KEF Muo Speaker Review: Style Meets Sound in the New Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Explore the enhanced design and audio prowess of the KEF Muo speaker, a stylish Bluetooth device with impressive sound and lasting battery life.

A Fresh Take on a Beloved Icon

When KEF Muo Bluetooth Speaker first introduced the Muo back in 2015, it quickly became a fan favorite for its crisp sound and unique design. As a long-time KEF admirer, I remember how the original Muo stood out with its smooth curves and that unmistakable triangular silhouette—a tribute to the ultra-luxe KEF Muon speakers, which cost a staggering £180,000. It really was a breath of fresh air in a sea of bland, boxy Bluetooth speakers.

Fast forward, and KEF has just launched the second generation of the Muo, retaining Ross Lovegrove’s iconic design while polishing the finer details to appeal to modern audiophiles and style seekers alike.

From Sound Purity to Outdoor Durability

The original Muo was praised for its clean sound reproduction and musicality, even snagging a What Hi-Fi? award in 2015. But, no product is perfect, right? Back then, I noticed it struggled a bit with dynamic range and sheer power when stacked against competitors like the Dali Katch. Plus, its lack of water resistance meant it wasn’t the best companion for outdoor adventures.

KEF clearly took that feedback seriously.

Now, the new Muo boasts IP67-rated protection, making it dustproof and waterproof—perfect for bringing along on hikes, beach days, or rainy city strolls. That’s a major upgrade for those of us who love mixing great sound with active lifestyles.

Battery Life That Keeps the Music Going

One of the standout upgrades is the battery life. The new Muo doubles its playback time to an impressive 24 hours. Imagine a full day of your favorite tunes without scrambling for a charger!

And if you’re in a hurry, a quick 15-minute charge delivers up to three hours of playback. It fully charges in just two hours—a perfect balance for those spontaneous getaways or late-night parties.

Cutting-Edge Acoustic Engineering

KEF didn’t just stop at battery and durability improvements. The company revamped the sound engine with a custom “race-track” shaped driver designed to reduce distortion and beef up bass response. For us audio geeks, this means richer, deeper bass without sacrificing clarity.

Supporting that is KEF’s P-Flex Surround technology, borrowed from their top-tier KC62 and KC92 subwoofers, along with a dedicated 19mm dome tweeter to nail those shimmering highs.

Smart Features and Seamless Connectivity

Here’s where tech meets convenience. The Muo includes KEF’s Music Integrity Engine DSP processing, a feature usually reserved for their high-end models like the KEF LS60 Wireless Speakers. This digital signal processing helps keep the sound balanced and detailed regardless of volume.

An internal sensor detects whether the speaker is placed horizontally or vertically and automatically tweaks the sound for the best listening experience. Clever, right?

Connectivity-wise, the Muo uses Bluetooth 5.4 with support for aptX Adaptive codec, ensuring high-quality wireless audio with minimal lag. Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair make connecting to your phone or laptop a breeze.

For those who prefer wired options, there’s USB-C playback, plus a built-in microphone with noise and echo cancellation so calls come through crystal clear.

And if you want to amp up the stereo effect, you can pair two Muo speakers. Future Auracast support will even enable synchronized multi-room audio.

Eco-Friendly Elegance in Seven Shades

While the Muo keeps its sleek aluminum body, KEF now offers it in seven eye-catching finishes: Silver Dusk, Amber Haze, Orange Moon, Blue Aura, Moss Green, Cocoa Brown, and Midnight Black. Each comes with a matching carry strap, perfect for style-conscious movers and shakers.

An especially heartwarming touch is KEF’s use of recycled plastics from electronic waste in the speaker’s construction—a nod to sustainability in an industry often criticized for excess.

Control and firmware updates happen easily through the KEF Connect app, keeping your speaker fresh with the latest features.

Availability and Pricing

The new Muo is now available for KEF’s myKEF members since September 23 and will hit the wider market on September 30. Pricing stands at £249 in the UK, $249 in the US, and AUD 460 in Australia—making it a competitive option for those who want premium design and sound without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts: A Stylish Powerhouse

“In a sea of similar Bluetooth speakers, KEF’s Muo stands out with its rounded, triangular design—a long-awaited return to form.” — KEF Enthusiast

Whether you’re a dedicated audiophile or just someone who appreciates great design and sound on the go, the Muo deserves a spot in your gadget lineup.

FAQ

• What makes the new KEF Muo different from the original?
  The latest Muo adds IP67 water and dust resistance, doubles battery life to 24 hours, introduces faster charging, and improves sound quality with new drivers and DSP tech.
• Can I connect multiple Muo speakers together?
  Yes! You can pair two for stereo sound, and future updates will enable Auracast for multi-room audio.
• Does the Muo support wired connections?
  Absolutely, it has a USB-C port for wired playback alongside Bluetooth.
• What are the color options for the Muo?
  Seven stylish finishes including Silver Dusk, Amber Haze, Orange Moon, Blue Aura, Moss Green, Cocoa Brown, and Midnight Black.
• Is the Muo suitable for outdoor use?
  Yes, with its IP67 rating, it’s dustproof and waterproof, great for outdoor activities.

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