Holo Audio May DAC

Hi All,

I currently have 2 box setup; Simaudio Moon 390 to power amp. I feed 390 via eithernet connection using Roon to play music files on my PC.

If I go with Holo May DAC, I will need to sell 390 to fund for the DAC and would not have enough fund for a new preamp. So given that constraint, I think I have a couple of options:

1. Connect May directly from PC via USB and use Roon's volume control. Problem here is that my PC is about 20 ft away from where the DAC would be, so will need a long USB cable.

2. Buy Bluesound Node and connect it via eithernet (like the current setup) and connect Node to May via either optical out or USB. Use either Roon or Node volume control. Does anyone know any advantage of using Roon if I have Node?

Overall, which option will yield a better performance?

Thanks!

philippe0: Did you like  usb to matrix spdif to dac on the May? With the DS this was the way to go for me. With the May it's not the same level as the USB input (with curious usb - started working for some reason) Would love to try the Chord cables you mentioned down the road. Better USB cables seem to make a big difference with this unit. At least with the limited selection I have. Tried the USB cable that came with the May - not too good...  I2S crushed USB on the DS.

Cudfoo
I was also using I2S with the DS, and to compare apples with apples, I have used I2S so far on the May. One from my PST and one from the Matrix.
I am planning to try USB without the Matrix, but I am not in a rush because it sounds amazing with the Matrix 😀.

Can you outline how you're using the Matrix with the May? Do you disable PLL? What's you're USB source? USB source with Chord USB to I2S - what cable? thx

Nucleus + to Lumin U1 over Ethernet (Wireworld Platinum Ethernet cables), ChordMusic USB from Lumin to Matrix, RAL hdmi from Matrix to Holo. Matrix powered by Farad with all options. Wireworld silver power cables plugged into PSA P20.