Just got back home an hour ago, and first thing I did was turning on PMG512. Well, Roon again could not find PMG512. Is it because of WiFi? I do not think so since all other devices have no issue connection to it. I did a number of resetting cycles and finally it showed up. The thing is that I have had no connecting issue before until today.
I really cannot say which one is better between PMG and MU2. As I mentioned before, the setups for both are different. Specifically, PMG512 is powered by a Stealth Cloude Grande LE power cord, and it connects to Gryphon D333 by Fidelium XLR. Grimm MU2 is powered by an SRA Takshaka power cord and connected to D333 by Audience FrontRow Reserve XLR. MU2 linked by a Shunyata Omega ethernet, Muon Pro System, and a LHY SW-10 Pro switch with MPS ethernet to an Orbi satellite. PMG512 uses WiFi. The Orbi sat. is powered by an IFI iPower Elite PS plus an AQ Dragon Source power cord (they make noticeable improvement if you want to know). Lastly, all units including the satellite are plugged into a Gryphon PowerZone power optimizer.
In this setup PMG sounded cleaner, with better definition, and showing more dynamic, and MU2 sounded more relaxed and layback. Then I switched power cords, PMG sounded closer to MU2’s served by Takshaka, the sound is a bit warmer, where MU2 gained a bit texture and detail with Stealth CGLE. So, power cord change has made quite a bit difference, and more on PMG than MU2 somehow, and my preference became less sure also. I simply cannot declare a winner.
But I do have some general idea about the difference between two. MU2 has a little more warmth which brought a sense of realism. PMG512 on the other hand sounded cleaner, more detailed, and more dynamic. This presentation sometimes sounded a little analytical. Power cords and interconnect selection can easily sway one’s preference.
I am happy to have both. I will use PMG for better recordings (very revealing), and MU2 for relaxation. Lastly, neither one can beat SACDs when playing through PMG SACD. I played a DSD file and disc with the exact same recording from the transport, PMG512, and MU2. Disc wins!