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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
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cudfoo
15 posts
 
Oczed - 

Recently purchased the May to replace DSD. Unlike some others my initial impressions were not favorable. 1st day was a mess. Usually is though. Over the next couple of days things started to improve dramatically, after a week I was able to understand what all the fuss was about. The May is not just better than the DSD, it’s ground breaking at this price point. I can’t imagine anything under 10K coming close. It’s high end turntable/analog good and I’m only a week in. As far as the Matrix goes I found it to be better than USB direct. I switched from USB direct early on so I’d like to give that another shot soon. Would love to simplify and use USB if it equals Matrix\I2S. I doubt it will be better. Good luck.

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cal3713
1,421 posts
 
Congrats @cudfoo.  I've had both in my system, and confidently predicted your outcome when I saw the initial purchase posting. Glad to see you had the same experience I did in that shootout.
philippe0
15 posts
 
The May KTE is just amazing. 
I was listening to G Gloud in Bach 2 and 3 parts inventions, and something sounded wrong. I have had this cd forever and never noticed anything. Turns out Gould modded his Steinway piano and that’s why it doesn’t sound like the Steinways I hear at concerts.

Amazing. 
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cudfoo
15 posts
 
Hey Phil - This thing is sick. Would love to post on the PSA forum - don't think it would go over well. PSA is great outfit but not thinking that they'll be able to produce anything that would be able to compete with the May anytime soon. No knock on PSA - not thinking any other company will be able to touch this for under10k either.,,
oczed
40 posts
 
My May KTE arrived today and I concur with some of the earlier posts that the initial sound out of the box isn't impressive (and not at the same level as my PS Audio DSD DAC).  But I was expecting that and am looking forward to having my first real impression in about a week's time after I can get 100 hours on it.  I'm going to start with USB direct into my Nucleus, but will eventually give I2S a go through the Matrix.  I also need to upgrade my power cable on the Nucleus which should boost the overall sound as well.  (My long term goal is to get a dedicated streamer, however, for the system.  Possibly a Lumin U1, Sonore Signature Rendu SE or the upcoming PS Audio Octave streamer...)


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