The best DAC I've ever heard...

Summary

In this video, the reviewer explores the Grim MU2 streaming DAC from the Netherlands, highlighting its impressive capabilities beyond just being a DAC. The reviewer compares it to the Mola Tambachi in a blind test, noting subtle differences in sound quality, with the MU2 offering a more defined soundstage and richer tonal colors. The MU2 also functions as a Rune streamer, server, and analog preamplifier, with a highly praised volume control wheel. Despite its high price, it offers exceptional performance, surpassing rivals in clarity and detail. The video also touches on the importance of room acoustics for optimal sound.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Grim MU2 is much more than just a streaming DAC, featuring advanced technology like an in-house digital filter and a customized FPGA DAC.
• 😀 Grim's MU2 employs the 'pure Nyquist filter' that oversamples signals 8 times, offering a focus on high-quality clocking.
• 😀 Unlike other DACs, the MU2 uses a custom FPGA DAC design, comparable to industry leaders like PS Audio's Ted Smith and Mola Mola's Bruno Putzeys.
• 😀 The MU2 has multiple input options (coax, Toslink, AES, EBU, Ethernet) but lacks Wi-Fi, and it streams exclusively from Rune.
• 😀 The MU2 offers both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR analog outputs, providing flexibility in system integration.
• 😀 Through side-by-side listening tests, the MU2 showed more detail and focus in soundstage than its rivals, though differences between high-end DACs are subtle.
• 😀 Although the MU2’s headphone output is impressive, the lack of a balanced headphone output is a drawback compared to the Mola Tambachi.
• 😀 The MU2 has an analog preamplifier built-in, which performs better than other budget preamps, eliminating the need for an external preamp.
• 😀 Grim MU2 also functions as a Rune server or Rune core, offering up to 8TB of SSD storage, though no audible difference is noticed when switching storage from the Nucleus 1.
• 😀 While the MU2 has advanced volume control, including a jog wheel for playback and settings, it lacks a full-featured on-screen display for song information.
• 😀 The MU2 excels as an all-in-one solution, blending DAC, streaming, and preamplification functions, though it comes with a hefty price tag of €18,000.

Q & A

What makes the Grim Audio MU2 more than just a streaming DAC?

The Grim Audio MU2 is not just a streaming DAC; it also serves as a Rune server, a Rune core, and an analog preamplifier. Its design features an in-house developed pure Nyquist filter and an FPGA-based DAC, making it a versatile and high-performance audio device.

How does the MU2's DAC differ from typical DACs in the market?

Unlike typical DACs that use off-the-shelf chips from manufacturers like ESS or AKM, the MU2 uses a custom-coded instruction set implemented in an FPGA, placing it alongside high-end DACs from brands like PS Audio and Cord Electronics.

What role does the MU2’s internal clocking play in its performance?

The MU2 places significant emphasis on the quality of its internal clocking, which is essential for handling the oversampled signal (eight times the base rate) and ensuring the highest possible sound quality in its DAC output.

What are the different input options available on the Grim MU2?

The MU2 offers various input options, including coaxial, Toslink, AES/EBU, and Ethernet. However, it does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, and it streams exclusively from Rune.

How did the Grim MU2 perform in the blind comparison with the Molamola Tambachi?

In the blind listening test, the Grim MU2 demonstrated a slightly clearer and more expressive top end than the Molamola Tambachi, with a bit more sub-bass dynamics and texture. The MU2 also exhibited a sharper focus in the midrange, especially for vocals.

Is the MU2’s price justified in comparison to the Molamola Tambachi?

While the MU2 is priced higher at €18,000 compared to the Tambachi’s €11,000, the differences in sound quality are subtle. The MU2’s additional features, such as its Rune server capabilities and superior preamplifier, justify its higher price for audiophiles who prioritize flexibility and sound quality.

How does the MU2 perform with headphones compared to the Molamola Tambachi?

The MU2 offers a more enjoyable headphone experience with its analog volume control, which provides a satisfying soundstage width and clarity. However, it lacks a balanced headphone output, which the Molamola Tambachi compensates for with extra power in its balanced output.

What are some of the standout features of the MU2’s control interface?

The MU2’s jog wheel is one of its standout features, providing an intuitive and satisfying way to control playback and navigate settings. Additionally, the web interface allows for more flexible playback control across various devices.

Does using the MU2 as a Rune core improve sound quality?

No, running the MU2 as a Rune core does not improve sound quality compared to using an external Rune server. However, the MU2 offers faster response times when accessing the Rune library, making it more responsive than the Nucleus 1 in practical use.

What is the significance of the MU2’s analog preamplifier?

The MU2’s analog preamplifier is not a passive one; it addresses phase modulation issues typically found in solid-state designs. This makes the MU2 more capable of driving a power amplifier without requiring an additional preamp, offering a more robust sound output, especially compared to lower-priced DACs like the Whim Ultra.