Any one use Grimm MU1 with Aries Cerat Kassandra ?


Hey folks, I just got a Grimm MU1 and I’m going to use it with my Aries Cerat Kassandra. At first I got no sound from my speakers and after taking the Grimm to the dealer, I realised that I had the Grimm was in 4X over sampling mode (Where all reviews say sounds best). MY Kassandra doesn’t accept 174.4 khz with AES/EBU, big bummer. It would play 88.2khs, 2x over sampling. I use that sampling rate and leave the DAC in native resolution. I can also use the MU1 in no oversampling and re-clock that signal in the DAC. I’m worried that I’m missing out on the best that the MU1 has to offer and considering getting a DAC that accepts 4X oversampling. Does anyone have these two components paired, I’d like to hear your input if you do. Thank you

ruff2001

Thank all you guys for your advice and suggestions, it was really helpful to me. I ended up using my MU1 in 88.2 Khz and using the AES/EBU input on my Kassandra with re-clocking. The MU1 doesn’t have a USB output so I couldn’t go with that option. I emailed Aries Cerat and Stavros suggested that, when using the Kassandra AES input with the signal of 44.1 or multiples of it I should use re-clocking. It sounds amazing in my current configuration. Later I’ll try the MU1 with no up sampling and re-clock it in my DAC and compare the sound. I’m most definitely not changing my Aries Cerat Kassandra, it’s the most natural and musical sounding DAC that I ever heard.

Kind regards to all

Ian

 

@ruff2001

 I emailed Aries Cerat and Stavros suggested that, when using the Kassandra AES input with the signal of 44.1 or multiples of it I should use re-clocking. It sounds amazing in my current configuration

That is very good news. I have no doubt that it sounds “amazing “. Too good of a DAC for this not to work out well.

Charles

Hi Ian,

Stumbled accross this discussion. Wanted to let you know. I have exactly the same setup as you in one of my music rooms. Grimm Mu1 to Kassandra. And for me the best configuration is 2x on the Grimm plus turning on the Kass clock also.

disabling one or the other somewhat gives the same effect. Presentation is less fluid, less vibrant and abit dry in comparison to having both clocks on.

I would never give up my grimm mu1. Although ive not had a chance to compare to top Aurender n30 in my system ive had a chance a/b with lumin u1, and auerender a200. Although they are not same price range as the Mu1 but the difference wss sooo astonishing that it made the two sound like a fisher price cassete radio lol. Kidding aside grimm sound was analog like and had a huge natural sound reproduction. When goimg back he other two sounded anemic, flat and no meat.

ive heard the n30 in same room with n200 and although n30 was clearly superior to n200 it wasnt as big a gap as the grimm vs n200. Not sure if it means anything  as they were tested on different systems. But just reporting the scenario and what i heard. 
best

Victor Sierra

@ruff2001 

I also have the Kassandra and its best connection is via USB.  Have you looked at other options for streamers besides Grimm MU1?

I was going to say the same as @cfa88.  Aries Cerat is optimized for USB.  Grimm is definitely not my first choice of streamer with it since no USB.  The Grimm is at its best when upscaled and needs to be paired with a DAC that is optimized around AES to get the most out of it.  

The single best option is the Pink Faun.  With AC, it is the single best option ahead of the Taiko or Antipodes as I believe it is what Stavros uses.  The Taiko is going to be close.  

If you don't have like $38K lying around, a first rate USB centric server would be my first choice.  Antipodes offers four different levels (K21, K22, K50 and Oladra)  of units that would work if you are Roon centric.  They just refreshed their whole line with the USB now re-clocked.  I personally run the Oladra and they do get progressively better.  

If you are open to other software (not roon), the Innuos Statement is what I would pick.  It is phenomenal with the Sense ap.  I know a bit more than the Grimm, but it will be a good performer.  With the elite SJ power supply, it really stands out.  

I do liket the Wolf server as well.  It is USB oriented and at a similar price as the Grimm, is quite good.  

Full disclosure, I am an Aries Cerat, Antipodes, Innuos dealer.  I obviously work with and have a relationship with the Pink Faun distributor.  I have no association with the guys at Wolf other than hearing their room at AXPONA and talking with them at that show.