2. digital
  3. 177885-165894

Holo MAY KTE DAC/ Kitsune Hi FI, Lynnwood Washington

Have been looking for a new DAC for sometime now. I would like to thank all of you that have helped in my search. Recently,  I have watched a very nice review of the HOLO AUDIO KTE DAC from a reviewer, called Golden Sound. A very detailed and professional review.  After reading and viewing and listening, it seems that the aforementioned DAC is the best thing since sliced bread!!! It caught my attention.

My first thought, after going to the website, lets look up a few things. I read some of the covenants/warranty statements and came away with the thought, my God if I sneeze, they will void the warranty. Where is this item serviced in and out of warranty, and does it go back to China on your dime. No one addresses this. Any help in this area would be great. Robert TN  Thanks , AS USUAL!!

robshaw
anwar
119 posts
 

I’ve owned Terminator v1, heard Terminator + during audio show, tested MHDT Labs Orchid (seller brought it to my house and demoed tube rolling), and now own Holo Audio May L3 KTE bought directly from HK. I also have Marantz SA-10 SACD player purchased years ago which I use as USB DAC until Holo May arrived 2 weeks ago (still breaking in).

Firstly, the MHDT Orchid was highly overrated, especially in this forum. It’s not in the same class as discrete R2R DACs or FCPGA-based DAC like the SA-10 I have.

Please read Stereophile’s comments about Terminator + versus Holo Audio Spring 3, which is the model below Holo May:

https://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-60-denafrips-terminator-plus-denafrips-gaia-holoaudio-spring-3-page-2

Holo May is really a good DAC, especially when using USB input. It demands a very good digital source to shine. Even though Holo May includes USB galvanic isolation, when using music server with USB galvanic isolation at the music server side, the sound is better. USB cable used also matters.

A person who owns all Esoteric digital gears (streamer, DAC, external clock) heard my system and said the Holo May is a damn good DAC. Holo May will stay in my system as the reference DAC for a long time.

To ops question about warranty, if the unit failed to work, yes I have to send it back to HK.

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,448 posts
 

@anwar 

the MHDT Orchid was highly overrated, especially in this forum.

Can you say a bit more about how it was overrated? 

willywonka's avatar
willywonka
343 posts
 

 

@audioman58 You mention the Terminator has oversized power supply and has better bass than the Holo May? It made me laugh considering the Holo May has an entire shelf dedicated for a power supply also. I'm pretty sure its also way oversized for a DAC.

anwar
119 posts
 

@hilde45 

MHDT Orchid does not have resolution and layering like modern DACs.  A lot of details are missing and the sound is very rounded.

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,448 posts
 

@anwar Thanks for clarifying. I heard it with a tap x Bent preamp, Coincident monoblocks and a really great streaming setup -- all on speakers with a delightfully articulate Beyma tweeter. Comparing my Orchid vs the Holo May showed the kind of difference you describe, but not that much of a difference. The Orchid really shined.

That said, I bet on a less resolving system, such as my own, your point would be even more obvious to me in a head to head. I suppose it would be my call to decide if the $4500 price difference was worth the extra performance.

More to discover