Focal Mu-So Hekla Soundbar Review: Dolby Atmos With 1 Speaker

Focal's $3,600 Mu-So Hekla soundbar packs 15 drivers and 660 watts into a 34-pound single unit, aiming to rival multi-speaker setups for Dolby Atmos. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos Music and Tidal hi-res audio via the Focal app. Setup is straightforward with one HDMI eARC port, optical-in, Ethernet, and RCA jacks; no remote is included, but TV and app controls suffice. Music playback is thunderous and distinct, with clear separation on complex tracks like Ex-Vöid's "So Neurotic" and immersive Atmos albums like Fleetwood Mac's Rumours. Movie performance excels, with convincing surround effects in films like Cold Storage and Avatar: Fire and Ash, though games like Forza Horizon 5 and Crimson Desert lack the same spatial audio impact. The Mu-So Hekla is best for space-constrained users seeking a one-box Atmos solution, but it cannot connect to side or rear speakers. It is available only through Focal dealers.