At $10,500 without internal storage, the Grimm MU1 is expensive. However, it is only slightly more so than the Wolf Audio Systems Alpha 3 SX ($9295–$9895) Jason Victor Serinus reviewed in May 2020. And it is not as wallet-straining as the Innuos Statement ($13,750) Jason reviewed in April 2020 or the Pink Faun 2.16x ($20,750) Kalman Rubinson reviewed in December 2020. With its digital inputs and high-precision volume control for its AES/EBU outputs, the Grimm MU1 is not just a streamer; it is a digital-domain preamplifier that can be connected via a D/A processor to a power amplifier. The MU1 incorporates a Roon Core, can operate as a network bridge with legacy D/A processors that don't have USB or Ethernet ports, and can be used as the sole source component with active speakers with digital inputs, like the Kii Three, Dutch & Dutch 8c, and Grimm's own LS1. And, especially via its upsampled AES/EBU outputs, it sounds superb. For those who can afford it, the Grimm MU1 is a highly recommended digital audio solution.
