UPnP as an alternative to Roon
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The Grimm MU2 is still a Roon server and Roon Ready player. This works well and is very robust. But not everyone wants to be dependent on an expensive subscription or likes Roon. An alternative is to use the added UPnP option. This opens the option for other choices in apps or server software.
The annoying thing about UPnP is that it is not a single standard and that the way manufacturers deal with it varies. Even though the ‘U’ stands for universal, most audio enthusiasts have experienced that there is little universal about UPnP.
Audirvana (unfortunately) does not work with the MU2. UPnP server software such as AssetUPnP and MinimServer does work with the MU2. Both programs are widely used by music collectors with large file collections.
AssetUPnP and MinimServer work on Windows, Mac, or Linux computers, as well as on NAS devices such as those from Synology. The program indexes the tags of files in Synology’s standard ‘music’ folder and uses them to build a library. With a UPnP app, you can browse or search that library and select and play albums or tracks.
Brands such as Naim, Yamaha, and Linn make their own apps that work as UPnP remote controls for their equipment. For the MU2, you can download a universal app, such as MConnect (lite or HD) or JPlay for iPads and iPhones or BubbleUPnP for Android phones and tablets.
AssetUPnP is not free, but you can purchase the software for a modest one-time fee. The combination of AssetUPnP, MConnect, and the MU2 works very well. It is not as slick an experience as Roon, but in terms of sound quality, it is on par with Roon.
Wish for the future
Hopefully, Grimm Audio will develop its own UPnP server that allows the computer in the MU2 to serve as a music server. AssetUPnP on a computer sounds good, but it could be better. And Grimm proves that it can be better with the Tidal Connect feature.