Why I am selling my Grimm Audio MU1

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  • Опубліковано 8 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 97

  • @MOWFWDU
    @MOWFWDU Рік тому +2

    Happy. Holidays Hans, Thanks for a year of great reviews!

  • @mrrross
    @mrrross Рік тому +4

    Hi Hans, have been watching your videos for years and wanted to note your engineering approach is superb. I thoroughly enjoy your content and have learned much from you. Take care & happy holidays.

  • @noturnleftunstoned72
    @noturnleftunstoned72 Рік тому +5

    We all swing and sway to another piece of equipment worth a small fortune whenever our ego's are nicely stroked and are convinced the equipment will absolutely give me what I want, at all time and in the way I prefer.
    I had the Aurender N20 and was on cloud 9 with the audiophile bingo card completely stamped. It was to lie by my side as I expire, years from now, clutching my 2014 Mercury Records- Blu Ray - 5.1 Mix of the Allman Brothers' - 1971 Fillmore East Recordings.
    Well, I sold it and now have the N30.
    It's a disease.
    PHENOMENAL channel!

  • @andymill8552
    @andymill8552 Рік тому +11

    The strength of being dependent on Roon can also be a weakness. Roon is sold to Harman. The future of Roon might change. On the Roon forum lots of people are worried about Roon's future. I hope Grimm is aware of that and it would be smart if Grimm developed alternative ways in its software to stay future proof and be not dependent on Roon.

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому +4

      From someone in the industry, close to Harman, I know that they intend to keep Roonlabs unchanged but might have them assist with other projects inside Harman. BTW Grimm is already developing an alternative next to Roon. I think that they will speed that up in the unlikely event that Roon gets in trouble.

    • @alphaniner3770
      @alphaniner3770 Рік тому +1

      being dependent on any subscription based (streaming) service is always a risk - inevitably better or cheaper services will pop up that will cause existing ones to perish. Lifetime subscriptions, if sustained too long after startup, are from a marketing perspective a guarantee that a service will not last indefinitely.

    • @jeremydavies4620
      @jeremydavies4620 Рік тому +1

      Roon is not a streaming service.

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому +2

      👍🏼

  • @grommie
    @grommie Рік тому +5

    Your video makes me happy, because i might be able to offort a secondhand MU1...
    Fijne feestdagen😊

  • @mediascapes2011
    @mediascapes2011 Рік тому +1

    You are one of the few none-salesman or none-bought HIFI reviewers. Your work is much appreciated! BTW: Merason got a new DAC out, the Reuss, if you have a chance to get your hand on one.

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому

      They know I want to review it. So I'm waiting for a review sample loan.

    • @mediascapes2011
      @mediascapes2011 Рік тому

      great, I read the Reuss (a near empty box) is positioned near the DAC1 mkI, and should be measured against the DAC1 mkII. @@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

  • @BruceCrosley
    @BruceCrosley Рік тому

    Hans, as always very informative videos. I also am thinking of upgrading my MU1/MSB Discreet DAC to a MU2 only streamer-DAC. Along with the proposed change I have already installed a Shunyata Altaira grounding system. This grounding system increases the detail of the audio while reducing the musicality. The net effect is an increase in detail at the risk of hearing fatigue (too clinical). I am hoping the MU2's DAC will balance this. I am suggesting that you might want to try the Shunyata Grounding system (many back guarantee).

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому +1

      The grid appears to differ worldwide. so I stay away from reviewing equipment like this.

    • @BruceCrosley
      @BruceCrosley Рік тому

      The Altaira Grounding system is not affected by the grid, it is a component to component grounding system, you would be amazed at the increase in detail that can be achieved. System: VAC Master Pre-Amp, Boulder 1160 Power Amp, Sonus Faber Amati G5 Speakers, MU1 tried, MU2 Upgrade to be tried.
      @@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

  • @Martijn1234
    @Martijn1234 Рік тому

    I have the MU1.
    Its very funny Hans as I thought the same when I heard it with the Dave and now at home with my Bartók..."everything sounds beautiful".
    I wondered exactly the same thing. For a reviewer, how on earth can you test any connected DAC correctly when the MU1 makes it sound better than it normally does.
    You made the sensible choice sir! Not only this, but you still have the option to enjoy those sleepless nights with your MU2.

