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.

With the MU1, their goal was to set a new benchmark in music player design. The Linux-based computer system brings solid data integrity. Their 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 they push the boundaries again. Needless to say, the MU1 features their trademark ultra-low jitter clock.

Once excellent sound quality is ensured, the quality of a music player is then defined by the user experience. For this, Grimm partnered with Roon who in their opinion lead when it comes to a rich and engaging music experience that appeals to the whole family. The MU1 runs the Roon Core 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, Grimm will be offering offer a solid alternative. 

The MU1 pairs seamlessly with the Dutch and Dutch 8c loudspeakers and from Kii Audio, the Kii Three & BXT systems as well as Grimm’s own LS1. If you prefer not to partner with an active system the virtues of the MU1 can also be realised with DACs from other manufacturers. Because Grimm love to create a stunning look for their 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.

Grimm Audio are convinced that smart integration of functions yields higher audio quality. The MU2 combines a music streamer with a superb DAC and a reference quality analogue pre amp. Its built-in DAC takes full advantage of the Grimm Audio low jitter clock and high performance FPGA processor. A relay based analogue volume control enables the MU2 to become the true ‘hub’ of your hifi system for both digital and analog sources. Just like with its sister product, the ‘digital output’ MU1 & Roon Core server is on board so no external computer is needed to enjoy perfect streaming. 

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. 

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.

The MU2 has 2 stereo analogue inputs and 3 stereo digital inputs. It has outputs on XLR, RCA, and headphones.

Grimm's flagship product LS1be takes the LS1 performance to the next level. Their aim was to improve transparency even further by focussing on “authority, control and flow”. To achieve this they worked on lowering distortion and extending the linear audio band. They added a new Beryllium tweeter, which was co-developed with Seas. It extends the frequency range and has 9 dB less distortion than their original tweeter. Furthermore they lowered jitter, improved the power supplies, employed some exclusive component selection and decided on silver power supply wiring for the finishing touch.

At the low end of the frequency spectrum, they obtained an even bigger improvement. Their newly developed Digital Motional Feedback SB1 subwoofer has an impressive 30 dB lower distortion, which means the bass area is now just as transparent as the mid and treble.

Of course, just like with their other LS1’s, the LS1be frequency response is linearised through smart use of DSP via a computer calibration process during production.

The LS1be can be controlled by the MU1 music player, or by a LS1r controller and the LS1i USB interface, well known from the LS1. The cabinet can be ordered in a stylish ‘Hi-Macs’ artificial stone finish or in a traditional bamboo veneer look.

The SB1 with ‘DMF’ is a technological marvel. By applying ‘Digital Motional Feedback’, a control technology from the renowned Dutch high-tech industry, it became possible to achieve exceptionally low levels of distortion and full dynamic control. With an SB1 added for the bass frequencies, the LS1 system offers low distortion over the full audio band and redefines the term ‘transparency’. This is bass control like you’ve never experienced before. 

At frequencies below 100 Hz loudspeaker drivers need to move a vast amount of air and therefore have high excursion levels, while also the fundamental resonance – which is present in any loudspeaker – induces unwanted delayed effects. The result is that all conventional loudspeakers exhibit a rising distortion in the bass region with additional “thickening” of the bass by the resonance.

In electronics, feedback is used to minimise distortion. To apply feedback in electro-mechanical systems like an active loudspeaker, an acceleration sensor needs to be mounted on the cone to monitor its motions. This so called “Motional Feedback” technology has been presented a few times before in history but the precision and control as found in the Grimm Audio SB1 is unique. By adding smart digital processing and current drive, the low distortion of the already high-performance aluminium woofer is further reduced by as much as 30 dB, solving all problems that are related to low frequency resonances and distortion.

The SB1 sub is an excellent match for the LS1be. A switch facilitates use of the SB1 with third party systems, so the virtues of Digital Motional Feedback can be enjoyed by many.