Grimm MU2 Experience

@soix

..but that this level I’d want everything separate.

Excellent down to earth discussion regarding this in "myth" #10 from the link I posted above. Starts around time 1:29

@mclinnguy Yeah, I understand there are some tangible benefits to combo units, but there’s really no getting around this one fact — if you buy a combo streamer/DAC/preamp you’re ultimately beholden to that designer’s tastes on all three. What bothers me about that is what are the odds that his/her implementation of each of those three functions melds optimally with mine or yours? I’d say that it’s probability is next to zero. As an example, I prefer to use a certain tube preamp for the sound characteristics it presents, which I’m simply not gonna get in a solid state combo unit where the designer takes that choice/option outta my hands. Or, put another way, I may much prefer a Grimm streamer/DAC through my tube pre than through whatever preamp is in the MU2. Same logic applies to the DAC — what if I prefer a particular R2R NOS DAC, but in the combo unit I’m beholden to the DAC in that? I’m sure the MU2 sounds fantastic and I’d probably love it, but at that price level I’m gonna pick the streamer, DAC, and preamp I like and construct the combo specifically to my tastes. Frankly, I’d love to use a Grimm streamer with my choice of DAC and preamp as I think once you get a great streamer from the likes of Grimm, Aurender, Innuos, etc. they’re less personal than the choice of a DAC or preamp, but that’s me.

I'll be the guy in the middle ground. As a dealer, I represent a several digital-forward brands that offer combo streamer/DAC/preamp units: T+A, Aurender, Eversolo, and now, as of this week... Grimm! (Even though I have committed to being a Grimm dealer, I don't even have my units in hand until next week, so will not make this about the MU2's performance.)

With this in mind, I have become more and more impressed with the level of performance modern integrated units are able to offer. It seems there has been significant advancement in this category over the last 2-4 years, where integrated all in one front ends or all in one integrated amplifiers have started to rise up and perform at the level of some of the better separates available on the market today. This includes the T+A SDV 3100 HV streaming DAC preamp, whose preamp stage outperforms many other $20K standalone preamps, whose DAC section beats out just about any other DAC I've placed against it, including a Berkeley Reference DAC 3 that I put into play the last few days, and a streamer at the performance level of an Aurender N20. The T+A R 2500 R all in one gets quite close to T+A's reference HV series of equipment and is now the electronics choice that Bliss Hifi will be displaying at AXPONA this year. The Aurender AP20 is yet another offering that offers similar performance with yet a different sonic flavor. I'm even amazed at what the Eversolo DMP-A10 can do for less than $4K. When I plugged it into my T+A amplifier to listen through Vivid G1 Spirits to demo for a client on Wednesday, we were not hurting at all. And these are just the options I know because I have first hand experience. I'm certain there are other brands with competitive products that may perform in the same league.

There is something to be admired about the synergy and efficiencies afforded by integrated units that are mindfully well-thought-out. Yes, there are many who want control to change one or more components, as many audio enthusiasts have the itch to do so. But for those who just want to get really far and fall in love with their music, quality integrated units offer significant advantages, primarily with synergy and simplicity.

Not trying to rain on anyone’s joy — if you have and love your Grimm mu2, ignore this post — but I’d caution folks to try before you buy, notwithstanding the very good reviews. It’s easy to home audition this piece bc it’s light and easy to ship.

I had a fully broken in unit for a couple weeks and man was it underwhelming. It sounded nice, in a bad way. Very neutral and polite. Non fatiguing to the point of being a sedative. Not musically involving imho. YMMV.

The most honest review out there is from Hifi Advice, if you read between the lines. Not coincidentally, that reviewer has much more extensive truly high end digital experience than most reviewers out there. 

At this price point (quite a bit lower in the case of the Meitner) I would take the newest Meitner MA3i or the playback designs mpd6 with volume control, no doubt about it.

I have had a Grimm MU1 streamer in my system. I thought it was good for the money... although I did not like the controls and felt it did not measure up to an N20 Aurrender. I suspect it is because it lacks the power conditioning that accompanies really good streamers / DACs, The MU2 only weights 10lbs. Typically this means power management has been light... it shows up in the noise floor and dynamics and bass.