Introduction
The question many audiophiles ask is simple: Focal Mu-so Hekla can it replace a full setup for both music and home cinema?
This flagship collaboration between Focal and Naim combines true hi-fi performance with Dolby Atmos immersion in one beautifully engineered enclosure. With fifteen individually powered drivers, 660 watts of Class D amplification, HDMI eARC connectivity and full high-resolution streaming, the Mu-so Hekla aims to offer the scale of a full system without the complexity.
This review examines its verified specifications, design, features, performance and daily usability to see if it truly delivers.
Quick Specs Overview
All specifications are taken directly from the official Focal Mu-so Hekla product sheet.
- Drivers: 15 total (7 front, 2 side, 4 upward)
- Amplification: 660 W total (Class D, Naim design)
- Frequency Response: 30 Hz to 20 kHz (±3 dB), -6 dB point at approximately 27 Hz
- Inputs: HDMI eARC with CEC, Optical TOSLINK (24 bit / 96 kHz), Ethernet RJ45
- Analogue Output: RCA subwoofer out
- Wireless and Streaming: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, Google Cast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, UPnP
- High-Resolution Audio: WAV up to 32 bit / 384 kHz, FLAC and ALAC up to 24 bit / 384 kHz, DSD64 and DSD128
- Multichannel Formats: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby MAT (object-based 7.1.2)
- No DTS support listed
- Dimensions: 100 x 29.5 x 11.8 cm
- Weight: 15.5 kg
- Recommended Room Size: Up to around 40 square metres
- Launch Price: About £3,000 / $3,600 / €3,300
Design and Build Quality
The Focal Mu-so Hekla is a piece of functional art. Its brushed and sand-blasted aluminium body feels solid and refined. The curved grille hides a complex internal driver array while keeping a clean, minimalist appearance.
The top control dial is illuminated and reacts to touch, offering smooth and responsive operation. At just over one metre wide and more than fifteen kilograms in weight, the Hekla demands a sturdy media console. It is not designed for wall mounting and needs open space on the sides and top for its directional drivers to perform properly.
Every design choice serves both style and sound. The heavy chassis prevents unwanted vibration, the sculpted rear fins dissipate heat, and the layout supports consistent sound dispersion. The Hekla is built to be seen and heard, not hidden.
Features and Connectivity
The Hekla integrates advanced technology while keeping setup simple.
- HDMI eARC: Single HDMI input for direct connection to your TV. It supports Dolby Atmos bitstreams but relies on your TV for multiple HDMI sources since it has no pass-through.
- Optical Input: For older audio devices or digital players.
- RCA Sub Output: Lets you connect a subwoofer for extended bass response below 27 Hz.
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6: Ensure stable, high-speed connections for streaming.
- Bluetooth 5.1: Provides fast pairing for mobile devices.
The system is controlled through the Focal & Naim app, which handles streaming, firmware updates, and the ADAPT room calibration feature. ADAPT analyses reflections in your room and adjusts the equalisation to suit your environment.
DTS formats are not included on the official specification list, so DTS content should be decoded to PCM by your TV before sending it to the Hekla.
Performance and Sound
Music Playback
The Focal Mu-so Hekla delivers a sound that justifies its price. It is balanced, natural and expressive, with excellent control at all volume levels. Bass is deep yet tight, the midrange is smooth and detailed, and treble is refined without harshness.
When streaming high-resolution tracks from Qobuz or Tidal, detail retrieval is excellent. Vocals sit perfectly in the mix, guitars have natural texture, and percussion carries impact without boom. The wide stereo field extends well beyond the unit itself, making it feel more like a traditional hi-fi setup.
Dynamics are strong, and clarity is maintained even at higher output levels. The system easily fills a medium or large room with rich, accurate sound.
Home Cinema and Dolby Atmos
For film and television, the question remains: Focal Mu-so Hekla can it replace a full setup?
The Dolby Atmos implementation uses the upward and side-firing drivers to project sound above and around the listener. Effects move convincingly through space, with dialogue anchored firmly in the centre. In a standard living room, the soundstage feels immersive and cinematic.
The Hekla produces real depth and punch during action scenes. Bass extends to around 30 Hz with authority. If you prefer even deeper sub-bass, an external subwoofer can be added via the RCA output.
While it cannot perfectly match the precise imaging of a full 7.1 surround system with separate speakers, it comes impressively close. For most users, the trade-off in convenience and space savings is worth it.
Gaming
Gamers will appreciate the system’s low latency and positional clarity. Sound effects and ambient detail are well placed, and the presentation adds excitement to modern console and PC games. The system integrates easily with a TV or console through HDMI eARC.
Sound Quality in Detail
- Low End: Full-bodied and controlled, extending confidently to 30 Hz. Provides power without muddiness.
- Midrange: Lively, clean and accurate. Vocals sound realistic and warm.
- Treble: Detailed but smooth. High frequencies have air and sparkle without fatigue.
- Imaging: Expansive width and height. The soundstage feels bigger than the speaker’s physical size.
Placement and Room Calibration
Placement is critical. Because the Hekla uses side and upward-firing drivers, it performs best when placed in open space with no shelves or walls close to its sides. The top should have at least half a metre of clearance for the upward drivers to reflect sound correctly.
Running the ADAPT room calibration via the app is highly recommended. It measures your room’s reflections and adjusts frequency balance automatically, improving bass control and overall coherence.
Long-Term Experience
During extended use, the Mu-so Hekla remains stable and responsive. It operates silently with no fan noise and maintains consistent performance. The aluminium chassis resists vibration, and the system stays cool thanks to its built-in heat management.
The illuminated control dial adds a tactile, premium element to daily use. Volume and source changes are instant, and app control is reliable. The overall experience is effortless and enjoyable, with firmware updates arriving automatically through Wi-Fi.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Verified 15-driver architecture with 660 W of power
- Dolby Atmos 7.1.2 virtual surround performance
- Premium aluminium build quality
- High-resolution playback up to 32-bit / 384 kHz and DSD128
- Room calibration with Focal ADAPT
- Stable Wi-Fi 6 and multi-room support
- RCA subwoofer output for optional expansion
- Smooth, detailed sound suitable for both music and films
Cons
- High cost compared to regular soundbars
- Large and heavy, requires proper placement
- Single HDMI eARC input, no pass-through
- No DTS decoding listed
- Surround imaging slightly less precise than discrete speaker systems
Pricing and Availability
Launch pricing was reported as:
- £3,000 in the UK
- $3,600 in the US
- €3,300 in Europe
Global rollout started in late 2025 with wider availability expected through early 2026. Retail prices may vary slightly by region.
Final Verdict
So, Focal Mu-so Hekla can it replace a full setup?
For most homes, the answer is yes. It combines the musical refinement of a hi-fi system with the cinematic depth of a surround setup in one elegant package. Its Dolby Atmos performance, room calibration, and high-resolution playback make it capable of replacing multiple components while maintaining impressive clarity and power.
It does not entirely match the precise channel separation of a dedicated 7.1 system and lacks native DTS decoding, but its simplicity, design and cohesive sound more than compensate.
The Focal Mu-so Hekla represents the next step in all-in-one audio technology. It provides real hi-fi performance without the clutter, cables or complexity of traditional systems.
If you value quality, convenience and style, the conclusion is clear: the Focal Mu-so Hekla can replace a full setup.
