With my Innuos Zenith 3 I found the Muon Pro to have more positive sonic impact than the Phoenix which I returned. As I stated many pages ago, the Innuos Zenith benefits from the SR Purple in a very special way. Much more so than other pieces of equipment I have put these fuses in. The Zenith really responds. It is a must do to really evaluate the Zenith 3 as it performs on another level for $195. Not sure the SR Purple fuse will have this level of impact in the Grimm. I doubt it based on my experience.
I know SR has a new Master fuse now. It is said to be more resolving. I feel that much resolution could tip the Zenith into possible listening fatigue over time. The Purple is perfect 😊.
Give the fuse 48 hours of burn in before judging. After just 24 hours your tail with wag with joy! The Muon Pro also needs a week of run in. Network Acoustics says many customers prefer the pigtail end of the filter going to the switch. I preferred the pigtail on my Innuos as an FYI. Try both directions over time and decide for yourself.
Pigtail end on Innuos was more full bodied and meatier. Pigtail on switch was more resolving and lite up. It will come down to personal preferences and system synergy.
@nyev , I love how you are having fun with this hobby and passion. You are really going through the effort of trying pieces for yourself and determining what pieces engage you the most. Wonderful.
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@rshad0000 , thanks for sharing! Good luck with your decision. I know what you mean about the added texture. In my system at least, the MU1 has more impact and edge to the sound vs the N20, while at the same time being smooth. As an example this gives electric guitars some “sizzle” and makes them come alive more.
One thing I found going back to Roon was that the selection of music it plays after you play your specifically chosen music is fantastic. I find this is best when listening to music that is maybe a bit unusual for my tastes, in those cases Roon has introduced me to some great music I’ve never heard of before.
I’m happy with the Tambaqui but would love to hear the Dave. Maybe one day I’ll hear a Dave in my system and you will hear a Tambaqui.
One thing I’m planning on doing when the dust settles is removing the DAC module from my Diablo 300. I originally installed it myself with the blessing of my Gryphon dealer. Not sure if it will make a difference, it may not, but digital devices are known to be electrically noisy and it’s possible some of that noise is being fed back into the Diablo’s power supply. I figure why not try.
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Nyev,
The main differences I hear... The Aurender N20 is very transparent, dynamic and has quiet backgrounds. The Grimm is very smooth, yet still dynamic, and adds some really nice texture to the music. I have to say that I prefer the Aurender Conductor app more because its easier for my family to use when I am not around, but I'm still good with Roon. Overall, I've been really impressed with the Grimm. Crazy that the N20 is so large and heavy(power supply and battery) while the Grimm is a much smaller unit and a lot lighter.
I'm surprised I like the Grimm so much with the Chord Dave. I actually tried the Chord M-Scaler with the Dave at one point and I just did not prefer the sound for some reason and sold the M-Scaler. The upscaler on the Grimm, however, I do like. Great rythym and pace with the Dave and is very synergistic for lack of a better term.
I'm going to continue to listen and will probably make a decision by the end of this week on whether to keep the Grimm or not. The extra texture and smoothness the Grimm adds, at least in my system, is pretty addictive.
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@rshad0000 , great to hear you are testing the MU1 with the Dave and also testing the N20! Very interesting. Any insights yet on the differences you found between the MU1 and the N20?
While I’ve heard some say Dave can be a tad analytical with some material, I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s not at all the case with the MU1, or the N20 for that matter. My guess is Dave has a touch more detail than the Tambaqui.
As an aside I rearranged my shelf this evening and reorganized my cabling, this time with exceptional care. I really think my system sounds different now, in a good way. I think the mids got better.
I’m not a jazz guy but right now I’m listening to the epic London Brew, a loose modern interpretation of Miles Davis’ classic, and it’s fantastic….
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One note…
There is a lot of talk in this thread and others about the Grimm MU1 working well with the Tambaqui DAC, which I have no doubt that it does. I’ve been trying out an MU1 in my system, vs the Aurender N20, over the past week with a Chord DAVE. It meshes VERY well with the DAVE as well.
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@charles1dad
Thanks Charles. Every now and then you cross path with someone who is hell bent on proving their point that they miss the big picture 😊
The OP already stated that PhoenixNet is not a good match with MU1 hence my recommendation to try Muon Pro Kit which is universally praised for its simplistic design and positive attributes on lowering the noise floor.
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@lalitk
Your explanation/distinction and rationale is clear (At least to me).
