I've been searching for a good digital source since a while.
Up to a couple of years ago, my mind was still set on the 'ultimate, last disc player'. I was aware of the fact it would need enough digital inputs, had it the ambition to be future proof.
Then beginning of '18, I dipped my toes into streaming, and was immediately hooked.
What a wealth of choice, what a wonderful catalogue Qobuz had for this fan of classical and jazz!
I started with a cheap streamer that sent its bits into my CD player.
My Burmester 061 was still holding strong, but I sensed that digital could even be better.
Things improved when the Hegel H590 came last year.
It really has a terrific DAC, I prefer its AKM DAC chips to the ESS Sabre competitors.
My Burmester is connected with the digital coax cable I bought from Dan (Wireworld Platinum). Thank you Dan.
Next purchase was going to be a top streamer.
I've heard the Merging NADAC, the Auralic Aries G2, the Grimm MU1, top tier Aurenders, dCS, ... but always in different systems.
They all sounded good but what would be the outcome if I heard them in the same system, preferably a system I know very well.
In a earlier thread, I wrote that the Grimm MU1 had left a very good impression on me. Familiar tracks had sounded better than I remembered. But in the same system, on another occasions, also the Aries G2 produced absolutely fine sounds...
After further studying the different options, I had set my mind on the Auralic, but was curious whether the Grimm MU1 would beat it in a duel.
A comparison between those 2 players was what I needed!
And: a second pair of ears!
That is where my audio buddy comes in.
Jacques (Jem666) was so kind to accompany me, and protect me of reckless buying by being his 'scientific self'.
After all, he's an engineer...
Most of you will know the Auralic, it's one of the most popular high end streaming transports in the world. It comes at 4700€.
The Grimm MU1 is the new kid in town, and still an evolving product.
It is a Roon core, streamer, upsampler, and will provide multi-channel and FM in future software upgrades.
Its price is 9800€, which is 5K more...
The system (at 'Listening Matters' in The Hague):
I know this room very well, The speakers are from the same brand as mine.
The magnificent H590 is a terrific amp, with a wonderful DAC onboard.