although the YSP-5600 cannot quite match the Atmos experience of having actual speakers in the ceiling, it is nevertheless amazing how well it conveys a feeling of height and atmosphere from a single chassis.

Despite these minor flaws, the Yamaha nonetheless puts on a powerful performance that is full of detail.

As the fights become more intense, the low-end performance carries a lot of weight, giving authority to the thwack of flesh against flesh.

The sound never hardens up at the top, no matter how much we crank the soundbar’s volume up, and it can go very loud. The same is true when stereo music is streamed by Bluetooth or internet radio. 

Although it would benefit from better understanding, the energy and punch are still present.

Yamaha also sells a wireless subwoofer that pairs with speakers, but adding that feature will increase the cost to £1900, and, to be honest, the bar does not really need it. The low end is substantial enough by itself.

It is tall enough, at 12 cm, to cover the bottom of the vast majority of contemporary televisions.

Many people will have trouble with that height since you need to place the soundbar right beneath your TV, so the sound matches what you see on the screen. 

Therefore, unless your TV is on stilts, installing it on the wall is your only option. We would not put it there either because doing so would prevent the upward-firing speakers from doing their function.

Putting placement concerns aside, the soundbar is a robust, well-made device. Considering there are 46 speakers inside, it is relatively thin.

The all-black finish is flawless, the metal chassis has a comforting weight, and the straightforward control buttons are all organized and clean.

Sonos

Multiroom music playback, quick assistants, and support for all the major streaming providers are all features of Sonos audio equipment. 

The Sonos S2 app, which came alongside our review of the Sonos Arc two years ago with a redesigned interface and support for new devices, is a key part of the Sonos experience.

Sonos has created a massive push to increase its variety of soundbars, introducing the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) in 2021 and the Sonos Ray in 2022.

The business that has essentially perfected the whole-home audio experience is Sonos. It enables you to play various tunes across your house, synchronize them together, and manage them all from your phone. 

You can even operate your Sonos system hands-free by using the Sonos Voice Assistant or other third-party voice assistant services like Alexa and Google Assistant.

Choosing what you want from a Sonos speaker is the first thing you should do. The Sonos 1 is a good option for streaming sound in a single room without a TV.

The Sonos Arc is the finest option if you are looking for a device to improve the audio on your TV. 

Or, the Sonos Roam or Sonos Move are your best choices as two of the best Bluetooth speakers. If you want a loudspeaker, you can take it with you outside or while you’re on the go.

To use your Sonos speaker, you must first download the Sonos S2 app to a mobile device. You can select the music providers you want to use from the app. You must sign into each of your accounts.

You may stream many musical genres around your house with Sonos. So go ahead and use your Sonos system to play classical music in the living room and pop songs on the Sonos Beam in the family room.

Additionally, you can synchronize those speakers at any time to play the same song in several locations.

You should also adjust the speakers to the space in which they are located to get the finest audio quality.

Trueplay is a feature that alters the speakers’ acoustic output. Your Sonos speaker will begin to produce a sequence of tones for roughly 45 seconds after you open Trueplay.

You must walk slowly around the speakers’ area while waving your iOS smartphone up and down (this particular function does not work with Android phones).

The program uses your iPhone’s microphones to record what it hears and then uses that information to alter how your speaker’s output sound.

The Sonos Boost provides a private network for your speakers by connecting directly to your Wi-Fi router.

The SonosNet mesh network is the same in both the Standard and Boost configurations, although the latter is a bridge that prioritizes communication more effectively. 

Which is best, then? Both are effective, but Sonos advises using a Boost if your network has a lot of devices connected and is in a “tougher wireless environment.”

In some circumstances, moving your Sonos speakers to a different Boost network may improve your Sonos experience.

Is MusicCast better than Sonos?

A variety of companies, including Sonos, Amazon, Google, and, of course, Yamaha, which sells MusicCast Speakers, currently offer wireless speakers.

It is time for us to look at the smaller MusicCast 20, which is a smaller version of the bigger MusicCast 50 and includes the ability for wireless stereo pairing along with an intuitive MusicCast app interface and excellent quality. 

However, the MC20 is priced at $230 each ($460 for a stereo pair) and lacks voice commands like the Amazon Echo.

Similar to the MusicCast 50 style, the MusicCast 20s are a little bit lighter and smaller. The 4.8-pound, 5-7/8″ x 7-3/8″ x 5-1/8″ MC20s speakers are small and light enough to fit on any shelf or counter.

