NAIM MU-SO 2ND GENERATION RELEASED AT HIGH END MUNICH
Naim Audio has launched the 2nd Generation of its multi-award-winning Mu-so wireless music system at High End Munich.
It may not look like the Mu-so 2nd Generation has changed much, save for the slightly darker finish to its aluminium casing but, upon closer inspection, there is plenty to mark the Gen 2 Mu-so as an evolutionary step from the original. From high-resolution streaming to multiroom music to TV sound, this all-in-one system has plenty going for it.
At the heart of Mu-so 2nd Generation is Naim's music-streaming platform, developed by 25 engineers over 3 years, and is shared by the Mu-so's illustrious siblings in the Uniti range and dedicated network players, including the £20,000 flagship ND 555.
Mu-so 2nd Generation's 450 Watts of music power is joined by all-new speaker drivers which have been optimised in conjunction with Focal. There is also 10 times more processing power available on tap for even greater musical accuracy. The eagle-eyed amongst you may notice that the re-engineered cabinet design allows for a larger internal chamber which translates to further enhance bass delivery.
Mu-so 2nd Generation will happily slurp up high-res music (up to 32bit/384kHz) via UPnP, AirPlay 2 (including Apple Music), Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Chromecast built-in and Internet radio. Upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity promises a slicker streaming experience, while Ethernet remains an option if you prefer things hard-wired. Additionally, you can also connect devices wirelessly via Bluetooth. Mu-so 2nd Generation's USB input, meanwhile, supports music playback from USB drives.
Other Mu-so 2nd Generation enhancements include the addition of HDMI ARC, making the new Naim unit a rather nifty soundbar if you are looking to keep the audio boxes in your living room to a minimum. Furthermore, Mu-so 2nd Generation can work as part of a multiroom music set-up by either combining it with other networked Naim products (including 1st Generation Mu-so and Mu-so Qb) via the updated Naim app; with other AirPlay 2-compatible wireless speakers via the Apple Home app; or with other Chromecast devices via groups controlled by the Google Home app.
The updated Naim app allows you to browse by artist, genre, album and more, complete with artwork and extensive music information. You can also control volume, light settings, room modes and create playlists. As a further option, Mu-so 2nd Generation is Roon Ready, too.
Naim Audio MD, Charlie Henderson, told StereoNET:
In its 45 years, Naim has both created and recreated product categories - all in our founding quest for the most authentic musical experience. Mu-so was the first genuinely high-quality wireless music speaker; five years on we've re-engineered 95% of it to develop Mu-so 2nd Generation and redefined what's possible from a one-box system.
The new touch control panel is ringed by an illuminated dial with a proximity sensor, so it lights up as your hand approaches it.
From here, you get easy access to essential playback controls, your favourites, Spotify resume, multiroom functionality and more.
The aluminium casing's new colour is dubbed 'burnished grey' by Naim, and the black front grille can be swapped out for one in Terracotta, Olive or Peacock.
Mu-so 2nd Generation is available right now priced at £1299/$1599/€1499.
Stay tuned as we hope to have one coming for review.
Head over to Naim for more information.
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION
Want to share your opinion or get advice from other enthusiasts? Then head into the Message
Forums where thousands of other enthusiasts are communicating on a daily basis.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE MEMBERSHIP
Trending
applause awards
Each time StereoNET reviews a product, it is considered for an Applause Award. Winning one marks it out as a design of great quality and distinction – a special product in its class, on the grounds of either performance, value for money, or usually both.
Applause Awards are personally issued by StereoNET’s global Editor-in-Chief, David Price – who has over three decades of experience reviewing hi-fi products at the highest level – after consulting with our senior editorial team. They are not automatically given with all reviews, nor can manufacturers purchase them.
The StereoNET editorial team includes some of the world’s most experienced and respected hi-fi journalists with a vast wealth of knowledge. Some have edited popular English language hi-fi magazines, and others have been senior contributors to famous audio journals stretching back to the late 1970s. And we also employ professional IT and home theatre specialists who work at the cutting edge of today’s technology.
We believe that no other online hi-fi and home cinema resource offers such expert knowledge, so when StereoNET gives an Applause Award, it is a trustworthy hallmark of quality. Receiving such an award is the prerequisite to becoming eligible for our annual Product of the Year awards, awarded only to the finest designs in their respective categories. Buyers of hi-fi, home cinema, and headphones can be sure that a StereoNET Applause Award winner is worthy of your most serious attention.