Focal Mu-so Hekla Soundbar Pushes Dolby Atmos to the Limit

Experience the Focal Mu-so Hekla soundbar, blending powerful Dolby Atmos sound with sleek design for an immersive home entertainment upgrade.

Unveiling the New Mu-so Hekla: A Bold Step Forward

If you’ve been following the Mu-so lineup, the first thing that might catch your eye with the latest model is the “Focal” badge replacing the familiar “Naim” logo. Confusing at first, right? But hey, remember how the Naim Mu-so 2 and the second-gen Mu-so Qb snagged five-star reviews and a slew of awards? These guys truly earned their stripes as top-tier premium wireless speakers.

Now, the new Focal Mu-so Hekla feels like an ambitious leap forward. It’s aimed both at the AV market and traditional Hi-Fi fans, promising to "bury" those bulky multi-speaker setups. Can it really bridge the gap between these two worlds? Let’s dive in and see what’s cooking!

Focal and Naim Unite: The Best of Both Worlds

Thanks to Focal’s renowned acoustics paired with Naim’s electronic expertise, the Mu-so Hekla is a beautiful marriage of two related brands, delivering the best sonic qualities each has to offer. After launching the active wireless stereo system Focal Diva Utopia, the Mu-so Hekla marks the second collaborative product from Focal and Naim since their 2011 partnership.

Fun fact: "Hekla" is the name of an active volcano in Iceland, and this system definitely packs some volcanic power with a hefty 660 watts of Class D amplification. That means rich, dynamic sound regardless of how you use it.

Versatile Sound for Every Scenario

The Mu-so Hekla is truly versatile. Use it as a standard wireless speaker, streaming music from your device via AirPlay 2, Google Cast, or Bluetooth. It also supports popular streaming services like Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and Qobuz Connect. Audiophiles, rejoice—this baby handles high-res PCM and DSD files up to 32-bit/384kHz. Whether you want classic stereo or a full-on 7.1.2-channel mix, Hekla’s got you covered.

Unlike previous Mu-so models designed strictly for stereo, Hekla embraces the home theater realm with full Dolby Atmos support. Focal promises intense and immersive spatial sound reproduction with up to a 7.1.2 speaker configuration.

Connectivity and Design That Impress

When connecting to your TV, the Mu-so Hekla offers HDMI eARC and an optical digital input. This soundbar is no shrinking violet; it’s a sizable unit—bigger even than the premium five-star KEF XIO soundbar.

The system includes Focal’s Adapt technology, first seen in the Diva Utopia. This feature tunes the sound to your room’s acoustics, size, and layout, ensuring perfect audio wherever you listen. You can control it all via the Focal & Naim app, voice commands, or even with Apple and Samsung smartwatches.

Enjoy multiroom setups and party mode, linking Hekla with other devices in the Focal/Naim streaming ecosystem, including the Mu-so 2 wireless speaker.

The body is crafted from anodized aluminum and finished in sleek black. Focal calls it a discrete, powerful, and versatile all-in-one powerhouse.

Striking Looks and Premium Build

Measuring one meter long and weighing 15.5 kilograms, the Mu-so Hekla is a commanding presence but maintains signature Mu-so design touches: the illuminated touch control disc and large radiators stand out as familiar and stylish.

Availability and Pricing

The Mu-so Hekla has debuted exclusively in select Asian markets, with a worldwide release slated for the first quarter of 2026. Like the Diva Utopia, Mu-so Hekla will only be available through authorized Focal Powered by Naim dealers.

The price tag? A hefty $3,600 USD. This places it well above other full music systems like the Ruark Audio R410 ($1,699 USD) and even the KEF XIO soundbar ($2,500 USD), marking it as a premium investment for serious audio lovers.

First Impressions and What’s Next

We’ve had the chance to get hands-on with the Mu-so Hekla and give it a listen. It’s impressive, no doubt, but to truly judge its capabilities, a final lab test under real-world conditions is on the horizon.

The Mu-so Hekla is designed as a versatile, stylish, and top-tier all-in-one solution with impressive 660W power, delivering rich sound regardless of usage scenario.

Conclusion

The Focal Mu-so Hekla is shaping up to be a serious contender in both the Hi-Fi and home cinema arenas. Its power, flexibility, and design finesse make it a compelling choice for audiophiles who want to escape the clutter of bulky speaker arrays without sacrificing performance. Are you ready to experience Dolby Atmos at its finest with a soundbar that truly rocks?

FAQ

• What streaming services does the Mu-so Hekla support?
  It supports Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and Qobuz Connect, plus streaming via AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Bluetooth.
• Does the Mu-so Hekla support high-resolution audio?
  Yes, it can play PCM and DSD files up to 32-bit/384kHz quality.
• Can the Mu-so Hekla be used for home theater?
  Absolutely, it supports Dolby Atmos with up to a 7.1.2 channel configuration.
• What kind of inputs does the Mu-so Hekla offer for TV connection?
  It features HDMI eARC and an optical digital input for versatile connectivity.
• Is it possible to control the Mu-so Hekla using smartwatches?
  Yes, it supports control via Apple and Samsung smartwatches, alongside apps and voice commands.

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