Matt HallowesNaim is synonymous with exceptional audio quality. The company designs and manufactures high-end audio products, which many audiophiles claim to be the best in their class. The Naim Mu-So Reference Wireless Music System is essentially a soundbar, but it doesn’t feel right to assign this title to such a sophisticated piece of audio engineering. To put things into perspective, Naim is the brand of speaker found in Bentley automobiles. Look at this incredible speaker and discover why it’s worth the $1,400 price tag!
At a Glance
- Power Output: 450W
- Dimensions: 24.7” x 4.8” x 10.1”
- Weight: 28.7 lbs
- Drivers: 2 x woofer drivers, 2 x mid-range drivers, 2 x tweeters
- Inputs: ⅛-inch AUX, optical, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, Ethernet
The Mu-So is a 3-way speaker system featuring a total of six custom-designed speaker drivers. There are 2 x subwoofers, 2 x mid-range drivers, and 2 x tweeters in a stereo configuration. A 75W amplifier independently drives each speaker driver to deliver an impressive 450W sound. This is ten times the power you’ll find in an average soundbar.
The Mu-So features an advanced bass reflex system with a porting system designed to move large volumes of air with minimal turbulence, resulting in a well-defined, controlled bass response. This is the best bass sound of any speaker this size. The low-end is so accurate and precise that it’s challenging to put into words.
Having a separate mid-range driver gives the Mu-So exceptional clarity and frequency separation. The tweeters produce such perfect brilliance, detail, and clarity in the highs that you can’t help but listen with your mouth agape the first time you hear it. It’s genuinely ridiculous just how good this “soundbar” actually sounds. Whether you’re listening to classical music or the most bass-heavy hip-hop track, the Mu-So far exceeds the expectation of the audio experience you expect to hear.
Watching movies or TV on the Mu-So is a truly immersive experience. Unfortunately, this is only in stereo, but speech, movie effects, and sports are incredibly captivating and exciting with the detail and clarity the Mu-So delivers.
Input
When it comes to inputs, the Mu-So covers just about every connection available. These include ⅛-inch AUX, USB, optical, Bluetooth, WiFi, and Ethernet. If you plan to connect the Mu-So to your TV, it’s best to connect via the optical input. You can fully use the superior Mu-So DSP and digital-to-analog converter, delivering the best possible audio experience.
For streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, or Tidal, it’s best to stream via WiFi or Ethernet rather than Bluetooth. If you want to get technical, Etherport is the best connection method, as wireless streaming has no signal loss.
The Mu-So plays almost every audio format, including WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC (Apple Lossless), OGG, WMA, MP3, AAC, and Bluetooth formats SBC, AAC, and aptX.
All the input connections are located on the rear of the Mu-So except for the ⅛-inch AUX and USB. These are conveniently located on the right-hand side of the speaker for easy access. The Mu-So is not just a pretty face but practical, too.
Control
You have three ways to control the Mu-So: the onboard control panel, the remote, or the Naim app. On a rotary touch-sensitive control surface, the onboard controls are on top of the Mu-So. The onboard controls allow you to play/pause, skip next/previous, adjust volume, switch between inputs, and switch between one of your six custom presets. The remote mirrors these functions but allows you to mute the speaker and adjust the illumination scheme. The Mu-So has four illumination schemes offering options for brightness and activity.
You must download the Naim app to gain complete control over the Mu-So. Within the app, you have extensive control over every aspect of the Mu-So, including audio settings, speaker placement settings, alarm clock setup, illumination scheme configuration, registering your Mu-So, and updating the firmware.
Customization
The Mu-So is only available in stylish brushed silver but allows for some customization via the front grille. The speaker has a standard dark grey grille, but you can purchase a burnt orange, deep blue, or vibrant red, available on the Naim website.
Naim Mu-So Qb
It’s essential also to mention the Mu-So Qb, the only other speaker in the Mu-So range. If you are not a fan of the soundbar style shape, or your intended position doesn’t have enough room for the 25” wide Mu-So, you might consider the Mu-So QB as an alternative.
At $899, the Mu-So QB is almost half the price of the Mu-So while still delivering an incredible 300W of power. The Mu-So Qb is a cube-shaped speaker that is significantly more compact than the larger Mu-So. Aside from the shape and power output, the speakers are identical to the Mu-So QB, even allowing for the same speaker grille customization.
What’s in the Box?
Included with the Naim Mu-So Reference Wireless Music System:
● Naim Mu-So + power cable
● Remote control
Conclusion
So, is the Naim Mu-So Reference Wireless Music System worth the $1,400 price tag? That all depends on what price you’re willing to pay for the best quality streaming audio experience. The Mu-So is the best soundbar on the market. In every way, this speaker delivers the best experience; there is no doubt about that. Therefore, I would say it’s in a class of its own, and the price is justified.
Without hearing the Mu-So, it’s difficult to explain just how big the sound this speaker produces is. It’s hard to believe such a compact speaker can produce such profound and comprehensive sound. If you have the money to spend, you will not be disappointed with the incredible Mu-So Music System.
Naim Mu-so
Naim is synonymous with exceptional audio quality. The company designs and manufactures high-end audio products, which many audiophiles claim to be the best in their class. The Naim Mu-So Reference Wireless Music System is essentially a soundbar, but it doesn’t feel right to assign this title to such a sophisticated piece of audio engineering. To put things into perspective, Naim is the brand of speaker found in Bentley automobiles. Look at this incredible speaker and discover why it’s worth the $1,400 price tag!
Product Brand: Naim Audio
4.2
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Supports WiFi, Ethernet and Bluetooth
- Unique design
Cons
- Expensive
Bryn De Kocks
