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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
 


Take that with a grain of salt.

Not that much in it, balanced is slightly better below -130db!!!  and looking at all the noise makers in the background tubes, laptops, screens, test gear etc etc with SMP buzzing their brain out, it’s no wonder the balanced look a little better. My linear Tektronix scope make noise if it’s close to any source gear too.

Cheers George
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
Agreed George. Given how low everything is, I doubt it's audible even if the measurement differences are real.
yyzsantabarbara
4,912 posts
 
Thanks guys. 
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
Just a quick note that I do feel like break-in is going to take a while with the May. I'm on day 6 of mostly 24/day playing and feel like it's just starting to come together. I think Kitsune recommends 500 hours. 

I read one report (for a spring 2 i think) where they put 500 hours on and said it took another 200 until they understood what all the fuss was about. 

Sorry if this was mentioned earlier in the thread and I missed it.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
break-in is going to take a while
I think break in is a valid exercise for mechanical things, like phono cartridge suspension, speakers roll-surrounds, maybe even laser suspension etc etc.

But with electronic devices dac, pre, amps etc I believe if your not getting "off on it" after 10hrs, which by then even the most stubborn of caps have polarized/formed properly, then your only going to talk your self into it waiting for 500hrs.
BTW: Also, nothing will measure any different from 10hrs to 500hrs.
But compliance in the mechanical things above do. 

Cheers George
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