  • @dean5346
    @dean5346 8 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for the review. I’m now going to sell most of my audio system to purchase the mu2. I have spend some years building a system and now most of it will be traded in and money to get this device. Trading in Dave, m scaler, naim 282. Innuos mk3 4TB. + all the expensive bnc wave storm and all cables to give it the best performance I could afford. I have been using Innuos streamer for many years. Roon I’m not sure about. But have no choice then to jump into it if I buy this mu2. It will be running with a naim 250 power amp. I have a hydra delta power supply. And a Vertere dynamic groove turntable, speakers audio vectors s3. The only thing is not sure if the headphone amp on the mu2 will be as good as the Dave? But maybe get a tube amp for the headphones listening to plug in. I did not want to get rid of the Dave. But no choice really.

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  8 місяців тому +1

      That is called progression 🥴

    • @kirk902
      @kirk902 8 місяців тому +3

      I had almost the identical system components as you did and now love the MU2. I sold the Dave/ DC4 ARC6, Mscaler/Ferrum Hypsos, Innuos Zenith Mk3 and Phoenix USB, Wave cables, etc.

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  8 місяців тому

      👍🏼

    • @dean5346
      @dean5346 8 місяців тому +1

      Hi yes I have the Mu2 at home on Demo for that past 4 days. Anyway I have placed an order for the Mu2 8TB version. Runing with a naim 250 power amp. And my vector turntable. Have ordered a decent cable that will work with the mu2 and the naim 250. Chord top of the line cable. That’s all plugged into my hydra power supply. Anyway about 4 weeks to get mine. They are selling like hot cakes. My dealer had sold 4 already👍. .

    • @N02tradamus
      @N02tradamus Місяць тому

      @@kirk902 you like the mu2 than your old stack?

  • @sjschaff
    @sjschaff Рік тому +3

    From what I gather, the MU2’s DAC is a rather unique design. And one that, in conjunction with the firmware and FPGA, results in a very fine solution. It would be nice to hear more about the preamp, comparatively speaking, as direct-to-amp versus feeding a preamp.
    Personally, I've found the MU1 wired AES to my dCS Upsampler with associated DAC and master clock superb. However, the dCS stack is sonically preferable to the MU1's various upsampling options, feeding a Spectral preamp. Yet it would be interesting to swap in an MU2 and wire it right into the preamp for comparison. Might give me pause...like using some of the newly designed Class D amps, in lieu of the traditional Class A or A/B designs.

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому

      The pre-amp is also in use when playing through the DAC. It is great and makes an external pre-amp superfluous.

    • @sjschaff
      @sjschaff Рік тому

      Interesting. So you really cannot bypass the preamp, if the one you have is part of an integrated amp? Or if the preamp you use is top-notch?@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому

      There “is no separate pre-amp”. The output stage any DAC has can also be used as pre-amp. In this case that output stage happens to be very good.

    • @sjschaff
      @sjschaff Рік тому

      Got it. So, as with my dCS DAC which offers multiple line output levels from.2V up to 6V the MU2 performs the same function albeit via its preamplification function, though it is continuously variable. @@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel

    • @sjschaff
      @sjschaff Рік тому

      Since you’re already an MU1 owner, it might be best to email support with a detailed question or two. John-Paul, here in the U.S. has been quite responsive at addressing mine, including getting quite “deep” ones answered by the team over in the Netherlands, at least until they touch on any intellectual property 😉@Dan-ml1nv

  • @TipoF129B
    @TipoF129B Рік тому +1

    If the mu2 had digital out that would have been a killer piece of kit. Hans I saw this move coming! I want the mu2 but will try the denafrips terminator fed by arces streamer with clock linked. That’s $5,600 usd but something tells me it will be killer. I’ve been fighting jitter for 25 yrs…still have my old audio alchemy equipment with I2S!

