How does it sound then, in stereo and for movies or Atmos music?
Still settling in, I don’t really have it set up properly yet but first impressions are it’s a step change from my Gen 2 Mu-so. More open and punchier which is what I expected.
I need to get the settings right for movies, I bought this as I was about to punt several K on a Sony surround system but I’m fed up with multiple speakers and wires hence the Hekla. There is stereo separation but it’s quite subtle.
Initial impressions are that it won’t match a true surround system but I do need to play with it more. Having some issues navigating the app, there was a loudness button for the Mu-so, not so on this one. Or at least one I can find, the website for Hekla seems to suggest there is an equivalent but I’m buggered if I can find it.
One irritant is that there is no remote, sound is controlled from the app on your phone/tablet and I really don’t like that.
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Oh, I didn’t know that. I wouldn’t like that either, the volume control through the app isn’t very sensitive. I also noticed that it doesn’t have a headphone plug, or the ability to play wirelessly to headphones, which seems another over sight.
Soundbars don’t seem to have a headphone output, I guess it’s because the Tv can be connected to head phones and the soundbar designer’s have not consider this usage case.
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Sonos now have that setup where you can wirelessly connect their Spatial Audio headphones to their soundbar. That would seem an obvious fit for Focal headphones.
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Really, a £3k product with no physical remote - that’s very disappointing to hear…. Might even be a dealer breaker for me…..
Gary
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As it’s supposed to be an AV product, surely it has eARC and uses the TV or DVR signal or remote to do the ordinary volume changes etc?
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I’m trying to work out how the LFE channel is treated, especially with sub(s) connected to the preouts. Can the preouts be configured to LFE only or LFE+Main, like an AV Receiver? Is there an internal crossover that can be set?
Yes that was my thinking too. I used my Muso2 as a sound bar and would always use the TV remote to control volume. When I was using it for music, I used the volume controls in the Naim app. I very seldom used the dedicated Muso remote. It was safely stored away.
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It does, it was just a gremlin to begin with and now the TV remote works to control the volume.
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Audio Advice have a really good review of the Hekla on YouTube.
And now for something completely different, or perhaps not so much - LG Sound Suite AI - The Soundbar System That Reads The Room.
Apparently available from your favourite local electrical retailer.
ATB, J
Well I’ve moved on from my initial desire to buy a Hekla to replace my Muso 2. @Spleen’s experience was a factor. But also the sheer size and weight of the beast. And finally, here in Thailand where I have my holiday home, the Hekla is not expected to be available before September/October (as indicated by the Focal powered by Naim store in Bangkok). This was the deciding factor for me to look elsewhere. I’ve now ordered the KEF LSX II and subwoofer, which I understand work great as a stereo “soundbar” and are also very good with music, which for me was always the priority.
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Hi everyone. I’ve just purchased the Focal Muso Hekla and have been playing/listening to this unit for the last week. I already own the Naim Muso and wanted the upgrade to a possible Muso 3 (like most I guess) but this never came, so I jumped at the Focal Hekla when knew it was available in the UK.
My main vice is high quality audio (I listen to music mainly via my Naim Atom, powered speakers and Hifiman planar HEKV2 headphones and of course my original Muso that doubles up as TV speaker in front room). Music is via Tidal (I also use Spotify and use both platforms in hi-res).
Now the reason for this post is, has anyone whom has purchased the Hekla found a way to bypass the atmos electronics so Hekla can play more like the original Muso’s in plain ‘stereo mode’ not via the Dolby or Sphere tweaking that the Hekla does.
This post is not to criticise the sound of the Muso Hekla (who wants to go down that rabbit hole?). Just asking if anyone knows of a way for ‘music’ listening to bypass the advanced electronics, so sounds more conventional stereo left and right, for when you want a direct rather than immersive sound listening experience.
Naturally one box cannot perform miracles and I’m not looking at sides and overhead magic just the best quality left and right good old fashioned hi-res stereo. And yes, I like movies so letting it do its magic when enjoying atmos is different.
Here’s hoping someone knows of a magic bypass/direct setting I have not found yet for traditional one box stereo. Thanks.
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see: Immersive Audio Modes for Mu-so Hekla | Focal
I think “Dolby Music” will be the closest to what you are after…
Many thanks herve_bouzillard for your assistance.
However, the dolby modes (all including music) still send a signal to the side and up drivers. Trying to reduce the effects of these drivers by moving the sliders (all in the app) does not stop side and top from still working (they still have slight ambient sound). So, not to bog this forum down with any negativity, I am currently discussing with Naim/Focal directly to see if work around.
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Just a quick post to offer my experience of buying the Hekla.
Anyone buying this unit, it is a good idea to buy ‘online’ so you have cancellation rights and can return if not for you.
If like myself, you buy in-store via an approved dealer they waive all rights to return. After contacting Focal head office, they as well refused to take back to any of their outlets (even with a significant depreciation offer, when only at time of communication less than a week old).
Just the heads up to assist others if Hekla is not for you.
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Im sorry for your dissatisfaction with your purchase. But it appears you did not fully ask and have demonstrated it’s capabilities, covering your own personal requirements .
A purchase of this type of unit without a try at home opportunity would become a no no for me . Or a safety net return opportunity agreed with dealer if this proved difficult.