The test set-up
Contents
We have connected the Grimm Audio MU1 in our reference system. This system consists of:
- Pass Labs XP-12 preamplifier
- Metrum Acoustics Pavane d/a converter (NOS)
- Metrum Acoustics Ambre streamer
- Bryston 4B SST3 power amplifier
- Grimm TPM interlinks
- Grimm TPR AES digital interlink (MU1)
- Focal Sopra No1 speakers
- Isoacoustics dampers under Focals
- Audioquest Oak speaker cables
- Audioquest NRG1000 power cabling
- Isotek Titan filter
- Kemp Powerstrip 8plus connector block
- Optical network
- Custom Roon server (dedicated quad core AMD, 8GB RAM, ssd)
We test both with the Grimm MU1 as Roon server and the MU1 as Roon endpoint. In the end it turns out that it works better with the MU1 as server and player. We also let the Ambre play through the MU1 to determine if the better clock and upsampling works. We also do this with a Sony 810 4K blu-ray player on which we then play CDs.
My hope is that there will be more than just a slight sonic improvement. Noting that the Weiss 501 will up sample to 195Mhz and use its own low jitter clock, on data it receives from the Grimm via AES/EBU connection.
Hi Jaap, great review.
I know you have reviewed both the MU1 and Weiss DAC 501. I’m wondering if you had ever paired the MU1 with the Weiss and could offer your impressions? I have a Weiss DAC501 Mk 2 version and am very interested in the Grimm product.