Holo Audio May DAC

Hey Phil - This thing is sick. Would love to post on the PSA forum - don't think it would go over well. PSA is great outfit but not thinking that they'll be able to produce anything that would be able to compete with the May anytime soon. No knock on PSA - not thinking any other company will be able to touch this for under10k either.,,

My May KTE arrived today and I concur with some of the earlier posts that the initial sound out of the box isn't impressive (and not at the same level as my PS Audio DSD DAC).  But I was expecting that and am looking forward to having my first real impression in about a week's time after I can get 100 hours on it.  I'm going to start with USB direct into my Nucleus, but will eventually give I2S a go through the Matrix.  I also need to upgrade my power cable on the Nucleus which should boost the overall sound as well.  (My long term goal is to get a dedicated streamer, however, for the system.  Possibly a Lumin U1, Sonore Signature Rendu SE or the upcoming PS Audio Octave streamer...)

@cudfoo. There is already a thread on the PSA forum so go ahead and post.  Paul won’t mind.

My only concern is if there is a problem with the unit.  Per Tim at kitsunehifi, re: failures

"It's a case by case basis, depending on what's wrong with we will either repair it at no cost, or customer pays shipping/repair or send parts. IE if the USB module is damaged (not by the manufacturer) we can send you a USB module for repair. It is a module design which makes most repairs relatively simple.

The warranty covers shipping for 30 days.

If for some reason the DAC is DOA we will replace, it would be shipped to Hong Kong, and you would either be credited or have a new unit shipped back to you.
For other minor repairs, it would be shipped to Lynwood, WA. We've replaced relays on the board as well as USB modules for various products.

In general if you do not know what's wrong with it, you would ship to Lynwood, WA and we will determine the cause of failure. "

I’m 70 years old, and am losing use of my hands for stuff like repairs.  But. It’s the DOA and major repair thing that mostly bugs me.  It has to go back to Hong Kong?  Not repaired in the US?  I absolutely LOVE everything I have read about the May, except repairing it.  I have a lot of thinking to do on this.  

Tarheelneil: the May is really well packed and protected (at least in Europe), so DOA is highly unlikely. And IME, a dac is unlikely to need repairs. I would worry about a CD player or transport, but not a dac. And if it does need repair, I have experienced great service so far from Magna Hifi in Europe (don’t know about the US distributor), so I am not worried.