"Size doesn't matter." I'm sure you often hear
this phrase in various contexts. In the context of audio devices, especially
the speakers, the size is quite influential in producing a loud voice. However,
now there are many compact sized speakers that can also make loud and clear
sound just like the big sized speakers.
One of the latest innovations comes from the famous British
audio manufacturer, Naim. Last year, Naim began to pursue the wireless speaker
line by launching Naim Mu-so, and this year, through CES 2016 Naim introduces
Mu-So Qb, the little brother of Mu-so which also has amazing design and
performance.
Qb name is taken from its cuboid form, with dimensions of
210 x 218 x 212 mm and weighs 5.6 kg. Wow, it turns out this little speaker is
very heavy, Yup, because Qb is formed from a combination of polymer and glass
materials, and carrying five units of phenomenal drivers.
A pair of tweeters on the upper part is positioned slanted
to the left and right in order to maximize the spread of sound at high
frequencies. Meanwhile, in the middle part there is a pair of mid-range drivers
that’s also positioned oblique. Each of drivers is powered by 50 watt Class-D
amplifier.
Other component that complements this speaker is a woofer
that's powered by 100 watt amplifier and a pair of radiators, which serve to
produce amazing bass boom. So in total this small speaker can generate 300 watt
from the five units of its drivers.
Naim also equips Mu-so Qb with 32-bit digital signal
processor. Users can choose two equalizer settings in order to optimize the
quality of sound produced based on its position in the room - whether it's
located near a wall or in the middle of the room.
The operation of Mu-so Qb relies on the touch panel on the
surface, which is surrounded by aluminum volume knob. However, users can also
make further settings via companion app that's available on Android and iOS.
Mu-so Qb is also equipped with a fairly complete
connectivity. In addition to Bluetooth, users can also connect this speaker to
the NAS devices via Ethernet. And then there is also Wi-Fi connection that's
compatible with Apple's AirPlay system. The digital and analog inputs are also
available, as well as a standard 3.5 mm jack. Still not enough? Mu-so Qb also
brings USB port so you can play songs from your flash disk.
You can even connect five Mu-so Qb units at once - or with
other wireless speakers from Naim - and placed them in five different rooms.
One unit of Naim Mu-so Qb is offered for $ 860, and will be marketed in next
March.