Mola Mola Tambaqui Roon vs Separate Streamers

@metaldetektor So the Grimm would get rid of my Nucleus since it's the core as well?  If so, how are the Roon updates....seamless?  That's one thing I really like about the Nucleus....set it and forget it!  I was watching the Hans Youtube review and it looks impressive!  I would need to purchase the AES connector as well.  Which dealer did you purchase from?  It wouldn't hurt to enquire.  There are no dealers here in Canada it appears.

@davidyny @fastfreight  How does the Sean Jacobs connect up to the Aries G2.1?  I did a Google search and I see an internal power supply upgrade (hoer-wege) upgrade but couldn't find out how the Sean Jacobs would be wired in.  The Sean Jacobs is around $7400US?   Yes, power cords and cables all make a difference!  I have experience with the Kubala Sosna Emotion XLR and Emotion power cords.  They're excellent, but I find them to be a touch warm.  I'm guessing the Elation and Realization lineups are more extended and neutral.  I've been very happy with my High Fidelity Cables (out of business now, unfortunately).  I've tried even compared my entry level Reveal lineup to the Nordost Valhalla, and they were a better match in my system.....Everything in this hobby makes a diffference!

Yes, the Grimm updates are super simple and because they run FPGA, the updates are actually very meaningful. The most recent update took the Grimm to an even more remarkable level. So when you buy it, you’re buying into a company that’s committed to continually improving the product — they’re working on their own software (a Roon alternative) and a DAC as well, which would make it a true one box digital front end.

Yes, it’s both a Roon core and endpoint. Just add DAC.

You need to use as AES cable into the DAC. DH labs makes good inexpensive ones, black cat makes great but more expensive ones.

I believe there are four US dealers last i checked, any should be helpful if there’s nobody in Canada. There’s Doug White in Philly who is an industry legend and super nice guy, there’s Kyomi in Chicago run by a concert pianist and music professor, and there’s Analog Audio which is run by another special dealer. I don’t know anything about the SF dealer. In other words, it says something when some of the best (best in the sense Of experience/knowledge and also customer service) dealers around are carrying this product.

To upgrade the power supply in the Aries, you can replace the power supply circuit board with the Hoer-wege circuit board, or the Sean Jacobs external power supply requires that you remove the power inlet and connect with 2 custom DC cables (the power supply requires 3 different rails, voltages) terminated with plastic Molex connectors.  Sean Jacobs will supply these cables.

But I’ve been using Kubala Sosna in the analog portion of my system for many years; upgrading from Emotion to Elation and now Realization.  Their cables share a common design philosophy and sound.  They are to my ears very neutral regarding frequency response.  But each generation significantly lowers the noise floor allowing much more musical information to be heard.  I started experimenting with their digital and DC cables about 4 years ago and have been similarly pleased with the results.  

Calgarian

The Grimm and the Tambaqui are a special combination if you can make sense of the cost of the Grimm. Something about that AES output from the Grimm that the Mola just loves leaving it to DAC only duties. Metaldektor said it correctly, at this level of playback it's about subtlety that mostly is noticed when it is removed. That is the Grimm, you'll want it back in if forced to take it out. Rest of system needs to be dialed in to justify even the Tambaqui. The Grimm / Mola is all anyone would ever need for redbook...... 

Hello, I am very keen on the Grimm / Mola combo, but for now have opted to upgrade my Auralic Aries G2.1 with the Sean Jacobs Power supply.  As davidyny states, it is a custom 3 rail power supply.  I have ordered custom K-S Realization umbilicals that replaces the IEC port and plug directly into the Auralic.   Maybe David and I should speak as I am having growing pains getting it all hooked up.

I have temporarily taken the Auralic streamer out of the loop and gone back to ethernet into my tambaqui.  Talk about going backwards and noticing things as Metaldektor and Calgarian said!  The Tambaqui without the Aries is still great, but not near the life and visceral experience as with the streamer!