I am contemplating replacing my 1st gen Muso with a 2nd gen one. I am wondering whether the sonic improvements will be worth the money.
My Muso is in the kitchen. I currently play radio and Spotify (via connect) through it. I have a Qobuz account which I use with my ND5XS2 in the sitting room. I don’t use it with the Muso as it would have to be via Bluetooth.
I appreciate the following:
1 The Muso 2 has native Qobuz support via the Naim app and the Muso 1 does not and is not likely to receive a software update to enable that. Consequently I would be able to enjoy Qobuz HiRez files on the Muso 2 and cannot on the Muso 1
2 The processors in the Muso 2 are significantly faster and more capable than those in the Muso 1.
3 The drivers in the Muso 2 also differ from those in the Muso 1
Accepting the above, does the Muso 2 sound significantly better (in the opinion of other forum users) than the Muso 1.
I would be grateful for all opinions on the point, with reasons where possible but I would be particularly grateful for the opinions of those who have upgraded from a 1st to a 2nd generation Muso.
Well I don’t have a straight MuSo, but I do have a Muso QB1 and recently bought a QB2. I found the SQ of the QB2 was definitely a step up from the QB1. The sound was a bit clearer and better defined with a rather tighter bass, but I wouldn’t call it a night and day difference. Combined with Qobuz built in and better WiFi it was definitely a worthwhile upgrade for me.
Incidentally, assuming you are intending to keep your MuSo 1, you could use multi-room with your MuSo 2 to listen to Qobuz on your current MuSo.
Roger
Think you’ve largely answered your own question. There are sensible reasons to upgrade if funds allow. Sound wise you’ll find answers split between “better” and “different” as you will with all kit so, er, your ears.
My daughter is about to move out and has been casting acquisitive glances at the Muso 1. If I upgrade, she’ll probably get the Muso 1. Children!!!
Hard to think of a better reason for upgrading!
Roger
I agree. Native Qobuz. Better WiFi. Prettier grille. Happy daughter. It’s a win, win, win, win situation.
I replaced my Muso 1 with the 2nd generation Muso a couple of months ago. As was said before there isn’t a big difference in sound quality but you can hear some improvement.
The main reason I changed mine was that the volume dial had pretty much failed, so I had to use the app or remote. Not an issue for some but for me it was.
I live in Oz so in the fire sale down here I managed to pick one up at half price - no brainer really.
I acquired a Muso 2 to replace the Muso 1 which we have used very reliably for about 10 years or so (from memory). The recent issues concerning radio services was suffifor me to make the change, though as Sod’s Law would have it, the new firmware for the original Muso’s turned up the night before the Muso 2 arrived. The new firmware works very well!
We have the player in the kitchen where it is also connected to a TV, so acting also as a sound bar.
The muso 2 does sound a bit better than the 1, mainly due to a better low frequency delivery. We do not use Qobuz, but we do use Spotify which works well.
The 2 does have a eArc compatible HDMI socket which enhances its utility as a TV outlet.
The price for the 2 is just about numerically the same as what I paid for the 1. No doubt that is a result of it being made in China, apparently.
Overall: the 2 gets a big thumbs-up from me!
I never heard the Mu-So honestly. Either first or second. BUT I bought the first generation QB2 to my ex years ago and owned the second generation QB2 for some time. I have actually not compared them side by side or at one time. But I do not think the difference is big at all. What I like the least is the volume knob. It is in transparent plastic in the new one. Which is fancy, but the feel of the old one is so superior, and for some silly reason it annoys me. I miss using the metal knob. By far the most nice volume control I ever used on ANYTHING in my lifetime. And I am on the edge to being middle age, if not already. And I been shopping a lot, I came from a privileged background. So, my point is that the built quality is excellent on both units, except this detail that is world class. Else the built, look and feel are identical. I did also replace the cover to peacock blue. Which, in my view made it look not just more personal and match the environment better. It looks less sterile, arguable less mancave or childish. I considered a second gen Mu-So to use for multi-room in Google Home, to implement in my smart home. Just like someone said before here, the firmware update makes serious improvement IMHO. But this might be a highly appreciated gift for anyone who likes Hi-Fi but lacks the experience or do not want to engage in the hobby.
What’s a privileged background got to do with it.?
Purchasing power and relevant shopping experience. Nothing else. I know how it sounds, but it is not like that. I know what I talk about, and I think there might be pros and cons upgrading those, and in some scenarios. An direct replacement is not worth it IMHO. And it is not about money or anything like that. In such scenario, I think it is simply better to grab some better speakers. But like I did write. If it is a great gift or making multi-room it is a great thing to do. I also think QB and Mu-So (first och second generations) can be used together in multi-room. Because they share the same sound signature and are enough similar. I did got this confirmed by the store before as well. But having different speakers or a different brand might sound odd.