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Verdict: The Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation remains a compelling compact wireless speaker for listeners who value broad streaming support, a substantial 300 W amplifier and flexible wired inputs in a roughly 21 cm cube. However, Naim now labels it “no longer available,” so a purchase today is mainly a question of finding trustworthy remaining stock or a well-supported used example. What Hi-Fi? praised its open, expressive presentation and punchy bass, but those are published listening impressions—not a new independent test. Buy it when condition, warranty, connectivity and price are clearly better than current alternatives; do not treat historical launch prices as today’s market value.
What is the Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation?
The Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation is the compact member of Naim’s Mu-so wireless music-system family. Naim describes it as a re-engineered compact wireless system rather than a conventional Bluetooth-only speaker: it combines network playback, multiple streaming services, physical inputs and app-based multiroom control in a single enclosure.
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There is an important availability caveat. Naim’s current product page states, “This product is no longer available.” That does not mean every unit has disappeared; it means the manufacturer is no longer presenting the Qb 2nd Generation as a current product with normal direct availability. Remaining retailer stock, imports and used units therefore need to be evaluated individually.
The speaker makes most sense in a study, bedroom, kitchen, apartment or other room where a full-size system would be excessive but a small portable speaker would be too limited. At 5.6 kg, it is compact in footprint but not something you will casually carry from room to room.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Is the Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation still worth buying?
It can be, provided the seller can demonstrate a working unit and the price reflects its discontinued status. The Qb still offers a richer connection and streaming set than many small wireless speakers, and the published review evidence describes an engaging sound. The risk is not a missing headline feature; it is uncertainty about stock, support, warranty and the condition of an older unit.
Buy one when these conditions are met
- You want AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, Roon Ready, UPnP, internet radio and Bluetooth in one system.
- You need optical, analogue, USB-A or Ethernet input rather than wireless playback alone.
- You have a shelf or cabinet with roughly 22 cm of height, width and depth available, plus room for the power cable and ventilation.
- The seller provides a meaningful return period or warranty, especially for used stock.
- You have checked that the particular unit can connect to the current Naim app and your preferred streaming services.
Pass or negotiate harder when
- The listing presents an old launch price as if it were a current official price.
- The seller cannot show that Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and at least one physical input work.
- The unit has no clear provenance, return policy or warranty and is priced close to newer premium speakers.
- You specifically need HDMI ARC or CEC for a television; the Qb does not list either connection.
What are the Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation’s specifications?
Naim’s product specification gives the following core figures. Dimensions are listed as height × width × depth.
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| Specification | Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Amplifier output | 300 W total (4 × 50 W plus 1 × 100 W) | Substantial headroom for a compact all-in-one system; wattage alone does not predict room-filling volume or tonal balance. |
| Speaker configuration | Three-way stereo system with DSP-optimised dual auxiliary bass radiators | Designed to create a fuller presentation from a small cabinet through driver division, digital processing and passive-radiator loading. |
| Dimensions | 21.8 × 21.2 × 21 cm (H × W × D) | Plan for a little more than a 21 cm cube, not just the cabinet face. |
| Weight | 5.6 kg | Stable on a shelf, but not especially portable. |
| Network | Wi-Fi and Ethernet | Ethernet can be useful where wireless congestion or weak coverage affects streaming. |
| Digital input | Optical S/PDIF, up to 96 kHz | Suitable for a television or digital source with optical output, subject to that source’s settings. |
| Analogue input | 3.5 mm | Connects a phone, portable player or other line-level source with the appropriate cable. |
| USB | USB-A | Useful for compatible USB playback or charging/data functions supported by the unit; confirm behavior on the specific firmware. |
| Wireless playback | Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast | Supports direct device playback and casting from compatible operating systems and apps. |
Sound & Vision lists two 1-inch silk-dome tweeters, two 2.5-inch paper-cone midrange drivers, one 5.7 × 3-inch paper-cone woofer and two 5.8 × 3.4-inch aluminium passive radiators. Those component details explain the compact three-way layout, but they are not a substitute for controlled measurements.
Which streaming services and playback methods does it support?
Naim lists a broad ecosystem: Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, UPnP and internet radio. The Naim application provides multiroom streaming and control. These are manufacturer-listed capabilities; service APIs, account requirements and app behavior can change over time.
AirPlay 2 and Chromecast
AirPlay 2 and Chromecast let compatible phones, tablets and computers send audio over the network without relying solely on Bluetooth. They are useful when several people need to play from their own devices, although each platform’s multiroom behavior is controlled by its own software.
Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz and Roon
These integrations can hand playback control to the service or music platform instead of keeping all audio routed through a phone. Roon Ready matters mainly to listeners who already run a Roon system; it is not a requirement for ordinary network playback.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
UPnP and internet radio
UPnP supports playback from compatible network libraries, while internet radio provides stations without a separate tuner. Check the current Naim app and firmware before buying used, because an older unit’s practical experience depends on whether it can still authenticate and update normally.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is the simplest option for a guest or a device that is not on the home network. It is also the fallback when you do not want to configure a multiroom system, though network methods generally offer tighter integration with the services listed above.
What physical connections does it have, and can it connect to a TV?
The Qb provides 3.5 mm analogue, optical S/PDIF, USB-A and Ethernet. It does not list HDMI ARC or CEC. The 2024 Focal Naim comparison brochure lists HDMI ARC and CEC for the full-size Mu-so 2nd Generation, while the Qb entry has no HDMI connection.
Optical TV connection
If your television has an optical output, you can feed that into the Qb’s optical S/PDIF input. Set the television to output compatible PCM stereo if the speaker does not receive a signal; television menus differ, so exact labels vary by manufacturer. Optical avoids the need for an HDMI audio-return channel but does not provide HDMI-CEC volume and power coordination.
Analogue connection
A television, desktop computer or portable player with a line or headphone output can use the 3.5 mm input. Output level and noise depend on the source, so a fixed or clean line-level output is preferable where available.
What the missing HDMI port means
Without HDMI ARC, the Qb is not a one-cable television soundbar replacement. You will not get HDMI-CEC control from the Qb itself, and your TV remote may need to control volume through the television’s analogue or optical behavior. If TV integration is your primary requirement, the full-size Mu-so’s listed HDMI ARC/CEC support is the relevant distinction.
Rank #3
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How does the Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation sound?
What Hi-Fi?’s published review characterizes the Qb as open and expressive, with punchy bass, and calls it a “stunning, entertaining premium wireless speaker” in the review headline. Those are that publication’s subjective listening judgments. They should not be presented as measurements or as a fresh audition for this article.
The specification gives some context for the design: a three-way stereo arrangement, DSP optimization and dual auxiliary bass radiators in a compact enclosure. Sound & Vision’s driver listing adds the tweeter, midrange, woofer and passive-radiator sizes. None of those numbers establishes maximum sound-pressure level, bass extension, distortion or a neutral frequency response.
What the published description suggests
- Open presentation: the review’s wording implies a spacious, less boxed-in character than many small all-in-one speakers.
- Expressive delivery: the Qb is portrayed as communicating musical energy rather than sounding purely analytical.
- Punchy bass: expect impact and rhythmic definition in the reviewer’s assessment, not proof of subwoofer-level deep bass.
What remains unknown
No controlled frequency-response, maximum-output or distortion data is established here. Room acoustics, placement, listening distance, source quality and personal taste can change the result. Treat the review as useful listening evidence, then use a return policy when possible.
Where should you place the Qb?
The cabinet’s near-square footprint makes placement easy, but its bass system still interacts with nearby boundaries. Sound & Vision lists “near wall” and “near corner” room-compensation settings. Use the setting that matches the actual location, then listen for excessive or reduced bass rather than assuming the default is correct.
On a shelf or cabinet
Leave enough clearance for the enclosure and controls, keep the front unobstructed and avoid enclosing it tightly in a bookcase. A rigid, level surface helps prevent vibration from becoming a nuisance at higher levels.
Near a wall
Use the near-wall compensation option listed for the product and avoid placing the speaker flush against a rear panel unless the furniture requires it. Small changes in distance can alter bass substantially in a compact room.
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In a corner
A corner reinforces low frequencies more strongly than a single wall. Select the near-corner setting and check vocals and bass lines at several listening positions; a balance that sounds full in one seat can sound boomy elsewhere.
In a multiroom system
Connect the Qb to the same network as other compatible Naim units and use the Naim application for multiroom control. Network reliability matters more than theoretical Wi-Fi speed: place the speaker where the signal is stable, or use Ethernet if cabling is practical.
How does the Qb compare with the larger Mu-so?
The Qb is the smaller, more placement-friendly model, while the full-size Mu-so is the larger member of the family. The most consequential documented difference is connectivity: the brochure lists HDMI ARC and CEC on the full-size Mu-so, not on the Qb.
| Comparison point | Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation | Full-size Mu-so 2nd Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Compact wireless music system | Larger Mu-so wireless music system |
| Published size | 21.8 × 21.2 × 21 cm; 5.6 kg | Exact figures not stated in the supplied product material |
| Streaming | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, UPnP and internet radio listed | Broad Mu-so streaming support listed in the brochure |
| TV connection | Optical and analogue inputs; no HDMI ARC/CEC listed | HDMI ARC and CEC listed |
| Placement advantage | Fits smaller shelves and rooms | Requires more physical space |
| Buying status | Naim currently marks it no longer available | Availability depends on the current product range and region |
Choose the Qb when compact dimensions and the same broad network ecosystem matter most. Choose the larger model when HDMI ARC/CEC or a larger-room presentation is more important and the additional size is acceptable.
