Grimm MU1 Streamer - Really "The Best"?

@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".

Direct fair comparisons of streamers is extremely difficult to undertake. What dac streamer is partnered with extremely critical as best port for rendering is unique to each streamer, same goes for dac. Optimal matching means best port on streamer to best port on dac. For instance, Antipodes claims AES/EBU is best port, is this best port on any particular dac it's partnered with? Other streamers claim USB, I2S, in that case usb or I2S should be optimal port on dac.

In regard to general reviews, streaming setups so variable, and likely unique, to point they may hold little value for you. Has network been optimized, what about ISP quality, music player software, optimization of OS, and I could go on.

I believe proper integration or matching  of streamer to dac is seriously undervalued at this point in time.  Quality of rendering is one of the most critical operations in streaming, matching optimal rendering ports on streamer and dac is absolutely necessary in order to hear full potential of any streaming setup. Far too many reviews don't evaluate streamers in their best light, leave out comparisons of different ports to optimal ports on dacs.

In evaluating streamers on their own, I pay very close attention to how rendering is implemented within streamer, dedicated power supply and clocking on dedicated board is optimal, ports coming directly off motherboard subject to higher noise and less than optimal clocking.

@sns

Wise counsel and perspective by you that is par for the course. I understand the wish for an ideal comparison that would unequivocally sort out all of the upper echelon servers. This just isn’t realistic precisely for the reasons you logically presented. Simply too many variables involved.

Charles