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Briacasti M1s2 vs Lumin X2 vs Grimm MU2 ?

 

Greetings! After almost a decade away from the hobby, I woke  to realize that the digital landscape had changed dramatically.   The Levinson 390S just wasn’t going to cut it anymore…
 
I picked up a Bricasti M1se2 DAC with the built in network streamer, and it’s been eye opening to say the least. I really was trying and wish to still avoid having more than one more box solution (not a separate server/renderer or having a roon separate box. I’d rather not Roon at all! Luddite perhaps.)
 
TO that end I have been able to use JPlay (which sees the Bric on my network) to feed Qobuz to the Bric - and the sound is amazing so far. sometimes the interface running JPlay on the ipad is janky, and like all of us, i wonder about upgrades....
 
Also relevant, I don’t have audio files to play, and probably would not start downloading actual music files, more into just streaming.

SO. I really like a single box solutions and am looking hard at the Lumin X2 and the Grimm Audio MU2. 

I understand both these units have the ability to act as a preamp, but I’d rather avoid that topic for now, instead focusing on Streamer-DAC performance. How they SOUND
 
I realize the Lumin has its own software and is pan-ready for all the usual services (Qobuz/Tidal connect, Roon, even Amazon Music now), and that the Grimm has an integrated Roon core inside, so would be super easy to run Roon but also offers UPnP. I’ve read (and perhaps it’s not valid) that Roon based experience is awfully intuitive but sacrifices some quality?..The Grimm can also come with various TB of storage too 
 
Those are nice important features, for sure, and the experience of playing music, the UI, would be better than my current arrangement, but they don’t say anything about the SOUND
 
Anyone listen to either/or? The Bricasti is pretty, pretty, pretty good, so I’m trying not to spend more for some sideways action.
 
THANKS!
artg
zlone
1,357 posts
 

I have a Bricasti M3 and have been considering an M1 as an upgrade. It is between that and a Meitner MA3i. Can you describe what it is about the M1 that makes you want to change to another DAC? What does it do, or not do, that has you seeking change?

artg OP
383 posts
 

Hi there, Zlone.  The M1Se2 is a killer DAC. Transparent and able to layer nuance with a nice texture and soundstage. Yet is plenty organic feeling without any digital hash. The M1 does what it does within the realm of musical believability, not showing off for the sake of audiophile parlor tricks

I am mostly looking at the Grimm as it can replace a preamp too. The X2 also. The Lumin also has that ability, and has nearly universal compatibility with the various streaming services. I recommend it highly! 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,984 posts
 

Bricasti preamp section is killer. If you haven’t tried it and that’s the reason why you’re looking to replace it, listen to it as a preamp. 

rsf507
2,577 posts
 

I am mostly looking at the Grimm as it can replace a preamp to

Try and get a listen to the Bricasti M12. Has a killer analog vol pot so you can use it as a preamp

 

artg OP
383 posts
 

The problem with the M1 as a preamp is the relatively low output RCA voltage (1.2V) going into my relatively lower gain, lower powered amps (First watt Sit-5 monos), probably not enough drive into my not super high efficiency speakers.

Bricasti 1.2v,  6 dbm

Lumin X2 - 3V

Grimm +12 dbm

I had the Bric running it max output a pretty high gain preamp (Cary SLp-05) and in that system it was loud enough, but it was close. 

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