Grimm Audio MU2 "Major Dac"

[PaulB]

Grimm audio posted a technical article of their new DAC design for the MU2 being shown at Munich. It appears to be a unique design that shares some of the advantages of single bit processing along with the advantages of PWM.

Grimm Audio MU2 Major DAC

***Dealer***

 

[DSkip]

Hey Paul! I know how much you enjoy the streamer. This is interesting news.

 

[PYP]

see 16:18

 

[rrohland]

Presentation of the MU2 in Munich:





Very natural sound. Spectacular room.

 

[PYP]

Presentation of the MU2 in Munich:

View attachment 110354

View attachment 110355

Very natural sound. Spectacular room.

The speakers seem like a passive version of their LS1 and SB1 subwoofer. I've read that the amps were their own design. Any information about either speakers or amps?

 

[nicoludio]

The speakers look to be (or a variant of) the Ensemble PA1, used with Grimm’s own subwoofers. In some show reports, the rear passive radiator will be visible, as is the silver mid/woofer https://www.stereophile.com/content/pawelensemble-pa-1-amp-reference-loudspeakers

 

[rrohland]

 

[Audire]

see 16:18

Great video on some of the attributes of the Grimm. if all goes as planned our dealer is bringing is bringing over a Grimm MU1 on Wednesday. We will see how it does against our Aurender N30SA.

 

[PYP]

Great video on some of the attributes of the Grimm. if all goes as planned our dealer is bringing is bringing over a Grimm MU1 on Wednesday. We will see how it does against our Aurender N30SA.

It takes at least one day of being on to warm up (best to keep it on during the entire demo period). Being a DDC as well as a streamer (Roon only until a software update in a month or so), it will be interesting how it plays with your superlative DAC. Looking forward to reading about your observations.

 

[matthias]

Very natural sound. Spectacular room.

Yes, I found in this room the best Grimm performance so far at any HE Munich, better than in the past with LS1

Matt

 

[Rumpole]

Hans Beekhuyzen posted a review of the MU2 - he likes it.

 

[matthias]

Grimm Audio have one standalone DAC the UC1.
Does someone know if they will offer the DAC in the MU2 also as standalone DAC, maybe as replacement for the UC1?
Thx

 

[Rumpole]

Another rave review from Alpha Audio, they are raising expectations very high.

 

[PYP]

They concur with Hans B. about the effortless engagement, surprising bass and facility with vocals. The Alpha Audio review also pointed out the ability to portray acoustic instruments naturally, comparing it their usual R2R DAC, as well as commenting on the transparency of the preamp (better than their Pass preamp). Makes me want to listen in my own system even though I'm completely happy with it as is.

 

[Rumpole]

Alpha Audio has posted their written review of the MU2.
It might be a bit over the top when they start with "How do you describe the love for your child?" But I'm definitely intrigued.

Grimm Audio MU2 - Een Major DAC herontwerp

Wat we van de Grimm MU2 vinden, hebt u inmiddels wel kunnen lezen: het is een steengoed apparaat. Het is niet alleen een streamer...

www.alpha-audio.net

 

[PYP]

Alpha Audio has posted their written review of the MU2.
It might be a bit over the top when they start with "How do you describe the love for your child?" But I'm definitely intrigued.

Grimm Audio MU2 - Een Major DAC herontwerp

Wat we van de Grimm MU2 vinden, hebt u inmiddels wel kunnen lezen: het is een steengoed apparaat. Het is niet alleen een streamer...

www.alpha-audio.net

Hyperbole used in a review of audio equipment? Outrageous! Just kidding. Agree that image is a bit over the top (hope his wife doesn't read the review )

It is interesting to me that the MU1 has a 4fs oversampling option (the limit that can be used with AES cable?) and the MU2 has a 8fs oversampling rate (if I have that correct). With my DAC, there was a very noticeable difference among the 0, 2, 4fs options. The music becomes more organic as one progresses up the options (again, with my DAC; other DACs seem to respond better to other options).

 

[nicoludio]

Yes, Eelco or someone from Grimm Audio did confirm that it’s 8fs internally. Probably to match the requirement of their Major Dac / 1.5 bit topology.

A big part of the subjective review is in the YT video.

 

[matthias]

Agree that image is a bit over the top (hope his wife doesn't read the review )

Yes, this passage of the review is vastly over the top. As much as I like the guys from AA they seem not to have much experience with really TOTL devices in this category. I am looking forward to the review of Christiaan Punter from HFA about MU2 which is in the works. He is listening also to some competitors like Antipodes Audio and Taiko.

 

[PYP]

Yes, this passage of the review is vastly over the top. As much as I like the guys from AA they seem not to have much experience with really TOTL devices in this category. I am looking forward to the review of Christiaan Punter from HFA about MU2 which is in the works. He is listening also to some competitors like Antipodes Audio and Taiko.

that will be interesting. Of course, the only way to understand it fully is to try it in my own setup.

 

[nicoludio]

Christiaan / HiFi-Advice review is out. A balanced and thorough review, imo, that explores the server, DAC and preamp aspects of the MU2.

Grimm MU2

Principally, the MU2 does not deviate all that much from the MU1, which is a good thing! But instead of relying on active digital speakers or an external DAC, the MU2 includes the company's proprietary 'Major' DAC and a relay-based analog preamp section.

www.hifi-advice.com