Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£700
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,000
  • Audio output power: 300.00 W
  • Battery life: ?
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Weight: 5600 g

Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation review. Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

7.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

7.7

Technical Score

20.0%

7.7

User score

Very good
7.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

8.2

Audio

20.0%

7.5

Battery

18.0%

7.2

Durability

16.0%

7.6

Connectivity

8.0%

7.6

Controls

3.0%

5.0

Design

3.0%

9.1

Smart features

Very good
7.7

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

6.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(60)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(53)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Very good
  • 5.6
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    3.9

    Weight

    15.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 8.6
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    10

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    15.0%

    3.9

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 9.1
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    10

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    3.9

    Weight

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation is a premium, compact home wireless music system—not an internally battery-powered portable speaker—housed in a 21x22x21cm cube design that delivers an impressive 300W of total audio power through a three-way driver arrangement developed with Focal. It features a multicore digital signal processor, high-resolution audio streaming up to 24-bit/384kHz, an intuitive 15-button illuminated top touch dial, and extensive connectivity including dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built-in, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready certification, USB, optical, and 3.5mm inputs. Main advantages include an exceptionally powerful, room-filling sound with deep, controlled bass that defies its small footprint, outstanding build quality, and a highly polished multi-room app integration. However, notable drawbacks include its requirement for constant mains power due to the lack of a built-in battery, a high premium price point, and a compromised true stereo imaging compared to traditional multi-speaker hi-fi setups.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

8.2

Audio

20.0%

7.5

Battery

18.0%

7.2

Durability

16.0%

7.6

Connectivity

8.0%

7.6

Controls

3.0%

5.0

Design

3.0%

9.1

Smart features

7.7
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a technical score of 7.68 points, which is higher than 91.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

6.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(60)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(53)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

7.7
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a user score of 7.7 points, which is lower than 82.1% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
6.1
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a popularity of 6.1 points, which is higher than 57.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.7

Overall score

40.0%

6.8

Price

7.4
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.4 points, which is lower than 77.3% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

300.00 W
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has an audio output power of 300.00 W which is higher than that of 98.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 300.00 W.
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

55.00 mm
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a driver unit size of 55.00 mm which is larger than that of 62.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.4% of portable speakers.
Uses a 55 mm primary driver.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

5
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has 5 drivers, which is more than 93.7% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 3.1% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 5.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

45.00 Hz
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a lowest frequency of 45.00 Hz which is lower than that of 70.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.6% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 45.00 Hz.
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Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

4.2
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports Bluetooth version 4.2 which is older than that of 53.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.8% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth version: 4.2.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

?
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

?
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

?
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

?
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

?
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
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IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

?
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

?
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

?
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

top
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation includes a remote control. 85.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
A dedicated remote-control option is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

5,600 g
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation weighs 5,600 g which is heavier than that of 90% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

?
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

21.2 cm
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a width of 21.2 cm which is wider than that of 61% of portable speakers.
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

21.2 cm
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a depth of 21.2 cm which is deeper than that of 91.4% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

none
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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

?
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

?
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports native Spotify Connect.
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Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation vs the average portable speaker

  • 280 W more audio output power
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (300 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 300.00 W.
    What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
    When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 W

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (300 W vs 20.00 W).300.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • 3 more speaker drivers
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 5.
    What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
    When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).5 vs 2
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can connect to wireless local networks.
    When it matters: When direct network streaming or smart multi-room features matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 11 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (103 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 103.00 dB.
    What it is: The maximum acoustic loudness the speaker can produce.
    When it matters: When the speaker must play loudly in a large or outdoor space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 90 dB SPL

