Audio T Verdict
The Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation combines a network music player, DSP, six power amplifiers and a complete three-way stereo speaker system in one substantial enclosure.
It provides 450W of total amplification, HDMI ARC for television sound, high-resolution network playback, Roon Ready support, current streaming services, multiroom operation and wired digital or analogue inputs.
It is a mains-powered all-in-one music system rather than a portable Bluetooth speaker or expandable separates system. It has no battery, headphone output, subwoofer output or connections for external passive speakers.
Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation Wireless Music System
The Mu-so 2nd Generation is a self-contained wireless music system designed for listeners who want Naim streaming, amplification and stereo speakers without assembling separate components.
Its 628mm-wide enclosure contains six Focal-optimised drivers, individual amplification for each driver, active DSP processing and the connections needed for network music, television sound and external sources.
It can operate as a primary music system, improve everyday television audio or join a compatible Naim, AirPlay 2 or Google Cast multiroom installation.
Directly Supported
- Music streaming over Ethernet or Wi-Fi
- HDMI ARC television audio
- Optical digital sources
- One 3.5mm line-level analogue source
- Compatible USB storage
- UPnP music libraries
- Roon, AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Bluetooth playback
- Naim, Apple and Google multiroom systems
- Internet radio and app-configured alarm functions
Not Included or Requires More Equipment
- A turntable requires an external phono stage
- CD playback requires a separate player or transport
- Roon playback requires a Roon server and subscription
- There is no headphone output
- There is no subwoofer or pre-amplifier output
- External passive speakers cannot be connected
- It has no rechargeable battery
- DAB and FM radio are not built in
Six-Driver Three-Way Stereo System
The acoustic system uses two tweeters, two midrange drivers and two bass drivers in a DSP-optimised, vented enclosure.
Each driver has its own 75W amplifier channel, producing a total published amplifier output of 450W across the six channels.
The 450W figure describes the combined internal amplification. It is not 450W per stereo channel and is not directly comparable with the rating of a conventional amplifier connected to passive speakers.
A Complete System, Not a Speaker for an External Amplifier
The Mu-so's amplifiers, crossover processing and drivers are designed to work as one active system. It cannot be connected to an external amplifier as a pair of passive speakers.
It also has no output for adding a separate subwoofer or additional wired loudspeakers.
Focal-Optimised Drivers and Active DSP
Naim developed the second-generation drive units with input from Focal, with the aim of improving excursion capability, bass control and distortion performance within the compact enclosure.
A multicore digital signal processor provides 2,000 million instructions per second of processing capacity for crossover, driver optimisation, room settings and protection functions.
A limiter algorithm operates at extreme volume levels to control excessive driver movement. It is a protective system rather than an invitation to operate the product continuously at its maximum setting.
Room Compensation and Placement
Three room-compensation settings are provided for free-space, near-wall and near-corner placement. Selecting the setting that matches the installation helps control the bass response.
The Mu-so should sit on a stable, level surface capable of supporting its 11.2kg weight. Avoid obstructing the cabinet vents or placing it where the control dial and connections are difficult to reach.
A central position can help television dialogue and stereo balance. The soundstage remains limited by the physical width of the single enclosure compared with a conventional pair of widely spaced speakers.
HDMI ARC for Television Sound
One HDMI ARC connection allows a compatible television to send stereo audio to the Mu-so through a single HDMI cable.
HDMI CEC can allow a compatible television remote to control Mu-so volume. Behaviour depends on the television, its HDMI settings and the cable used.
Use Stereo PCM From the Television
Configure the television's audio output as two-channel PCM or stereo. Dolby Digital, DTS, bitstream and multichannel formats are not suitable for the Mu-so's stereo HDMI input.
The connection is HDMI ARC rather than eARC, and the Mu-so is not an HDMI video switch or surround-sound decoder.
High-Resolution Music Streaming
The current streaming platform supports Spotify Connect, TIDAL, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Qobuz Connect, internet radio and compatible UPnP music libraries.
Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast allow compatible apps and services to send audio from phones, tablets and computers. Bluetooth provides a quick direct wireless connection.
Service availability, subscriptions and features can vary by country, account type and firmware version. Keeping the Mu-so and Focal and Naim app updated is recommended.
Focal and Naim App
The current Focal and Naim app for iOS and Android provides setup, source selection, music browsing, playlists, presets, volume, input configuration, room compensation, multiroom control, alarm settings and wireless firmware updates.
Earlier product copy refers simply to the Naim App. This has been replaced by the combined Focal and Naim app.
Roon Ready Playback
Roon Ready certification allows the Mu-so 2nd Generation to operate as a network endpoint within a Roon system.
It does not run the Roon server itself. A separate Roon server, controller and appropriate subscription are required.
UPnP and USB Music
The Mu-so can browse and play music from a compatible UPnP server on the local network. One USB 2.0 type-A socket supports compatible USB storage.
Naim currently specifies USB sticks up to 128GB. Drive format, file compatibility, library structure and power requirements should be checked before preparing a large collection.
USB Storage, Not USB-B Computer Audio
The USB socket is a type-A connection intended for compatible storage and supported portable devices. The Mu-so does not provide a USB-B input for use as a conventional wired computer DAC.
Computer audio is normally sent over the network using Roon, UPnP, AirPlay 2 or Google Cast, or through a suitable optical or analogue connection.
Supported Audio Formats
Supported formats include WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA, M4A and DSD64 or DSD128. Gapless playback is supported across the listed formats.
Naim specifies WAV playback up to 32-bit/384kHz, with FLAC, AIFF and ALAC supported up to 24-bit/384kHz. Lossy formats have lower published limits.
Actual resolution depends on the source, input, file format, network method and service. A headline file-format limit does not mean every streaming service or connection operates at that resolution.
Optical Digital Input
One optical Toslink input accepts compatible stereo PCM signals up to 96kHz. It can accommodate a television, CD transport, games console or another source with a compatible optical output.
The source must output stereo PCM rather than Dolby Digital, DTS, bitstream or another surround format.
The Mu-so does not provide coaxial RCA, BNC, AES or USB-B digital inputs.
3.5mm Analogue Input
One 3.5mm stereo analogue input accepts a compatible line-level source.
It is not a turntable phono input. A turntable requires an external moving-magnet or moving-coil phono stage with a suitable line-level output.
The socket is an input only. It is not a headphone, subwoofer or pre-amplifier output.
Multiroom With Naim, Apple or Google
Naim multiroom can synchronise up to six compatible Focal and Naim streamers through the Focal and Naim app.
AirPlay 2 and Google Home groups provide additional multiroom options with compatible third-party products. These methods operate separately from Naim's own multiroom system.
Multiroom Is Not a Naim Stereo Pair
Each Mu-so is already a self-contained stereo system. Naim multiroom synchronises complete products but does not configure two Mu-so units as dedicated left and right speakers.
For wider conventional stereo separation, consider a Naim streaming amplifier with a separate pair of loudspeakers.
Touch Controls and Infrared Remote
The top control interface provides 15 touch-sensitive controls, illuminated volume indication and a rotary volume dial. A proximity sensor wakes the interface as a hand approaches.
Unlike the radio-frequency remotes supplied with some Uniti products, the Mu-so remote uses infrared RC5 control and normally requires a clear line of sight.
The control surface provides quick access to playback, inputs, favourites, multiroom, Bluetooth, alarm functions and Spotify resume or the current play queue.
Alarm Clock and Internet Radio
Internet radio stations and presets are available through the network platform. Alarm functions can be configured through the app.
The Mu-so does not contain a DAB or FM broadcast tuner. Internet access is required for internet-radio playback.
Home-Automation Integration
Naim lists compatibility with home-automation platforms including Control4, Crestron, Elan, RTI and Savant.
Integration requires compatible control drivers, network configuration and professional setup. Available functions depend on the selected platform and driver version.
Network and Power Requirements
Network connection is available through 10/100Mbps Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi. Ethernet can provide the most predictable connection where wireless coverage is weak or congested.
