Join us for a swashbuckling adventure with heroic bravado and flamboyance as we review the Athos, Porthos and Aramis of All-In-Ones. But who will be crowned the most chivalrous - defending gallantry the fair virtues of Hi-Fi. (Dumas will be turning in his grave at this punning,)

When space is at a premium or aesthetically you want great sound with minimal fuss, then either you place speakers in your ceilings or walls or you take a look at the All-In-One offerings. These combine source amplification and speakers into one unit. Visually, they are statements, like a fine piece of artisan furniture.

We have the Sonus Faber Omnia, the new Ruark R410, the Naim Mu-So 2 and, the D'Artagnan of the bunch, Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin.

Sonus faber Omnia

First century BC, poet Virgil of Rome coins the phrase , “Omnia vincit amor”, which translates to “Love conquers all”. You can imagine the designers at Sonus Faber pouring over the lines of this beauty. Underneath, seven interior speakers, 490 watts of power with HDMI input, analogue, turntable and Ethernet. This is essentially a fully loaded wireless speaker - Roon Ready, Spotify connect and Apple Airplay. What this manages to pull off is the sleek Italian flare with more than a hint of Sonus Faber sound signature.

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Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation

This one almost needs no introduction as it has been the go-to Hi-Fi All-In-One solution for many years. Marc Phillips over at PTA (Part-Time Audiophile) recounts how the Mu-So changed the way he listens to music by introducing him to the world of infinite radio stations and streaming. Now in its second generation, the Naim Mu-So 2 is a slick, modern looking affair with its transparent base, white gentle hue of uplit Naim logo and geometric twisted wave fascia. The exquisite feel of the volume control has the feel of no expense spared. Also there is the now well established Naim App.

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Ruark R410

With a look and feel of a 1960s stereogram with fluted walnut finish, Ruark have boldly taken the “part of the furniture” cue to another level. In 2021 they even partnered with Linley, the quintessentially British furniture craftsmen for a limited edition R5. Designed to be seen, engineered to be heard is the mantra here. This is certainly the first impression. The sound inviting and controls feel well made.

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Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin

When does a All-in-one become a wireless speaker? When there are no inputs other than bluetooth or Wi-Fi and that is the case here, but this is the Porsche of wireless speakers with a thumping sound.

Casting our mind back to 2007 when iPod docks ruled the digital music scene and Spotify was a twinkle in Daniel Ek’s eye, B&W (famed for pushing the boundaries of speaker technology), burst onto the scene with the Zeppelin - still iconic now and updated to be the ultimate wireless speaker

Aesthetically, it's beautiful. The shape may take some getting used to, but the combination of stainless steel diffusely lit plinth and matt black makes the design look like a piece of modern art on display at the Tate.

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In comparison

Let’s compare features:

In summary

For slamming foot tapping fun, the B&W Zepplin is a stonking performer. More style and more connectivity the Omnia really is sleak and understated. The Naim’s app, multi-room capability, synchronicity with full Naim systems and really wide stereo image - perfect for a modern kitchen diner. The Ruark feels it would be at home in the living room, perhaps under a TV. Connectivity is a little up on the competition and looks modern retro.

The All-In-One class has really come a long way in recent years and the current cream of the crop have something for everyone to fit with our modern lives. Whatever your flavour of Hi-Fi, Audio T is here to help!

Thanks for reading.

Justin, Max & James - Audio T Bristol

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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