Holo Audio May DAC

I just placed my order for the KTE. As per the website, only 2 KTE’s are available for order. Now the wait begins.

I’ll be feeding the May with an Auralic Aries G2.1 connected by a Shunyata Sigma USB cable. I’m currently using a Yggy which will end up going to my bedroom system.

The remainder of the chain is as follows:
KTE May -> VAC Signature MkIIa SE (Cryoed Telefunken 6922’s) -> Pass Labs XVR-1 crossover -> Pass Labs X250.8 (mid’s and high’s) and Bryston 7B SST’s (low’s below 250Hz) to Maggie 3.6R’s. Subs for two channel include a REL 212/SE (Left) and a pair of S/5 SHO’s (Right). Interconnects are Wireworld Platinum Eclipse 7 XLR’s. Most of the above are powered by a Shunyata Everest 8000 while subs are direct to the wall.

I’ve had my KTE for 1.5 months and love it as well.  In my system, it exhibited great detail after 50 hours or so.  After 100 hours, the separation, extension, transparency, weight, attack and decay were on full display.  Playing with power cords has been interesting, as it doesn’t seem to like the Shunyata NR (Alpha and Sigma v1) in my system.  I ended up using my Paul Kaplan HE (3 amp fuse box version) with copper connectors, and the combination is perfect.  My Auralic is powered by the Sigma NR v1. 

Congrats!  You’re in for something special.  This DAC conveys so much detail and emotion.  It’s quite amazing.

Congrats on the May KTE achipo.

b345t, I’m using WireWorld Platinum Eclipse 7 XLR’s to my VAC pre.  I haven’t tried single ended.

I don’t think USB cables should be making a difference given the May’s implementation unless they are simply out of spec. I use a Supra USB cable without issue. And again, I have not noticed a difference between 3 low-powered (and LPS powered) endpoints.

They do. I went from a Shunyata Sigma to Omega, and yes there is an improvement. It’s not subtle.

Congrats on your May KTE @martin-andersen. You will love it.

I’ve tried Shunyata Alpha NR v1 and Sigma NR v1 cables plugged into my Shunyata Everest 8000 conditioner for the May KTE. I found both to cause a darker and veiled sound in my system. I suspect that it’s due to the filtration in these cords. I now use an older Paul Kaplan’s HE with 3A conditioner box and copper connectors. Everything is more open, airy, natural and with great definition and extension.  It just sounds right.

On a separate note, I’ve found that a USB cable swap also changes the sound significantly. Of course YMMV.

Happy listening.