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (103 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).103.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
    Supports Chromecast built-in.
    What it is: Shows whether Chromecast is integrated for direct casting.
    When it matters: When direct casting from compatible apps matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports AirPlay
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
    Supports Apple AirPlay.
    What it is: Indicates whether Apple AirPlay streaming is supported.
    When it matters: When wireless playback from Apple devices and multi-room setups matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has an equalizer
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
    What it is: Shows whether the sound balance can be adjusted across frequency ranges.
    When it matters: When you want to adjust bass, midrange, or treble balance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • 280 W more audio output power
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (300 W vs 20.00 W).
  • 3 more speaker drivers
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).
  • 11 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (103 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 15 Hz deeper bass extension
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (45 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • 55 ms lower audio latency
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (30 ms vs 85 ms).
  • 5 mm larger main driver
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (55 mm vs 50.00 mm).
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports AirPlay
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Has a TOSLINK optical input
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a TOSLINK optical input, while the average portable speaker does not have a TOSLINK optical input.
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • Has Ethernet support
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • Has an equalizer
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • 3 more EQ presets
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
  • Supports party mode
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Includes a remote control
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Has an FM radio
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • Supports playback mute
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • Has a programmable button
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a programmable button, while the average portable speaker does not have a programmable button.
  • Has a sleep timer
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Supports voice assistants
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
  • Supports firmware updates
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
  • Supports Tidal Connect
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation supports Tidal Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Tidal Connect.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 4,800 g heavier
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation is heavier than the average portable speaker (5,600 g vs 800 g).
  • 12.9 cm deeper
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation is deeper than the average portable speaker (21.2 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • Is not water resistant
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
    What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
    When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • 4,800 g heavier
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation is heavier than the average portable speaker (5,600 g vs 800 g).
    What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
    When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 1000 g

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation is heavier than the average portable speaker (5,600 g vs 800 g).5600 g vs 800 g
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
    What it is: Indicates whether two compatible speakers can form a stereo pair.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should form separate left and right channels.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports true wireless speaker-to-speaker pairing.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should pair wirelessly for stereo playback.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
    What it is: Shows whether the remaining battery level can be displayed clearly.
    When it matters: When you want to know the remaining charge before or during use.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
    What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
    When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5.0

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).4.2 vs 5.0
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
    What it is: Indicates whether spoken status messages are used for user feedback.
    When it matters: When spoken feedback for pairing, battery, or operating status is useful.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.

Graphic comparison of Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation?

  • Exceptional sound quality with impressive clarity, richness, and audio detail
  • Deep, powerful, and well-controlled bass reproduction that belies its compact size
  • Premium and stunning industrial design, featuring a luxury illuminated rotary control dial
  • Extensive connectivity suite including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Tidal, and Spotify Connect
  • Compact footprint makes it easy to fit into smaller rooms and tight living spaces
  • User-friendly and highly responsive Naim companion control application

What customers dislike about Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation?

  • Premium and highly expensive price point compared to similar market alternatives
  • Noticeably narrow stereo imaging and a limited overall soundstage width due to its cube layout
  • Lacks an HDMI ARC port, which is only available on the larger flagship Mu-so model
  • Occasional software glitches and stability issues when pairing the app with Tidal
  • Awkwardly placed physical input connections located on the lower back/underside
  • Not a truly portable speaker as it relies on permanent mains power and lacks an internal battery

Expert reviews

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whathifi.com
11/11/2024
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techradar.com
08/08/2022
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t3.com
19/01/2022
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sound-advice.online
30/05/2022
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expertreviews.co.uk
28/02/2020
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soundstagesimplifi.com
01/01/2020
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trustedreviews.com
03/10/2019
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stuff.tv
13/09/2019
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hifiplus.com
21/04/2020
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forbes.com
01/01/2020
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avforums.com
11/02/2020
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audiovision.de
27/03/2020
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maisonadam.ca
26/11/2024
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leclaireur.fnac.com
18/04/2023
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qobuz.com
21/10/2020
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qobuz.com
14/12/2021
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afdigitale.it
23/10/2019
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hifi.nl
30/03/2020
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consumentenbond.nl
16/04/2020
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tweakers.net
25/09/2020
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Video reviews

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