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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
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audionutjeff
34 posts
 
I use a preamp, so not a factor for me.  
The Holo May is really just a really great basic DAC, no volume control/preamp (which the DAVE and most DACs), no MQA (many great DACs have it, but not Holo, Chord, Lampizator), no streaming, no DSP toys (like Weiss) -no frills.  
hchilcoat
159 posts
 
I am not sure about sound quality impact but you can adjust volume using Roon. I’ve experimented with it briefly but not critically since I have a preamp and my Lampizator also has volume control. Seemed ok for minor volume changes but I'm not sure I would want to rely on Roon as my primary volume control.
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audionutjeff
34 posts
 
Hchilcoat, which Lampizator model?  How do you like it?  What are you using to run Roon?  Thanks!
hchilcoat
159 posts
 
I have a Big 7 that is about 6 years old. I really think it very nice especially with good tubes. I have KR Audio’s RK 300b tubes with an RK rectifier, which really help to bring it alive. I’m always curious about something else but it is hard to imagine something markedly better, but I haven’t tried. I am streaming with an Innuos Zen Mk III and have been very happy with it, especially running in experimental model using Squeezelite. I am interested in a 432 Evo Aeon, which I’ve heard great things about and I also find that what is upstream of the daC is very important. 
branislav
405 posts
 
I wonder if anyone compared this to Mojo Mystique V3 or EVO?
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