GRIMM MU2 – Ultimate digital music source with DAC and Roon Server integrated
| Brand: Grimm Audio |
| Product Type: Network Streamers |
Grimm Audio MU2
Ultimate digital music source with integrated Roon Labs Server
At the heart of the MU2, Grimm Audio’s proprietary Major DAC can be found. It is of a groundbreaking discrete design that makes optimal use of our own FPGA board. In a unique way our high resolution Pure Nyquist upsampling filters are combined with a fundamentally flawless 11th order noise shaper of 1.5 bit. If you like to read more about this technology, please check out the Major DAC blog.
“The MU2 offers full integration of functions, from Roon to analog volume control, with revolutionary sound quality.”
As a result the MU2 reproduces micro-details so well that it allows a deep emotional connection to the musical performance. The stereo image is of groundbreaking quality. Its serenity invites prolonged listening sessions.
If you love your loudspeakers and power amplifiers but long for a fundamental update in sound quality and streamer experience, the MU2 is designed for you.
Unparalleled Musicality with Ultra-Low Jitter Precision
The MU2 delivers a breathtaking musicality really quite unlike anything ever heard before in the realm of digital audio reproduction. Its unique combination of qualities results in a profoundly emotional experience wherein the listener is seduced by the music.
An exceptionally low jitter clock oscillator that is guaranteed accurate since each is measured with our proprietary jitter analyzer before it leaves the factory.
MU2 1.5
BIT ARCHITECTURE
A Discrete Design for Ultimate Linearity and Dynamics
- The Grimm Audio ‘Major DAC’ digital to analog converter in our MU2 music streamer. Converting a digital signal into analog has always been a major challenge, which is clearly demonstrated by the abundance of DA conversion concepts that have seen the light over the years. In our experience high quality audio requires an extreme linearity and dynamic range. Even though modern chip technology allows for very advanced implementations, none of these seem to fully satisfy the high-end audio enthusiast. To circumvent these limitations a few companies acquired more design freedom by using a ‘discrete DAC’ approach in which all digital and analog stages of the DAC are developed in house. This clearly was the way to go for us as well. In a project of three years we created a unique digital to analog converter that has an optimal combination of dedicated DAC pre-processing in FPGA and our own discrete DAC hardware.
MU2 DRIVEN TO IMPROVE
Exceptional Build Quality for Lasting Performance
- The Grimm MU2 is built with exceptional precision, using a rigid aluminum chassis that minimizes vibration and resonance for optimal audio performance. Every detail, from the machining of the enclosure to the layout of internal components, reflects a focus on durability and stability. This robust build quality not only ensures long-lasting reliability but also contributes to the refined, high-end aesthetic of the unit.
MU2 GRUI web interface
Easy Configuration with advanced settings
The Grimm MU2 offers an advanced configuration interface that allows precise control over digital output formats, upsampling options, and clocking behavior for integration into complex audio systems. Users can tailor playback parameters, such as bit depth, sample rate conversion, and Roon-based DSP settings, to match their DAC and listening preferences. Its configuration flexibility ensures both optimized sound quality and seamless system synergy, even in high-end setups.
MU2 USER FRIENDLINESS
Grimm MU2: Intuitive & User Friendly
The MU2 is intended to be used by the whole family. Its ‘one box’ design can easily be placed in any environment. Remote control is possible via Roon, a web interface and any IR remote. The Grimm MU1 features a multilingual display, making operation intuitive and accessible for users around the world. Menu navigation and system settings can be viewed in multiple languages, ensuring clarity regardless of the user’s preference. This enhances the usability of the MU2 in diverse international audio setups.
MU2 DESIGN
MU2 Industrial Design
The MU2 is ‘an object of art’. It has a timeless design aesthetic that is striking, yet discrete. The graphics of the display and web interface follow the same design philosophy. In our opinion a device with supreme sound quality should have equally high quality looks, so it gently decorates one’s living room for many years.
INTERNAL STORAGE
High-Speed Internal SSD Storage
The Grimm MU2 comes equipped with internal SSD storage, enabling high-speed, reliable playback of digital files directly from the unit. This internal storage reduces reliance on external devices, minimizing potential signal degradation and simplifying the system setup. With ample capacity and fast access times, it ensures seamless streaming and instant responsiveness for high-resolution audio.
