Grimm MU1 Streamer - Really "The Best"?

“To me it just doesn’t make sense to put a $10K streamer in front of a $4,500 DAC”

@davespencer , I do get how rationally this may seem unbalanced, pairing a DAC module in an amp to a far more expensive streamer. But in practice I can totally see how this could make sense. The Gryphon Diablo 300 DAC module is absolutely up there with the Tambaqui performance wise, it’s really the nuances in transparency and tone that I’m picking up with the Tambaqui that makes all the difference. I do think it is likely the MU1 will lift my Diablo DAC module and I’m looking forward to testing that configuration despite the fact that I’m really enjoying the Tambaqui.

I agree with you on the multi-box thing. I’m sure that approach yields amazing benefits but thinking about all those cables you were listing, that is not a small cost. If you are at the point where you are out to buy the endgame level of every component and have the funds for the cabling, I can see that making sense. But if not, going for top-tier but fewer boxes makes sense I think.  IF the MU1 and my Diablo DAC module are enough for me, an AQ Dragon cord would be an elegant addition to a minimalist system approach. Certainly couldn’t afford Dragons for an endless number of boxes.  And I really find going up the power cord chain on digital equipment makes a really big difference.

I still have not ruled out the possibility that the MU1 could lift my Diablo DAC module and that I may end up selling the Tambaqui, although I think the chances are small. The Diablo DAC module has a charm with its bolder, “front row” presentation, but not one I’d pick over the Tambaqui. But just maybe, when combined with the MU1 some of the DAC module’s weaknesses will be mitigated. Looking forward to finding out.

Also I should re-emphasize how much I enjoyed the Merason DAC1. Which today I’ve sold for about what I paid for it. That DAC is one that I could get sentimentally attached to, for both the sound and the way it looks. Really is a special product. Listened to it a final time last night and while it doesn’t resolve as much as the Tambaqui, it’s sound is really pleasing to listen to. Quiet, clean, smooth, rhythmic with an inviting sound. I can imagine people describing it’s sound as “analog”, unlike the Tambaqui which I would say is digital without the associated flaws. Another case where a far more expensive streamer could elevate it.

@nyev, sorry I just saw your question. There is no generic cable that came with my Grimm mu1. I am using a borrowed (from friend) Shunyata Omega AES cable.I am also going to try then Sablon and Nordost.

Hello all, My Grimm MU1 arrives tomorrow and will run my roon core and stream directly over AES to my Tambaqui.  Since I have another nice system on my network, a MM Makua with onboard Tambaqui, this system will  receiving streaming over LAN connection.  I am sure from what I have heard the main AES connection to my Tambaqui will be awesome.   I can't wait to try it!  but will the Grimm improve my second (LAN connected) system?  It has been mentioned that the Grimm has less processing power to run Core than my Nucleus+.

So I can move my hot rodded Aries G2.1 to my second system...

I reached out to Grimm:

Dear Ken,

Thank you for checking out the MU1!

To answer most of your questions: yes, the MU1 will replace the Nucleus, no problem. It has similar functionality. Important is to use it for your main system via its AES outputs, but I read you already knew that.

There will be very little to no advantage of the MU1 over the Nucleus for your Zone 2 system since it is just a Roon core with a nice power supply for that.

The Certified Roon End Point function of the next software update (due in quite a few months...) will add little functionality. Only customers with huge databases (> 30000 albums or so) will need a more powerful computer for the Roon Core and they will benefit. If you like to use a second MU1 in your system, you can stream to it without problems. For the track information to become visible however you need to wait until the MU1 has become a Certified Roon End Point.

Please enjoy the MU1!

Kind regards,

Eelco Grimm

So the option of a MU1 as streamer only will come with a software update!

@svenjosh , can’t wait to hear of your testing of the Sablon and Nordost AES cables vs the Shunyata AES!  I ended up buying the Shunyata Omega AES (hasn’t arrived yet), after first trying to find a Jorma cable.  If there is any way for you to try a Jorma I suggest  adding it to try alongside the Sablon and Nordost.  Like the Omega and Sablon, the Jorma seems to be mentioned a lot in pro reviews and in forums and is apparently good with the MU1 and K50.  But I just couldn’t find one!  Very interested in Sablon and Nordost though!

@fastfreight we receive our MU1’s on the same day…. What AES cable are you using?

Hard to find for unfortunate reasons, but the black cat tron AES is very much worth trying, if you can find one.