AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Critic's Circle (Equipment Reviews) => Source Component Reviews => Topic started by: Housteau on 18 Dec 2021, 11:28 pm
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I have been a member here for a number of years but have never felt the need to do an equipment evaluation, or review until now. It will be my first so please allow me some latitude if I miss checking all the boxes. This is more about my first initial impressions rather than a full proper review. If you are like me you may have been reading different online threads on newer equipment trends coming out of China as well as watching different YouTube channel reviews of that gear. I was completely enthralled by the reported quality not only in sound, but also of the component selections and overall build.
Two of those companies are Denafrips and Holo Audio. My system DAC was an SOtM sDP-1000. It was a combo DAC/pre that I found to be an excellent performer all around. However, it had some age on it and with the newer technology and so many positive reviews around growing more and more impossible to ignore, I decided to take the gamble and try one of these newer digital converters. Since mine was a combo unit I would need both a new DAC and a new preamp. I decided to go with Holo Audio.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=233936)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=233937)
I think it is important to know about my listening space to place things in perspective. I am fortunate to not only have a dedicated room, but also one designed and built just for listening to two channel music. Over the years it has been fine tuned through the use of acoustic treatments, speaker positioning, crossover settings and maximizing the listener room speaker interface to yield an ideal soundstage and frequency response +- 2.5 - 3dB below 200 Hz.
I do not use a house curve and find that a near flat response to sound the most natural with acoustic music. Although I listen to different types of music I believe that natural acoustic music to be the best guide in setting up a system.
When asked what is it that I value most in an audio presentation my answer is easy. I value everything and I want it all. But, if I had to pick one thing it would be that virtual soundstage the system creates. Instruments and voices should be true to scale within that illusion. There needs to be a total envelopment of the listener by the music where the speakers completely disappear. At no time should I be aware that I am listening to speakers at all. As large and imposing as my speakers look, they are not present when the music begins.
The May DAC arrived by UPS and I could go on with how well built this thing is, but until you have the chance to handle one yourself, you will still not truly understand. The Serene preamp was late and did not come in until the next day so I needed to run the May through a balanced in on my old SOtM DAC.
At first listen it sounded good, but not great, at least not to what I was lead to understand by the reviews. However, I had made a rookie mistake. I had bought the May used and so I knew it to be fully burned in and thought that leaving it in standby would be enough to get it warmed up, but I was wrong. I guess being a ladder DAC it takes a while for all those resistors to come up to the right temperature. After about 30 - 45 minutes my whole world began to change and change quickly.
I would not say that the tonal character was analytical, nor overly warm and smooth either. All I can think of to say is that it just simply sounded right. It sounded real. Speakers that had always done a disappearing act now really disappeared. Instruments and voices now had a more precise location within the soundstage with details previously missed with the SOtM. The air and illusion of space in width and depth had increased. The old analogy of now looking through a nice clean window opposed to one with a few streaks on it applies. I was brought closer to the music than I had ever been. I don't know what else to say really. I mean how does one describe the sound of a live stand-up bass being played in front of you? It just simply is.
I spent many hours that day listening to a wide variety of music that I knew well. I was truly amazed at what I was hearing, because I had already been very pleased with how the system had sounded before with digital. I thought in some circumstances and recordings it even came very close to some of my master tape copies. I was expecting a nice change, but not to this extent. The Serene preamp was due to come in the following day. I knew it would go well with the May DAC, but what about my analog sources, LP and Tape?
The Serene showed up early the next morning by FedEx. This unit is built like a tank as well. I connected it to my system and took it out of stand-by. This time having learned my lesson, I allowed it to properly warm up for about 45 minutes. I also purchased this unit second hand and so it was fully burned in. I listened to the May first and what I heard were all the fine attributes I and other reviewers had described. The difference was that I heard more of them. For the speakers that had always disappeared, now they really, really disappeared. Forgive me here, but I need to paraphrase what another reviewer mentioned on YouTube. If before was like viewing the music through a clean window, with the Serene there is no window glass there at all. You now have a direct connection to what you are listening to.
I was very pleased to find that it was the same experience with LPs and Tape. There was a much clearer presentation with more detail being allowed through. There was also a small improvement in the bass from all three sources. It must be that with more detail present the bass was being better defined. I really don't know. It is interesting to note that both the May Dac and Serene Preamp not only measure well, according to those that did measure them, but extremely well to the point that they may be among the best so far, if not the best. These units are direct marketed from China which allows their cost to be low.
