Holo Audio May DAC

Received my May KTE DAC today.  Sounds good out of the box.  Look forward to the burn in journey—it does run warm!

@headphonedreams my Gustard U20 that the May replaces was under $1k new, and it was quite good after some cheap mods.  There are definitely good DACs out there for $1k.

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

Only good things are worth waiting for!

Let the waiting begin! :-)

I just ordered my May DAC.  May the fun begin!!!

Thank you.

@branislav Hi there, I believe I'm the person being referred to above.  See p3 of this thread for my full comments, but here's the key paragraph of comparison.  Feel free to ask for further details.  Also, when I bought my AM, it was indeed a 2-week (or maybe 10 day?) trial period, although I asked for a bit of an extension and Vlad granted it without any hesitation.

"The May is extremely clean and extended with great tonality across the frequency range. It paints an amazingly tall and wide picture across my soundstage. The AM-T3SE is a little less even handed, but provides more body and "meat on the bones." It shrinks the soundstage more between the speakers, but also draws more depth and 3-dimensionality. It's obvious to me that both are superb dacs."

Does not Audio Mirror have only 2 week trial period?

I'd love to hear the comparisons. I've search everywhere and haven't see any impressions of Holo May and Audio Mirror. If you have any links, please provide, I'd love to hear them, since these 2 dacs are on the top of my list.

@headphonedreams I have the AudioMirror Tubadour III SE (fully loaded) that some compared favorably with the Halo May. I actually bought the AMT3SE over the Halo May because a guy selling the Halo May decided to keep the AMT3SE instead after comparing the 2 of them. He may have posted earlier on this or another Halo May thread. I took the 30 day home trial for the AMT3SE and never returned it.

I love my AMT3SE with my RAAL SR1a headphones into a KRELL K-300i integrated. Sonic perfection with this combo. However, I recently got a new DAC that I like more than the AMT3SE on my 2 channel floor standers. It is the $1500 Gustard X26 Pro. It is sonically a nice blend of my Benchmark DAC3B and the AMT3SE.

Wonder if the Sonnet Morpheus dac would compete with the May dac.
Looks very interesting and can be use as a pre as well.
https://www.sonnet-audio.com/Morpheus.html

$5k is still too much for me, if someone can make an equally good dac and shave off another 80% of the price then we're talking.
I can dream, can't I

Yes, you can dream.  That's what this hobby is all bout, isn't it? 

There are several DACs at the $1K price point that will provide 95% of the SQ that the May DAC offers.  Denafrips Ares II is a very good choice for about a grand.  The Schitt Gungnir is another.  I'm sure there are others.  

My quest began with DACs in this ($1K) price range.  After owning some of them I was prepared to spend $10-20K on my next DAC when I discovered the May DAC.  After purchasing the MAY and owning it for nearly a year I am still satisfied and have no interest in upgrading.  Thinking how I might very well have ended up spending $10K or more additional to buy one of the Super DACs makes me feel very good about my purchase.  I'm not saying I will never upgrade, but this DAC is very special and I plan to hold onto it for the next several years.  

Wow you are replacing a $25k DAC with a $5k DAC.  I definitely want to read the comparison!  The May is on my list as well, but I have a modded Gustard U20, so definitely expect an improvement.

@achipo I would also like to read the comparison.

$5k is still too much for me, if someone can make an equally good dac and shave off another 80% of the price then we're talking. 
I can dream, can't I?

Which digital inputs did you prefer?  Which digital cables did you use?

@jtrimm During the 3300 hours have you powered off to let it cool for 5 hours plus or minus?

I've just past 500h and thinking it might be a good idea to let the May cool completely.

Wow you are replacing a $25k DAC with a $5k DAC.  I definitely want to read the comparison!  The May is on my list as well, but I have a modded Gustard U20, so definitely expect an improvement.

I appreciate everyone's contributions to this post.  Based on that, technical measurements at Stereophile and ASR, and other great reviews, I ordered a KTE May yesterday.  The May will replace a Berkeley Alpha Series 2 with USB converter. 
I recently sold my analog set up (SME 30/2 w Series V; Soundsmith Hyperion; BAT P10SE Superpak) to focus on digital (Qobuz + Roon).  The Berkeley is good, but I hope the May takes it to another level! 
I will update when I get the May and have a chance to break it in for >500 hours. 

I pulled the trigger on the Chord DAVE.  It checked the boxes for design, pedigree, consistently rave reviews, descriptions of its sound fitting my needs, and really cool looks!

Also a big shoutout to Scott at Verdant Audio.  A terrific dealer that made this decision easier for me.  
Reports to come when DAVE moves in!  

@ audionutjeff
What is your sound preference for a DAC?
It can be easy to recommend the May or Dave based on it.