Charles
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The Phoenix Net is in no small portion a reclocker. In my system I reclock the ethernet with both an Etherregen clocked by Antelope 10m preceded by a LHYaudio Ocxo switch. The effect of both is demonstrable and not achievable by Isolators or filters.
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“Reclocking and filtering are different things with different effects”
@antigrunge2
Indeed they are…I don’t expect you to read all 655 posts or even the last few so I am going to clarify the context of my last post to @nyev for you. It was in reference with two components in digital chain, MU1 (streamer) and Tambaqui (DAC) connected via AES cable. Since I am recommending Muon Pro Ethernet filter ahead of MU1, that pretty much negates the need for PhoenixUSB (reclocker) and PhoenixNet (filter) in the foreseeable future.
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@lalitk
Reclocking and filtering are different things with different effects. I‘d argue which works better is by definition highly dependent on circumstances and quality of equipment. Granted the effects of reclocking are much more insidious and depend on high resolution equioment
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@lalitk , very interesting suggestion; I will look for that album, thanks.
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@nyev
If you’re into classical music, give it a listen to one of my favorite album by Ralph Rousseau - 12 Fantasias for Viola da Gamba. The 12 solo fantasias Telemann is known to have published in 1735, but didn’t get re-discovered until 2015. It is available on Qobuz in high resolution.
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“Would actually like to keep both of the Phoenix devices in case I ever have a use for them”
@nyev
I very much doubt that you would feel the need to keep Phoenix pieces around once you hear Muon Pro Kit. I kinda miss the simplistic (passive) approach and the positive attributes of both Muon and ENO filters. In my case, Muon Pro arrived little too late on the scene otherwise I would have gone for Muon Pro Kit in a heartbeat. I am now deeply vested in another solution to look elsewhere :-)
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+1 on @lalitk ’s suggestion of passive filter. I have the ENO filter which is one step below the Muon and still very happy with the results. It helped remove any lingering digital artifacts in the chain.
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Hi all, my mu1 is settling in so sweetly with my Tambaqui. I also have the Muon Pro System from Network Acoustics. I have previously taken the Muon in and out of my system and always preferred it. As @lalitk says, the cables are nice. The ‘system’ includes their network cable before the filter; the cable exiting the filter has a fixed attachment. So I tried the mu1 Tambaqui combo with and without the Muon Pro. It is better with it. It is less noticeable than prior to the mu1, but still a noticeable improvement. And YES @nyev the fact that it is non powered (passive) is very appealing. And my addition of the mu1 eliminates my Nucleus + as the Grimm runs my Roon core. (And eliminates my HDPLEX LPS powering my Nucleus).
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Little late to the party but received a Grimm MU1 a couple days ago to demo. Quite honestly, I’m shocked by the transformation this unit makes to my system. System had NUC for Roon, then my Lumin T2 as my streamer into my Nagra tube dac. The Grimm eliminates the NUC and the Lumin and now I go straight into the Nagra with the Grimm. Using an AES connection.
Pro’s:
- much wider soundstage and more “musical”
- wow factor improvement on bass especially at lower volumes
- midrange and vocals much clearer
- Hard to turn off my system. Listened for about 6 hours yesterday
Con’s:
1. A little slower than NUC getting to songs
2. Will probably end up spending more $ on audio….again
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@thyname , no worries. Will continue sharing; in return I receive great advice or inspiration, as with the recent case of the Muon Pro kit. I will wait a few weeks to go down that road as I am still getting to know the MU1 with the Tambaqui. This setup takes a lot more work as I mentioned with speaker positioning. Just when I think I have it as dialed in as it can be, I mark the floor and make the smallest adjustment, and sometimes it gets worse but I’m still finding some adjustments are still improving things. Managed to improve the focus yet again just a few hours ago by toeing in even more and bringing the speaker’s forward a few millimetres. Can’t recommend Herbie’s Audio Spike Decoupling Sliders enough. They provide an unreasonable boost in scale and separation AND they make speaker adjustments a cinch if you have hard floors. And these adjustments are tiny…. But yeah I have enough to deal with currently but the Muon, and fuses will be the next step after cables.
Thankfully I’ve managed to add these pieces without too much expense - the MU1 just prior to the significant price increase, and the Tambaqui I was able to purchase used for what I think was quite a good price. And if it all works out (I think it will) I’ll get to eventually sell my three Innuos devices and a power cable and two USB cables. Would actually like to keep both of the Phoenix devices in case I ever have a use for them, but can’t justify that.
