Grimm MU1 Streamer - Really "The Best"?

@lalitk , well stated.  All of those diminishing returns can add up to something special.

To be clear, I wouldn’t say the Merason DAC-1 performed better than the Diablo 300 DAC module.  It simply had a different, more neutral presentation that I preferred.  The Tambaqui actually did perform better than the other two DACs, but it should at twice the cost.  Between the DAC1 and the Tambaqui, which do I  like better?  It’s actually pretty close, even though they have totally different presentations.  The DAC1 is a no-fuss, inviting, engaging DAC that I think most would enjoy.  The Tambaqui adds detail and transparency though out the frequency band, but somehow is not bright or lean in my system and is musically engaging and maintains excellent coherence through complex musical passages.

My MU1 just got better. For the first time I tried removing the Innuos PhoenixNET from the chain and connecting the MU1 straight to my wall’s Ethernet outlet. Wow! Things got a bit cleaner, less restrained, a tad fuller and more immediate. And now it’s got a bit more of that presence I noted my Innuos gear does well.

The PhoenixNET really seems to help in some configurations (and when it does the effect is magical…). But maybe the MU1 is doing enough on the Ethernet input already? Anyone know what features the MU1 incorporates that may cause the PhoenixNET to be redundant?

Down two boxes now lol (no external reclocker and no Ethernet isolation/regeneration switch)!

In the manual Grimm says to please don’t use specialty “audio” Ethernet cables with “claimed benefits”. I know it’s typical for vendors to use generic power cords, but I thought this was interesting. I’m using an Audioquest Diamond Ethernet cable. At some point I’ll compare with a standard Ethernet cable.

@lalitk, "Now I am looking forward to streamer upgrade."

Why are you not satisfied with your current Merging player? By adding one of the Aurenders, you will double the player in your system.

Please let us know about your choice.

“My MU1 just got better.”
@nyev 

I did read somewhere that MU1 is immune to external switches and fancy Ethernet cables. Once you settle down with cables on the way, I would encourage you to try Network Acoustics Muon Pro Filter Kit. I think you will hear appreciable improvements with Muon Kit. 
https://www.networkacoustics.com/shop/muon-pro-streaming-system/

@toviot 

The ROON player inside the Merging DAC is a fine performer. The reason for me to consider Aurender is two folds, the superb Conductor app and possibility of pushing streaming performance even further through a transport like N30SA or W20SE. There was no contest when I compared ROON player with Aurender N20 slaved to Merging +clock, this combination smoked the ROON player. Also, Aurender supports RAVENNA protocol, which means I don’t need to rely on finicky USB or outdated legacy protocols like AES/SPDIF. I can stream files upto DSD256 natively to my Merging DAC over Ethernet. 

Once you hear a digital system fed by external master clock, you won’t be able to go back to anything else. The sound you hear with a precise master clock like Merging +clock is crisp and clear, yet rich and expansive of the highest quality with such exquisite transience and depth. Bass notes go deeper, imaging is better defined and there is more detail to the music. IME, a precise digital master clock can make good digital equipment sound great and almost like analogue.