Also curious on anyone's experiences or thoughts about the KTE vs Lampizator. I'm actually very happy with the sound I'm getting with my current set up but the question is "What am I missing?". I would have been blissful in my ignorance, but hard to ignore what I'm hearing about the KTE now that I've discovered it.

 - I'm thinking they sound different, how much would depending on the system.My best guess would be Lampy would have the "lit up from within" sound, and Holo May more solid state type of sound.

I wonder if anyone compared this to Mojo Mystique V3 or EVO?

I have a Big 7 that is about 6 years old. I really think it very nice especially with good tubes. I have KR Audio’s RK 300b tubes with an RK rectifier, which really help to bring it alive. I’m always curious about something else but it is hard to imagine something markedly better, but I haven’t tried. I am streaming with an Innuos Zen Mk III and have been very happy with it, especially running in experimental model using Squeezelite. I am interested in a 432 Evo Aeon, which I’ve heard great things about and I also find that what is upstream of the daC is very important. 

Hchilcoat, which Lampizator model?  How do you like it?  What are you using to run Roon?  Thanks!

I am not sure about sound quality impact but you can adjust volume using Roon. I’ve experimented with it briefly but not critically since I have a preamp and my Lampizator also has volume control. Seemed ok for minor volume changes but I'm not sure I would want to rely on Roon as my primary volume control.

I use a preamp, so not a factor for me.  
The Holo May is really just a really great basic DAC, no volume control/preamp (which the DAVE and most DACs), no MQA (many great DACs have it, but not Holo, Chord, Lampizator), no streaming, no DSP toys (like Weiss) -no frills.  

@jjss49 It does not. 

does the may have remote controlled output volume adjustment capability? i thought it was a straight dac (fixed output) only

 
To my knowledge it doesn't but there are other ways of implementing volume control upstream (or even downstream)

The May is enticing because of the low Impedance output buffer which allows you to go into an amplifier directly.

does the may have remote controlled output volume adjustment capability?  i thought it was a straight dac (fixed output) only...

Jriggy, this is exactly my concern!  DAVE is about 5 years old.  A new version is a good possibility and I would hate to buy one and see it replaced a few months later.  Current DAVE already stretches the budget, a new one would likely be more.  So Holo now, wait for a new DAVE, or something else....

@audionutjeff, might want to look into a possible new version of Dave coming along in the near future. I seem to remember a comment that Chord might be working on a new Dave. 

LOL Jeff you came to the wrong place to ask for help

I don't own the May but I wish I could, Chord would not be an option for me. The only alternative would be Terminator+

The May is enticing because of the low Impedance output buffer which allows you to go into an amplifier directly.

If you have the means I think just my opinion you should consider strongly the May

I am completely torn on a DAC purchase. I’ve pretty much narrowed down to the Holo May KTE or the Chord DAVE.   
Both have unique, custom DACs. Neither has MQA or is Roon Ready (compromises I’ve accepted). Both have outstanding measurements and reviews. The Chord is much more established and reputable and I love the look, but is much more expensive. The Holo is the latest technology and is more of a new guy on the block (and possibly flavor of the month).   
I considered the Weiss DAC501, Lampizator Big 7, and the DAC and streamer/DAC units from Matrix among others. I keep returning to the Chord and Holo based on reviews and feedback.
  
Help!

Sounded like bliss to me out of the box compared to any chip based DAC I've ever heard. It's not subtle either.  I'm not much for breaking in components, but then I've not encountered anyone who had a bad initial experience with their may.  

Quick update on my burnin experience with my Holo May KTE DAC. I’ve hit peak performance at 3300 hours of continuous play. Basically December 23 until today, March 18, feeding it music 24x7. Maybe I’m an outlier, but that’s what it took. I will say that the sound quality, detail, tone, and soundstage today is nothing short of beautiful and astounding. There were lots of ups and downs along the way of those 3300 hours to get to this point. This is the longest burn-in I’ve ever encountered in 20 years. In suspect many people will give up and sell their DACs before they fully burnin. In any case, everyone’s experience may vary, but this was my experience. Throwing it out there for the benefit of anyone else that bought an Holo May KTE and isn’t hearing the magic and bliss yet. Hopefully you won’t need 3300 hours, but I did. I can say when it hits peak burnin it is the most beautiful and realistic digital source I’ve ever heard in my life and you will love it.

@in_shore 
yes, I am considering both DACs and realize they’re in different price classes.  However, based on this particular thread, it would appear that it’s fair to compare the two units as better examples of their respective topologies.  

