{"product_id":"focal-open-box-mu-so-hekla-all-in-one-speaker-system-a-grade","title":"Focal OPEN BOX Mu-So Hekla All-In-One Speaker System - A Grade","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eFocal Mu-so Hekla: The Ultimate All-in-One Hi-Fi \u0026amp; Home Theater System?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first glance, the new Focal Mu-so Hekla looks like a premium Dolby Atmos soundbar. Technically, if you want to call it that, it is the most expensive soundbar we’ve ever covered. However, Focal doesn’t even call it a soundbar—and after testing it, we understand why.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you dig into the capabilities of the Hekla, you realize it is far more than a speaker you tuck under a TV. It is effectively an all-in-one hi-fi and home theater system in a single chassis. It is built to handle everything from immersive Dolby Atmos movies to serious high-resolution music listening without requiring a receiver or separate speakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIs it the right fit for your room? Let’s dive into the design, specs, and performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/mu-so-HEKLA_34_Face_Haut_D_PT_02.jpg\" alt=\"3\/4 front-top view of Focal Mu-So Hekla\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eDesign \u0026amp; Build Quality: Premium Naim DNA\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are familiar with Naim’s Mu-so 2nd Generation, the design language of the Hekla will feel immediately familiar. It features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA wide, alternating brushed and bead-blasted aluminum chassis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe signature illuminated volume dial on top.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNaim’s distinct heat sink design across the back.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\nThis is a heavy, all-metal piece of equipment that feels closer to a high-end audiophile component than a typical TV speaker. There is no plastic creak or lightweight paneling here; the dense internal construction gives it a real sense of permanence. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Placement: Important Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe size of the Mu-so Hekla is a critical factor in determining if this product is right for you. It is roughly 39 inches wide, which is standard, but the depth and height are unique:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight: ~4.6 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDepth: ~11.6 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Optimal Setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e Realistically, this unit is not designed for traditional soundbar wall-mounting due to its weight and upward-firing drivers. The optimal setup is a wall-mounted TV with the Hekla placed on a deep cabinet below it. This ensures the upward-firing drivers have room to breathe and allows easy access to the touch controls on top.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/Hekla_cc2_test_zoom_-100.jpg\" alt=\"Partial view of Focal Mu-So Hekla on a brown wooden console table\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eInternal Architecture \u0026amp; Drivers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mu-so Hekla is physically larger than competitors because it is packed with high-performance internals. It boasts a \u003cstrong\u003etotal amplification of 660 watts\u003c\/strong\u003e (3 channels at 60W, 12 channels at 40W) driving \u003cstrong\u003e15 total speakers\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFront Firing (7 Drivers):\u003c\/strong\u003e Three 6x3” racetrack woofers, two 2.75” midranges, and two 1” tweeters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSide Firing (4 Drivers):\u003c\/strong\u003e Two 1.5” x 2.75” full-range drivers on each side to create width.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUpward Firing (4 Drivers):\u003c\/strong\u003e Two full-range drivers on the left and right top for Dolby Atmos height effects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eAudio Format Support \u0026amp; Connectivity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes the Hekla stand out is just how broad its format support actually is. Unlike many soundbars that are limited in decoding, the Hekla acts as a comprehensive receiver substitute.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eMultichannel Audio Support\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether via HDMI eARC or streaming, the Hekla supports a wide array of immersive formats:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDolby Digital AC3:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 5.1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDolby Digital Plus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Efficient surround sound.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDolby TrueHD:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lossless audio decoding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDolby MAT over HDMI:\u003c\/strong\u003e Essential for Apple TV 4K and gaming consoles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDolby AC-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Next-gen audio support up to 7.1.4.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultichannel FLAC \u0026amp; WAV:\u003c\/strong\u003e Audiophile surround support up to 7.1.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApple Multichannel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native support for Apple’s spatial streaming formats.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eHigh-Resolution Music Files\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the audiophiles, the Hekla leverages Naim's streaming pedigree to handle high-res files with ease:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWAV:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 32-bit\/384kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFLAC \u0026amp; AIFF:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 24-bit\/384kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDSD:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports both DSD64 and DSD128\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eInputs \u0026amp; Outputs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHDMI eARC:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seamless connection for TV audio and volume control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptical Toslink:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports up to 24-bit\/96kHz.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubwoofer Out (RCA):\u003c\/strong\u003e Allows for connection of an external subwoofer (adjustable via app).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEthernet:\u003c\/strong\u003e For wired network connection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWi-Fi 6:\u003c\/strong\u003e For robust wireless streaming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_half\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/mu-so-HEKLA_Zoom_Bornier.jpg\" alt=\"Focal Mu-So Hekla close up view of connection inputs\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_half col_last\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/mu-so-HEKLA_Zoom_03.jpg\" alt=\"Focal Mu-So Hekla top detail view\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eSoftware \u0026amp; Processing: Sphere, Dolby \u0026amp; ADAPT\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Focal \u0026amp; Naim App is central to the experience, allowing control over streaming (Spotify Connect, etc.), multiroom setups (up to 32 devices), and EQ settings. The Hekla also introduces advanced processing modes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eSphere vs. Dolby Modes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSphere Modes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Developed by Focal engineers, this uses beamforming and crosstalk cancellation to use room reflections for immersion. It is ideal for enclosed rooms up to 400 sq ft and creates a wide listening zone for multiple people.