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому

      Why would you want a digital out on a device with such a great DAC. I have reviewed both the terminator and arce and they’re great but no comparison to the mu2.

    • @TipoF129B
      @TipoF129B Рік тому

      Hans yes you did review the terminator and arce but not as a combination. I think the arce hardwired to network, then feeding I2S to terminator AND with clocks synchronized will a very synergistic combination. In past I believe you reviewed the terminator with clock synced to Gaia and you felt it was a great combination. I think embedding the streamer into the DDC as done with the Arce was a great move by denafrips and I expect it the be better than the Terminator/ Gaia/ external streamer combination. And yes I expect the MU2 will be better but don’t forget the price difference- term plus arce and decent cables probably $6k us$, the mu2 is 3x more. In a similar approach - would like to see you review the DCS Lina dac, with and without the Lina clock.

  • @ralphbeckers
    @ralphbeckers Рік тому +1

    Dear Hans, first of all, thank you for your excellent reviews on the Grimm audio material. This is extremely insightful, yet a bit frustrating too. A couple of months ago I bought the MU1 together with an Aqua audio formula HD which I’m feeling into a Nagra classic preamp. I feel the result is quite superb would agree with your description of smoothness, musicality and extreme detail rendering. I am now wondering whether the MU1 and the formula shall go for the benefit of a MU2. Ca i really expect a major improvement over the system I currently use? And yes, I agree, in the end, it shall be my ears to decide but I haven’t had the opportunity yet to listen to the MU2. Maybe someone in the community here has a view on this question too. Thanks a lot

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому +2

      What can I say? I have the MU2 on order and put my MU1 and Chord DAVE for sale on line today. Don't expect a humongous difference. It rather is an impressive refinement.

  • @danielcrick8532
    @danielcrick8532 7 місяців тому +1

    Hans, I have the mu2. Are you suggesting that the USB on the mu2 can be used as a digital out? Regards. Dan

  • @labalo5
    @labalo5 3 місяці тому +1

    Hans - what reasons refrain you from getting the ls1 and the mu1?

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  3 місяці тому +1

      Quite simple: being a reviewer of digital front-ends I need an analog amp and speakers. Having a DAC outputting analog sound feeding speakers that convert it back to digital, process it and again convert back to analog doesn’t make sense. I love the LS1s by the way.

    • @labalo5
      @labalo5 3 місяці тому

      Thx for the reply. That makes sense. I stumbled on an old video on the intro of the combo system.
      I share the same sentiment on the LS1. Hoping to land on it soon.

  • @DeMorcan
    @DeMorcan Рік тому +3

    Have you ever listened to the DCS Lina DAC w/streamer?

    • @iikatinggangsengii2471
      @iikatinggangsengii2471 Рік тому

      i havent, the sound states arent ready for that much power lul
      lessfox is great but sort of 'restricted' i can imagine sound with the amp, although uncertain if the fiio can keep up, prob lessfox indeed the best pair

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому +2

      Not under controlled conditions but I intend to.

    • @DeMorcan
      @DeMorcan Рік тому +1

      @@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel I am looking forward to how it compares with ta Mu1 and good DAC.

  • @joseauger1353
    @joseauger1353 Рік тому

    You used to have the Denafrips Gaia which is a DDC. If possible, could you compare the Gaia with the Singxer SU-6? I have been using the Gaia with my streamers (Auralic G2.2 and Innuous Statement) and it is wonderful.

