Naim Mu-so 2

Classic wireless speaker gets a boost in performance and price

- 

₹1,69,990

Die Hard 2, Once Upon A Time in Mexico and Star Wars: The Force Awakens are all examples of how a sequel can work by simply repackaging a successful recipe. The Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation (or Mu-so 2) is a similar case of a tale twice-told.

Put it side-by-side with the original Mu-so and the two near-identical aluminium boxes may lead you to initially dismiss this as a soft update. But to judge the Mu-so 2 by its cover would be to undermine the progression it brings to the Mu-so line. According to Naim, 95 per cent of the Mu-so 2 is new for this model: drive units, digital signal processing, connectivity and cabinet.

Eleven years ago, the Mu-so arrived to a chorus of praise. Such was the unique one-box offering of wireless network multi-room streaming, physical connectivity, amplification and speakers, we weren't sure what to call it. An all-in-one hi-fi system? A streaming system? A wireless speaker?

Since then, there have been many similar products, yet the Mu-so has retained its relevance. As competition grows and new streaming platforms (such as AirPlay 2) arrive, Naim has managed to keep the Mu-so 2 right at the cutting edge thanks to software updates and aggresive price cuts.

Comprehensive streaming

Naim has naturally carried its comprehensive streaming platform - the beating heart of the brand's latest streamers and systems, such as the ND5 XS 2 and Uniti Atom - into the Mu-so 2. This gives it UPnP streaming of hi-res music up to PCM 32-bit/384kHz, direct streaming from Spotify Connect and Tidal, Apple AirPlay 2, internet radio and Google Chromecast, which brings Deezer, Qobuz and Google Play Music to the table.

Naim claims to have improved the wi-fi stability, although a wired ethernet connection is still a good option.