In this article, published by audioXpress in December 2017, Oliver Masciarotte explores the Naim Mu-so Qb Wireless Music System, with its stunning design, glass-filled polymer casing, and the same clever digital brain as the original Mu-so. Is this indeed a model for what complete wireless integrated audio systems can do? Kent Peterson (Warkwyn) puts the Mu-so Qb to the test confirming that the device sounds as good as it looks. This article was originally published in audioXpress, December 2017.
A Case of Groundbreaking Design
By Oliver A. Masciarotte and Kent Peterson
In this article, published by audioXpress in December 2017, Oliver Masciarotte explores the Naim Mu-so Qb Wireless Music System, with its stunning design, glass-filled polymer casing, and the same clever digital brain as the original Mu-so. Kent Peterson (Warkwyn) puts the Mu-so Qb to the test confirming that the device sounds as good as it looks.
Founded in 1973, Naim Audio is a hi-fi manufacturer based in Wiltshire, UK. With a history rooted in engineering and design excellence, Naim’s first wireless music system, introduced in 2014, has won multiple awards for its ground-breaking design. Its compact “little sister,” the Mu-so Qb, followed suit with its stunning design, glass-filled polymer casing, the same
clever digital brain as the original Mu-so, 300 W of power, and bass radiators that help generate a beautiful sound.
The review was no small challenge. We really wanted to measure the Mu-so Qb objectively and confirm all the very positive subjective impressions, to find out if this was indeed a model for what complete wireless integrated audio systems can do.
"With its thrillingly hi-fi sound, broad coverage, wide variety of input choices, rock-solid construction and understated good looks, Qb is an exceptional product aimed at those of us for whom quality audio is fundamental to our everyday lives," wrote Masciarotte.
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Kent Peterson measured the Naim Mu-so Qb at Warkwyn’s facility using the Klippel Near Field Scanning (NFS) system delivering a 360° balloon, which allows for an examination of the radiation pattern and off-axis frequency response and at any frequency — important information when determining where to place this compact but substantial system in your home. For measurement of the Mu-so Qb, Warkwyn used 0.5 V as an input through the line-in and with the volume at full gain. A calibrated ACO Pacific (7052E capsule) free-field mic with the 4048 preamp was used as the measurement mic and all on-axis data is referenced at 1 m and between its two opposing tweeters. Measurements points around the speaker totaled 2598 and were processed with a resolution of 0.73 Hz and from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The length of the stimulus was 1.4 s. Further subjective listening was performed in a 12’ × 20’ carpeted conference room with padded seating and a small kitchenette in the corner - similar to what may be encountered in a typical living room.
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Read the full article to see all the findings.
This article was originally published in audioXpress, December 2017