Grimm Audio MU1 Music Streamer — Black

Description

The Grimm Audio MU1 is for listeners who want a dedicated music server and digital source while choosing their own DAC. Roon Server runs inside the unit, so a separate server computer is not required. Unlike the MU2, the MU1 does not provide an analogue DAC output.

A great partner: Mola Mola Tambaqui

We recommend the Mola Mola Tambaqui as a great partner for the Grimm Audio MU1. Connect the MU1’s AES/EBU digital output to the Tambaqui’s AES/EBU input using a suitable 110-ohm digital XLR cable. The MU1 handles music-server duties and digital processing; the Tambaqui converts the digital signal to analogue for your amplifier. The DAC is purchased separately from the MU1. Explore the Tambaqui DAC for the other half of this two-box front end.

Streaming, music libraries and connections

Roon brings together supported streaming services, including TIDAL and Qobuz, and your music library. A Roon licence and any paid music subscriptions are separate requirements. Grimm also supports UPnP rendering and TIDAL Connect for playback without Roon. Storage options include external USB drives, a NAS and an optional internal SSD. Digital stereo inputs comprise AES/EBU, coaxial S/PDIF and optical; six digital output channels support the documented surround option. Check the required output configuration against your DAC or speaker system.

MU1 with Tambaqui or MU2?

Choose MU1 plus Tambaqui when you want separate streamer and DAC components, or intend to retain an existing compatible DAC. Choose the Grimm MU2 when you want the server, DAC, analogue inputs and analogue volume control in one chassis. With MU1 and Tambaqui, agree which component controls listening volume during setup.

Plan your system

Tell us your DAC, amplifier and preferred music services. We can check the signal path, network connection, storage choice and firmware requirements. This listing is the black-finish MU1; confirm any SSD option and delivery timing before ordering.

Manufacturer specifications and documentation.

The Hidden Home view

The MU1 is Grimm’s streamer and music server with no DAC inside, so it feeds a DAC you choose. Roon Server runs inside it and it also takes digital sources such as a CD transport or a television. Before the signal leaves, the MU1 lowers the jitter and does the first stage of upsampling itself, which Grimm says makes the DAC’s job easier.

The Ear reviewed it in May 2020 and called it “the most exciting streamer I have heard for a long time”. Twittering Machines lived with one for two months in 2023 with a Mola Mola Tambaqui among its DACs. It heard more resolution and finer detail and wrote that for anyone wanting one box to stream and serve music “the Grimm MU1 is my first recommendation”.

It is worth knowing that The Ear named the price as its one real shortcoming.

So it suits someone who already owns a very good DAC or means to choose one. The partner we recommend is the Mola Mola Tambaqui, joined by an AES/EBU cable. If you would like the DAC and a preamplifier in the same box, that is the MU2, and our own review of the MU2 is on this site. Tell us your DAC and amplifier and we will check the connection with you.

Sources: The Ear, “Grimm Audio MU1”, 12 May 2020. Twittering Machines, “Review: Grimm Audio MU1 Music Player”, 26 October 2023.

Read what the critics say about more of our streamers in The Hi-Fi Review Bible.

Part of the Hidden Home Ten, in system 1 (Grimm MU1 and LS1c).