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There is no verified current, market-wide street price in the available material. The figures below are historical or regional references, not promises of what you should pay today.
| Published figure | Context | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| £749 | Naim launch specification reproduced in a historical product sheet | A launch reference only; do not treat it as a current official price. |
| $900 | Historical Sound & Vision specification listing | Not a current US offer. |
| 3,799 zł | Price displayed by a Poland-specific FNCE distributor listing | Geographic and potentially volatile; not a universal current price. |
For remaining new stock, compare the seller’s invoice, warranty terms, return period and exact region. For used stock, condition can matter more than a small discount. Ask for the unit’s age, proof of purchase, operating video, included accessories and confirmation that it can join a network and play from at least one physical input. Verify firmware and app compatibility before payment, because support for a particular older unit is not established by the historical listings.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Check these failure points before buying used
- Network setup: confirm the speaker can be reset and discovered by the current Naim application.
- Every input: test Bluetooth, optical or analogue, USB behavior and Ethernet if you need them.
- Physical condition: inspect the grille, controls, connectors and cabinet for impact or moisture damage.
- Noise: listen at low volume for hum, crackle, intermittent dropouts or a channel that cuts out.
- Documentation: get the serial number, original purchase evidence and written warranty or return terms where available.
How should you decide if this discontinued speaker fits your system?
- Write down your sources. List the services you actually use—such as Spotify Connect, Qobuz, TIDAL, Roon, AirPlay 2 or Chromecast—and confirm each one is supported on the seller’s unit.
- Measure the location. Allow for the 21.8 × 21.2 × 21 cm cabinet, cable clearance and practical access to the controls.
- Decide whether TV use is central. If you require HDMI ARC or CEC, the Qb is the wrong fit; optical is its documented digital-TV route.
- Choose network or direct playback. Ethernet is available for a fixed installation; Bluetooth, analogue, optical and USB provide non-network options.
- Evaluate the deal, not the old MSRP. Compare current seller support, condition and return rights with newer products available in your region.
- Test placement. Use the near-wall or near-corner compensation setting listed for the product and check several listening positions.
- Keep an exit route. Because Naim marks the model unavailable and current support details for a used unit may be uncertain, a return window is especially valuable.
Who is the Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation for?
It is aimed at a listener who wants a premium, compact network speaker with serious wired connectivity and does not need a portable battery design. The combination of 300 W amplification, three-way architecture, Ethernet, optical and analogue inputs, and broad streaming support suits a permanent room installation.
It is less suitable for someone seeking a simple HDMI soundbar, a lightweight speaker for frequent travel, or a guaranteed current product with straightforward manufacturer stock. In those cases, the Qb’s discontinued status creates avoidable uncertainty.
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The Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation is still technically well equipped: its compact cabinet houses a 300 W three-way system, broad network-service support and useful physical inputs. The published listening assessment is positive, describing an open, expressive sound with punchy bass. The decisive modern question is availability. Since Naim says the model is no longer available, buy only after verifying the specific unit’s condition, app connectivity, warranty and return rights. A fair, well-supported remaining-stock or used deal can make sense; an expensive, unsupported unit does not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation without Wi-Fi?
Yes. Bluetooth, the 3.5 mm analogue input and optical input provide direct alternatives to network playback, and Ethernet can replace Wi-Fi in a fixed installation. The exact behavior of USB playback should be confirmed on the individual unit’s firmware.
Does the Qb support HDMI-CEC volume control?
No HDMI ARC or CEC connection is listed for the Qb 2nd Generation. The 2024 comparison material assigns HDMI ARC/CEC to the larger Mu-so, so a Qb connected by optical should not be expected to provide HDMI-style device control.
Can I replace the speaker grille on a used Qb?
Naim lists a Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation grille as a related product, and the 2024 brochure identifies the Qb grille as compatible with the standard edition. Confirm the exact fit, finish and availability with the seller before ordering, because the Qb grille should not be confused with the full-size Mu-so grille.
What should I verify about software before buying an older unit?
Ask the seller to demonstrate discovery in the current Naim application, network playback and at least one service you use. Also confirm that the unit can be reset and updated; support and firmware behavior for a particular used speaker are not guaranteed by historical product listings.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
