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
yakbob
478 posts
 

Thanks to you both for your replies.

@redlenses03 , your link to head-fi was helpful. It appears Macs and May dacs have had incompatibility issues. I wish i knew that before purchase.

Kitsune or should i say Magna hifi appear to be rolling out firmware updates for screeching sounds on Windows machines, but it doesn't really help the mac users since device drivers aren't required in the first place. If a firmware update to the May was availble, I'd certainly give it a try.

I have a support ticket into Kitsune, but wonder if I'm going have to unload this unit or try some usb to coax or optical converter,, which will defeat the purpose of having the "upgraded" Titanis USB on the level 2. 

If i can find a solution, Ill report back for any other mac users out there.

 

 

 

redlenses03
95 posts
 

@yakbob 

I'm not sure what you mean by "however is forced by the May at 32-bit"

If you are using the upsampling in the May (that could be forcing it) otherwise nothing in the May is forcing the bit rate (to my knowledge), definitely turn that off and set May to NOS.  Then you can play native rates or upsample via an external program like HQP etc..  Of course all IMHO

 

yakbob
478 posts
 

I mean that when in the iMac's Midi Audio setup panel, the Holo May is seen by the mac, and the format can be changed (44.1 khz, etc.) But the integer is not selectable and set at 2-channel 32-bit integer. It appears the 32-bit integer is being set by the May.

The clock source for the macs built in output is set to "default".

The clock source for the May is set to "device" and cannot be changed, which leads me to believe the May is telling the Mac it's handling clock duties.

 

 

redlenses03
95 posts
 

OK, I don't know enough about mac settings, hopefully someone will be able to chime in. 

What software/audio program are you using to play files?

yakbob
478 posts
 

Interesting development in my screeching noise issue. I reset the Midi Audio set up to 44.1khz and unplugged the USB cable at the mac end for a minute. I plugged it back in and I haven't heard the screeching noise since.

I just using iTunes for the USB input on the May, which is just my convenience source. Meaning, for music around the house while not critically listening. My main use will be coax through my SACD/CD player. But, I'm using the iMac to burn in the May so my CD drive isn't spinning discs for a month.

@redlenses03 , I appreciate all your help.

 

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