At $5600 the May Dac is not exactly chump change, but it also is not 10 - 20K either. I have not heard a DCS or MSB DAC in my system, although I have heard them at other locations. I am comfortable believing that this Holo Audio May KTE can play in their league. I am not sure how to place the Serene since I have never experienced a Preamp quite like it before. I would be comfortable placing it head to head against the best out there and see what happens. At this level the lines are thin. What I can say for certain is that I am very pleased with my gamble on Holo Audio.
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Excellent review, and very cool system. Thanks!
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Very Difficult to get the company to return an email and they have no number published. If someone has an in to them, please let me know.
Thank you.
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The US distributor is a husband and wife operation who are swamped with orders and e-mails so if you expect immediate response it's not going to happen. What do you need to know that's not already been talked about on multiple forums?
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Excellent review, and very cool system. Thanks!
Thank you.
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I was able to get through to the distributer a few weeks ago by email. The response came the next day and was quite lengthy and detailed to my questions. If they take that kind of time to answer all emails I can see how they could get swamped. I read somewhere on another forum about an individual having trouble trying to contact them. Someone replied saying that another option that worked for him was to go through Customer Service.
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The US distributor is a husband and wife operation who are swamped with orders and e-mails so if you expect immediate response it's not going to happen. What do you need to know that's not already been talked about on multiple forums?
No email response in 4 weeks after sending 2 emails… and no number to call.
These are expensive products they can’t be that busy. This doesn’t inspire confidence. What happen if you have a problem?
This isn’t a couple hundred dollar dac/preamp gamble you try on other inexpensive Chinese products.
Basic question, what does the KTE dac iii sound like with the preamp module in it? How close to the separate approach does it get?
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There are several users of the Spring 3 with the preamp mod on AS you might want to ask there but it will not be the same as using Serene or other separate preamp with it's own power supply.
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Thank you for posting your review. :thumb:
I must admit to being curious about how the newest May KTE DAC sounds, and <hopefully> I'll someday get a chance to hear one in my system. I wonder how it compares to my DAC.
I hadn't realized that Holo Audio produces a preamp. Now I'm curious how it sounds, too!
Enjoy!
Michael
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No email response in 4 weeks after sending 2 emails… and no number to call.
These are expensive products they can’t be that busy. This doesn’t inspire confidence. What happen if you have a problem?
This isn’t a couple hundred dollar dac/preamp gamble you try on other inexpensive Chinese products.
Basic question, what does the KTE dac iii sound like with the preamp module in it? How close to the separate approach does it get?
GoldenSound posted an excellent review comparing the Holo Spring III to the Holo May. His Holo May DAC reviews are also well worth the time as a prelude to the Spring III comparison. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhf9GpGC55w
Regarding responsiveness from Kitsune HiFi, the US distributor for Holo products, I can only report my experience. Tim Connor, whom I've only contacted via the Kitsune website as a random potential customer, has been very helpful and fielded questions well beyond Holo product support. I would have to believe that Kitsune is swamped, and he's overlooked an e-mail or two. Looking at my last e-mails with him in July, he replied from "Tim Connor (Kitsunehifi)" <support@kitsunehifi.com>
You could give that e-mail a try if you are not too frustrated at this point.
I've had the Holo May KTE DAC and Serene preamp for almost six months now, and they are superb. The DAC does have a long break-in, and it really does sound best if left on 24/7 (same with other ladder DACs like the Schiit Yggdrasil that I had in its first iteration).
Excellent review write up!
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Appreciate the review. I have an excellent SW1X Level 3 Special NOS tube dac. Love it. However, curiosity got me too and picked up a used Denafrips Terminator v1. I was going back and forth between the Terminator and Holo Audio. I went with the Terminator because what I had read/heard in reviews was that the Terminator excelled in detail and imaging while the Holo had a smoother presentation. I figured both would be great to try but since my SW1X is smooth and detailed I decided to go with the Terminator for now. So far, I'm very impressed. Detail retrieval and imaging is excellent. I haven't spent a lot of time with it, however in my system, I have both DACs active and can change inputs on my preamp to A/B them. The Terminator is hooked up via AES/EBU and the SW1X is using coax, so not 100% apples to apples. Yesterday I spent a few minutes A/B'ing between dacs listening to parts of the same song. Its a very close comparison but there are some differences. I haven't spent enough time to articulate, but both dacs sound amazing. Keep in mind, the SW1X Level 3 Special now costs over $9000 USD and I got the Terminator for $2800. I've also had in my system a Berkeley Alpha Reference 1 MQA, PS Audio Directstream and a Directstream Jr, Lampizator Atlantic SE+ (not TRP), and Exogal Comet+. All superb dacs for their own reasons, but this Terminator is different in it's own way. Looking forward to spending more time with it.
