Holo Audio May DAC

I think he's just referring to the AK4137  chip that handles all upsampling. But you're right that the standard r2r modules are still involved. See below:

From: https://www.kitsunehifi.com/product/holo-audio-may-dac/

"The oversampling is done by AK4137, ‘OS PCM’ converts the input stream to PCM no matter it is PCM or DSD, then send to DAC. ‘OS DSD’ converts the input stream to DSD no matter is is PCM or DSD, then send to DAC. ‘OS’ over-samples the input stream. If it is DSD input, it over-sample to DSD256. If it is PCM input, it over-samples to PCM384K or 352.8K ‘NOS’ does no oversampling. send the input stream directly to DAC module.'

The Halo May Level 3 and the AudioByte Vox | Zap | Hub stack seem like advancing DAC technology without breaking the bank. I am looking at these 2 to supplement or replace a Benchmark DAC3B.

The AudioByte vs the Rockna Wavelight is also very interesting since they come from the same designer and are priced around the same.

Wow, two *very* different approaches for the Holo vs AB. NOS vs upsample everything to dsd512. Would be an interesting and informative comparison.

But you're right that the standard r2r modules are still involved.

Of course they are. (just fishing)

Cheers George

I've had my Holo May KTE DAC for a couple of months now. It's as impressive today as it was the day I got it.  It never dissapoints.  I do now use HQPLAYER and Roon, but I actually prefer PCM 20bits (per Jussi)/1.536MHZ to DSD512.  I find it a tad more resolute, and detailed honestly. I also think DSD512 is also very good, but just a hair smoother too me and maybe that's preferred by some or it's just the synergy between running source-direct to my Pass Labs XA25 amplifier and then on to my Tekton Encores.  I use Roon for volume attenuation which manipulates HQPLAYER's built-in volume control. I've only got two digital sources and no analog sources. I've always preferred the sound source-direct and not through a preamp.  I'm a big fan of the shortest signal path. I've used mostly SET Tube Amplifiers for 25 years. The XA25 is the first solid-state amplifier to change my mind with its unreal set-like midrange and Pass's signature bass which is outstanding. 

I've also enjoyed the Holo May KTE DAC very much with no hqplayer processing on redbook lossless in NOS mode of course. It's superb, but I drank the Hqplayer kool-aid recently after swearing I'd never buy it for years while settling for Roon's upsampling as sufficient. Eitherway, it's definitely the best sounding DAC I've owned or heard in my experience.