The major online publication Stereonet published a great review of the MU2 by author Eric Teh. He was highly impressed by what he heard. In contrast with many other hi-fi components, the MU2 made him feel connected to music in stead of technology. Stereonet therefore offered the MU2 their highest recognition, the Applause award. We feel deeply honored by this…
Enjoy some excerpts here, but please read the full text online.
“The best way to describe the MU2 is that it simply sounds right. Music is warm and full, with no sense of harshness or hardness. The window to the recording is always crystal clear, with natural retrieval of fine detail. Music flows with ease and in a non-fatiguing manner.
(…)
You won’t find the MU2 boosted or rolled off at either end. Depending on your preference, you could equally admire the deep notes of the double-bass, Katché’s impactful yet delicate drum playing, or the attack of the piano notes. Or, you could just sit back and enjoy the performance.
(…)
Many competitors provide transparent-sounding volume controls, but lack the guts and dynamics of a good, dedicated preamplifier. Thankfully, the performance of the Grimm is up to the mark. Connected directly to the Matrix Audio power amplifiers, there was a feeling of purity, life and drive that is to be expected from reference-class gear. Hearing another preamp in the chain, the sonics became bigger-sounding or warmer in tone. However, there was also the nagging feeling that these were added colourations to suit taste instead of being true to the source.
The experience of the MU2 was strikingly different to most hi-fi components. Instead of the usual audiophile breakdown and critique of technical details, there was a deep and instinctive connection to the musical performance. The MU2 managed this with a combination of superb technical performance and a sense of cohesion and flow that was natural and life-like. Usually, there is a trade-off between musicality and detail, yet somehow the MU2 conjures up the magic to have it all.”
“Usually, there is a trade-off between musicality and detail, yet somehow the MU2 conjures up the magic to have it all.” – Eric Teh, Stereonet.