Additionally, you can purchase them in glossy white or black finishes. I have the white units for use in this evaluation.

The speaker grill, which takes up most of the speaker’s front panel, is shiny and smooth, with a top white rim framing the speaker.

If you want to attach the speakers to a wall, there is a screw hole and a power input on the back of the device. 

The only thing left to do is select your audio source. Turn on Bluetooth or Airplay in your preferred music or movie apps, and your audio will start playing with the added ability to adjust playback and volume from your mobile device and streaming apps.

An excellent speaker with a tone of features and rich, realistic sound is the Yamaha MusicCast 20.

The midrange and highs seem more natural and a little bit softer, while the low end of the bass is powerful and deep. 

Even whether you need to connect an Amazon Alexa or numerous MusicCast components, the Yamaha MusicCast App is simple to use. Additionally, you can utilize these as back speakers in a 5.1 configuration or stereo. 

Yamaha currently has no voice assistance at all, despite this. This fantastic alternative still sounds better than most on the market thanks to the affordable price of under $250, the numerous features and settings, and the stylish design. A+ Recommendation.

Sonos One vs Yamaha Musiccast 20

The Sonos One

The Sonos One Gen 2 is a compact wired speaker that you may use on its own or as a stereo sound loudspeaker for your current Sonos sound bar configuration.

It has excellent built-in support for both Alexa and Google Assistant and an Ethernet connector for networking with your home network. 

It has a somewhat economical and quality-of-life sound profile when the True playroom adjustment technology is activated, but it suffers from creating a deep, thumping bass.

However, the mix’s main instruments and vocals seem distinct and prominent because of its well-balanced mid-range. 

Additionally, you may modify the bass and brightness in its audio setting using the Sonos S2 mobile website. 

Pros	Cons
Built-in Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa	Surface accumulates prints
YouTube, Pandora, Apple Music, and Spotify are all integrated	Complex setup procedure
Acoustic quality	Privacy issues that apply to any smart loudspeaker
True play by Sonos
EQ in-app
Built to withstand humidity

When purchasing a home audio system, it is unpleasant to forego sound quality in favor of convenient conveniences. Fortunately, certain Sonos One (Gen 2) systems are not a major worry.

With built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, this smart speaker delivers decent audio quality for its size.

It may be connected for virtual surround playback, and it is designed to be simple to operate using either the voice or the Sonos application.

Features

Even though people can completely turn off Amazon and Google Assistant, it is usually a good idea to keep them on, especially since this platform has deeper integration with services compared to many of its competitors.

One’s integration with Alexa is especially nicely done since people can speak to it the same way you would with an Amazon Echo.

For example, users do not need to say, “Alexa, play Bowie on Sonos,” just say, “Alexa, play Bowie,” and the One will start playing one of his songs. 

Although it may seem like a small point, it makes a significant difference in everyday interactions.

The Sonos One initially only supported Amazon Music using voice control but has since welcomed the addition of Spotify, Deezer, Tune In, Google Play Music, Apple Music, and Audible.

Sonos introduced hi-res music compatibility with some of its Sonos S2 system upgrades last summertime after delaying it for so long.

This made it possible for users of the Sonos S2 app can stream 24-bit files from such a local disc, and now Qobuz 24-bit streaming is also supported. 

To use this feature, you must have either a Studio Premier or Studio Sublime membership on Qobuz, along with the Sonos S2 application, that accepts FLAC files at 24-bit, 44.1/48kHz. 

The One has better microphones than our third-generation Echo Dot, so it is less likely to misunderstand your commands and instructions.

Getting the request right would be only half the fight, and Alexa still seems to be susceptible to misinterpretation.

Sound Quality

When we initially heard the One, we thought it was a minor sonic improvement over the Play: 1, but after hearing together in our reviewing studios, we can say that they sound almost exactly the same.

That is okay, though, as the Play: 1 has already been among the best-sounding wireless speakers available at this price range. 

If you have an iPhone, we strongly suggest using True Play to open up the sound by tweaking the One.

Although we enjoy the music with the Sound intensity setting on, users should explore to find the most comfortable level for them and their environment. 

We configure it to our preferences and receive a delivery that is robust, powerful, and loud, characteristics you would not often anticipate from a Bluetooth speaker this compact. 

Vocals are given abundant room to breathe on the vast, nicely structured sound system, which immediately increases their compelling quality.

