Focal Mu-so Hekla: A New Audio Fury Shocks with Price and Sound

Experience the powerful sound and premium design of the Focal Mu-so Hekla, a groundbreaking Dolby Atmos soundbar that redefines audio expectations.

A Decade-Long Legacy Meets a New Audio Beast

Over ten years ago, I first encountered the original Mu-so from Naim speaker—a revolutionary all-in-one system that flipped the script on what a Wi-Fi speaker could do. Even today, it’s still considered one of the finest in its class, maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving audio market.

Fast forward to now, and the latest arrival in the Mu-so lineage is making waves: the Mu-so Hekla from Focal soundbar. This isn’t your average speaker; it’s a fully-fledged acoustic powerhouse combining Dolby Atmos technology and a soundbar into a sleek, singular form. The name itself isn’t random—Focal, the renowned French audio company, has been closely collaborating with Naim Audio since 2011. So, you know this new beast is going to be something special.

Mu-so Hekla's powerful sound rivals the eruption of a volcano.

Mu-so Hekla: A 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos Marvel

The Mu-so Hekla is a 7.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos sound system packed into a unique soundbar format. The device’s name draws inspiration from an Icelandic volcano, and with 660 watts of power under the hood, its sound output truly matches the thunderous force of a volcanic eruption.

Already available in select markets, the Mu-so Hekla is slated for a worldwide release in early 2026, priced at a hefty $3,600 USD. This premium price tag sets high expectations for what it brings to the table—and from what I’ve seen and heard, it definitely delivers.

The all-metal construction of the Mu-so Hekla exudes industrial elegance.

A Design That Commands Attention

What do you get for that price? Mu-so Hekla’s design is a showstopper. Crafted entirely from anodized and sandblasted aluminum, it weighs a solid 15.5 kilograms—a testament to its industrial-grade engineering and build quality. This soundbar isn’t just about looks; it’s a functional piece of art with a bold, expressive aesthetic that fits right into any modern living space.

Internally, the system boasts an impressive 7.1.2 speaker array comprising 15 drivers:

• 7 channels: front, left, right, and side speakers
• 1 center bass driver
• 2 upward-firing drivers for the immersive Atmos effect

The front panel holds three low-frequency drivers, two midrange, and two tweeters. On each side, there are four full-range drivers, plus another four on top for that enveloping 3D sound experience.

Every detail of the driver array is meticulously designed for maximum audio performance.

Tech Specs That Impress and Raise Eyebrows

Focal Mu-so Hekla soundbar aims to be the king of soundbars and can connect seamlessly with modern TVs thanks to HDMI eARC support. It also offers RCA inputs for connecting a dedicated subwoofer, optical input, and Ethernet ports for stable wired connections.

The soundbar suits both contemporary and classic audio setups.

However, despite its high-end positioning, it only has a single HDMI port with no pass-through capability. This limitation is surprising for a device at this price point—especially when modern home theater setups often demand more flexible HDMI connectivity. Sonos' high-end Arc Ultra soundbar also limits itself to one port, but in 2025, top-tier sound systems are expected to do better.

The classic Naim Audio control panel graces the top of the unit, channeling the brand’s signature style seen across previous Mu-so models. If you’re not in the mood for tactile controls, the Focal & Naim app—available on iOS and Android—lets you manage everything remotely, adding modern convenience to classic elegance.

Focal Mu-so Hekla’s top panel blends form and function effortlessly.

Audio Quality That Delights Audiophiles

The soundbar supports a broad range of audio standards, including decoding high-resolution files. For example, WAV files can be played at 32-bit and 384 kHz, ensuring crystal-clear playback.

Frequency response ranges from 30 Hz (with a 27 Hz cutoff) up to 20 kHz, delivering tight lows and shimmering highs. For movie buffs craving more thump, hooking up an external subwoofer via RCA is possible—Focal offers a variety of compatible subwoofers, though none are included in the Mu-so series itself.

Upward-firing drivers deliver immersive Dolby Atmos sound.

The Ultimate Dream Soundbar?

After a long wait since the last Mu-so, Focal has finally unleashed the new generation. This one-meter-long soundbar could easily become a dream device for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike.

At $3,600, it’s a serious investment, but one that promises a sonic experience that’s as powerful and awe-inspiring as a volcanic eruption. Personally, I’m itching to get one in my setup. If you’re anything like me, this might be the audio upgrade you didn’t know you needed!

An audio powerhouse ready to shake up your living room.

“Mu-so Hekla from Focal is not just a speaker; it's a volcanic eruption of sound and design.”
— Audio Enthusiast

FAQ

• What makes Mu-so Hekla stand out from other soundbars?
  Its unique 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos speaker array with 15 drivers and powerful 660W output make it a leader in immersive sound experiences.
• When will Mu-so Hekla be available globally?
  The global release is planned for the first quarter of 2026, with availability already in some countries.
• Does Mu-so Hekla support high-resolution audio?
  Yes! It can decode high-res WAV files up to 32-bit/384kHz, which is excellent for audiophiles.
• Are there connectivity options aside from HDMI?
  Yes, it also features RCA inputs for subwoofers, optical input, and Ethernet ports, though it has only one HDMI port.
• Can I control Mu-so Hekla without using the physical buttons?
  Absolutely. You can use the Focal & Naim app on iOS or Android devices for full remote control.

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