I have a Yamaha musiccast (mcx-2000) and have been looking into exchanging the hard drive for a larger one, perhaps about 500 gig.

First, has anyone tried to use a program like partionmagic with norton ghost or drive image to transfer the data to a larger hard drive?

I have had much trouble finding a place with the Yamaha software who is willing to do the transfer. I found 1 place after many phone calls, but they want $400 for the transfer, not counting the cost of shipping (both ways, and they need the entire music server sent) and I need to purchase the hard drive myself, which is not included in that price.

Any suggestions for hard drives, by the way. Something quiet, and without much heat production, perhaps one that has been tested with the musiccast already with success?

I'm looking for the upgrade also for the MCX-2000.

I hope you both found someone to upgrade or even backup the data in your Yamaha MCX-2000 MusicCAST. I have had much luck using the official Yamaha tools, but none with standard computer tools. If you are interested in an upgrade or have any questions on either the MCX-1000 or MCX-2000, drop me a PM... Thanks! DonS

$400! That sounds insane, who was it?
Pyramid Audio is the southern regional service center. We have the skills and software and charge $179 + S&H. You supply the HDD.

please use the service form www.pyramid-audio.com/shipping.html and remember to include the remote control

Both the MCX-1000 and MCX-2000 support up to 1000 GB!

I;ve always liked the musiccast system and thought it was ahead of its time. glad to see people are still using them. There were always a bit more than I wanted to spend, but I really loved the units.

I;ve always liked the musiccast system and thought it was ahead of its time. glad to see people are still using them. There were always a bit more than I wanted to spend, but I really loved the units.

well, condsider what you get:
silent computer with pre-installed OS, HDD and CDR. HHD can be ugraded to >750 Gb
load CD, auto GRACENOTE lookup and MP3 converter
wireless hub including DHCP host.
front panel display and easy S-video GUI, remote control.
Yamaha quality.

Ok, not nearly as cheap as iTunes on a PC, but user friendly for the tech impaired.

Don't forget full PCM quality storage and playback. Most will notice the difference between the compress iTunes formatted music and full PCM on a highend audiophile system. That makes the Yamaha a perfect match!

Do you know what the difference is between the Yamaha Musiccast MCX- 1000 and 2000 besides the size of their harddrives?

Thank you for your thoughts

Yamaha doesn't do a very good job comparing them directly, but you can still learn what you need from their website. Check out: http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/musiccast/idx_server.htm