Can my product be used as a soundbar?

With the growing popularity of home cinema and streaming platforms, many users wonder whether their Naim product can double as a soundbar for their TV. While Naim systems are primarily designed for high-fidelity music playback, some models offer limited compatibility with television audio setups.

This guide explores which Naim products can be used as a soundbar, what limitations exist, and how to get the best results.

What Is a Soundbar?

A soundbar is a speaker system designed specifically to enhance TV audio. It typically connects directly to a television via HDMI ARC, optical, or Bluetooth, and is optimized for dialogue clarity, surround effects, and ease of use in a home cinema context.

Naim products, by contrast, are engineered for audiophile-grade music reproduction, with a focus on stereo imaging, musicality, and streaming performance.

Tip: For any Naim products fitted with HDMI ARC or digital optical inputs, you will need to set your TV’s audio output to PCM. This option is sometimes listed as ‘stereo’ or ‘two channel’. The key is to avoid any Dolby or surround sound output formats.

Naim Products and Soundbar Compatibility

Mu-so 2nd Generation

• Can be used as a soundbar
• Features a digital optical input and HDMI ARC for direct TV connection
• Easily switch to any one of the Mu-so 2’s streaming inputs for music playback
• Ideal for casual home cinema setups

Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation

• Not designed as a soundbar
• Outfitted with an optical input, but due to the compact size of the Qb 2, you will not benefit from the stereo image that the Mu-so 2 can reproduce.

Uniti Range (Atom, Star, Nova)

• Cannot be used as soundbars, as there are no integrated speakers, however can still be used with a separate pair of passive speakers to reproduce excellent quality TV audio. Lip sync adjustment is possible via the Focal & Naim app.
• Outfitted with HDMI ARC (excepting some earlier models of the Uniti Atom) and optical inputs for direct TV connection
• Designed for music streaming and amplification, but will still process TV audio using their high quality digital audio processing capabilities.
• AV bypass can be enabled on analogueue inputs to facilitate the connection of a separate AV processor/receiver, enabling the Uniti to act as the centre left/right amplifier in a wider AV setup.

NSC 222

• Cannot be used as a soundbar, as there are no integrated speakers or amplification, however can still be partnered with a Naim power amplifier and a separate pair of passive speakers to reproduce excellent quality TV audio. Lip sync adjustment is possible via the Focal & Naim app.
• Outfitted with optical inputs for direct TV connection
• Built for network streaming and high-resolution audio playback
• AV bypass can be enabled on analogueue inputs to facilitate the connection of a separate AV processor/receiver, enabling the Uniti to act as the centre left/right amplifier in a wider AV setup.

Separate Streamers (ND5 XS 2, NDX 2, NSS 333, ND555)

• Cannot be used as soundbars, as there are no integrated speakers or amplification, however can still be partnered with suitable Naim amplification and a separate pair of passive speakers to reproduce excellent quality TV audio. Lip sync adjustment is possible via the Focal & Naim app.
• Outfitted with optical inputs for direct TV connection
• Built for network streaming and high-resolution audio playback

No AV integration possible 

Final Thoughts

The Mu-so 2nd Generation offers a compelling solution for those who want both premium music playback and enhanced TV sound in a single device. A number of other Naim products offer varying degrees of potential for integration into an AV setup, depending on your requirements. If in doubt, contact your local Naim retailer or Naim Audio Technical Support.