Grimm MU2 SPECIFICATIONS
MU2 features
- Roon Core and Roon End Point integrated
- ultra low clock jitter
- FPGA based discrete Major DAC
- all sample rates and formats supported
- relay based analog volume control
- digital AES, spdif and optical inputs
- analog XLR and RCA inputs
- analog XLR and RCA outputs
- headphone output
- web control of setup via any browser
- infrared remote control
- external USB and NAS storage, optional internal SSD
- Tidal and Qobuz support
- 355 x 85 x 295mm (WxHxD)
- 5 year limited warranty
MU2 DAC features
- 11th order flawless Noise Shaping
- 1.5bit architecture, 1bit cell, at 512fs rate
- 128fs Pure Nyquist oversampling principles used throughout
- Smart, extended settling technology
- Intersample overs supported without clipping
- 16-tap FIR-DAC topology
- Fully symmetric analog signal path
- Ultra stable local power supply technology
MU2 Technical Specifications
Processor & Memory:
- Intel i3 CPU
- 8GB RAM
- Tiny Core Linux OS
- Roon Core and Roon Endpoint functionality
Storage:
- Optional internal SSD: 2TB or 8TB
- Supports external USB and NAS storage
Display:
- 3.5" TFT LCD, 480×320 resolution
Analog Inputs:
- 1 × Stereo RCA
- 1 × Stereo XLR
- 2 × Stereo analog inputs
Digital Inputs:
- 1 × AES3 (XLR)
- 1 × S/PDIF (RCA)
- 1 × Toslink (optical)
- 1 × USB-A
- 1 × RJ45 Ethernet
Analog Outputs:
- 1 × Stereo RCA
- 1 × Stereo XLR
- 1 × 6.3mm headphone jack
Digital Outputs:
- 1 × AES3 (XLR)
- 1 × S/PDIF (RCA)
- 1 × Toslink (optical)
Audio Processing:
- FPGA-based discrete Major DAC
- 11th-order 1.5-bit noise shaper
- Pure Nyquist upsampling filters
- Ultra-low jitter clock
- Relay-based analog volume control (from +8 dB to -79 dB in 1 dB steps)
Connectivity:
- USB 3.0 ports
- 3.5mm socket for external IR remote
- FM cable input
Power Supply:
- Input: 90–240 V AC (50/60 Hz)
- Power factor: >0.98
- Normal use: 17 W
- Maximum: 50 W
Physical Dimensions:
- Width: 355 mm
- Depth: 295 mm
- Height: 100 mm
- Weight: 4.5 kg
MU2 downloads
- Download the Grimm MU2 leaflet
- Grimm MU2 Hardware manual
- Grimm MU2 Software manual
- Grimm Roon Backup Manual
- Study the Grimm MU1 “Pure Nyquist” filters blog
About Grimm Audio
Grimm Audio was founded in 2004 and is based in Veldhoven, The Netherlands. Our initial aim was to combine the mastery of the greatest minds of audio experts, and we continue to do so. All Grimm Audio products carry the joined insight of well known scientists in the fields of audio electronics, acoustics and physics, fused with an intuition built on the experience of many years of focussed listening, professional engineering and audiophile enthusiasm.
Our first product, the AD1 discrete 1 bit analog to digital converter, is still the benchmark for sound quality. A classical music label like Channel Classics has reinforced its reputation using this converter. While refining the AD1’s clock circuitry, the CC1 master clock was developed, that is measured as being the lowest jitter master clock in the professional audio industry. It serves as the digital heart beat of many studios around the world.
For the famous Wisseloord studios in the Netherlands the TPR series of studio cables was developed, offering neutral performance for an affordable price. Next came the flagship product of Grimm Audio, the LS1 playback system. Critically acclaimed as “the world’s best complete audio system” it serves as a reference in a variety of studios and as a source for musical enjoyment in many living rooms. The MU1 Music Player takes its performance yet one step further up, leading on a new road to perfection. And the MU2 Streaming DAC is the next milestone on that road.
Grimm Audio uses the highest level of technical and audiophile knowledge to build audio equipment that has no equivalent.
