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  3. 159610-3674

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
kmmd's avatar
kmmd
73 posts
 
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.
martin-andersen
139 posts
 

Let the break-in begin ..

Just unpacked the May, what a beauty. The build quality is just awesome.

Out of the box, convoluted but cozy. I return in a week. Going to let it play 24/7 with some breaks as recommended in this thread.



jnds
8 posts
 
I’ve got 98 hours on my May KTE and it’s really starting to blossom. I think this might just be the last DAC I ever own. Runs a bit hot, but I don’t think that’s going to be a problem. 
80s_forever
43 posts
 
I thought my May DAC started to sound good at 100 hours, but the sound really does become exceptional after the reccomended 500 hours of break in.  Also keep in mind that DSD and PCM are handled by separate parts of the DAC, so if you just play 500 hours of PCM stuff through it, the DSD side won't be broken in at all.

I use a Luxman JPA-10000i power cord with mine, which has got to be one of the cheapest power cord options out there ($125 on ebay).
nquery
103 posts
 
Speaking of power (cords), how many folks are running their May through a line conditioner or similar? Like some other posters elsewhere, I find that it sounds better plugged directly into the wall. The slight hint of grain/sibilance is removed. 
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