After a brief stint on the sideline, Yamaha re-emerged in the multi-room audio space a year ago and now the manufacturer is expanding its popular MusicCast range with the introduction of the PLUS Mini (WX-010) on 20 August 2016.

When Yamaha first entered the multi-room audio market in 2003, the popularity of such systems and residential infrastructure just wasn’t there but the company’s latest endeavours in this space already seems more promising.

Much like the previous models in the MusicCast range the PLUS Mini features Bluetooth, AirPlay, Pandora and Spotify Connect all built-in.

Despite a cheaper price point and smaller size, the PLUS Mini can play hi-res audio files including Apple Lossless (ALAC) up to 96 kHz/24-bit as well as FLAC/AIFF/WAV up to 192kHz/24-bit and stereo pairing of two units.

Yamaha has maintained a similar aesthetic design through the MusicCast range and the PLUS mini is no exception. It sports a grillle topped with a touch-sensitive surface which provides basic controls.

It is available in black or white.

According to Yamaha Music Australia AV division product manager Damien Henderson, the best features of the PLUS Mini are its size and affordability.

“Being the new entry level Smart Speaker means it’s now even easier to add MusicCast to every room in the home,” he says.

“The built-in passive radiators ensure that you still get a nice deep sound from a compact speaker design.

“One of the advantages of MusicCast has always been the versatile and different designs of the MusicCast products.

“The PLUS Mini takes this to a new level by offering a smaller cabinet design without compromising audio quality.

“Yamaha is continually adding to the MusicCast family and the PLUS Mini is the latest addition to the Smart Speaker range.”