Grimm MU2 with or without a preamp

[Bolivarjoy]

I am running my MU2 directly to a D'Agostino Momentum amp. Nothing to complain about but I would love to hear from anyone else who run the MU2 with and without a preamp. What did you hear? Which did you prefer? Pros and cons?

Greg in MD

 

[Ronnie112]

I am running my MU2 directly to a D'Agostino Momentum amp. Nothing to complain about but I would love to hear from anyone else who run the MU2 with and without a preamp. What did you hear? Which did you prefer? Pros and cons?

Greg in MD

Hey Greg,

I run the MU2 direct into a (more modest) SPEC RSA-M99 amp. This amp can be switched from an integrated amplifier into a power amp, making comparisons easy. Found the direct connection more transparant and better sounding, providing more insight in the recordings. With the SPEC pre amp engaged things sounded more smooth and a bit warmer coloured, which was very musical but less truthfull I suppose. And I missed the ROON volume control dearly.

Sometimes direct to power amp connections can sound less engaging, missing some grunt (or gain). Not so with the MU2, in my situation at least. The pre in the MU2 is a very good implementation, not adding or distracting anything. Possibly a dedicated Momentum pre amp offers some synergy and mayhe more bloom, but will set you back 50k for just a different version of the truth.

 

[Bolivarjoy]

Ronnie112...you made me laugh....the idea of 50K for a different version of the truth. Well said.
I am about to get very serious about better placement of my speakers and subs and with the help of someone who has set up rooms at audio shows and knows far more about it. For now, I'm enjoying my setup. However, when I save up some pennies I will make the dive into a used tube preamp. I feel like I have to try it. Of course, part of the problem, is the associated costs of another pair of interconnects and another power cord. I am happy with the MU2 and don't regret the outlay at all. You feel the same way?

 

[Ronnie112]

Ronnie112...you made me laugh....the idea of 50K for a different version of the truth. Well said.
I am about to get very serious about better placement of my speakers and subs and with the help of someone who has set up rooms at audio shows and knows far more about it. For now, I'm enjoying my setup. However, when I save up some pennies I will make the dive into a used tube preamp. I feel like I have to try it. Of course, part of the problem, is the associated costs of another pair of interconnects and another power cord. I am happy with the MU2 and don't regret the outlay at all. You feel the same way?

There is very little to regret about a MU2 in a setup. It is a astonishing piece of engineering. Setting up your speakers and subs seem a good next step. Room and placement make (or break) the most part of your sound, so it is essential to get that right in the first place. After sorting that out my advise would be (while continuing to dream about glowing valves in a pre amp) invest you saved pennies in a good ethernet network and switch and clean power, as that will compliment the MU2 the most. Was just experimenting with a few switches and powercords and was just gobsmacked by the improvements.

 

[Bolivarjoy]

Ronnie112...I have an online friend who recently received the Network Acoustics Tempus switch along with the Muon Pro filter and cable...waiting to hear from his experience. Those are some "top shelf" pieces.

 

[Ronnie112]

Many Grimm MU1/MU2 users I know have a Network Acoustics Muon Pro. Almost seems like a standard necessity. I didn't go down that route and opted for a Synergistic Research UEF ethernet switch. It does all the things I hear from the Muon Pro users, and then some more. Esspcially with one of their better power cables options, it really brings the music alive in front of you. Quite bizar what that does to the experience. The MUx seems kind of immune for upgrades, but excels when you get your network- and power grid right (noise free that is).