The MU1 is the ultimate digital music source. Combined with the LS1, it forms a peerlessly elegant High-End audio system. We wanted to develop the most accurate audio source we could imagine. In our experience, the human hearing system shows an incredible sensitivity to anomalies. Even unimaginably small aberrations appear to be audible. In principle, digital audio does offer perfect reproduction. Its sonic quality, however, is limited by the implementation accuracy of the physical and mathematical laws that affect the conversion from one format to another. Grimm Audio strives to bring you confidence that all technical details are taken care of to the greatest extent so that the reproduction system steps out of the way of the music.
Key Features:
- Roon Server integrated (up till 100k tracks)
- Ultra high up- and downsampling precision
- Ultra low clock jitter
- Seamless integration with LS1 series
- Excellent source for 3rd party DACs
- All sample rates and formats supported
- Surround playback option with 6 digital output channels
- AES, spdif and optical digital stereo inputs
- Web control of setup via any browser
- Infrared remote control
- External USB and NAS storage, optional internal SSD
- Tidal and Qobuz support
With the MU1, our goal was to set a new benchmark in music player design. The Linux-based computer system brings solid data integrity. Our in-house-designed FPGA interface board, which forms the heart of the MU1, offers breakthrough performance levels in format conversion and receives automatic updates whenever we have pushed the boundaries again. Needless to say, the MU1 features our trademark ultra-low jitter clock. This is a music player worthy of the name Grimm Audio.
Once excellent sound quality is ensured, the quality of a music player is then defined by the user experience. For this, we partnered with Roon Labs, who in our opinion are in the lead when it comes to a rich and engaging music experience that appeals to your whole family. The MU1 runs the Roon Server, so no extra installs are necessary. Just pick up your tablet and experience the music. For customers who prefer to only run a simple playback system without Roon’s extras, we will offer a solid alternative.
The Grimm Audio MU1 Music Player, that acts as music server running Roon Core and music streamer running as Roon Ready endpoint, leaps onto the top of this short list of digital gear that acts as part of a system delivering just the music in all its power and glory.
Internal computer properties:
- Intel i3 CPU, > 2.4 GHz
- 4 cores, 4 threads, with Hyper-threading
- 8 GB DDR4-2133 RAM 2400 MHz
- 1000 Mb/s Ethernet
- 1 x USB 2.0 port
- Internal SSD for OS
- Optional internal SSD for music data storage
- Full color TFT LCD
- 3.5 inch diagonal, 480 x 320 pixels
Inside the Grimm MU1’s quietly lovely chassis resides an Intel i3 CPU, the aforementioned ultra-low jitter clock and FPGA that performs a number of tasks including optional 2x and 4x upsampling of incoming data. As previously mentioned, the Grimm Audio MU1 can function as a Roon Core and Roon Ready endpoint, sending out digital audio via Coax S/PDIF or 2x AES/EBU to your DAC of choice. There’s also an RJ-45 based LS1 Control Out to connect the MU1 to Grimm’s LS1 Active Loudspeakers. Network connectivity is accomplished via Ethernet, there’s no WiFi herein, and three digital inputs (AES, Coax, Toslink) are on offer along with a USB input for connecting USB storage, a 3.5mm socket for an external IR remote, an IEC inlet for power, and a tiny, little power button.
The golden disc up top is a multi-function control knob and you can also use the spartan browser-based Grimm app to control volume, input selection, and accessing menu selections including upsampling all data (2fs/4fs). Beyond the company logo that cleverly includes an activity display LED doubling as the dot on the “i” in Grimm, a centered 3.5″ full color TFT screen completes the lovely simple MU1 looks. The MU1’s black brushed aluminum chassis with that gently sloped (and kinda sensuous) top is the work of industrial designer Michiel Uylings.
The MU1 combines seamlessly with the LS1 playback system. Of course, the virtues of the MU1 can also be realized with DACs from other manufacturers. Because we love to create a stunning look for our equipment, the boundlessly versatile system is housed in a cabinet of minimalistic elegance, so the MU1 will easily become the gem of your living room.
In the Box:
- Media Player
- Manual
