I’m curious if any Antipodes Audio owners either have or are familiar with Grimm Audio MU2 ?
Just interested to see if the MU2 , with say a K22/K41 combo, and used just as a DAC/preamp would go ?
I’m keen to demo the MU2, however not having a USB input is putting me off a bit.
Moved from DX gen3 Oladra - S20 - PS Audio Directstream to Grimm MU2 and I am very happy. From sound quality to Roon performance everything is just better. I was looking for all in one streaming + pre solution and this is exactly what I was dreaming of.
A major concern for me is the Roon only route with the Grimm MU1 and MU2 bearing in mind the proven compromises in sound quality with Roon. I had an MU1 in my system for several weeks and sent it back to the dealer because I felt that Roon was disadvantaging the sound quality to an unacceptable level.
Indeed Nick, I’m of the same opinion, ROON only is simply too compromised sound quality wise.
So I’d be using the MU2 as a DAC/Pre. only and that then it becomes a very expensive DAC with a volume control.
There’s plenty of competition in that price point, LINN Selekt HUB Edition with dual organik DAC, dCS Bartók Apex, Meitner MA3i, CHORD DAVE/mSCALER, WEISS 502 etc, etc,
Peter, I agree there is plenty of DAC choice. I have not heard the dCS Bartok Apex but I have heard the very fine Rossini Apex and I concluded that was about the same standard as Dave + Mscaler although I could have happily lived with the Rossini Apex I personally preferred the Dave/Mscaler combination (of course with my own WAVE Storm dual bnc cables because they do make a difference).
Hi Nick. I also currently use a Chord Dave/M Scaler combo with your dual BNC cables, with a single cable from my K50 to the M scaler. But I’m also considering the Grimm Mu2 as an option to reduce the number of boxes and cables in my system.
I’ve read that you also use ATC powered speakers, so that is another option to reduce the cable connections by getting rid of my Pas Labs XA 25 amp. I’m looking at the ATC SMC ASL50 for my room size. But it’s a big change from my Harbeth HL5 Super XLD /Pass labs combo at present.
Hi Alex, My system used to have Pass Labs XA30.8 to Spendor S200 speakers and then I changed to Pass Labs XA60.8 amps with the Spendors. All the time the Pass Labs were connected direct to my Dave/Mscaler but then I got the chance to buy the ATC 150 actives at a very special price. In some respects they are not as good as the Pass Labs plus Spendors but overall they are very musical and I love them but that is taking nothing away from the Pass Labs option (which I still have waiting to go into an office system.
I have not heard the MU2 but for me when I tried the MU1 I felt that Roon was severely holding it back and I much preferred the K50 or indeed Oladra with Squeeze + Squeeze.
As an aside you might have read that I have had a dCS Rossini Apex in my system on trial but I preferred the Dave + Mscaler (albeit with my Wave Storm dual BNC cables).
I can only say beware chasing the box reduction route without a home trial because you will be stuck with the Roon sound and I was not happy with that option.
I’m sure that you can use the MU2 only as a DAC / Pre.
But then it’s a very expensive DAC/Pre. and as I said, there is a lot of choices at that price point.
Thanks Nick that’s very helpfull.