Grimm MU1 Streamer - Really "The Best"?

I’ve been perusing many, many other forum posts on other sites that substantiate the pro reports, which is really what I was after with this thread (either support or contradict the pro reviews).

Speaking in absolutes really gets folks on Audiophile forums going, as there of course are none, and it disrespects other great components that are out there.. My apologies for being absurd! :)

General consensus of qualities of the MU1 vs Innuos Statement and Antipodes K50 I found to be:

• The MU1 is organic, natural, transparent, revealing, with class-leading spacial imaging, with great musical flow.
• Versus Innuos Statement which is also truly great but may be slightly less organic.
• And versus Antipodes K50 which is more organic and rich, vs the MU1 but less revealing. K50 also has excellent "musical flow". Detail is described as "dense".
• People talk about musical engagement most with both the MU1 and K50 it seems.
• I don' t quite know where Aurender fits into this mix.

Yes, each of our experiences may vary from the above depending on tastes, systems, and rooms, but these are common attributes described by a mix of pro reviewers AND individuals. I think this helps my understanding, knowing nothing beats my own ears.

I find discussions like this of value because it just such discussions that led me to audition the Gryphon Diablo 300 when I wasn’t finding any amps / preamps I liked in home demo comparisons. I ended up buying the Diablo a few years back and still absolutely love it and haven’t considered upgrading even once. I also find that how people generalize the qualities of the Diablo are 100% consistent with my assessments of it, and why I ended up choosing it when I couldn’t find anything else I could live with in that price range. I even agree with the one or two slightly negative comments on the Diablo 300 DAC module’s sound, but I still love it for it’s good qualities and have no desire to replace it. Hopefully I agree with the consensus on the MU1 when / if I get a chance to audition one, but could easily pivot if I find the consensus to be untrue for me.

There do not seem to be any "Reviewers" willing to do a proper

comparison between top streamers from various companies.

I have been asking myself why for 5 years now. Or did I miss the 

last word review someone wrote comparing Aurendar, Innuos, Grimm,

Taiko, Lampizator, LeJonklou etc.

I own the "One Box Solution" Innuos Zen Mk3 and love the thing. Streams, Rips

and Stores. Why all the other makers don't copy this format is beyond my

comprehension. 

I recently had the good fortune to attend a presentation of the latest

Linn Klimax Streamer. About $40k if memory serves.

I asked the company owner which enhancement of his new product bears the primary responsibility for its exceptional SQ?  Answer, The DAC of course! 

There must be someone in the audio world wise enough to do a thorough analysis 

of the top streaming gear, fairly compared, and give us some intelligent insights?

@jeffseight , you are right, that is why I've been "mining" user comments from forums.  Just a theory but I think when it comes to streamers many have an opportunity to demo a particular brand/model and they just move ahead.  While they all have sonic differences, my speculation is that streamers from reputable brands, unlike other HiFi components, all can all sound good to most people.  I highly doubt anyone with a great system could listen to an Innuos Statement, an Antipodes K50, or an MU1, in isolation from hearing other similar class products, and think "Nah, that's definitely not for me".  But I do think if given the chance to compare, one will be best.  Again, this doesn't work for other components - things that sound great to some can sound downright awful to others.

It does seem that quite a few folks who trial the MU1 versus Innuos, Aurender, and Antipodes find the MU1 to be "best" to their ears.  Simply from reports in other forums.  I have yet to see an account of someone trialing the MU1 against others (BEFORE purchasing) and going with one of the others. Let me know if anyone finds one.  @fuzztone this is what I was getting at with this thread with MU1 being potentially the "best" - not that expect that it could be or is.

@jeffseight , HiFi choice is definitely the best pro review site when it comes to streamers.  The reviewer doesn't talk like other pro reviewers and gets into actual differences.  That said I don't think he's done any Innuos reviews.

@jeffseight There must be someone in the audio world wise enough to do a thorough analysis

of the top streaming gear, fairly compared, and give us some intelligent insights?

I doubt that you’ll find anyone in a position to compare all of the “top tier “ regarded music servers. Probably the closest would be Christiaan Punter’s Hi-Fi Advice site (Netherlands). His reviews are lengthy but thorough.

He definitely does not shy away from doing direct comparisons to competing components. This is refreshing compared with many present day reviewers whom seek not to offend.

Jeff, keep in my even if one were to do this comprehensive comparative review you desire, it’s still only one individual’s opinion and impressions.

Charles

@shkong78 Yes, I prefer a one box solution if possible and the extra $$$ can be allocated elsewhere.

Both the N20 and N30 are massively influenced by power cables.

If you get a chance try an Audioquest Dragon PC on your N30, you will then be very close to "The Best".