The main difference between Robotech and Macross is that Robotech is actually 3 seperate series combined

the one you mentioned plus Super Dimensional Cavalry Southern Cross and Genesis Climber Mospeada.

There were some changes made to the story to try to connect the series and Macross is by far the most important and best of the three series so if you want the real story i would recommend watching only Macross first and then Robotech later.

I can't really name the changes in Macross to connect the series but the combination of the series is the main one.

Other than that not much is changed to my recollection.