So I switched back over to Innuos (Zenith Mk3 + PhoenixUSB + PhoenixNET) from my MU1, yes three boxes instead of one, and have a few new insights after a day of listening, that maybe change some of my initial findings. Previously I had called the Innuos setup more open sounding, and I had said the MU1 has far more detail, among other findings as well.
These two particular findings remain valid, but I discovered the underlying reasons for them. With my Innuos setup there is a dip in the lower midrange frequencies that has now become obvious. This actually creates a sense of relaxed ease to the Innuos sound, and makes the sound seem to be more open as the upper mids and higher frequencies are more forward as a result. It also makes the lower frequencies seem to be fuller sounding as those frequencies also stand out more. While this effect creates a relaxed sound that is easy to listen to, because the lower mid frequencies are softer, these pleasing attributes come at the expense of softening the detail in this particular lower-mid frequency band. This is why I noted that electric (and other) guitars stand out more with the MU1.
The MU1 may be a hair more “precise” when it comes to eliminating any sort of bloom, and adding more texture, but my Innuos setup is surprisingly not that far off.
The biggest distinction other than the tonal balance difference I noted is just how driving and propulsive the MU1 is vs the Innuos setup which is gentle and laid back in comparison (but highly precise). I notice this effect most on how energetic the MU1 presents kick-drums and bass with a propulsive drive, vs the Innuos presentation where these elements are presented in a more gentle, relaxed manner while still being refined and precise.
Ultimately I’m still favouring the MU1, with its higher energy delivery with mostly equal performance or a hair better (with sonic presentation differences however) in a single box. Again this is prior to the fuse tweak for Innuos and prior to changing out my cables which I’m still waiting on!