  • @Nefty_
    @Nefty_ Рік тому

    Hi Hans, you learn so much about very technical information, thank you very much for that. And Grimm is doing things so interestingly, there’s not much companies innovating like that and the result is amazing. I just wanted to ask you because I struggle to understand the clock overtaking and and scaling replaced by the MU for the Dave. For instance in the system of my oncle that I know well, there’s an Auralic Aries g2.1 feeding a McInstosh MDA1000 dac via coaxial cable. This dac works by OS everything to 768khz and thus reclocks the signal (I guess?). If I enable OS in the Aries it will not bypass the OS in the MDA 1000 will it? Same for the clocking even though we’re using coax it will still be reclocked by the output of the OS chip won’t it?

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому +2

      Offering a DAC a close to perfect digital signal does make life for the PLL or FLL easier. Regarding OS: it's not that the signal is OS'd, it's that the first two steps up are done to perfection that makes the MU series that good.

    • @Nefty_
      @Nefty_ Рік тому

      Thank you that’s wat I was thinking for the pll/fll. It’s note per say overtaken but it makes life much easier with such a clean signal.

  • @datka3
    @datka3 Рік тому +1

    Was DAVE running with DC4 PSU during your tests ? I feel MU2 is going to be next hit product .

  • @Alexander-jc2ec
    @Alexander-jc2ec Рік тому

    RE your intro point 5: the dCS Network Bridge digital out (to DAVE) sounds better than the MU1 (scaler inactive). But only with dCS's own Mosaic music player, not with Roon.

  • @nicktube3904
    @nicktube3904 Рік тому

    Did you try to compare the Mu-2’s pre-amp with you’re Ayre? (I’m not sure if you can bypass this)

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому

      The Ayre amp doesn't have a pre-amp as usual (watch ua-cam.com/video/cHruLttewB4/v-deo.htmlsi=zUOu6CFb2M04nKtn&t=646). It has a variable gain power amplifier. But I have tried setting the volume on the MU2 or the Ayre and heard no difference.

  • @Darkmatterme
    @Darkmatterme Рік тому +2

    Jcat has a server that also might be interesting.

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому

      Why?

    • @Darkmatterme
      @Darkmatterme Рік тому +1

      As an alternative for MU1, interesting for review and your opinion.

    • @zaakchalal
      @zaakchalal Рік тому

      @@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      I have a DIY fanless audio server implemented with JCAT hardware (USB EX, Network EX, JPLAY, OPTIMO 3...). 6000€ worth of hardware and software.
      I was able to compare it to the MU1 connected to my TAMBAQUI DAC using Roon.
      Performance was identical, even superior with the JCAT hardware.
      I agree with MaxiMe that you should test the new XACT S1 server. It seems to outperform all other servers.
      Then on the engineering side, Marci is doing an incredible job on the hardware and software. You're in for a treat ;-)
      Last Word : I admire your excellent work. Thank you for your contributions.

  • @Audiodreamer192-24
    @Audiodreamer192-24 Рік тому +2

    Nice piece of gear but a bit too pricey for me.👍🍻

  • @frankhugh2052
    @frankhugh2052 11 місяців тому

    Does the MU1 offer anything the MU2 doesnt?

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  11 місяців тому +1

      The MU1 has no DAC but has in stead digital outputs which the MU2 doesn't.

  • @photobillyli
    @photobillyli 3 місяці тому

    I don't quite understand why you sold the mu1 and bought the mu2. Am I right that you think mu1 makes every dac sounds better, so as a reviewer it will be hard to truely knows the quality of the dac youbare reviewing? But how can a mu2 improves your review? As the mu2 is even incoporated with a dac and it cannot do digital out.

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  3 місяці тому

      You. are right on the MU1. I needed a less perfect digital source to review DAC's. The MU2 offers the best reproduction of digital audio signals and therefore is the benchmark to compare others agains.

    • @photobillyli
      @photobillyli 3 місяці тому

      @@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannelI understand your point. The MU2 is intended to serve as a reference for sound reproduction, while the MU1 needed to be replaced so that you can gain a better understanding of the true quality of DACs to be reviewed in the future. Thank you.

