Grimm MU1 Streamer - Really "The Best"?

H @lalitk , “transformative” is a good word that I would apply to how I would describe the magnitude of difference that the Tambaqui brings. That said, I normally would use that word for when anyone, not just me, and not just audiophiles, would notice the magnitude of difference in quality. Upgrading my speakers did that in my house. As did my amp. But my family has not commented on the sound since adding the Mola Mola. That said, for me, I continue to be amazed. It’s got the quietness of a high end power conditioner, but none of the constraints on the sound that I found those products all are affected by. And it just gets closer to the sound of actual music vs a digital HIFi system. This morning I did a few back and forths with my Gryphon DAC, which lists for USD $6,000. My initial reaction to going back was “oh that is nice and smooth sounding”. But one moment later I was realizing that the smoothness was simply less musical information coming through, that the sound was less defined, that the bass was more big and round but far less resolute and driving, and that it was tougher to follow the music.

My objectives did evolve in this thread based on discussion, thanks to @ghasley’s suggestions. That said, I only expand the number of cables significantly if I stay with my Innuos server + reclocker solution. If the MU1 is better, it will replace both Innuos boxes and I will be at the same number of boxes as I was at when I started out. The balanced interconnect was an extra cable however.  There is still an off-chance that the MU1 will lift the Gryphon DAC to the extent the Tambaqui is not needed.  But I think the chances of that might be slim.

Currently, the Tambaqui is feeling really special; I like it as much as my Gryphon amp. I’ve not felt that way about any other components in my system, even though some do a really excellent job too (PhoenixNET, Torus, etc).

Back to the MU1, it will be interesting if it is an upgrade from my two Innuos boxes. Christiaan at HiFi Advice has said that subsequent revisions of hardware, software and Roon have changed the MU1 since his review. And one comment I saw was that Roon 2.0 did cause the MU1 to become more subdued which was less to his liking. He said he’s stopped using the MU1 as a lead reference because of how Roon updates can cause swings in sound quality. One disadvantage of the MU1 to be aware of I guess. At least, until Grimm provides alternative and more stable sounding player software support as an alternative to Roon.

I just looked up the Grimm MU1. Retail price $12,500 without any internal SSD included. Wow! Pricey. A couple of observations:

1) Processor: Intel i3 2-Core. Definitely sufficient for Roon with no DSP, and with not a huge Roon library. But certainly not very powerful for those who use DSP (not me) and with big libraries

2) Memory: 4MB RAM. Again, not impressive.

3) No USB audio (to DAC) output. Hmmmm…. 
4) I don’t see any proprietary streaming software/ music management program (like Innuos Sense). Roon OK, I get that, but then you are at the mercy of Roon for everything.

I am definitely curious about Grimm, given the reports & reviews, but these observations give me pause. A friend of mine ordered one a few days ago, so I should be able to learn more from “real life” experiences in a few weeks.

@thyname , yes the Grimm is known for doing more with less, and the price did just go up $2,500 right after I bought it. Being hostage to Roon updates with potential impacts to sound is somewhat mitigated by the fact that the MU1 takes control and Roon does less to the sound than in most cases. At least so I’ve read. But as I said above the MU1 apparently IS subject to SQ variances with Roon updates.

I would imagine Grimm is hard at work developing the support to use an alternate player, or even their own player. Maybe it will coincide with the launch of the MU2 player/DAC combo?

Of all its weaknesses you mentioned, this is the only one I really care about.  

@nyev : of course, we all make purchase decisions based on what matters to us. I fully understand that. I will be curious to learn about your experience once you get it, especially as it pertains to comparing with your Innuos ZENith MK3. I have to say though, you change & swap things around so often, in a very short period of time (by my standards). I would personally have a hard time fully grasping how something sounds for such a short period of time, especially when so many other components in the chain are also being swapped at the same time 🤷‍♂️

How do you plan to connect the Grimm MU1 to your Tambaqui?

@thyname

 

I just looked up the Grimm MU1. Retail price $12,500 without any internal SSD included. Wow! Pricey. A couple of observations:

1) Processor: Intel i3 2-Core. Definitely sufficient for Roon with no DSP, and with not a huge Roon library. But certainly not very powerful for those who use DSP (not me) and with big libraries

At a certain point if someone has a massive library they are probably better served (pun intended) with a powerful server, perhaps in another room. This applies to most one box server/streamers. Then the MU1 could be the endpoint which is where its strengths lie in clocking, 4fs and the optimized aes output.

2) Memory: 4MB RAM. Again, not impressive.

Its upgradeable if it isnt enough.

3) No USB audio (to DAC) output. Hmmmm….

Hmmmm, the Grimm uses the optimized aes and doesnt even attempt to address usb. When you hear the difference, you will understand why.

4) I don’t see any proprietary streaming software/ music management program (like Innuos Sense). Roon OK, I get that, but then you are at the mercy of Roon for everything.

It uses the best of Roon’s capabilities and dispenses with much of what Roon doesn’t do well like dsp, upsampling, etc. thats a noisy process the way Roon does it regardless of the server/streamer.

I am definitely curious about Grimm, given the reports & reviews, but these observations give me pause. A friend of mine ordered one a few days ago, so I should be able to learn more from “real life” experiences in a few weeks.

I set out to buy an Innuos Statement, the dealer I used sells both, and then a funny thing happened on the way to the Forum….(yep, pun intended). Peace all.