Like old radios or the console hi-fis of the 1950s and '60s, desktop, countertop, bureau-top, 'wireless music systems' are quickly becoming deluxe objects of conspicuous consumption. "Oh honey—look! Isn't that beautiful!" Competition in this relatively new-old category of home music delivery is mostly driven by industrial design awesomeness. To succeed in the short haul, a wireless music system must be attractive in a way that interior designers and decorators believe will enhance their efforts. To succeed in the longer haul, these products must deliver a quality of sound that satisfies our basic human need to enjoy music in our homes.
Naim Audio's beautiful Mu-so ($1495)—introduced a year ago—delivered on both counts, and like its predecessor, Naim's new Mu-so "Qb" ($995) is a 5-driver, stereo 3-way design (300W total power) that plays music with grace and acuity but with a smaller footprint and a lower price. The Qb's cubic volume accented by its beautiful bulging grills just screams Museum of Modernity and Wholesome Futurism.
The Mu-so Qbs may be used in multiples (up to five) for a synched multi-room experience. They connect in every happening way: Airplay, Bluetooth/aptX, Spotify, Tidal, Internet Radio, USB, UPnP/DLNA, analog and digital inputs, Apple iOS and Android Apps. Looks (and sounds) like a happening scheme to me.