  • @baaltroth1957
    @baaltroth1957 Місяць тому

    If you struggle to sell it, I would be happy to welcome device donations to take any burden off ya 😉

  • @Pete.across.the.street
    @Pete.across.the.street Рік тому +1

    How much?

  • @gntn25
    @gntn25 Рік тому

    The asking price seems a bit way too high for what’s inside the box

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому +3

      Not if you judge by ear!!

    • @Bill.K
      @Bill.K Рік тому +5

      What you're paying for is not just the hardware used, but the years of engineering that went into the design. High end audio gear is commonly estimated to have a parts cost of only about 20% of its suggested retail price. So you pay for what it does and ultimately how well it performs, but it is a subjective evaluation to determine a product's value.

    • @TipoF129B
      @TipoF129B Рік тому +1

      It’s not what’s in the box- it’s how it’s arranged!

    • @georgecav
      @georgecav Рік тому +1

      Your logic only makes sense if the purpose of your buying hifi is to appreciate the engineering and components. Personally, I only care about the sound so if someone could sell me a black box that I did not know the contents of, but it made my system sound exactly as I would ideally like I would purchase it in a heartbeat assuming I could afford the price.

    • @georgecav
      @georgecav Рік тому

      Sorry Hans, often you are good but this is filler video

  • @hawkins55
    @hawkins55 Рік тому +1

    All good problems to have!

  • @jakobgooijer
    @jakobgooijer Рік тому

    If I have the winning New Year's Eve ticket I will send you a message😉

  • @HungryEatNow
    @HungryEatNow 11 місяців тому

    So whoever is going to buy better not watch this...

  • @gracenotes5379
    @gracenotes5379 Рік тому

    This video raises an engineering issue in my mind. All streamers worthy of consideration are bit perfect in their AES/EBU output, yet don't sound the same when driving audiophile DACs. Consequently, we must blame factors that can influence a DAC's clock jitter/phase noise spectrum, or than can modulate the power supply used in the I/V conversion and buffering stages at the analog output of said DAC. I've noticed from my own experience that S/PDIF reclockers can noticeably improve the sound of a DAC similar to the improvements reported by owners of very well executed (& expensive) streamers, albeit probably not to the same degree. It boggles my mind that a properly engineered, or even over-engineered solution to this problem always has to cost $5000+ to deliver at retail. It apparently _is_ the case that such well-engineered products are sufficiently scarce in the market that they command prices that most of us deem unaffordable. Surely this situation can, and therefore will, change in the future!

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому

      I know, it's painful that things of above average quality cost above average. And when you think there is a product that breaks this rule, it almost always turns out to be a lemon.

    • @gracenotes5379
      @gracenotes5379 Рік тому

      @@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel If we were merely talking about build quality (materials and workmanship), few would argue against the idea you get what you pay for. But the engineering design decisions that result in a superior digital streamer should not necessarily cost a fortune to replicate via mass production.

  • @dp6igw977
    @dp6igw977 Рік тому

    Your channel has a good contents, and your presentation though comes with an accent is informative. But seriously speaking why you insist on this medicore shirt you wear?? It made a lot of sense to change outfits as a sign of time passing and it would add to the longevity of the channel itself. Please care to explain. Thanks.

    • @TheMarcellification
      @TheMarcellification Рік тому +2

      I think he has the right to choose which shirt he pleases and there is nothing wrong with his shirt.

    • @johntucker5994
      @johntucker5994 Рік тому +1

      I think your comment is rather ridiculous and shallow.

    • @Audiodreamer192-24
      @Audiodreamer192-24 Рік тому

      Wow… WTF do you care what he wears? Never mind asking him to explain it….
      Maybe you should explain why you’re so insipid….🙄

    • @datka3
      @datka3 Рік тому

      HIFI troll 😂, rude dude

    • @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
      @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel  Рік тому +6

      I have four of those shirts. It would not be woke to throw them away, would it. And it's not a fashion show, I hope you're not watching it for the 70 year old presenter but for what he tells. If not, I would seek help😀