Holo may lte vs denafrips terminator 2 vs musetec da005

@manogolf I too strongly considered the Holo Spring 3, which can be bought with a decent pre-amp too. Mainly because I didn't want a 2 box setup, as the Holo May.

The Spring is lower spec than the May that's why I went for the 005. I've always used chip DACs so no issues there. The 005 is NOS and NUS no issues there anyway because I use an Aurender.

The Spring probably is one of the best single box ladder DACs in this price category at present.

The Holo replaced a chip DAC not out of necessity rather I wanted to experience the R2R presentation. After learning what the 005 does I may place it aside the Spring just because. The piling on effect was Holo Serene pre amp with no regrets.

An aside. I acquired the Serene from a fellow A'goner which was an excellent experience

@manogolf Yes a side by side comparison of the Spring and 005 both using the Serene pre-amp would be very interesting.

The break in on the 005 is a bummer though but once you get there it's all worthwhile.

It's important to read about the DPLL settings in the online manual though.

Good Luck!

OP: depending on your preferences, you can be equally happy with either one. I like the R2R sound signature (especially when running in NOS mode) so I went with Terminator II. I had auditioned a number of DACs before settling on this one, and I'm very pleased with the performance so far. The DAC is built like a tank, sounds excellent, and you get full support from Vinshine Audio. Alvin is very very responsive.