Description: Integrated all-in-one network music system with DSP (XMOS processor) with custom software, and built-in powered stereo speakers. Driver array: 2 tweeters, 2 midrange drivers, 2 woofers. Amplification: direct-digital class-D; 75W for each of the 6 drivers (450W total). Digital inputs: Optical (S/PDIF up to 96kHz), USB2 (Type A), HDMI ARC; Analog input: 3.5mm stereo jack. Network connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz), Ethernet. Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, built-in Chromecast (via Google Home app), UPnP (up to 32-bit/384kHz); Native apps: Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Roon Ready (as a network player—also Roon Tested as an output device), Bluetooth, Internet Radio via vTuner Premium 5. Multiroom ready; sync up to five Naim streaming products. Audio formats: WAV, FLAC, and AIFF (accepts up to 24-bit/384kHz), ALAC (accepts up to 24-bit/384kHz), MP3, AAC, OGG, and WMA (up to 16-bit/48kHz), DSD 64 and 128, Bluetooth SBC, AAC. Gapless playback supported in all formats. Control: Naim app for Apple iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android devices; remote control; Mu-so touch control user interface.
Dimensions: 24.7" (628mm) W × 4.8" (122mm) H × 10.4" (264mm) D. Weight 24.7lb (11.2kg).
Serial number of unit reviewed: 0889. Manufactured in the UK.
Price: $1690; additional grille color options, $90. Approximate number of US dealers: 103. Warranty: 2 years.
Manufacturer: Naim Audio Ltd., Southampton Rd., Salisbury, SP1 2LN, England. Tel: +44 (0) 1722 426 600, Web: naimaudio.com Distributor: Focal Naim North America, 313 Rue Marion, Repentigny, Quebec QC J5Z 4N8, Canada. Tel: (800) 663.9352.
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COMMENTS
I don't see any comparison to other lifestyle products or any other similarly priced products. But, the market is flooded with lifestyle products, and the competition around $1500-$2000 is fierce. Also, about good 60-70% of the article seems to come directly from Naim. Audio equipment is subject. Extremely subjective that I think the only way to achieve some objectiveness is by comparing to other products or by providing measurements in my humble opinion.
I agree that comparisons are very helpful to readers and consumers. I can add a bit to this. I have listened to too many of these small 'lifestyle' systems and speakers and the comparisons have become rather muddled. Those units were mostly quite satisfactory, but I am someone who can enjoy music on a good car stereo.
That confusion doesn't matter much in this case, because when I sat down in the dealer's listening room seeking to listen to the Muso2, I thought the music playing was from his component system and separate speakers. It was not small-speaker music, and it was tonally rich and completely enjoyable. The review could be misinterpreted to be implying that the Muso is overly detailed, bright, and PRAT-exaggerated, but that is not the case. The Muso puts a lot of musical energy into a large room, and the tonal balance is completely realistic. I purchased the Muso.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Chaeflot. To be clear, I didn't find the Mu-so Gen 2 at all bright or tipped-up in tonal balance either. It sounds like you had similar impressions of its expansion and energy. Glad you liked what you heard enough to make a purchase!
MhtLion, thanks for your comments. Those are fair statements. However, partly because this is an all-in-one type of product that arguably isn't typically "audiophile" in the purist (or purest) sense, I chose not to follow some of the more standard review conventions. I thought readers might be interested in knowing more about what's unique about this product on the technical side — and by extension, why it sounds as good as it does, given its type/category's inherent limitations (size of chassis, drivers, etc.).
This is what my wife would choose for her HiFi. My own singing mother would also love this thing.
Nice Product review
Tony in Venice
ps. it kind of reminds me of vintage B&O
Physics be damned. Dsp can't fix what that will do to the in room response.
One of my favorite places on earth. I've seen hundreds and hundreds of concerts there. I'd live there, if they'd let me. Many, many of my memories are associated with that venue...
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