Grimm MU1 Streamer - Really "The Best"?

@jl1ny , +1 as well! My point lower in the thread is that many individual accounts seem to corroborate the admittedly goofy Huff. And other reviewers too. Christiaan at HiFi Advice is much better - he directly compared the general sonic qualities , all things being equal, between the Antipodes K50 and the MU1. Interestingly, he changed his tune slightly as both brands made hardware and/or software revisions over time. While he at first characterized the MU1 as being quite organic, it seems that with hardware updates he followed up and said the sound has become more neutral, and a bit more “propulsive”. He also said in a video comment that the MU1 has become more lean in comparison with the K50.  Two months ago he said this on a YT comment:

Hi Nick, The performance of both servers is codependent on Roon performance but the K50 also allows other server/player solutions which have different relative strengths. In general, though, under equal circumstances, the K50 sounds bigger, richer, fuller, lusher, and more relaxed. The Grimm on the other hand is more refined and precise and cleaner/leaner but arguably more transparent. Both have great focus. The measure of depth and 3D imaging greatly depends on the output format/interface. For the best depth and layering, use the K50’s AES/EBU outputs. Used in that manner, it sounds a little deeper and more enveloping than the Grimm. Tangibility is a little subjective and personal as it ties in with crispness and/or depth perception, depending on what matters most to the individual. Therefore, in terms of tangibility, overall, I would say it’s a tie between the two.

- Kudos to the previous poster for bringing up HiFi Advice. Christian does a great job comparing servers. He seems to specialize on digital.

- Another reviewer, Hans Beekhuyzen, who actually bought the MU1, is now using it as a streamer only because of its CPU limitations it was not able to manage his music library. He uses a NUC as core now.

- Also consider that if you like Roon, single box solutions are much more expensive than separating the streamer from the core. You can have a very good streamer/storage like the Melco N10, and do the processing in an i7 NUC running ROCK with a good power supply and isolated through fiber. This combo beat the 25K Oladra in several high end set-ups where it was being tested, and this is what I bought. By the way, if you read Christian’s review, read the user comments too. There are extra insights there.

- I heard the latest Antipodes Oladra and did not like it. Found it super detailed but too much analytical, while the Melco N10 was much more organic (sounded analog vs digital sounding). It is the best USB output I heard.  I am aware it could be a matter of personal preference. 

- I understand OP logic of a single box solution. I chose separate boxes for streaming because testing and future upgrading is easier, and is significantly cheaper than single box solutions too, while keeping an outstanding organic sound.

- I agree with most posters. First follow your ears and then consider architecture and cost.

Maybe consider latest iteration of Statement….

 @vgmbpty brings up one box vs multi box solution, whole other can of worms. This is where the rendering capability of streamers really comes into play , and I'd agree the one box solution becomes the more expensive proposition, especially if usb is preferred mode. Optimizing other ports may be less costly for streamer manufacturers, which may be reflected in streamer price.

Based on optimal usb rendering via one box solution, my choice in recent streamer purchase came down to Wadax, Taiko Extreme, both above my price level, Aurender W20SE, Innous Statement were others seriously considered, this new Statement looks very nice. All of these do usb rendering at highest level, may be others I'm unaware of. Antipodes K50 also seriously considered as it's very versatile unit. All these have first class power supplies as well. Grimm wasn't in my purview at the time.

Pricing of above units starts at something close to $20k, top flight usb rendering in one box solution costs big bucks in my view. May be reason to reconsider purchasing dac with usb as optimal port for some. Or one can go with two box solution at more reasonable price level.

At this point I'm finding streamers and dacs with optimized AES/EBU to be intriguing, not as difficult, read costly to implement as USB. The above mentioned review of Antipodes K50 compared to Grimm is enlightening. Also like the Antipodes other preferred path of two box solutions via their optimized network ports in K series.

@sns 

If you consider the K50, then maybe you should also consider the Antipodes Oladra, which is their new flagship.