Naim Muso - Questions

Posted by: metalwarrior on 04 August 2015

Hi,

 

My current configuration is the following one :

- Atoll IN 80 SE amplifier with DAC SPDIF embedded board

- Cabasse Sloop M5 loudspeakers

- Logitech Squeezecenter running on Netgear NAS

 

As you can imagine, such a configuration takes a lot of place in my living room. I'm looking for a much smaller configuration keeping the audiophile quality. I was thinking of the Naim MUSO and I have some questions about it if you can help.

 

1/ I plan to remove the Squeezecenter and activate the DLNA server on the Netgear NAS. Tried to make it work with a UPnP client on a PC and that works fine. What's about the application for Naim Muso ? Is it user-friendly ? reliable ? Would you advise to install in on Android or iPhone ?

 

2/ What will be the quality of the bass ? With my Cabasse, I'm coming from 20cm boomers and I'm very curious and doubtful about 12cm loudspeakers. Any comparison possible ?

 

3/ What's about the competition ? I read some articles on JBL L16 or Klipsch Stadium. What really interests me in the Naim Muso is that it's only 12cm high, I have only 16.5cm available in my desk.

 

Thanks for your help !

 

Posted on: 04 August 2015 by ChrisSU
If you want something compact, a Unitiqute takes up very little space. I'm not familiar with your speakers, but you would presumably have to replace them with something smaller for the Qute to drive them. I think this would give you a better setup than a Muso, and you can connect a NAS.
Posted on: 04 August 2015 by metalwarrior

Thanks !

 

Regarding the UnitiQute, would you recommend model v1 or v2 ?

I'm looking on some ads (used) and I can see both models, what are the main differences ?

 

Regarding the remote controller to browse music on the UnitiQute, is there any app for smartphone ?

 

Finally, regarding compact loudspeakers, would you recommend Kef LS50 for example ?

 

Thanks.

Posted on: 04 August 2015 by mharttpalmer

LS50s work really well with the 'Qute (I have a 'Qute 1 24/192).  There were 2 flavours of 'Qute 1s - 24/96 and 24/192, so you'd need to check which flavour the ad specifies.

Posted on: 04 August 2015 by ChrisSU

A Unitiqute 2 with 24/192 support and the latest firmware should sound a bit better than the older version. It is also likely to be more versatile should Naim release further updates to allow additional online streaming support etc. which may not be possible with older units. The old version is still great player, though, and if you really just want it to play CD rips from a NAS it will be fine.

 

If you have access to a Naim dealer, go and ask to listen to one. Many dealers have ex-dem or used units and will still be happy to help you if you're not intending to spend a load of cash on something new. Then you'd be able to compare it to a Muso, or even one of the other Uniti models, if you want.

 

The Naim app can be used to control any Naim streamer, including Muso, Unitiqute, etc. It runs on any iPhone, iPad or Android device.

 

Re speakers - search the forum, there are quite a few threads discussing this, and you'll soon end up with a shortlist. 

 

Good luck.....

Posted on: 04 August 2015 by metalwarrior

It works very fine even with NAP 100 amp ?

I mean : you plug directly your Qute to the loudspeakers ?

 

Other question : how do you browse your music ? any app on a smartphone ? or via the display on the Qute ?

 

 

Posted on: 04 August 2015 by dayjay

The Qute 2 is a brilliant little versatile device that sounds great by itself and also into an amp such as the NAP 100.  It can be controlled by an app on an ios or android device or from its from screen - the former is better.  The Qute will drive a wide variety of speakers including the KEFs but you may want to try these in your room/set up first as they can be a bit bass heavy in some rooms.  

Posted on: 04 August 2015 by ChrisSU
Originally Posted by metalwarrior:

It works very fine even with NAP 100 amp ?

I mean : you plug directly your Qute to the loudspeakers ?

 

Other question : how do you browse your music ? any app on a smartphone ? or via the display on the Qute ?

 

 

You can add a NAP 100 as an upgrade - it's more powerful than the power amp built into the Qute, and may help to drive larger speakers, or if you have a large room, or like your music loud. Some people prefer the Qute on its own though.

 

You can use the remote control with the Qute's built in screen, but it's much better to use the Naim app for control on smartphone or iPad.

Posted on: 06 August 2015 by Skip

If you have not auditioned a MuSo in person, you should check it out.  You will be impressed with what it can do.

 

Point of information:  Can you use the Qute amp and the NAP100 for a compact bi-amp setup and get the benefit of all the power resources available in the Qute and the NAP100 combo?

Posted on: 09 August 2015 by uniti

the muso is a very capable system. 

 

you should really get a listen to one and let it get stuck into some tunes!