I have no regrets moving up to the Grimm MU2 from a MK2 (Massive and JKR trannies installed) and BHK Pre combo. I am also pleased that the new software is a winner. It confirms my bias for
FPGA based designs.
Judging whether the new MK2 is better than the MU2 is a bit tricky. This relies on isolating a DAC only test but this is tainted by the source differences and the preamp used. SACD or Redbook, using MU2 pre or a better one, etc.
Looking at the larger picture, I see the MU2’s combination of a fine streamer, DAC and pre to be a killer combination and value. Saving the cost of two mega power cords and interconnects help too.
Given how the DAC does so much to make or break a system, I’m sure there are others out there
( like MSB) that sing with the angels, but I’m not in that strata. I’m still very keen on Ted releasing a no compromise TSS DAC in our lifetime.
Nothing wrong with your approach, and we have different needs. In fact, I maybe the only one that keep both MU2 and MK2 in the system😆
When I replaced Euphony Summus 2 streamer with Lumin U2, I was very happy with the SQ improvement. Suddenly streaming was free of murky and dark sound. I thought U2 was an incredible streamer in the 5K price range (I still do).
But owning Grimm MU2 for almost six months, I can confirm that MU2 improves my system more than U2 did over Summus2. When I used Lumin, I would listen to CD/SACD more than streaming. But with MU2 most of my music enjoyment is from streaming. I still buy SACDs and occasionally CDs, but many have not been opened for listening lately.
Side-by-side SACD does sound superior to streaming during critical listening (with the latest Blue Sky update on MK2, not before), but in casual listening (90% of my time), the streaming SQ from MU2 is so satisfying that I often do not even turn on PST/MK2 anymore.
The MU2 is truly the heart of my system, more so than other upgrades I have had from the past two years.
I must have missed the fact that you had a Euphony Summus 2. That was on my short list for some time. I am sad at the depths Euphony has sank. But on the positive side it has encouraged Pink Faun to step up and create a better solution.
I was a Euphony fan early on. The good old days.
I’ve been listening to my Christmas CDs which get pulled out once a year. The addition of the MU2 this year has made a remarkable difference. It continues to impress.
A strong testament for the Grimm MU2.
Well, I finally had some time for critical listening with the MU2 and the newer tubes in the CJ pre, started listening to Paulo Fresu, and all critical listening stopped. I hear only music…