Mu-so Qb shares the same design DNA as Mu-so, all intuitively crafted into a truly compact cabinet, ideal for any living space. Mu-so Qb is alive with contours and features, but with 300 watts of power it’s never restricted by its size.
“With Mu-so Qb, we use the same principles that helped form the original Mu-so: no compromise on materials, sound quality or features,” said Naim Audio’s Technical Director, Roy George.
DESIGN
One of the biggest design challenges with the Mu-so Qb wireless system was to configure the individual speakers within the smaller cabinet. To achieve that distinctive Naim sound in a compact unit, Naim engineers had to experiment with every component and adjust speaker angles by the smallest of fractions. It presents an arrangement of five drivers, offset and angled perfectly to create a left-right dispersion discrepancy. Mu-so Qb uses tweeters with microfiber domes, while its mid-range drivers have rare earth magnets and copper-capped poles for even greater accuracy. Mu-so Qb has another surprising design feature with regard to low frequencies. Unlike the original Mu-so, there isn’t the space for an expansive bass port. Instead, two pistonic bass radiators work alongside a custom-made woofer, driven by a 100W amplifier to create a depth of sound that most would never expect from a system this size. The touchscreen interface on the top of Mu-so Qb is a solid aluminium ring, illuminated to float above the core structure and compliment the seamless volume dial movement.
FEATURES
Connect the Naim Mu-so Qb to a home Wi-Fi network to open up a world of music. Wirelessly stream downloaded music in high-resolution via UPnP™ or browse and play millions of songs through Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Internet Radio or Airplay, ideal for Apple Music.
Mu-so Qb also features high quality Bluetooth (aptX) connectivity, a USB input for charging and playback of smartphones, tablets and MP3 players, a 3.5mm analog input and a digital input for TVs, CD players, turntables set-top boxes and games consoles. Mu-so Qb can be used between five rooms in the home, creating a system that is truly integrated and offers beat perfect music in each room or individual music in each room, all controlled by a dedicated Naim app for iOS and Android. Mu-so Qb is also fully compatible with Naim streaming products, including Naim’s Uniti Series.
SOUND
At the heart of Mu-so Qb is a 32-bit digital signal processor – the same high-spec component used in the original Mu-so system. The DSP controls the flow of music information to each individual speaker and with intricate computer analytics, was finely tuned to perform perfectly within the smaller cabinet space. The end result is a refined audio experience with no distortion; increased speaker accuracy and an expansive sound at home in any room, large or small; from office to lounge, bedroom or kitchen.
The material chosen for the main cabinet is a 20% glass-reinforced polymer chosen for its extra stiffness and dampening properties. Elsewhere, an anodised aluminium lid and heatsink is used, as well as the acrylic base, both of which dampen unwanted vibration and strengthen the structure of Mu-so Qb even further.
SPECIFICATION
Audio Inputs
Streaming UPnP hi-res streaming, AirPlay (perfect for enjoying Apple Music), Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Bluetooth aptX
Digital Optical S/PDIF (up to 96kHz) on rear panel
Multiroom Sync up to five Naim Mu-so, Mu-so Qb or any Naim Uniti or Naim Streaming product. Control via Naim App.
Analogue 3.5mm jack on rear panel – to listen to auxiliary sources
Other Internet radio – via wired Ethernet (RJ45) or Wi-Fi, USB Type-A on rear panel
Power
Amplification 300W (4 x 50W + 1 x 100W)
Drivers 1 x woofer2 x mid-range
2 x tweeter
2 x pistonic passive bass radiators
Formats
Audio formats supported WAV, FLAC and AIFF – up to 24bit/192kHz
ALAC (Apple Lossless) – up to 24bit/96kHz
MP3 – up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit)
AAC – up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16bit)
OGG and WMA – up to 48kHz (16bit)
When product is wireless:
up to 48kHz on all file formats.
Gapless formats supported WAV, FLAC and AIFF – up to 24bit/192kHz
ALAC (Apple Lossless) – up to 24bit/96kHzInternet radio service provider: vTuner premium
Bluetooth: SBC, AAC and aptX
Physical
Dimensions (HxWxD) 8.27 x 8.58 x 8.35 inches / 210mm x 218mm x 212mm
Weight 12.35 lbs. / 5.6kg
Other
Certifications and licensing Apple MFI and AirPlay, Bluetooth, aptX, Wi-Fi certification, USB certification
Supplied with Black grille, mains plug and quick-start guide. 3 colour optional Grilles – Burnt Orange, Vibrant Red, Deep Blue
Warranty Two years
Price MSRP: $999.95 / £595 incl VAT
ABOUT NAIM
Founded in 1973, Naim is an award-winning manufacturer of hi-fi based in Wiltshire, UK. With a history rooted in engineering excellence, Naim has won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Export on two occasions. Naim shares the same intense relationship with music as its customers, a passion that is reflected in every hand-crafted product that leaves the factory in Salisbury.
Naim Audio maintains an exclusive partnership with Bentley Motors – the Naim for Bentley premium audio system is available as an optional extra on all Bentley models – and Naim is an official sponsor of Team M-Sport Bentley for the 2014 GT3 season.
Naim also has its own independent record label which offers high definition music for download from its online store. In recent years Naim Label has become place where independent talent can thrive. Its multi-MOBO winning, Mercury Prize and GRAMMY nominated roster of critically acclaimed artists include ESKA, who’s debut album was a 2015 Mercury Prize Album of the Year and Huey and the New Yorkers, the debut solo project from provocative Fun Lovin’ Criminals front man, Huey Morgan.
