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Holo Audio May DAC

Just read a very nice review of this in Stereophile this month and after doing some research it looks like this one could be a very nice option for me.  
https://kitsunehifi.com/product/holo-audio-may-dac/
  
It's made in China I think (or could be Taiwan?, and yes, I am very well aware that these are two very different countries. ;)), and employs a direct to consumer model to keep the price as low as possible.  This does not worry me after purchasing a Jay's Audio transport from Vinshine Audio and having zero issues.  

Just curious if anyone here has heard one or purchased?  I'm very intrigued.  I know the Denafrips Terminator is another highly regarded DAC with a similar ordering model, but costs a couple grand more than this one.  Considering that one as well.

Thanks
128x128snackeyp
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
The May is extremely clean and extended with great tonality across the frequency range. It paints an amazingly tall and wide picture across my soundstage. The AM-T3SE is a little less even handed, but provides more body and "meat on the bones." It shrinks the soundstage more between the speakers, but also draws more depth and 3-dimensionality. It’s obvious to me that both are superb dacs.
Was this done with both in NOS mode or OS mode?
If both, was the outcome the same, as for me the borrowed Holo Sping L2 in NOS was richer perhaps not as microscopic than OS mode.

Cheers George

shaksfan
32 posts
 
Anyone compare
the May DAC to the Spring 2 DAC? Appears the Spring 2 has implemented some of the upgrades in the May DAC (Usb improvements, upgraded components etc.). Wondering if the sound difference is worth the extra expense?
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@georgehifi Honestly, I've only flipped the May out of NOS mode once.  Didn't listen critically, but did prefer the NOS.  I bought it explicitly because it was non-oversampling and the reviews have been so consistent in preferring NOS that I didn't really feel the need to bother.
73max
46 posts
 
@73max, how many hours on both? With such a close sound and the Plus not handling delicacy as well as the standard, sounds like just a break-in thing. When I had a Termi, delicacy and final details is what took the time... Not saying your observations are not true, just aways a chance with something ‘new’. Especially since they’re so 

Definitely way more time on the standard. Over a year. I ran the plus 24 seven For about two weeks. Started comparisons around 10 days.  I think most of the character had developed, but you are correct there may have subtle changes to come.  Based on the overall character I had a definite preference standard. Very subjective, based on my ear, my room and my system. 
73max
46 posts
 
Termi vs Plus. I saw Steve Guttenberg’s video review after I had decided to stay with the standard. He sums up my thoughts perfectly! That’s why he is a professional reviewer and I’m not!
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