Although we could not be in Hong Kong, we were in a subterranean venue in London's Covent Garden for the UK launch of Naim's Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation.

The latest member of Naim's award-winning Mu-so wireless music system family, the Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation, gains extensive software and hardware upgrades as well as sporting a design that matches the Mu-so 2nd Generation vibe.

Next-Gen Qb

Following the Munich launch of the acclaimed Mu-so 2nd Generation, the new Mu-so Qb features Naim's unique music-streaming platform. The platform has been developed by 25 engineers over three years. So, they are pretty confident that it produces the very best performance no matter if you're playing from your digital music collection, Internet radio, or music from streaming services such as TIDAL and Spotify.

The acclaimed platform is only found in Naim music-streaming products, including its Uniti range and dedicated network players, all the way up to the £20,000 flagship ND 555. 

Mu-so Qb gains the natty new 2nd Generation illuminated volume dial, complete with a full control array and a proximity sensor - it lights up as your hand approaches it. Additionally, Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation can also be controlled via the updated Naim app and – by popular customer demand – a new remote control handset. 

Just like its larger sibling, the new Mu-so Qb comes in the same burnished grey aluminium chassis and upgraded speaker grille design. Furthermore, the new Qb can be customised with optional replacement grilles in Olive, Terracotta or Peacock colourways.

Small and mighty

Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation's compact dimensions pack in 300 Watts of music power that's pushed through the all-new speaker drivers. Again, just like the larger Mu-so, the drivers have been optimised with the help of Focal. The Qb also has an upgraded 'brain', too: a DSP with more than ten-times extra processing power for even greater musical accuracy.

Stream your music in high-resolution quality (Qb can handle files up to 32bit/384kHz) via UPnP, or browse millions of songs through AirPlay 2 (including Apple Music), Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Chromecast built-in and Internet radio.

Thanks to upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity you'll get a slicker streaming experience, while Ethernet remains an option if you prefer things hard-wired. You can also connect devices wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation's USB port supports music playback from USB drives, while its optical input means you can easily connect your TV.

Multiroom marvel

A few simple taps of the Naim app will see the Mu-so Qb 2nd Gen join a multiroom set up with its larger sibling(s) – or other Naim networked products. It will also play nice with other AirPlay 2-compatible wireless speakers via the Apple Home app; as well as other Chromecast devices via groups controlled by the Google Home app.

There were three second-gen Qbs in the event space, and they more than adequately filled the room with music. Moreover, there was plenty of low-end as well as clarity from the little Naim cubes.

A considerable bonus for us is that Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation is Roon Ready, too.

Charlie Henderson, Naim Audio MD, told StereoNET:

The launch of Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation brings Naim's Award-winning music-streaming platform to more people – and rooms - than ever before. Its size-defying power and performance make it a superb option on its own, but it's also perfect as part of a multiroom system – ideal for smaller spaces where the bigger Mu-so, which is increasingly finding a home under the TV as a soundbar as well as a music system, may not fit.

Price and availability

The Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation will be available from September 2nd at a suggested retail price of £749 ($899/€849).

Stay tuned for a review as soon as we get one. In the meantime, for more information, go to Naim Audio.