Roon Endpoint Streamers - Direct Comparisons between Current Offerings?

@fastfreight 

This is really only an issue if you have two systems, where one runs Core and the other needs to be endpoint only.

I am running three systems with my server/Roon core in my network room and a separate endpoint connected to my network for each of the three systems.  Based on my listening, the streamer/endpoint has more influence on SQ than the server to the point where it seems the server only needs to be competent and reliable.  The endpoint in my main system is a Signature Rendu SE optical that feeds a Singxer SU-6 DDC.  The SU-6 provides a variety of outputs that I have connected to two different DACs that I alternate in that system.  I have been interested to read the positive reviews of the Grimm MU1, but I don't really want to go back to another one-box solution (previously had Antipodes DX and Mojo DejaVu) so I have been looking at the different high'ish end steamer options for my main system.

You will continually hear that other software sounds better than Roon.  I believe this but love Roon, so I want to have both available. 

I went with the lifetime Roon option early on and I like the metadata too much to give it up, so I have been looking at streamers that work well with Roon.  I sort of keep coming back to the Innuos Pulsar and would also be interested to try their Sense app player, but only if I could easily/quickly switch between it and Roon.

I too will sing the praises of the Grimm MU1. It is a Roon core and a streamer and is superb as both.  It replaced my Roon Nucleus plus and was a tremendous upgrade.  

No USB output on the MU1, correct?  Just S/PDIF (via RCA) or AES/EBU?

Based on my listening, the streamer/endpoint has more influence on SQ than the server to the point where it seems the server only needs to be competent and reliable.  

This.  Bravo! 

Based on my research (I flirted with going with the Grimm MU1), the MU1 does have USB out, however, the real benefit of the MU1 is only seen with its S/PDIF and AES/EBU outputs. The synchronous outputs receive the benefits of the MU1’s clocking and upscaling. Using the USB output would be a waste of the MU1’s capabilities.

As far as the Innuos Pulsar, its only output is USB, albeit a seriously reclocked USB. Innuos is still in process of getting it Roon certified but it can be used as a generic Roon endpoint.

The Grimm and Pulsar were both on my radar, but ultimately I went with the Rose RS130 after a week long in home audition.