Dark Horse DAC

@audioman58: What you call the "Holosprings KTE" is actually the Holo Audio "MAY" KTE dac ("KTE" stands for "Kitsune Tuned Edition," Holo Audio’s premium version of their "MAY" R-to-R resistor-ladder dac, which is available in three versions: base-level, mid-tier and KTE).

I own the very-well-built Holo Audio ’MAY’ KTE dac, which I find to be very musical-sounding - it steers clear of the bright edginess of far too many Sigma-Delta chip-based DACs - it is a serious contender standing right alongside the Denafrips Terminator Plus.

Today's $2000 wonder will be next year's $1200 white elephant.

I honestly don’t understand this negativity.  Here the OP is trying to share his 2k DAC find as maybe a great deal at that price point, but some comments seem to only discourage such sharing:

- it’s doesn’t compare to more expensive Lampi DACs

- tubes vs SS

- I don’t trust the one evaluating it -aka not open to listen to any logical conclusions

 
@brauser
Thanks for sharing.  Looks like a winner.  Congrats.

OP head on over to WBF they will congratulate you and embrace your post. 

RME ADI-2 FS DAC.  Not so much of a Dark Horse, but the balanced DAC XLR output to a good amp (tube or otherwise) is under-rated and can be close to the best I've heard.  The flexibility to change the EQ, balance, loudness, and other exotic adjustments along with presets gives you different flavors at the digital end before you pass the signal on. You can tweak forever or just listen bit-perfect. The headphone amp itself is just OK, with the exception of the 3.5mm IEM port which is very good. Best for sole use as a DAC to downstream amps/preamps.  Lately, my favorite pairing has been to a B&K ST2140 power amp - balanced via XLR inputs to the amp.