Naim Mu-so Qb 2
₹1,25,000
WHAT HI-FI? AWARDS 2021 ***** BEST HOME WIRELESS SPEAKER OVER 1,00,000 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
For a product to have made it to the top table of our Awards, you can be sure a lot of work has gone into making it. We can thank the hi-fi engineers for that, those backroom boys toiling away in the lab, constantly improving their products to serve a rapidly evolving market.
In the case of Naim's engineering team, not only did they bring us the excellent Mu-so and its 2nd-generation follow-up, they also created its cube shaped descendant, the Mu-so Qb, which, in due course, spawned the phenomenal Qb 2 that we see here.
First you are lured in by the unit's asymmetrical curves, then you're wooed by that gorgeous rotary volume dial with touch-screen controls in its centre. But it's what happens underneath that makes this speaker so exceptional. A three-way stereo speaker combination with midrange and bass drive units is powered by 300 W of amplification. The single bass driver fires directly forwards, while a pair of tweeters and midrange drivers are angled outwards for wider dispersion.
Inside is Naim's premium streaming platform, also found in the second generation Uniti products and the flagship ND 555, with streaming options courtesy of Chromecast, Apple AirPlay2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, internet radio and Tidal.
The Mu-so Qb, so named for its cube shape, now on its 2nd gen
You'll also be able to access files up to 32-bit/384kHz on your home network via the Naim app. Here you can build a high-end multi-room system of up to five Naim streaming products, all controlled by one device. Want to add your Mu-so Qb 2 to an existing Apple or Google multi-room ecosystem? Simple.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YG Acoustics Carmel 3
On paper, the Carmel 3 from Colorado-based speaker specialist YG Acoustics has a credibility problem. They cost a huge amount of money but are small, rather plain-looking two-way floorstanders.
SME Model 20 Mk 2/Series V
SME launched the Model 20 turntable back in 1992. The partnering tonearm on our review sample, the now legendary Series V, dates back even further to 1986.
TOP FIVE LAUNCHES
Five products to look out for this month
Real slim shady...
FOR Slim profile, superb dispersion, soundstage AGAINST Can get a little expensive
THE BIG PICTURE
This projector-based home cinema set-up aims to please
MOVIES ON THE MOVE
Great pictures and quality sound-wherever you are
DREAM CINEMA
An incredible high-end home cinema experience, at a price
GAMING GEM
Serious gamers will be well served by this serious rig
CINEMATIC STUNNER
A truly immersive system for both gaming and movie nights
SOUNDBAR SUPERSTAR
The benefits of a surround set-up, without the fuss