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@nyev : thanks for explaining. I am sorry I misunderstood you. I follow this thread with great interest. Thanks for sharing
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@thyname, I meant I’m looking forward to trying the Network Acoustics cable in place of my current Audioquest Diamond cable which I find to be vastly superior to generic network cables, except in the case of vocals where I find the generic cable wins. That’s why I am looking forward to trying something else other than my AQ cable :)
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vocals were clearer and better defined with the generic cable
This is getting very confusing 🤷♂️
The very reason Amir M and Cin Dyment win it every single time
So I’m looking forward to trying the Muon with a different cable.
What do you mean? Muon from Network Acoustics comes with the Network Acoustics own Ethernet cable
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Thanks @lalitk , will go with the Muon Pro kit including cable (will order in a few weeks). As I me mentioned while my AQ Diamond was clearly better overall than a generic cable, it was slightly troubling that there was no question that vocals were clearer and better defined with the generic cable. So I’m looking forward to trying the Muon with a different cable.
And regarding the PhoenixNET I agree it’s about system synergy for sure :)
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@nyev
I recommend buying Muon Pro Kit which comes with Muon captive and a Ethernet cable. The Ethernet cables from Network Acoustics are outstanding and they compliment the Muon passive filter handsomely. They offer 30 days money back guarantee so you have nothing to loose except maybe return shipping cost.
Personally, I wouldn’t consider buying PhoenixNet or PhoenixUSB if I am pairing it with a non-Innuos server/streamer. At the end of the day, it just comes down to synergy between components.
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@lalitk , yeah I wasn’t expecting to be able to go back to a generic Ethernet cable, rather, I was simply curious to put Grimm’s advice not to use an audio network cable with the MU1 to the test. It would be wonderful if manufacturer’s statements not to bother with such cables or power cords were true! It also makes me wonder how they can make such statements when the benefits and differences are so obvious.
A small correction on what you said about the PhoenixNET. Both Innuos and Statement owners say the PhoenixNET boosts the Statement despite the Statement including Ethernet filtering or reclocking (not sure which). It’s the PhoenixUSB reclocker that is redundant when using the Statement. Innuos always includes a PhoenixNET when demoing the Statement too (but with noPhoenixUSB). I also see in other forums many, many people using the PhoenixNET with non-Innuos gear and claiming positive results. I think it just has to be well matched from a sound character perspective (would work well I think in systems that could do with some smoothness and taming). Of course, with Innuos it’s going to fit like a glove, but I have my doubts that it is only good with Innuos.
I will definitely follow up on the Muon. Looked it up already. It makes me happy that no power cord is needed! I hate dealing with cords and stressing over crisscrossing them etc, and having to dust all around them! One question - I see it comes with an Ethernet cable. Do you recommend using the cable it comes with over and above other high end cables (like my Audioquest Diamond)?
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@nyev :
I would disagree with Grimm’s position that high end audio network cables shouldn’t be used.
They all say the same. Completely understandable. They are there to sell you their stuff. Not cables. Make it all one-stop solution, with no need to buy anything else. Solid marketing strategy.
As you eloquently put it by the following, which is spot on:
It’s funny how almost all HiFi gear companies say not to use fancy power cords
Also:
I would also disagree with the notion that the MU1 is “immune” to things like Ethernet switches.
Yup! Same thing. One-stop solution, no need to buy anything else other than $10K for Grimm you are about to shell out. Marketing department working “very hard”. 🤯🤦♂️
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@nyev
I agree with your assessment on PhoenixNet with MU1. I also believe that PhoenixNet is a purpose-built ethernet switch that is designed exclusively to enhance the performance of all Innuos players except their flagship, Statement.
You have a very good AQ ethernet cable on hand, don't think going back to a generic ethernet cable is an option anymore. Given your current system configuration, I highly recommend giving Muon Pro Kit a shot, it will be an icing on the cake :-)
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@lalitk thanks for the tip on the network filter. Doing some more testing, I would disagree with Grimm’s position that high end audio network cables shouldn’t be used. I would also disagree with the notion that the MU1 is “immune” to things like Ethernet switches.
I tried switching to an Amazon network cable. At first I thought it sounded better than my Audioquest Diamond Ethernet cable. Vocals were better formed and clearer. But very quickly I realized almost all instrumentation was reduced to being thin and 2 dimensional. Actually a big difference. It’s funny how almost all HiFi gear companies say not to use fancy power cords and in this case network cables.
