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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
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 
Just received my new May and I have to echo what others have said, this sounds fantastic right out of the box! Can't wait to get it burned in a bit.
nquery
103 posts
 
So I have acquired a slightly used Holo May ( 200 - 300 hrs in mint condition) and have been listening to it for the past few days, comparing it to my Lampizator Amber 3. I am on the fence so far to be honest. Earlier in this thread, more than one person suggested that the May would be a sideways move from Lampizator DAC’s and I am beginning to agree with this. While it’s incredible detailed, accurate, with a black background and neutral to a fault, it doesn’t have the full, 3-dimensionality, or organic sound of the Amber 3. No doubt it’s technically superior in every way - but it’s just not as *pleasant* to listen to, is more forward sounding, and very unforgiving of poor recordings - etched and bright at times. I will let it run for a couple of hundred more hours before re-evaluating.


philippe0
15 posts
 
I just received my Holo Audio May KTE a week ago.
Wow !
My PS Audio Directstream dac is for sale.
branislav
405 posts
 
Nquery...thank you for your post, I thought Holo May just puts everyone in trance or something, so it's refreshing to hear something a bit different. Could be it's not fully broken in or you may just prefer the tubes in your system. Keep us posted.
snackeyp's avatar
snackeyp OP
455 posts
 
@nquery I'm looking forward to hearing your future findings.  
I have not experienced harshness, etched or overly detailed sound from mine.  I have not heard this experience from others either, so it is a curious thing.  Break-in could be a part of it but for me, I did not hear those characteristics during break-in of my unit.  After 600+ hours on mine I can say that it is more refined than when it was new, but the improvement is not night and day.  From the moment I unboxed mine and plugged it in it has sounded great.  
I am wondering about choice of cables, source, or other factors to explain what you are hearing.  Or, as another said, perhaps the comparison to tubes is revealing your preference in sound signature.  
Either way, let us know what you find.  
Happy listening!
Peter
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