I have an Auralic Vega G2.1 - and it’s quite good - particularly when served by the Aries G2 which I also have.  I’m just wondering if there are other solutions I should be considering.  Under consideration are the Tambaqui, the May KTE, Simaudio 680 among others.

in_shore, yes you did not misinterpret my comments. In my system, I have found the DAC to make a big difference in the overall sound. I have tried a couple highly regarded DACs in the ~5k price range and they were both very different from my current DAC and not preferable to me. Certainly upgrading another component in many systems can make a bigger difference but am pretty happy with speakers and source for now.

Thanks everyone for the shipping costs - just what I needed.

Mgrif are you considering one or the other ? The Mola dac is $14,000.00 the May KTE dac is $5200.00 landed on your door step ,..Spiff2001 perhaps I misinterpreted your comments,..I don’t view the dac as the component to make or break sound quality performance of a system, it’s what’s up stream of the dac that counts including the recording playback of itself that counts .
l mean I wouldn’t  build a system around a dac , for me it’s speakers and source first . 

Shipping to US is flat-rate $235. Mine arrives tomorrow.

The 15% restock is clearly stated in the T&Cs. 10-day satisfaction guarantee policy and will be subject to a 15% restocking fee. Unfortunately, I expect far more than 10 days for the unit to come into it's own. https://www.kitsunehifi.com/shop/guarantee-return-policy/

The cost to ship back plus the 15% restock will probably cost more than selling on the used market if you don't get on with it.

Sounds like this is too much risk for you to try at this point. Wait a year and there will be used ones on the market.

I just ordered the Kitsune Holo May and paid over $200 for shipping.
I didn’t realize they were shipped from China, but I guess they are.
Tim at Kitsume told me they've had problems with their web site because of Microsoft glitches. This problem has been resolved, so you should try again. It's worth the trouble from what I've heard.
Good luck

Can recent buyers give an indication of shipping cost to the U.S. for the May? I contacted Kitsune 9 days ago but still no response (sounds like they are a bit overwhelmed at the moment). Also, can anyone verify that there is indeed a 15% restocking fee on the unit if returned within 10 days? Paying for shipping both from and back to China, if unit is returned, plus 15% restocking fee is a big cost to see whether this unit is for me.

I am intrigued but have been disappointed with two other well reviewed DACS in the past couple years so would like to get a handle on the return cost. Thanks!

Tim updated the contact page:

 Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions, and if we don't reply within 5-10 business days, please message us again. We have a high volume of messages and do our best to get to each and every one!

@mgrifI I think it was Hans Beekhuyzen youtube review of the May that mentions the Mola Mola Tambaqui briefly, but don’t quote me.

@nquery Yes, he’s very backed up I’m afraid. They are inundated with orders. This includes my query which is several days old and 2 reviewers seeking to review the May Dac KTE. Usually he’s about 2 days behind, but I fear he’s even more behind atm.

Lead time on regular May or Serene is at least 5 weeks as an estimate. Add another 2 weeks for KTE versions. Shipping time is 5-12 days later  This is what I agreed to when I ordered 2 weeks ago and may have changed. Also, there's no cancelations after 48 hours of placing your order.

Jon

Has anyone had problems getting a response from Tim/Kitsune? I have emailed him twice with questions/lead time and have not received a reply. I actually live near him in Seattle and directly picked up some small products from him a few years ago - he was very helpful/responsive back then.

Like many here, I’m intrigued by the KTE version of the May.  I’m generally happy with my current unit, but am considering an upgrade. 

Have any here compared the May KTE against something like the Mola Mola Tambaqui?  Completely different price points, but based on the views expressed here, I wonder if it’s a comparison I can make.  I’ll be auditioning the Tambaqui.  Just wish I could do the same w/ the KTE.

Snopro to sum it up best i can , if you watched the YouTube video of New Record Day review of the KTE  that moment he paused over mentioning returning the Denafrips Terminator while listing to the May KTE dac in his system is very much similar reactions I had though my comparisons is with the AudioByte Vox dac .

As good as the Hydra Vox is for $800.00 more the Holo May KTE dac is overwhelmingly the bigger bang for the buck, sure 5k is a lot of money however I’ve never been so satisfied and content for a long , long while .
Finally it’s what’s up stream of the dac that really counts in my opinion. If you don’t think you can improve those 1s and 0s feeding your dac you should most definitely look into it .

In_shore can you tell me between the Audiobyte Vox stack and Holo KTE May which one you liked better. Can you describe the differences in tonality, soundstage, imaging, etc.

Like you I also had the PS Audio Directstream and Terminator Dac. I have an Audio Mirror T3 SE Dac that I like better but, I’m interested in either the Vox or May Dac.

Cleo 52 if you have ever been diagnosed with audio OCD or experienced symptoms of OCD while obsessing over tweeks and or upgrades your not alone , the extra few hundred for the KTE model could end up being money well spent especially for your peace of mind ,....

Also, I feel a designer deciding to use silver internally in certain locations is little different than using silver ICs throughout a system.