Thanks for your posting. The ‘Red’ appears to be a very versatile streamer/DDC converter with amazing array of hardware connections and software options. I believe the I²S connection is superior than USB or SPDIF in conveying digital bits and ‘Red’ should shine once connected through its I²S (HDMI) output to a compatible DAC like Holo May or any of the Denafrips DAC’s with I²S (HDMI) input. At its asking price, it is certainly one of those devices that tempts you for a test drive :-)
HoloAudio STREAMER is out now
I've read lots of discussions about streamers, especially about how to get value for less than several thousand $$'s. The typical responses include Bluesound, Innuous, iFi, Raspberry Pi, Cambridge, and probably a couple others I'm missing.
People LOVE the Holo Audio DAC's -- the May, the Spring, e.g.
Now they have a streamer. It's less than $1k. I wonder if anyone has it or has compared it?
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This is a combo DAC streamer and for this price I'd be skeptical of the DAC which I've heard described as "flagship". (not that i don't believe value can be found at a low price at times). Reviews make it clear people love the screen, which of course has nothing to do with the sound but seems to greatly contribute to the popularity. I'd say this is a candidate for upgrade from a Bluesound Node but a buyer may be misguided if he/she doesn't just go with seperates. Jerry |
Hello @baylinor Do not put my lava lamp in the same category as a red streamer! LOL Ken |
The comments surprise and remind me of the same negative sentiment when people first started inquiring about the May DAC. Fast forward to today and after demos of DAC upwards of $20k, the May sits in my rack. It's absolutely outstanding. I care about SQ and am still entertaining other streamers because nearly every streamer thread here mentions the Node being "beaten" by XYZ. So far the Node has been "good enough" with nothing being worth the price point delta. Part of this is due to the software that accompanies the "big dogs". It's flat out terrible. The Node software is pretty darn good. I have yet to experience a home demo where the difference is profound enough to open my wallet. The "jury" is a group of friends with six-figure systems and 20 more years in "the game", who are astounded by my little rig and have congratulated me on achieving something they are still chasing. I will definitely kick the tires on this one. The majority of listening is at night where I turn off all displays. I really don't care what something looks like, I want to sit and smile with the little time I get to do so. I also want to point out the first comment of "I don't even see USB in"... such comments can derail others who may otherwise be interested. It took me less than a minute of looking at photos from the OP's link to clearly see a USB-in port. |
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