I'd love to hear a Holo Audio Dac too. Audio GD also has some interesting Dacs with regenerative power supply. I think my point is don't always conflate products made in China to be of poor quality. There are some amazing values and extremely high quality products. I love bespoke products like my Sachs preamp, Alan Eaton 45 amp, and SW1X dac, Van Alstine amp, and Cube Audio speakers and I will probably never sell them if I don't have to simply because to me they are the result of someones love of the product and I truly appreciate the craftsmanship and uniqueness of each one. However, I also see that passion in products from China. Just be smart and buy through proper dealers. Now is an amazing time to be an audiophile.
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Well said. Agreed.
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However, curiosity got me too and picked up a used Denafrips Terminator v1. I was going back and forth between the Terminator and Holo Audio.
I very nearly bought a Terminator 1 with the newer digital card that brought it close to the Terminator 2 status. I was going to match it up with the Athena preamp. My reasons were that they seemed more available on the used market and the prices were right. I am sure that I would have enjoyed them as well. However, I did decide to hold out for the Holo Audio. I was monitoring several sites, US Audiomart, Audiogon, Ebay and HiFi Shark continuously. You have to be quick. A May went up on US Audiomart and sold within 1.5 minutes. I had missed that one by 30 seconds. That one hurt because I found out that it was located an hour away from where I live.
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That one hurt because I found out that it was located an hour away from where I live.
Ouch, always nice to find that local seller. Sounds like it has worked out.
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There are several users of the Spring 3 with the preamp mod on AS you might want to ask there but it will not be the same as using Serene or other separate preamp with it's own power supply.
What is AS?
Audio Science?
Thanks.
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More likely it’s AudiophileStyle. Audiosciencereview typically goes by ASR abbreviation.
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I wanted to add a small update on my time spent with Holo Audio. I continue to be very impressed. I have read and watched different reviews that compare the Denafrips Terminator series with the Holo Audio May dac, They are both are very well liked with slight differences. In general they describe the Terminators as being better at retrieving more info with a more upfront soundstage and the May as being more dimensional with the soundstage more in the background. I have not had the chance to have any of the Denafrips dacs in my system and so I cannot describe their sound, although I have little doubt that they would also impress. But, I can describe the Holo May in more detail after living with it for a while.
In my system the May is indeed extremely holographic and dimensional in presenting the soundstage in both width and depth. However, it is not placed more in the background. It does reach deeper back, but it also extends more forward an equal amount creating a fully three dimensional image when the recording calls for it, and I find that most good ones do. One of the aspects that I enjoy the most is how that layering is often also present at nearly the extreme edges of the soundstage beyond the outside of the speakers. A lot of what can happen outside of the speakers is tied to what the speakers are capable of. In my room the speakers are 8.5 ft apart and 6 ft from each side wall with the listening seat on an equilateral triangle. The image can not only extend to the side walls, but also follow those walls back toward the listener in an arch.
The Holo Spring dac is often described as being very smooth. I do not find the May dac that way at all. It definitely has an edge and bite when called for. It doesn't round off those leading edges. It just presents them as real music often is, quick, sharp and attention grabbing. It is not harsh but can ride that edge just right creating that proper balance keeping it from being considered as laid back. As far as information goes, I find it has very good retrieval striking the right balance that draws one into the music keeping it away from being analytical and artificial sounding.
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The Holo Audio DAC and preamp are both on my shortlist... thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. :thumb:
Cheers!
- Bill -
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I heard the Holo May at my friend's house. That thing is no joke, it's a great DAC.
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Very informative thread and meaningful contributions from all.In the market for an end game DAC at a realistic price point so the contributions and continuing dialogue are appreciated.
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=233937)
Great review and I love your room!
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Great review and I love your room!
Thank you.
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I heard the Holo May at my friend's house. That thing is no joke, it's a great DAC.
How did it compare to your tube dacs? I know bit of a loaded question because performance is system dependent.
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How did it compare to your tube dacs? I know bit of a loaded question because performance is system dependent.
We’ll, I know myself well enough now to know that I will never be happy with a non-tubed digital source. But if that were taken off the table, the May DAC would be my choice.
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Very nice review. To me, the digital source/DAC is a major key to good sound from digital. This DAC is right up there among the best.
There are two major camps with high end DACs. One side is firmly in the NOS camp, while the other side is Delta/Sigma. Custom filtering is used for both types.
