In a move that has audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts buzzing, French audio titans Focal and Naim have officially unveiled the fruit of their latest collaboration: the Mu-so Hekla soundbar. This isn't just another soundbar; it's a statement piece, engineered to deliver a concert hall-like experience right in your living room.
Slated for a European release in Q1 of 2026, the Hekla represents a significant investment in high-fidelity sound, with a price tag of €3,300. But for that price, you're getting a veritable powerhouse of acoustic engineering.
A Sonic Powerhouse in a Sleek, Substantial Chassis
The first thing you'll notice about the Mu-so Hekla is its commanding presence. Measuring a substantial 39 inches wide and 11.6 inches deep, it’s designed to make a visual statement to match its audio prowess. The use of metal in its construction gives it a premium, durable feel, though its 34-pound weight means you'll want to ensure your TV stand is up to the task.
The front is elegantly minimalist, featuring a physical volume knob that doubles as a control center for input switching and playback pause—a nod to the tactile satisfaction that both Focal and Naim are known for.
15 Drivers and 660 Watts of Immersive Audio
Where the Hekla truly separates itself from the crowd is under the hood. It houses an impressive array of 15 individually powered speakers, all driven by a total amplifier output of 660 watts. This setup is meticulously crafted to create a wide, enveloping soundstage.
The driver configuration is a masterclass in spatial audio:
- Front-Firing Precision: Three woofers, two midrange drivers, and two tweeters handle the core of the sound, delivering crisp dialogue, rich musicality, and powerful mid-bass.
- Expansive Soundstage: Two side-firing drivers bounce sound off your walls to create a sense of width that extends far beyond the physical limits of the bar.
- Dolby Atmos Heaven: Two up-firing drivers are dedicated to producing overhead effects, making Dolby Atmos soundtracks come alive with breathtaking height and immersion.
This sophisticated system allows the Hekla to play across a remarkably wide frequency range, from a subterranean 27 Hz all the way up to 20 kHz, with a peak volume of 108dB—enough to fill even large rooms with ease.
Smart Features and Seamless Connectivity
The Hekla is as smart as it is powerful. It comes with a dedicated Focal and Naim smartphone app that goes beyond simple EQ adjustments. Upon setup, it intelligently queries you about your room's specific layout—including the distance from the soundbar to the wall and your primary seating position—to acoustically tailor the sound for your unique space. A handy night mode is also included, intelligently compressing dynamic range and reducing bass for late-night viewing without disturbing the household.
For connectivity, it's firmly future-proofed. While it forgoes analog inputs, it features both Toslink and, crucially, HDMI eARC for the highest-quality, uncompressed audio from your TV. Wireless options are comprehensive, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6 for robust streaming, and support for all major platforms: Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect. This makes streaming music from your preferred service a seamless experience.
For those eager to dive into the full details, all specifications and official announcements can be found on the official Focal Mu-so Hekla product page.
Availability and Final Thoughts
The Focal and Naim Mu-so Hekla is positioned as a premium, all-in-one audio solution for those who refuse to compromise on sound quality. Its launch in early 2026 is highly anticipated, and while its size and price place it in a niche category, its performance promises to be in a league of its own.
This soundbar isn't just about making your TV sound better; it's about bringing the meticulous, soul-stirring sound that Focal and Naim are revered for right into the heart of your home entertainment system.
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