If anyone needed any further proof that wireless audio is the future, and that audio manufacturers are hungrily eyeing a market that has zero interest in interconnects and CD players, Naim has introduced the Muso wireless music system.
Muso is said to be a carefully engineered step up in sound quality over traditional wireless music systems. The designers have concentrated on creating the best possible experience for the listener whilst still keeping the unit simple to set up and use.
Muso can stream high resolution โbetter than CDโ quality music from an array of devices including smartphones and tablets as well as laptops and other storage devices. Its connectivity options include AirPlay, UPnP, Bluetooth (aptX), internet radio and native support for popular streaming services. It will also boost the sound of a TV, set top box or games console through a digital input or take audio from and charge an MP3 player or iPod/iPhone via USB or a 3.5mm analogue input.
A Muso control app for iPad, iPhone and iPod as well as Android devices allows users to create playlists and play their favourite albums on the go or from the sofa. Offering simple controls and classic Naim design, the app also allows access to millions of high quality internet radio stations. The new control app will be available to download for iOS and Android devices in September 2014 and will be compatible with existing Naim streaming products as well as Muso.
A bespoke EQ system can alter the sound performance based upon the living space. Whether Muso is positioned close to a wall or away from a wall, bespoke settings allow rich bass and treble reproduction even at low volumes.
Muso features six 75 watt digital amplifiers driving each of the custom-designed speakers independently. It can be used as a central home hi-fi system or, when linked with other Naim streaming players such as the UnitiQute 2 or NDX as a client player, it can create a true high-fidelity multi-room system. Offering playback of 24bit/192kHz high resolution music, Muso means music lovers no longer have to compromise sound quality for convenience.
Muso uses premium materials and shares a design DNA with Naimโs flagship amplification system, Statement. A solid extruded aluminium heat sink runs across the length of the chassis, designed to maximise thermal performance, longevity and, above all, sound quality. It is bead-blasted and anodised for a premium finish.
The internal speaker cabinet is wooden for acoustic performance while the aluminium skin offers extra dampening for a distortion free sound. The silk dome tweeters in Muso replace traditional metal cones found in many wireless speakers and share the same materials as high-end hi-fi speakers. The standard speaker grille can be detached and replaced with three optional colour variations, which will be unveiled before the final launch in September.
Weโve got a review unit coming in as soon as samples arrive. RRP is TBC.
Be interested to see how this compares to the Cambridge Audio minx – certainly a styling improvement