Grimm MU1 Streamer - Really "The Best"?

“I now realize at the start of my journey my Innuos gear was not the weak point in my digital chain. It was my Diablo 300 DAC module, which won’t be a surprise to some.”
@nyev

Not surprising at all. Those who have been down this path already knew Gryphon DAC is your weakest link. And this not to say, the onboard DAC is bad or average. For most part it is good enough but you now know having done the comparison with two different outboard DAC’s, the limitations of an onboard DAC. Once you experience something better it’s hard to go back. For me, the Cost vs Performance debate doesn’t carry much weight, maybe it means more for price conscious minds. Once you’re on a pursuit of nirvana, C vs P argument takes a back seat. And it is strictly for the end users to decide/dissect the worthiness of performance upgrade. Heck, I went from $25K DAC to $45K, do I hear a jump in performance worth extra $20K…NO, but I fell in love with the nuances and subtleties brought to the presentation by my $45K DAC. To me, that was totally worth it and the end game upgrade. Now I am looking forward to streamer upgrade. That’s been my approach of building my system over the years by focusing on one component at a time.

You are on your way to building something very special that will give you years of joy and goose bumps. The cost of all that joy……priceless.

@lalitk , well stated.  All of those diminishing returns can add up to something special.

To be clear, I wouldn’t say the Merason DAC-1 performed better than the Diablo 300 DAC module.  It simply had a different, more neutral presentation that I preferred.  The Tambaqui actually did perform better than the other two DACs, but it should at twice the cost.  Between the DAC1 and the Tambaqui, which do I  like better?  It’s actually pretty close, even though they have totally different presentations.  The DAC1 is a no-fuss, inviting, engaging DAC that I think most would enjoy.  The Tambaqui adds detail and transparency though out the frequency band, but somehow is not bright or lean in my system and is musically engaging and maintains excellent coherence through complex musical passages.

My MU1 just got better. For the first time I tried removing the Innuos PhoenixNET from the chain and connecting the MU1 straight to my wall’s Ethernet outlet. Wow! Things got a bit cleaner, less restrained, a tad fuller and more immediate. And now it’s got a bit more of that presence I noted my Innuos gear does well.

The PhoenixNET really seems to help in some configurations (and when it does the effect is magical…). But maybe the MU1 is doing enough on the Ethernet input already? Anyone know what features the MU1 incorporates that may cause the PhoenixNET to be redundant?

Down two boxes now lol (no external reclocker and no Ethernet isolation/regeneration switch)!

In the manual Grimm says to please don’t use specialty “audio” Ethernet cables with “claimed benefits”. I know it’s typical for vendors to use generic power cords, but I thought this was interesting. I’m using an Audioquest Diamond Ethernet cable. At some point I’ll compare with a standard Ethernet cable.

@lalitk, "Now I am looking forward to streamer upgrade."

Why are you not satisfied with your current Merging player? By adding one of the Aurenders, you will double the player in your system.

Please let us know about your choice.

“My MU1 just got better.”
@nyev 

I did read somewhere that MU1 is immune to external switches and fancy Ethernet cables. Once you settle down with cables on the way, I would encourage you to try Network Acoustics Muon Pro Filter Kit. I think you will hear appreciable improvements with Muon Kit. 
https://www.networkacoustics.com/shop/muon-pro-streaming-system/