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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
headphonedreams
529 posts
 
Wow you are replacing a $25k DAC with a $5k DAC.  I definitely want to read the comparison!  The May is on my list as well, but I have a modded Gustard U20, so definitely expect an improvement.
@achipo I would also like to read the comparison.

$5k is still too much for me, if someone can make an equally good dac and shave off another 80% of the price then we're talking. 
I can dream, can't I?
snackeyp's avatar
snackeyp OP
455 posts
 
$5k is still too much for me, if someone can make an equally good dac and shave off another 80% of the price then we're talking.
I can dream, can't I
Yes, you can dream.  That's what this hobby is all bout, isn't it? 

There are several DACs at the $1K price point that will provide 95% of the SQ that the May DAC offers.  Denafrips Ares II is a very good choice for about a grand.  The Schitt Gungnir is another.  I'm sure there are others.  

My quest began with DACs in this ($1K) price range.  After owning some of them I was prepared to spend $10-20K on my next DAC when I discovered the May DAC.  After purchasing the MAY and owning it for nearly a year I am still satisfied and have no interest in upgrading.  Thinking how I might very well have ended up spending $10K or more additional to buy one of the Super DACs makes me feel very good about my purchase.  I'm not saying I will never upgrade, but this DAC is very special and I plan to hold onto it for the next several years.  
gryphongryph
392 posts
 
Wonder if the Sonnet Morpheus dac would compete with the May dac.
Looks very interesting and can be use as a pre as well.
https://www.sonnet-audio.com/Morpheus.html
yyzsantabarbara
4,959 posts
 
@headphonedreams I have the AudioMirror Tubadour III SE (fully loaded) that some compared favorably with the Halo May. I actually bought the AMT3SE over the Halo May because a guy selling the Halo May decided to keep the AMT3SE instead after comparing the 2 of them. He may have posted earlier on this or another Halo May thread. I took the 30 day home trial for the AMT3SE and never returned it.

I love my AMT3SE with my RAAL SR1a headphones into a KRELL K-300i integrated. Sonic perfection with this combo. However, I recently got a new DAC that I like more than the AMT3SE on my 2 channel floor standers. It is the $1500 Gustard X26 Pro. It is sonically a nice blend of my Benchmark DAC3B and the AMT3SE.

branislav
405 posts
 
I'd love to hear the comparisons. I've search everywhere and haven't see any impressions of Holo May and Audio Mirror. If you have any links, please provide, I'd love to hear them, since these 2 dacs are on the top of my list.
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