With the PhoenixNET I tried going back to it a few times to further analyze the differences. I realized that the focus and control may be improved with it, however paired with the MU1 it adds a sense of controlled restraint to the sound, and vocals and mids become slightly recessed and the sense of scale is reduced. In short I think it’s not that the MU1 is “immune” but rather that the PhoenixNET is simply not a good pairing. I think the PhoenixNET would do wonders for anyone struggling with “hot” or harsh mid and upper frequencies in their system.
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@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.
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“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/
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@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.
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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.
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@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.
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“I now realize at the start of my journey my Innuos gear was not the weak point in my digital chain. It was my Diablo 300 DAC module, which won’t be a surprise to some.”
@nyev
Not surprising at all. Those who have been down this path already knew Gryphon DAC is your weakest link. And this not to say, the onboard DAC is bad or average. For most part it is good enough but you now know having done the comparison with two different outboard DAC’s, the limitations of an onboard DAC. Once you experience something better it’s hard to go back. For me, the Cost vs Performance debate doesn’t carry much weight, maybe it means more for price conscious minds. Once you’re on a pursuit of nirvana, C vs P argument takes a back seat. And it is strictly for the end users to decide/dissect the worthiness of performance upgrade. Heck, I went from $25K DAC to $45K, do I hear a jump in performance worth extra $20K…NO, but I fell in love with the nuances and subtleties brought to the presentation by my $45K DAC. To me, that was totally worth it and the end game upgrade. Now I am looking forward to streamer upgrade. That’s been my approach of building my system over the years by focusing on one component at a time.
You are on your way to building something very special that will give you years of joy and goose bumps. The cost of all that joy……priceless.
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Hello @calgarian5355 the Aries with the SJPS is very very good. The Grimm is even more detailed, but much more easy and relaxing. Not sure if it really is more detailed, but it is just so easy to listen to I hear more. People say more analogue; I do not have vinyl, but it is more relaxed and any harshness disappears.
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@fastfreight I see that you are selling (or have sold) your Aries G2.1/Sean Jacobs. I'm guessing you're impressed with your Grimm MU1....I was wondering if you can share how the sound improved from the Aries/SJ combo to the Grimm. Thank you in advance.
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Thanks @svenjosh. @fastfreight or anyone else - anyone tried replacing the MU1’s fuse?
It seemed I was liking the MU1 slightly less but then I tweaked my speaker positioning again, by the slightest bit, and the slightest soundstage issues were again corrected. For me when it clicks, it’s like the vocals just turn into an actual 3D person. I think that is one thing to know when adding this much detail to your system - your speaker placement just has to be that much more dialed in. At least that’s what I’ve found!
Went back to Innuos and it definitely sounds very nice! Big, expansive, scale, presence, dimension, but also less detail and far softer impact vs the MU1.
It’s interesting, I now realize at the start of my journey my Innuos gear was not the weak point in my digital chain. It was my Diablo 300 DAC module, which won’t be a surprise to some. The Tambaqui was the big step up, as you’d expect comparing the costs. The MU1 is a step up as well, but ultimately I can see some just “liking” the Innuos sound. I think it’s a matter of preference at this point. And my preference is the MU1 in my systems current state! It’s given life and energy to albums I was previously somewhat apathetic to, which is great.
Can’t wait to see how the fuse and cables change things.
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@nyev its nice that you are enjoying the system. It’s been great following your journey.
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@aewarren @nyev, I have the M1 magic in my Tambaqui and like it. I have not tried SR purple.
anyone compared?
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@nyev
Originally the Zenith used a slow blow, 2A, 250V, 5mm x 20mm fuse.
Innuos recommends that if audiophile fuses are used, they should be 3.15A.
So, as recommended here, you should get a Slow Blow SR Purple Fuse, 3.15A, 250V, 5mm x 20mm.
Here you can see more information about changing the fuses in the Innuos:
https://innuos.com/kb/replacing-the-fuse-on-innuos-products/
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@arafiq , I still have my Innuos gear and I’m not planning to part with it anytime soon. I’m still planning on trying the tweak with the SR fuse for sure!
With the MU1 (likely hobbled by interim very basic cables) I am missing some of the low end fullness and smoothness of the Innuos, and yes some depth too, but at the same time I can’t unhear the level of detail, tangibility, energy and drive the MU1 serves up! Based on my research I am pretty sure that my interconnects I have on order will add the overall tonal qualities of the Innuos that I like to the MU1, in addition to the smoothness and depth.