I've heard both types that sound great. Personally, my preference is for Delta/Sigma.
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Are you guys still happy with the Serene preamp?
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Yes, very much so.
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I've had mine for a year now. I really like it a lot -- excellent sound and rock solid design.
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I own the May KTE edition and the Bliss KTE Headphone amp. Holo is one of those companies that releases solid gold gear. Excellent performance from both pieces and superb build quality. I've heard great things about the Red streamer from trusted sources as well.
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I see earlier in this thread I wrote about a bunch of dacs I had been trying and had just recently (at that time) started using the Terminator. Fast forward and I wound up with the May KTE and Serene KTE preamp and love them. It would be very hard to replace these. I've heard the Tambaqui DAC and yes I think it bests the May, but not worth double the cost to me. I've used tube preamps prior to the Serene and the Serene is just so transparent. I've really enjoyed using it with tube amps. I'm sure there may be better pre's but again, I think you'd have to spend so much more to really outperform it. BTW, I was initially leaning towards the Spring KTE DAC with the preamp module, but from what I understand you can't bypass the DAC or bypass the preamp module so if you configure it with the DAC+Pre you can't try a tube preamp with the Spring DAC or try a tube dac with the Serene module. I'm sure its a killer product but I wanted the flexibility of being able to mix and match pre's and dacs down the road. That being said I'm very very happy with the Holo stack.
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I've had the May KTE edition for 18 months and have zero plans of replacing it. I like this DAC because it is neutral and true to the source, other brand DACs have the manufacturer's signature sound throughout their product line.
I used to use JRiver Media Player as my digital source. The May lets me hear that JRiver has a nice little mid-bass bump that makes even average recordings sound better, but once you hear it, the bump adds it's character to every recording whether it needs it or not.
I can play CDs using the digital out of an Oppo Blu-ray player into the May and actually it doesn't sound bad at all but the May does expose the limits of the medium.
I have been using HQPlayer (https://www.signalyst.com/) with a medium powered music server and the combination really shows off how good the May KTE really is. The learning curve can be steep, the Audiophile Style HQPlayer thread (https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/19715-hq-player/#comments) is dauntingly long but the rewards are worth it. Hint: instead of reading the entire thread, read the last 5 pages and plug in the filters everyone else is using as a starter. You may never need to change.
But there is plenty to discover in all the conversations, I use the poly-sinc-gauss-long filter and upsample everything to DSD256, it's very nice. Other filters can closely approximate other manufacturer's DAC sound characteristics. The comments below are the most recent, a deeper search into the HQPlayer thread would uncover other DAC/filter similarities.
"Particularly huge effort went first into poly-sinc-ext2 and then later to poly-sinc-gauss-long to make these as good all-rounder filters as possible, for wide array of different music genres. Even though latter is called "long" it is still pretty much middle grounds in terms of length. These are what one could still call "compact" without trading off anything really.
"Note that given otherwise same parameters, only thing that filter length affects is roll-off steepness. Longer the filter gets, steeper it becomes. All other properties stay the same.
[Chord DAC] "Chord-style filters sinc-L group and sinc-short/medium/long the length also affects stop-band attenuation."
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/19715-hq-player/page/1189/#comment-1256131 (https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/19715-hq-player/page/1189/#comment-1256131)
[In the latest HQPlayer 5.2.0] "...find new linear phase halfband filters.
"I found the xs one to be very interesting. IMO it shows some similarity to xtr-short."
Miska replied:
"It is something I actually made because someone asked what would be closest to Mola-Mola filter, and there weren't any. So this one fairly closely matches the one used by Mola-Mola. And it is very similar to most DAC chip filters (ESS etc) in terms of response as well. Relatively slow roll-off and fairly low attenuation.
"Main difference to Mola-Mola and DAC chip filters though is that these are single stage to final output rate.
"Since halfband filters are non-apodizing, those are only suitable for content where the Apod counter stays 0 (or close, like under 10)."
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/19715-hq-player/page/1190/#comment-1256534 (https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/19715-hq-player/page/1190/#comment-1256534)
"So Mola-Mola Tambaqui falls in category of slow roll-off. Although still not nearly as slow as MQA filter which is down only by -18 dB at same point. Or ESS slow roll-off which is down by -12 dB. These are however only down by -3 dB at 22.05 kHz (green line), so these are halfband filters and thus will have notable leak around Nyquist."
Charts included in post:
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/19715-hq-player/page/1192/#comment-1256677 (https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/19715-hq-player/page/1192/#comment-1256677)