Grimm MU1/Mola Mola Tambaqui combo vs. Grimm MU2

A couple of points here.  I know Bill and he is usually spot on with respect to how things sound.  He states the MU2 is excellent.  His point about the MU1 and separate Tambaqui is that if you use excellent power cables and interconnects, the separates are better.  True, the MU2 also has volume control, but in his world, he is using an amazing preamp which is better again.  So for price and one box convenience, go with the MU2.  For absolute best sound, go with the separates and use good cables.  BTW @jjgasp, both the MU1 and the MU2 serve as Roon core and Roon endpoint.

I also know Bill, and let me assure anyone who was left wondering by a prior posting that Bill Parish is a man of unquestionable integrity. I had the opportunity to A/B compare (streaming the exact same tracks) the Grimm MU1/Tambaqui vs. the Grimm MU1/Grimm MU2 (albeit, unfortunately, with different — but very good in each instance — amplifiers and speakers) within a couple of hours. To my ears, the Grimms together provided a more convincing performance. The other was great, but MU1/MU2 seemed even greater.

@jmeyers why MU1 & MU2 (30k) together?... People are wondering about MMT/MU1 (24k) vs MU2 (18k), and the MU2 's standalone performance and value.

I understand it's kinda the same thing, but why not just A/B the MU2 by itself against the MU1+ MMT combo?

Because the MU1 is a streamer and the MU2 is a DAC. 

The MU2 is a streamer DAC combo.  It also has built in Roon Core and upscaling.

MU1 is streamer only.  It has the Roon core and upscaling, but no DAC.

Both have optional onboard storage for your library.

I use the MU1 and an external DAC.  I do prefer seperates.  I don't want my DAC attached to my streamer in case I want to change one or the other.  that said, there can be some advantages to designing the DAC/Streamer to maximize snyergy, avoid the need for a second set of support equipment (poer supplies, cables, etc).

I've heard nothing but good about the MU2.  In fact I bought my MU1 from a guy who was one of the first buyers of the MU2 over a year ago.

Jerry