The Mu-so requires a permanent mains connection and has no internal rechargeable battery. Naim specifies consumption of 17W in normal use, below 2W in network standby and below 0.5W in non-network standby.
Bluetooth can be used without selecting music through a network service, but mains power is still required and initial configuration or updates may require the app and network access.
Aluminium Cabinet and Replaceable Grille
The burnished-grey aluminium enclosure measures 628mm wide, 122mm high and 264mm deep, with a weight of 11.2kg. The dedicated Naim product sheet is used for the 264mm depth measurement.
A black grille is fitted as standard. Optional replacement grilles are available in Olive, Terracotta and Peacock finishes, subject to current availability.
The supplied accessories include an infrared remote control, reset pin and mains cable.
Key Features
- All-in-one network player, amplification and stereo speaker system
- Six Focal-optimised drivers
- Two tweeters, two midrange drivers and two bass drivers
- Six 75W amplifier channels with 450W total output
- Three-way DSP-optimised vented enclosure
- 2,000 MIPS multicore digital signal processor
- Free-space, near-wall and near-corner room compensation
- HDMI ARC with CEC
- Optical digital and 3.5mm analogue inputs
- USB type-A storage playback
- Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi networking
- Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz and internet radio
- AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Bluetooth
- Roon Ready and UPnP streaming
- Naim multiroom for up to six compatible streamers
- Touch-sensitive control interface with proximity sensor
- Infrared remote control
- Focal and Naim app control
- Alarm-clock function
- Replaceable speaker grille
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mu-so 2nd Generation a stereo system?
Yes. Its single enclosure contains separate left and right tweeters, midrange drivers and bass drivers. The physical stereo width is naturally narrower than a conventional pair of widely spaced speakers.
Does 450W mean 450W per channel?
No. The published total comprises six 75W internal amplifier channels, one for each driver.
Can two Mu-so units form a left and right stereo pair?
Naim multiroom synchronises complete Mu-so systems but does not configure two units as dedicated left and right Naim speakers. Each Mu-so remains a complete stereo system.
Can it be used for television sound?
Yes. Connect a compatible television through HDMI ARC or optical and configure its output for two-channel PCM or stereo rather than Dolby Digital, DTS, bitstream or multichannel audio.
Is it a surround-sound system?
No. It is a two-channel all-in-one stereo system. It does not decode surround formats or provide connections for rear, centre or subwoofer channels.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, through a suitable external phono stage connected to the 3.5mm line input. A turntable cannot normally connect directly.
Can it play CDs?
It has no CD drive. A compatible CD player can use the 3.5mm analogue input, while a CD transport can connect through optical digital audio.
Can I add a subwoofer or passive speakers?
No. The Mu-so has no subwoofer, pre-amplifier or external-speaker output. Its internal amplifiers and drivers operate as a complete active system.
Does it have a headphone socket?
No. The 3.5mm socket is a line-level input, not a headphone output.
Can it play music from a USB drive?
Yes. Its USB type-A socket supports compatible storage, with Naim currently specifying USB sticks up to 128GB.
Can it be used as a USB DAC for a computer?
Not through a conventional USB-B audio connection because one is not provided. Computer audio is normally sent through the network, optical input or analogue input.
Is it portable?
It can be moved between suitable locations, but it weighs 11.2kg, has no battery and requires a mains connection. It is intended as a home music system rather than a portable outdoor speaker.
Does it require Ethernet?
No. It supports both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, although Ethernet can be preferable where wireless coverage is weak or congested.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Mu-so demonstrations and model comparisons
- Placement and room-compensation guidance
- Focal and Naim app setup
- Streaming-service and Roon configuration
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi installation advice
- HDMI ARC and television-audio configuration
- UPnP and USB-library setup
- Turntable and CD connection advice
- Multiroom-system planning
- Optional grille selection
- Part-exchange options on suitable equipment
- Ongoing system setup and servicing support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration and confirm network, source, television, placement and multiroom compatibility before ordering.