2. digital
  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
snackeyp's avatar
snackeyp OP
455 posts
 
@jtrimm Nice write-up!  As I wrote previously, the digital end of my system has taken a back seat to my analog set up, so I really haven't focused on burn time.  I think I should maybe leave my system running while I'm not around to give it the time required.  Great to hear that it has made a difference for you.
Cheers,
Peter
jtrimm
10 posts
 
@snackeyp FWIW I’ve kept mine running 24x7 for 3 weeks, even when my preamp is off and no sound is coming through the speakers- DAC is still playing music 24x7.

Also, I’ve noticed multiple regressions in sound quality along the 500 hour burnin path... ie. sound is improving, and then takes a step back, sometimes for a few days.  It’s frustrating and makes you doubt everything about the process.  However, when it all comes together towards the end of burn-in, the transformation in sound is not subtle, and completely transformative.

Also, I suspect, and will confirm with a few hundred more hours of play, that 500 hours is not a hard and fast rule on when things reach their pinnacle...
jriggy's avatar
jriggy
565 posts
 
Another break-in tip for those slower to ‘get there’ materials, like teflon... This may seem unconventional or even weird to some, but I got this from a designer years ago... During the break-in process, every two or three day power the unit down for 5 hours +/-. Evidently letting the caps discharge for a time like this can actually speed up the process some and even out the rollercoaster some. 
jtrimm
10 posts
 
@jriggy Thanks for that... I’m going to try it.
reverendo
88 posts
 
just read through this whole thread. very interesting. I am in the market for a new DAC upgrading from my Resolution Audio Cantata 2.0. I have the option of upgrading to the 3.0, but I am curious about the options out there. the absolute best DAC that I recall listening to was the Light Harmonic DaVinci, but that is unobtainium used and the new one is beyond my budget anyway.

I had my current DAC thoroughly crushed by a Lampizator GG, which showed me how much of a bottleneck my DAC is at the moment. However, I am still very resistant of going the tube DAC route.

I am just moving back from a Gryphon Class A back to my Gryphon Diablo (orginal) so I am very interested in @phastm3 ever got to do his comparison.
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