Maybe the SR fuse will add the detail, tangibility, solidity and energy I’m missing to my Innuos gear… With the cables and the fuse being massive variables, maybe this race isn’t decided quite yet!
@arafiq would you be able to remind me what SR fuse the Zenith Mk3 needs? I will order one.
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@nyev Congrats! Looks like you've finally found the sonic bliss you were looking for. I just wish you had tried the SR Purple fuse with the Innuos. When you mentioned, "stunning detail, tangibility, solidity, impact, and music that is totally alive and captivating with more athletic drive to it", this is what I experienced when I tried the fuse with the Zenith as well.
I'm glad you took the time to learn what you wanted. I hope the Grimm works out for you.
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@snopro just listened to those two Dan Patlansky songs (Hallelujah and Big Things Going Down). You are right, the texture and grit makes it sound so realistic. I’d say it sounds like the guitar is here in my listening room if it wasn’t for the reverb or ambience in the recording. Good chill music for late night.
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@snopro thanks for the tip I will check out those songs on that Dan Patlansky album. In general the texture and sizzle of electric guitars is more alive sounding than I’ve heard on a full system before.
@rockrider , yes this update is with my basic interim cables still. I’ve since moved my speakers slightly apart and the sound has become bigger in scale with even more depth and dimension. As good as it was before it’s sounding even better now.
I really respect Innuos a lot and don’t want to make it seem like Grimm is good and Innuos is not, because that’s not the case. The Innuos setup has a charm to it that the Grimm doesn’t have. With the Tambaqui, Innuos is very clean and smooth, but with a large-scale overall presentation, and again that forward presentation of the mid and upper ranges. Presence. Yes, that’s it! The Innuos setup does exceptionally well with presence, ambience, and scale.
But while the MU1 may not have these qualities quite to the same degree, it heads in a totally different direction - stunning detail, tangibility, solidity, impact, and music that is totally alive and captivating with more athletic drive to it. And I get more of a feeling of people playing music as opposed to listening to reproduced music.
A few posts ago I mentioned that eighties albums (like Bowie’s) that have a narrower presentation of vocals sounded even narrower with the Tambaqui. This was when driven by Innuos. With the MU1 and the Tambaqui, that problem is non-existent and Bowie sounds natural (or at least as natural as Bowie can sound…) One track that accentuates this is Bowie’s “Panic in Detroit”. Vocals sound free and not constrained to a narrow presentation, and wow the bite and snarl on the guitars are just incredible, especially with the dual distorted guitar tracks on the left and right through the outro.
I don’t think the Tambaqui and MU1 are going to be liked by everybody and it’s going to be system dependent. If the rest of my system was neutral, I possibly may have found the Tambaqui/MU1 too lean. But my Diablo 300 adds a richness without losing detail that is just right for me. There is a rawness that I just absolutely love, but some may prefer a smoother less textured presentation like what the Innuos does. Don’t get me wrong when I say raw I don’t mean harsh, not by a longsshot. I mean that the detail and texture is fully intact. But the presentation is so relaxed and unforced yet hard-hitting at the same time, and this makes it all so easy to listen to for hours on end. If you are a whisky drinker, it’s sort of like some who prefer Johnnie Walker Blue with some ice and love that it is “smooth”, vs others who prefer a well-aged single malt that is packed with character, unchill-filtered and bottled at cask strength, with no ice and just a few drops of room temperature water. If you are into whisky you know what I mean. Both styles are valid and cater to a different audience. Also to be clear I don’t mean to compare Innuos with Johnnie Walker Blue, that would be unfair to Innuos, lol…. Innuos has far more going on than that. But it’s a good example to explain the distinction.
At this point for me I don’t think there is any ambiguity as to my preference but I’ll give it a few weeks and go back to Innuos to be sure.
And to reiterate - all this is with my interim, lowest level basic AES cable and balanced interconnects. So things will likely shift dramatically again when that changes in a few weeks.
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Hi @nyev,
Thanks for the great update! Is this update still with your “basic old cheap” Cardas AES, and AQ Red River ICs?
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Glad you are enjoying your MU1 and Tambaqui combo. I have the same setup and love it. Give your MU1 and AES/EBU cable a couple hundred hours of break in. It will get fuller and better tonally without losing that openness and detail. The dynamics and bass detail is great! It really controls the bass wonderfully and vocals will come around with more hours on it.