That is not to argue that the instruments are not there; rather, they do so in a stunningly stereotypical manner by either flank of the vocalist. In that sense, it is rather smart and natural. 

The One’s weight results in a deep, robust bassline for a loudspeaker this size, and it has enough rhythm and tone variation. A crisp, clear treble that crosses a thin line between enthusiasm and roughness is present. 

The odd harsh edges or touch of tinny sound will pop up from time to time, but it will not annoy you much. Frequently, it is just clear and sparkling.

Yamaha Musiccast 20

The wireless multi-room speaker from Yamaha is called the MusicCast 20. A more compact, reasonably priced type will not take up the entire living space. Compared to a Sonos 1, it is more versatile and open.

If users purchase several MusicCast speakers, customers may configure them as a stereo microphone or a wraparound sound system.

However, not the best-sounding loudspeaker in its class, this Yamaha MusicCast 20 comes close.

Its bass is far deeper than those of the Sonos One, maybe Riva Arena, and compared to other more dynamic versions, a typical speaker array makes its presentation appear notably “mono.”

Design

Individuals could anticipate that such Yamaha MusicCast 20 would be smaller as well, given that it is said to have a more subdued subwoofer than others have. However, certain elements of its appearance are comparable. 

It has an oval footprint and a curved tower. The speaker grille has a lip that is slightly above the shiny metal wall surface and curves across the front and sides. 

There are two colors for the Yamaha MusicCast 20: black and white. Because it is covered in sensitive controls, each with a distinguishing symbol, the top, in especially, does not exactly match the Sonos 1’s aesthetic. Up to a point, this loudspeaker has a minimalistic aesthetic. 

However, it will work beautifully in your living room. Most people would likely just place it down on such a surface, but it has a slash on the back, so you can easily drape it from a ceiling and a screw mounting connection beneath so users can connect it to a stand.

Features

Wi-Fi is the primary method for playing music through the Yamaha MusicCast 20, as it is with practically other multi-room speakers.

However, Bluetooth is also included. Additionally, you may use the three number icons at the top to link to certain sources. 

So put the Spotify Discover Weekly playlist, BBC Radio 4, and BBC 6 Music on for them. Users may go forward without tapping their phone after they are established to connect to a stand.

Thus, the Yamaha MusicCast 20 might readily replace a kitchen or nightstand radio. These techniques are a fantastic added benefit. The speaker uses Yamaha’s MusicCast technology, which competes with Sonos.

It serves as an application for the phone or tablet and controls how the Yamaha MusicCast 20 is configured.

Although not as sleek as Sonos’s, the software itself is solid. Many of you will not use Spotify Connect much anyhow because Yamaha MusicCast 20 enables it.

Sound Quality

If you removed the Yamaha MusicCast 20’s speaker grille, you would discover two existing driver configurations. One substantial subwoofer and one tweeter are located on the front.

On either side are substantial passive radiators. Large radiators frequently produce unexpectedly powerful bass, given the cabinet capacity. 

However, that is not the situation here, as was already said. Yamaha seems to have taken too much time considering the 20 as a mobile speaker.

The Sonos 1 was clearly designed with the understanding that it would be many people’s only audio speaker, even if it could serve as a satellite.

Because just the front of the MusicCast 20 is exposed to the positional treble information, this driver configuration also results in a narrower sweet spot. The Apple Home Pod has tweeters all over its sides for a purpose. 

This Yamaha MusicCast 20 has excellent sound quality. It can be loud enough just to fill medium-sized spaces, the notes are not harsh, and the upper mids have acceptable detail.

It will make a decent speaker if you have a Yamaha system and want a surround configuration without wires.

Why is Sonos better than MusicCast?

For a very long time, and for a good reason, Sonos has been the industry leader in entry-level surround sound audio and wireless home systems.

At a very reasonable cost, Sonos offers the exceptional sound quality, a well-developed and tested environment, a bulletproof network architecture, and a class-leading application interface.

While Sonos started in 2002 and Music Cast was released in 2003, Yamaha has been a part of the industry for nearly as long but has spent a long time catching up.

The difference has, however, been significantly narrowed with the arrival of the most recent batch of items in 2017 and the addition of new internet radio partnerships.

In addition, I have never been pleased with anything other than consummate professional space income redistribution, and I am doubtful that it may be successfully implemented as an add-on to a £350 box.

Frequently Asked Questions