Hello @walt8489 , you have gotten some good input here, partly due to your well phrased topic. @soix as usual is lending top advice.
I have extensive experience with the MM Tambaqui, with its internal Roon bridge, an Auralic Aries streamer, and finally a Grimm MU1 running Roon core and streaming to the Tambaqui. Each version was progressively better. The Aries breathed life and emotion into the excellent Tambaqui, but the MU1 is the perfect pairing with this world class DAC. One would be happy with this combo I think. The Grimm running Roon core and serving the DAC is elegant, avoiding a separate core completely. I now use the Grimm as Roon core for a MM Makua with onboard Tambaqui. Good power cables and AES cable are important. I do have a lifetime Roon subscription and am very used to it’s software.
My reference system uses this Roon core, with an Aries serving the amazing Master Fidelity Nadac C and D. I am still searching for the nirvana streamer to sit with the Nadacs.
I have also listened to the MU 2 and it is nice as well, but not as nice as the MU1 / Tambaqui combo. It is appealing though as another box and 2 cables go away with small sacrifices.
I do not think the Bricasti is on this level.
I am anxious to hear the new U2X streamer by Lumin, paired with the Nadacs.
I am a Roon fan, and love the software and metadata, playlists and ease of use. I avoid any of its DSP. I have had an Aurender N20 in my home, but it did not sound better, and a JCAT S1 streamer, which sounded great but did not have a Roon option
As for spinning any type of CD, I no longer am compelled.
please let us know where you go with this! Ken.
