Grimm MU1 Streamer - Really "The Best"?

I think my most recent thoughts on the N20 in my current system have pretty much stabilized for the near future, knowing that long term use can change things.  While I still think I hear a slight improvement with AES over USB, it’s so close that I wonder if I only hear it because I expect to.  I will get around to subjecting myself to a blind test, but I am expecting not to pass it.  I’ve also gone back and forth a few times with tiny speaker adjustments - my speakers with the N20 really want to be toed in a lot.  Tried backing off on that slightly for a few days, and just went back to the more toed in marker position.  Immediately it was like “ah, that’s a bit better.”
 

Either way, 

Purchased an MU1. Should have in a few weeks.

Next need to consider the DAC. Will try to line up some demos before buying anything, and at the very least see how the MU1 does with my Gryphon DAC just while it’s burning in. Which I’m very interested in, because in theory it will help me get an understanding of the weaknesses of my DAC, supposedly being neutral leaning and accurate. Want to see if I perceive any negatives that might be common to either of the other two servers, which might be attributable to my DAC. Will try to get demo DAC’s in once the MU1 is burned in.

Yes, I do anticipate a revelation when I try the demo DACs - far moreso than I expect with the MU1. But I wanted a really neutral baseline to test the DAC’s with..

So I know, I’m only partially following your wise advice!

I’m also buying a Jorma AES cable finally, now that I found someone who will sell me one. I’ll need to return my demo Audioquest Diamond AES cable this week unfortunately, so I won’t be able to do controlled A/B tests between AES and USB.

Will continue running the AES on my N20 for 4 more days.  Still hoping something changes there, but probably not at this point.  At some level I’m disappointed in that, as I’d hope that fancy clock in the N20 would do something.  Will be interesting to do the same comparison with a different DAC.  On that note, the dealer who lent me the Diamond cable are a Linn and Moon dealer.  They might have some of their lower end DACs on hand for me to try with the Diamond cable.  But they often can’t as they are a tiny outfit and only have two demo systems in their shop, and most of their gear is reserved for that.  I will ask though.

Good luck on this upgrade. Hope it is all you are looking for. 

Well, the MU1 may be all I’m looking for, but maybe not - I have zero expectations in terms of how I’ll enjoy it, and in what configuration. But between three server solutions and TBD DAC’s I’ll be trying eventually, I’m sure I’ll figure it out. I’m not banking on the MU1 being part of the final solution; could be the N20 for all I know at this point! I’m a bit down on Innuos currently - I’m sure just due to my system parameters - super impressed with its detail air and space but not with its lack of image stability and solidity in my current system. Not sure that’s the right way to describe it. Maybe a new DAC would sort that out. Will find out eventually!

@nyev 

Congratulations on your purchase of MU1. This would be another reference point for you on both techs, streaming and DAC. What are you thinking in terms of XLR Interconnects for connectivity between MU1 and Diablo. Looking forward to your feedback.