Options to improve digital sound

I agree with the consensus.  Keep the Mac Mini, it's a very handy thing to have in the system, but get a streamer or renderer.  I'd recommend one with an I2S output for the Holo.  Any quality renderer will have options for running Roon or Audirvana.  In fact Audirvana now makes an embedded Linux version that operates directly from the streamer and can be controlled from a portable device with their remote app.  If you like Audirvana, look for a device that encorporates this.  You can check their web page for cooperating manufacturers.  The Holo Red is a very affordable streamer that would be a great match for the May.

If you have not attempted to use Roon DSP to tweak the sound as needed it would be silly to change anything else prior.  You already own perhaps the most powerful and flexible tweak of all. Use it!

1) If anyone knew how to make no veil sound d player, he won’t be quiet about it and we’ll be hearing his music. What stops him come out in this time and age?

2) I’ve been exhibiting my system in audio shows last >10 years. I went all other rooms to check out sounds. All they have thick veils. And all their sounds match with Youtube videos. Microphones don’t lie. YT videos are very accurate.

3) Hottest speaker now is Stenheim. In below, people voices are clean/normal w/out the veil. When the music starts, the veil masks music behind it (or bright glare if you use immersive technique).  Primare, Stenheim and AntiCables 

Compare with no veil system. Chantal - Besame mucho

4) Please post the link if anyone finds no veil sound system.

Alex/Wavetouch audio

tony1954

@mihorn   "All current digital players and DACs sound veiled/glared."

Interesting. So how long did it take to listen to every digital player and DAC?

Definitely a good streamer is the answer.

@mihorn  are you OK?

@walt8489

I second all of those that suggest utilizing a quality Roon endpoint as opposed to streaming directly from your Mac Mini functioning as Server/Streamer.

In my case Roon Core is a Roon Nucleus and principal endpoint is a Rose RS130 feeding a Rockna Wavelight via Tubulus Concentus I2S.  For Rockna Wavelight, by design I2S all things being equal is the best input.

However, you have a Holo May, and as I understand it, the Holo May folks consider USB to be the best input (good friend has Holo May, and this is what Holo Audio folks told him). So I suggest looking for quality endpoint that features USB output together with a quality USB cable.