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  3. 159610-3674

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
 
nquery72 posts
Thanks for pointing that out @georgehifi. I am thinking about a Holo May to front my single ended Line Magnetic 805ia and was concerned that I would be missing out on optimal connectivity, that the SE connections would be compromised.


I think I could be wrong here.
Just found this pic (beautifully made btw) which shows the Holo May "may" have the correct amount of R2R resistors per channels (red) to be balanced from the R2R dacs to outputs, but there seems still to be many opamps between it and the outputs, I count 6 per channel.

Uses a 1uf coupling cap which maybe for the SE output? = -3db at 3hz with even down to 20k load, -3db at 6hz with 10k load
https://ibb.co/3yyqzV2
The balanced output "may" also be direct coupled and uses one of those opamps as a dc servo.

While I’m at it, here the power supply no switchmode (smp) rubbish here.
https://ibb.co/JymQ9Mc

Cheers George
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 
While waiting on the May DAC to arrive I am getting by with the DAC in my Oppo 105D. It's music, but it's not the same! Can't wait.
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@georgehifi I was told by kitsune that those are not coupling caps. I think Tim said they are for power filtering. 
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 
Still drumming my fingers waiting for the May DAC. I guess........the waiting is the hardest part.
kw6
692 posts
 
Hi jjss49,

Have you tried Aqua La Scala Opticalogic? Has tubes!
More to discover