2. digital
  3. 190456-169563

Digital Path to Complete my System

My analog system is complete - now looking at the digital side/path. I have always been a 2-channel analog guy but reluctant to dive in with $$ on the digital side as the newer/better/upgraded versions seem to be coming out yearly...if not monthly. I am currently using a Bluenode until my digital experience/knowledge is more complete and for what it does - the Bluenode is impressive! I like the convince of the digital chain but want my purchase to be one and done = not upgraded in the future. And – a MSB Technology system is not in my price range. Aurender seems to hit the sweet spot of price point, sound, bang for the buck, reputation, customer service, and build quality. Would appreciate experienced feedback for those with a complete digital chain ( streamer, DAC, clock?, & cables/interconnects) - total package under $18K...appreciate if it is a digital side you researched, own, listened to, and have settled on. My preamp, amp is set....just need the digital path! Again, something I would not need to update and add onto in the future...

JR

jmrrobbie1
jmrrobbie1 OP
20 posts
 

Wow...ok...after reading the reviews....the Grimm MU2 would be an end game to my digital side. Anyone  have this in their system that can provide pros/cons or likes/dislike. Anyone listen to a side to side comparison to Aurenders top system? In one review this was good to see: 

 

Driven to keep improving, Grimm Audio works actively to provide ongoing updates. Whenever they improve the sound quality or enhance the feature set of the MU2, these improvements are offered to all existing customers via software or hardware updates (when possible). Software updates are free and can be installed automatically via the update server.

Finally, in case of a malfunction, the Grimm Audio Support Team is dedicated to getting you to enjoy the music again within the shortest timeframe possible. Grimm Audio offer a 5 year limited warranty to customers who fill in their warranty card.

 

jomonhifi's avatar
jomonhifi
151 posts
 

What about dipping your toes into a used DCS Bartok….? There’s a bunch on the market now as the APEX version just came out. Really great sounding DAC…!!

nlitworld
68 posts
 

Just curious, are you planning for streaming, local file playback or cd with transport? My system is not in the same tax bracket as yours, but I found a good similarity in sound with a tube buffered r2r NOS dac playing local FLAC files off my network (server pc -> streamer Pi -> DAC). That should hopefully mimic the natural analog sound you're used to (and basing your opinions from). Combine that style of DAC with a good streamer, spend good $ on usb or spdif rca cable (highly recommend Hapa Audio Aero cable for this) and leave a few $ for an ethernet cable. @ghdprentice is right with his analysis that a good digital system is almost $/$ the same as a good analog one once you get above the entry to mid-fi market. I've been slowly upgrading each side and finally have them close in performance (analog slightly better still) so I know the struggle of adopting both sides into the same system.

 

Hope my rambling helps,

-Lloyd

rsf507
2,321 posts
 

OP look into the new Bricasti M1 that recently came out. Or any of the Bricasti dacs would be an end game.

ghdprentice
7,006 posts
 

I had a Grimm mu2 in my system for a while. I felt it’s sound quality appropriate to the cost, although I think (separate audition) the Aurrender N20 sounds slightly better (lower noise floor) and the fit and finish on the Aurender is far better. The physical operation of the Aurrender is also much better, that wheel on the top of the Grimm is confusing and feels more like a gimmick than a serious control..

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