Thanks, the Meitner MA3i looks interesting and from what I’ve seen it’s priced $ well below the Grimm MU2. If this is better than my Cambridge edge NQ it would be another favorite.
I also took a quick look at AVM, there is a combined device there. The large Ovation line has the advantage of having a modular design. Streamers, Dac… modules can be exchanged and upgraded. A certain security for the future. You can also choose between transistor and tube preamp.
Greetings Andreas
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The MU2 is in a tie for Stereophile’s Digital Source Component of the Year (2024)
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I have heard many good things about that there Grimm MU2.
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After Meitner’s recommendations appeared here, I did some research. The Meitner seems to play at a high level and in my opinion could be on a par with Grimm MU2. I was excited at first and thought, oh, this is it. Maybe it’s also Meitner, who has excellent test reports. Well, now comes the but. 
In contrast to my current Cambridge Edge NQ, which offers all kinds of services, like Quboz, tidal, the Meitner is probably only based on Roon and you need a Roon subscription. You cannot carry out software updates with the Meitner. The device would have to be sent to the manufacturer. I find that a bit complicated. Meitner MA3i is the current version. The old version MA3 can be upgraded to the I version for around $3000 or €3000. Another alternative would be an AVM Ovation SD 8.3, which is equipped with modules. The question for me is does it sound that much better than my Cambridge Edge NQ? First off comes my power supply and power cable, that should make a difference I hope. Greetings Andreas
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I would not discount a Meitner product until having auditioned one. One consideration, what is the frequency of Meitner FW updates, and is it frequent enough to be a valid concern. The Cambridge is quite nice. That said the Grimm MU2 or Meitner MA3i are both game changers. Nice to have options. BTW, I don’t put too much weight on reviews other than as a pointer for a potential audition.
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No, no question, the Meitner MA3I is very interesting in my opinion and costs less than Grimm MU2. The reviews I have read are very positive and there should be no competition for the Meitner for this price. A direct comparison of Meitner vs Grimm would be interesting.
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The Meitner 3A was on my short list until I heard a Playback Designs PD-8. Forgot about Meitner until you mentioned it. Unfortunately the PD-8 is a bit out of reach financially.
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The only criticism I have read about the Meitner is that the output voltage as a pre amp stage should be quite low.
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The big difference between the M3Ai and the MU2 is the fact that the MU2 is also a Roon Core. The MA3i is not a Roon server but is a Roon endpoint, It is not Roon only though.
“Integrated network streamer with support for Roon, Spotify Connect, Tidal
Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, V-Tuner, and DLNA/UPnP”.
MU2= Server, Steamer, DAC, preamp.
MA3i= Steamer, DAC, Preamp
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Output voltage rated at 2.19 V single ended and 4.36 V balanced, shouldn’t be a concern. Of course it will depend on the amplifier/preamplifier you may be using. DSD is limited to 2X, DSD128, which may be a concern for some.
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That includes me 
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Basically, I’m quite happy with the function and sound of the Cambridge Edge NQ. What bothers me, however, is that when I stream for a long time, the Edge NQ freezes every now and then. I then have to unplug it for the problem to be resolved. Not always, sometimes it goes well for weeks, and sometimes it happens twice in one day. Then the volume control motor whirs every now and then. I then have to turn it briefly and it’s quiet again. Because of the problem, the Edge NQ was already repaired. A new volume control and servo were replaced. As soon as I get home, it happens again. It seems to be a problem I have to live with. And at that moment the thought comes to find another/better alternative. Greetings Andreas
The Grimm MU2 is a stout piece to be sure. Adding an 8Tb internal SSD is a special benefit as well, assuming they remember to install it. Nice pricing options available in the USA as well.
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I owned the Meitner MA3 but traded it on a Grimm MU2. I prefer the sound of the Grimm and the utility of use in my situation. I do not stream but listen solely to the music loaded on the internal ssd in my Grimm. When I had the MA3, I had to have a NAS on my network. The Grimm MU2 simplified things with everything in one box from the Ethernet to my amplifier. Another benefit of the Grimm are the rca and xlr outputs. I have the rca’s connected to my headphone amp and the xlr’s connected to my speaker amp. When I want to listen to my headphones, I turn on my Feliks Envy. When I want to listen to my speakers, I turn on my AGD Tempo. It is a great and easy way to choose either headphone or speaker listening.
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Could you expand on the sonic benefits of the Grimm MU2 vice the MA3. I understand the MA3i has upgraded the volume control.
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My thoughts on MA3i are as follows: MA3i is a simplified version of Emm labs DV2. The maximum quality from Emmlabs costs 35,000. Grimm immediately made the product to the maximum, and it seems to me that MU2 should compete with DV2, even though it is cheaper. According to MA3, there are quite a few people who were not very happy with the sound. After these thoughts, I made a decision today and ordered the MU2. When I receive it, I will definitely unsubscribe about my impressions. My Spanish dealer said that MU2 is one of his favorites)))
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Assuming no sonic benefits regarding the MA3. 
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Are any MU2 users running secondary zones from the Roon server in the MU2 and if so are you finding any limitations?
@leenelson I’ve occasionally used the MU2 as a Roon core to stream to my DSJr (in another room and which serves as a Roon endpoint) with no issues. No difference that I can tell from when the Roon core was on my PC.
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Dear friends, please tell me, when transferring the Roon core from Nucleos plus to MU2, is it possible to save the entire playlist collection I created? How can this be done?