HoloAudio STREAMER is out now

Learning more about Red from my friend. I asked about doing a shootout.

He said:  "You could [compare them] but they are very different devices. The red doesn't have any kind of controller app like the node and relies on other things sending it data. No qobuz, though it does have Spotify and tidal. I use the red as a roon end point, something I believe the node will do, so you could compare the sound quality but I'm not sure the red would fit into your current infrastructure. It does list airplay as an option, but of course that resamples everything to lossy compression. 

The node is much more of an appliance and lots of features, the red is more of a bare bones streamer or usb to digital re-clocker.

One option with the red is the ability to use alternative operating systems, such as roopiexl and volumio. Volumio will connect to just about everything. All that is needed is to put the image on a micro SD flash card. The downside is for all the features it requires a subscription that is 4.99 euro/month if paid annually."

I have no experience with this product, but I have learned not to discount Chinese made audio components. Denafrips, Holo Audio, Gustard, Musician, Willenston, FiiO, HiFiman, SMSL, Topping, iFi, Audio-GD, etc all make products that are great value and quality at there respective price points....usually setting a standard for punching above their cost

I just ordered one.  I think it will take 4-6 weeks to get here.  I’m using an iFi Zen Stream now with an external LPS into a Denafrips Pontus 2 connected via USB . I’m not sure this will be a big upgrade but I like the idea of trying I2S from the Red to the Pontus.  Also compared the measurements by Golden Sound and it has a much lower noise floor than the iFi.  I only use the streamer for Roon and other upgrade options — Lumin U2 Mini, Auralic Aries, etc. — are more features and cost than I really need.  Will share findings in a couple of months.

@nymarty  My recent experience at my buddy's with the Red was that USB was noticeably better into a Holo May DAC than the I2S. Worth experimenting if you can.

@hilde45 thanks!  Will definitely try the different connections.  I’m inclined to use USB but want to try I2S to see if it’s as good.  I’ve had good experience with AES too.