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDolby Modes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Uses binaural virtual spatialization. This is better suited for larger or less soundproofed spaces where you want a focused listening zone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eADAPT Technology\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hekla features \u003cstrong\u003eADAPT (Adaptive Acoustic Personal Tuning)\u003c\/strong\u003e. This patented algorithm calibrates the system based on your room's geometry. You can input distances manually or use the AR feature in the app. In our testing, ADAPT was a game-changer, significantly improving spatial presentation in rooms with non-traditional acoustics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003ePerformance Review\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter spending time with the Hekla, the hype holds up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMusic:\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers the classic Naim sense of power and scale with Focal’s composed voicing. The low end is outstanding—it feels like there is a subwoofer in the room, tight and controlled without bloat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHome Theater:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Atmos effects are convincing, with height and width that feel intentional rather than smeared. Dialogue clarity is excellent; voices sound full and natural, even during chaotic action scenes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eComparison\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt \u003cstrong\u003e$3,599\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Hekla plays in a league above standard soundbars. While a full component system (like a Sonos Arc Ultra + Eras + Sub) might create a larger surround bubble due to physical rear speakers, the Hekla is the king of \u003cstrong\u003esingle-box solutions\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompared to the \u003cstrong\u003eDevialet Dione\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eKEF XIO\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Hekla plays bigger, moves more air, and fills larger rooms with more authority. It sits in a category of its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eThe Verdict\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Focal Mu-so Hekla outperforms any traditional soundbar we have tested in terms of pure sound quality. However, it requires a specific setup—you need the right furniture to accommodate its depth and weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are looking for the highest-performing one-box solution that prioritizes high-fidelity music just as much as immersive cinema, the Mu-so Hekla belongs at the top of your list.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/Mu-so-Hekla_stele_3D-1.jpg\" alt=\"Focal Mu-So Hekla\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eFAQs\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I wall mount the Mu-so Hekla like a normal soundbar?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNot really. It is heavy, deep, and designed around upward-firing drivers that need open space above the unit. It performs best on a sturdy cabinet below a wall-mounted TV.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat’s the best placement for the Mu-so Hekla in a living room?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWall mount your TV and place the Hekla on a deep cabinet below it. This keeps the screen clear, gives the top-firing drivers room to breathe, and makes the top controls easy to access.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it block the bottom of my TV?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt can, depending on your furniture and TV stand height. Because it is about 4.6 inches tall and roughly 11.6 inches deep, it often sits high and far forward on shallow consoles. If your TV sits low, wall mounting the TV is usually the clean fix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need a subwoofer with the Mu-so Hekla?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn many medium rooms, no. Bass is already powerful and controlled. If you have a larger room or want more impact for movies, you can add a subwoofer using the RCA sub output and adjust level and crossover in the app.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it support Dolby Atmos from Apple TV 4K?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. It supports Dolby MAT over HDMI eARC, which is important for Apple TV 4K and many modern game consoles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it support DTS or DTS:X?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNot currently. If DTS is a major part of your disc library or setup, plan around that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is ADAPT and should I use it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eADAPT is Focal’s room tuning system. You enter room measurements manually or use the app’s AR feature, and it calibrates how sound is distributed across the drivers. In real rooms, especially imperfect ones, it can noticeably improve imaging and immersive presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are Sphere modes and when do they help?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSphere modes are Focal’s immersive modes designed to create a wider listening zone using processing like beamforming and crosstalk cancellation. They can be especially useful in enclosed rooms and when multiple people are spread across a couch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat connections does the Mu-so Hekla have?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHDMI eARC for TV connection, optical Toslink, Ethernet, Wi-Fi for streaming, Bluetooth for convenience, and an RCA subwoofer output.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it better for music or movies?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBoth. It is one of the rare one-box systems that delivers genuinely satisfying hi-fi sound for music while also providing convincing Atmos immersion and excellent dialogue clarity for movies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/Mu-so-Hekla_TV.jpg\" alt=\"Focal Mu-so Hekla under a mounted television\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Focal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47392778289236,"sku":"FOCAL:MUSO-HEKLA-BSA","price":3100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/mu-soHEKLA_34_Face_Haut_D_PT_02_8d4671d2-4bef-4d96-9338-6458d0d7bf75.jpg?v=1784662281","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/products\/focal-open-box-mu-so-hekla-all-in-one-speaker-system-a-grade","provider":"Audio Advice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}