The Naim Mu-so. It really doesn’t need an introduction, does it? Even if there wasn’t a huge picture of one right above this very sentence (and throughout this entire article!), chances are you already know what they look like. Strangely alluring slabs of pure technology that radiate mystery and intrigue. But how many of you have actually played with and (most importantly) heard what one of these things sounds like? I would bet the resounding answer is: not enough. Well, we are here because we want you to experience the best. We want you to know about these things. We want you to love them as much as we do. We want you to have access to the best there is, and this is among them. So, today’s exercise is to educate you on what makes the Mu-so what it is, and why we love it so much.
But first: a video! Mu-so’s first appearance came in the form of a gorgeous and somewhat fitting conceptual video, which probably says more about Mu-so than we ever could…
… but hey, we’re going to try!
Let’s start by asking a few basic questions…
What is it?
The Naim Mu-so is many things, is the answer to that question, and none of those key functions are primary. That’s what makes it so special – it’s strengths are equally divided amongst each of its features, without a single weak link.
In short, it’s a wireless speaker/network streamer hybrid, with a number of inputs (including USB and optical), which expand the possibilities significantly. It’s a source and a all-in-one system, all in one go, and the first music system to arise from the expertise of the legendary Naim.
Where did it come from?
After Naim’s win of the “Queen’s Award for Innovation”, in 2014, they followed up with something pretty spectacular. In the same year they unveiled (after a long and somewhat titillating teaser campaign) the final product, with pre-orders available just in time for Christmas! Naim’s devoted following is owed to its philosophy, of which it has remained loyal to throughout its entire history. ever since it was incarnated in 1973 as an amplification specialist.
Ever since its inception, Naim has been committed to ‘The Naim Way’. It all began with one man – Julian Vereker MBE (1945-2000), whose curiosity and sheer stubbornness at what was accepted a the status quo of audio. His maverick approach, and continued commitment to build quality and customer after care has been carried through to this very day, with this all-in-one system bearing the very same hallmark of each separate and system that came before it. Naim had already shown a penchant for network streamers and hybrid systems with their universally acclaimed Uniti range (which is still a leading range if you’re in the field for network streamers scrambled up with amplifiers and occasionally CD players!) so, in this age of wireless, it was only a matter of time that they came out with their own version of wireless, beautifully entangled in their four decades of expertise in pretty much all that is hi-fi.
What’s In It?
Externally, it’s made out of anodised aluminium in a dark, steely grey. It comes with a black grille as standard, but this can be easily altered with the purchase of one of three colourful grilles (you can even buy all three, if you’d like the option of customisation!) and a very simple touch-panel/control dial/display at the top. It looks gorgeous, and its unique luminescent foot makes it look like its floating (particularly impressive when seen in person!)
Internally… things get even more magical!
“The Muso utilises six 75W digital amplifiers, which power six custom designed Naim drivers. Two midrange drivers, two tweeters and two ‘racetrack’ bass drivers deliver an immersive and rich full-range of sound. Muso also uses DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology, which has been developed from Naim’s automotive speaker systems.”
But this is about more than just power, it’s about functionality and innovation. And you just know that there are some pretty funky quirks that make this device as special as it is! There’s an ‘audio brain’ on board, which takes the form of a 32-bit digital signal processor capable of millions of calculations per second (trust me, that’s fast!) which is designed to use Naim’s own software to squeeze every bit of performance out of the unit as a whole.
And yet… there’s more! The wooden speaker cabinet is uncased in anodised aluminium to provide a clean, open and (most significantly) distortion-free sound and the extruded aluminium heat sink maximises thermal performance. There are also two patent-pending ideas. The system of illumination around the touch panel is completely unique (and something of a feat to perfect, you have to try it to see what we mean!) and there is also a special antenna system for enviable Wi-Fi connectivity that doesn’t need an unsightly external areal!
What Does It Do?
… what doesn’t it do? Rather than list its wonders, here is a handy graphic:
… and all of that lovely stuff can be controlled with the Naim Control App, which is suitable for both ioS and Android devices. The app literally controls everything, from the music through to the lighting and everything in between. You can listen to the music on your phone, or stream via one of the many network options, and control it all with that app. Best of all, despite its numerous functions, it’s incredibly easy to use.
What Makes It… A Muse?
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably coming a little closer to understanding what it is about the Mu-so that makes it pretty special. And the critics are continuing to think so too! It’s coming up to a year’s anniversary for this remarkable piece of lifestyle hi-fi, and it’s still regarded as one of the most significant musical items on the scene. Some have tried to replicate it, but none have succeeded. And that’s what makes it what it is: unique, innovative and encapsulating. From its inimitable looks to its luxurious sound, the Mu-so will likely remain the king in its particular kingdom for some time to come.
So. The question is: would you like to experience the Mu-so for yourself? Then give us a shout! We have one on permanent demo, and we love to have an excuse to play with it ourselves (… not that we need an excuse but it’s still nice to have one!).
And if you’d like to take a look at it yourself, you can do so here. Go on, find your muse!