Grimm MU1 Streamer - Really "The Best"?

@buickwilson I didn't mean to ignore your question. you didn't put @ in front of my name so I didn't get a notification.

So long term I've decided the grimm is indeed more to my liking than the Innuos  Since, I have replace my DAVE with a Lampizator Golden Gate 3 and the Grimm is a great match with the Lampizator.

Putting the Innuos back in service I don't find it inferior at all, just not as good.  

Additionally, the Grimm has the onboard upscaling and onbaord Roon core which is convenient.  one downside to the grimm is no remote.  You can log into the grimm using its IP address but not always convenient.  there are some functions, such as software update, that have to be done at the unit so if it is low in your rack you are on your knees.

Jerry

I have never agreed with those who felt innuos sense sounds better than roon.  I find no difference.  the streamer is doing the same thing, just a different human interface.  I hear no difference.

@antigrunge2 I suggest you look up the definition of tongue-in-cheek.  If that does't work for you, perhaps there are other words now in the dictionary that apply.  Would you prefer the wine review descriptions I read here..."subtle overtures of anis and a hint of manure..."   definitely some manure in some of the reviews I read here.  

I prefer the Grimm but don't want to bash the Innuos as it sounds great too.  Some reviewers can't pick one piece of gear without bashing the other and that is not my intention.

Jerry

@antigrunge2 sounds like we are both after the same minimalist system (when it comes to the signal path).  I agree Roon offers a bunch of DSP but I keep it turned off.  I have used volume control when testing a DAC w/o VC and it wasn't bad, but generally VC is even locked out.    with it all turned off, roon and innuos both pass a naked signal through the streamer to the DAC.  --Jerry

Just bought an MU-1.  I've only had it 36 hours so I'm going to refraim from drawing conclusions but initial impression is very, very positive.  

I spent most of the morning reading this thread quickly and there is so much information in it that I had to skip over some of the bunny trails it goes down and will probably go back through it a bit later.  But great info here.  I especially appreciated the discussions by @nyev and @ghasley .

My old streamer is an Innuos Zenith MkIII.  My DAC in a Chord DAVE and with the old streamer I use the Chord M-scaler so count me in the pro-upscaling camp.  I'm not going to sell this gear yet as initial impressions can fade.  I'll put it back in service in a week or so and that should confirm.  Of course with the MU-1 I don't use the Mscaler.  Interestingly I was able to remove the following equipment from my rack:  1.  Innuos streamer.  2  Chord Mscaler.  3  NUC with Roon core running on it.  4.  Farad LPS for M scaler.  5.  LPS for NUC.  

I don't have a good AES cable so I'm listening to a $50 amazon cable I could get overnight.  I decided last Sunday to look at the Grimm.  60 minutes later I decided to try one, and 2 hours later I had bought one used. It shipped Monday, arrived Wed, and I'm posting this on Fri.  I have a better cable from DH Labs coming tomorrow but will look at higher end cables.  But just the step up to DH Labs from amazon should be big.

I pulled the fuse and the Grimm has a 500mA input fuse which is very small (sizing of fuses by OEMs is more Kentucky windage than science).   It is my opinion that this one is sized very tight to the load (even though the load is very small).  That's the long way of saying that I recommend a fuse upgrade.  I upgraded the fuse this morning and the improved detail and dynamics was obvious. 

I'll post more after I've had more time to listen.  I updated my system in my profile this morning so you can see what other gear I'm running if you care.

Jerry