Naim Mu–so second generation
Multi–room speakers reach the next level
about $1,599 From Naim, naimaudio.com
Features HDMI ARC in with CEC Streaming, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built–in, UPnPTM, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Roon Ready, Bluetooth, Internet Radio Analogue input, 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth, ethernet, Audio formats WAV, FLAC, AIFF, MP3, AAC, OGG, DSD
Oh boy, is this speaker good! The design appears nearly identical to the previous model, but there are changes in the color of the metal, the design of the over–sized volume/control knob and the remote control. The big dial now boasts 15 touch-sensitive buttons and a proximity sensor that wakes it as you approach.
Placement is made easy with the Room Compensation settings, where algorithms compensate for placement in corners or near walls to make sure the sound’s right.
An HDMI ARC input has been added so it can happily double as a stereo soundbar – and the bass response improved. It can’t compete with KEF’s LSX or Bowers & Wilkins’ Formation Duo for stereo separation, but you may not miss it.
Another beauty of this is that it sucks every bit of detail out of Spotify streams and old AAC and MP3 rips, and does well
when you stream 32bit/384kHz files in FLAC, WAV and DSD formats.
Multi–room is possible via Apple AirPlay 2 or Google Chromecast on iOS and Android devices, or Naim’s own system via the app, remote or on–body controls. Tidal is built in, although the MQA Tidal Master part isn’t fully supported, while Spotify Connect is here too. UPnP support allows streaming from PC, Mac and NAS in resolution up to 32bit/384kHz. And there’s Bluetooth.
Where Naim has long stood out is that it constantly updates its app and includes streaming services in convenient ways. Naim says it should be able to support any service or streaming system to launch in the next five years.
the bottom line. Awesome sound and a reliable, versatile software platform. Worth every penny. Duncan bell