On Qobuz check out Dan Patlansky: Wooden Thoughts Album, songs Big Things Going Down and Hallelujah. The guitar sounds so real with great dynamics, bite, and feel. It sounds awesome! Streaming sounds really good, if the recording are well made!
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Updates! First, I fixed my MU1’s hard disk myself. After Eelco mentioned in his note that the issue may be related to the hard disk’s USB connection not being connected, I thought that would be the simplest thing to fix. So tonight (while watching M3gan with my daughter, so I desperately needed something to do while enduring that pain…) I opened the chassis, and sure enough, the USB connector wasn’t inserted in the PCB’s port. Plugged it in and problem solved. And I got to check out the inside of the MU1 and snapped some pics of the PCB’s and cabling.
Second, I disabled the MU1’s volume control. I don’t know if this has a positive impact on sound quality, as it apparently does with some DACs.
Third, I toed in my speakers quite a bit more.
The results are breathtaking. Everything on the MU1 sounds absolutely perfect now. Soundstage depth is full, even and natural now. And vocals are spectacular and intimate. Like a “window into the recording studio” as some have said. The level of of precision is stunning. I think Innuos still has a more full body but this is bloom which is not as realistic. The 4X OS is more noticeable over NOS now - but still more subtle than I expected. It’s as if some barriers are removed and everything becomes ever so slightly more free and extended. I hear it in the upper mids and treble the most - becomes sweeter and more free sounding. Punk and grunge music with blaring guitars sound absolutely vicious in such a good way. All this detail and it’s really the opposite of fatiguing.
Tonal balance on my overall system sounds great - overall full balance with lots of bass that is so, so well defined and controlled, and as I mentioned before the impact and slam is just way more solid than my Innuos setup at all frequencies. Price point wise, not factoring the added cables, the Zenith Mk3 and PhoenixUSB cost a bit less than the MU1. But the MU1 still costs less than an Innuos Statement (non Next-Gen).
Another thing. As I mentioned I’ve been having issues with poor quality power lately. Yesterday around dinner time was the absolute worst I’ve ever heard - everything became a soft spongy mess while I had my Innuos gear running. Not enjoyable to listen to. Switched it over the MU1, and it sounded like music again. There was enough separation and impact that the MU1 was able to cobble together a coherent musical presentation with a worst case poor quality power scenario.
I think the speaker placement adjustment made a huge difference. Was needed to deal with all the extra detail that is coming through now.
Pretty happy with the MU1 at this point! The detail and impulse control reminds me of what is more easily achieved with an excellent headphone setup. Which is not easy for a full system to be able to do. And most importantly it’s very, very musical - however you want to define that. For me it means it sounds like people making music that conveys emotion and a feeling, as opposed to a HiFi system. Not dry/cold/analytical/lean at all!
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Oh one other thing, I see Mola Mola advertises that the Tambaqui has specific filters for each input - USB, AES, etc. So these differences presumably have an impact.
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@thyname , I didn’t mean to imply the Innuos sounds fuller in tone or body; I meant a fuller soundstage depth. But now that I think about it, the Innuos is slightly fuller in body. The MU1 is by no means lean in tone however. It’s got a very even balance to my ears and things definitely don’t sound leaner or brighter with the MU1.
important to re-emphasize just how basic my cabling is right now - I have the cheapest possible AES cable (with the MU1) and balanced interconnects in my system currently, and will be about to go to the other end of the spectrum in a few weeks. With my Innuos gear I have my Audioquest Diamond USB cables which I’ve found to be fantastically transparent with great depth and I found to be great value compared with far more expensive cables (Nordost Valhalla 2 for example). So, currently my Innuos gear has an advantage over my MU1 in my system I think. The new interconnects will add depth and separation too so I think things will change dramatically for both Innuos and the MU1 when these cables arrive.
The ONLY thing that bugs me slightly about the MU1’s sound - and I really think I should probably be saying what bugs me about my really old basic Cardas AES cable’s sound - is that the soundstage depth doesn’t totally sound consistent / even / linear compared with Innuos / Audioquest Diamond. I notice this the most with vocals. Could be that my speakers need some placement/toe-in adjustment as well.
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Unexpectedly, the Innuos gear has a fuller and more natural depth presentation
Right there….
I would personally NOT want to replace a piece of gear with those two attributes with an alternative that yields a lesser result. Less full, and less natural depth.
But that’s just me.
On another note, my friend who was getting the Grimm MU1 is going silent. I don’t want to bother him with questions. Give him the proper time to evaluate
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