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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
oczed
40 posts
 
I just pulled the trigger on a May KTE edition today.  This will potentially replace my PS Audio DirectStream DAC which I'm currently very happy with.  (The new Sunlight firmware update is great.)  I'm looking to move on from the DSD DAC because I don't want to be stuck long term with a discontinued product, but I won't hesitate to hold on to it for longer if the May KTE doesn't work out.  

Question for existing May KTE and/or DSD DAC owners who also have the Matrix X-SPDIF 2... I have the Matrix now and haven't noticed any difference in sound with my DSD DAC when running my Roon Nucleus to the Matrix (USB) out to the DSD DAC (HDMI/i2s) versus just using the network bridge in the DSD DAC.  Is that based on the streamer limitations in the Nucleus?  And would/does the May KTE really benefit from the Matrix/i2s connection?
redwoodaudio
413 posts
 
@nquery - I never upsampled anything though my holo may.  So you may be right that’s where the may excels.
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cudfoo
15 posts
 
Oczed - 

Recently purchased the May to replace DSD. Unlike some others my initial impressions were not favorable. 1st day was a mess. Usually is though. Over the next couple of days things started to improve dramatically, after a week I was able to understand what all the fuss was about. The May is not just better than the DSD, it’s ground breaking at this price point. I can’t imagine anything under 10K coming close. It’s high end turntable/analog good and I’m only a week in. As far as the Matrix goes I found it to be better than USB direct. I switched from USB direct early on so I’d like to give that another shot soon. Would love to simplify and use USB if it equals Matrix\I2S. I doubt it will be better. Good luck.

cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
Congrats @cudfoo.  I've had both in my system, and confidently predicted your outcome when I saw the initial purchase posting. Glad to see you had the same experience I did in that shootout.
philippe0
15 posts
 
The May KTE is just amazing. 
I was listening to G Gloud in Bach 2 and 3 parts inventions, and something sounded wrong. I have had this cd forever and never noticed anything. Turns out Gould modded his Steinway piano and that’s why it doesn’t sound like the Steinways I hear at concerts.

Amazing. 
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