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.
I got my May KTE two weeks ago today, upgraded from a Denafrips Venus II. Almost 200 hours in and magic is starting to happen. Its very interesting how break in makes such a difference from new out of the box to now. It has started to really flesh out and the high end has become more savvy. I can't wait to get another few weeks into it. I noted that folks mentioned turning it off for a bit, What does this do to help the process as I usually just leave all my stuff on full time from the day of purchase.
My system is Roon to Lumin U2 Mini with linear PSU to Michi P5 V2 to Michi S5 to Focal Sopra 3 using Cardas Clear throughout.
Hello to all the fans of this Holo dac. I've been reading about May dac for a few days, and I admit that it intrigued me, so much so that I was considering adding it to my Bricasti M1SE, alongside it as an alternative R2R to my D/S dac. May be a good idea to have a different sound option? Or it could be money wasted as I already have an M1SE in my system? I must say that the sound of the Bricasti is excellent, so I wouldn't do this shopping out of dissatisfaction, but out of curiosity to try the sound of an R2R dac like May, which enjoys high regard in various audio forums.
@mortcola Like you I had tried many high-end dacs before settling on the May KTE.
It's been a year since I bought it and this is the DAC for me.
Have tried the following dac's, all for at least a week.
Dave, PS Audio Directstream, Doge 7, Orchid, dcs bartok, chord qutest.
Coming up on four months with the May KTE. Absolute game changer. I’ve rotated a few different high end DACs through my headphone system… Susvara, Abyss 1266, Elite, A few different Grados. Amps: Woo WA5-LE, Bryston. and Schiit. The Holo, without exaggeration, was like taking a giant step up in a new turntable. Visceral, nuanced, precise, extended, groovy, weighty, fast, absurdly revealing. Not a single thing I can criticize on an absolute or relative level. I know that it’s job is to present the signal and get out of the way. But it’s just different, and not in a way that anyone could describe as colored, subtractive, artificially anything. It digs deeper into the music, effortlessly, than any unit I’ve heard, and I have been cursed to hear a number of DACs I could never afford. I’m not even curious about what yet another unit might do. That’s never happened before.
I've been living with the May KTE for over a month now....not quite broken in by some standards, but not cold out of the box.
Regarding the impact of the DAC to a system: At this level, rules of thumb should go out the window. If bits its bits, then there's one hell of a placebo, wish-fulfillment thing going on. A close, much-loved relative is in a position of some influence at a major, mega-buck audio company; he also has great ears, exquisite taste, and is both quite a snob, but understanding of the compromises he and others have had to make on the way to audiophile nirvana. He, owner of a top-line dCS DAC and peripherals, the overall system being in the half-a-million area, has been lost in a world of metaphor and metaphysical speculation about the nature of time, beauty, truth, and the challenge of audio engineering, vis a vis his few hours rapt in music translated by the May KTE; it was his uncharacteristically romantic comments which sold me on scraping the college fund for "just one more" expensive purchase.
I had been using the Bryston BDA 3.14, just over a grand less. The Bryston is a TAS best-buy choice in its $4195 range. Indeed, feeding Meze Elite, Abyss 1266TC, Susvara, and Grado GS3000e and PS500e (Grado continue to have their very own claim to live-music verisimilitude, for me, at any price), the chip-based Bryston was head and shoulders above the Schiit Gumby and Yggy, two sort-of R2R, deeply musical DACs. Resolution, groove, naturalness....the Bryston was by far the best I've had in my system (feeding Woo WA5-LE, Bryston BHA-1, or Schiit Mjolnir).
The Holo May KTE is that much better, in all the ways which matters to me, than the Bryston. And I would be happy to have never heard it. I prefer NOT to be a connoisseur, or at least to think like one. But, with well-matched cans and amps, the May KTE is so friggin' full-bodied, deeply resolving, organic in its timbre and dynamics, I confidently say that, with this piece of bit-processing gear, a DAC can be as essential to the character and quality of an excellent system as a whole turntable/arm/cartridge/phono-stage.
The "veils lifted, hearing picks and oboe squeaks and spit and control-room farts, never heard those details before" thing doesn't suffice. It is qualitatively different, and subjectively Better, Betterer than other digital devices have ever been. plus all that detail. Strangely, mediocre recordings sound BETTER, not like better-resolved badness. Probably because the May KTE's most outstanding virtue, its GRIP, makes the "you are there, in 4D" element of music - the hardest to achieve, time being what it is, for the time being - stand out, so that there is more redemptive awareness available that music is a good thing, even if recorded in a misguided way. Not via classic euphony, but by seeming to access what is most worthy about music qua music.
To my ears. It really makes me happy. That's the bottom line. Still love the Bryston. I don't know if anything at 25K is necessarily better at all. I may never know. But this is a comfortable place to stay, maybe for good.
Anyone want the Bryston DAC and amp? Tell me, I'll place a proper ad.
Greetings. This is a much delayed follow-up to my March 2021 post just after ordering a May KTE. The unit was delivered on time in April in perfect condition. The packaging was excellent.
The first surprise for me was the build quality. The materials, fit and finish, and overall appearance was much better than I had expected. I set it up and let it play in NOS mode with the intention of ignoring it for at least 500 hours. Of course, I had to listen a little bit during the break in period. Early on it sounded quite good but nothing to get excited about. At about 350 hours it was horrible. Bright, edgy, and difficult to even listen to. But by 500 hours it was really starting to open up and sound good. But it wasn’t until about 1,000 hours that it started to perform at its best. I can honestly say that the sound improved at least as much in the second 500 hours as it did in the first!
After fully breaking in, which required 1,000 hours of use with shutdowns every 100 hours or so, the May KTE proved to be an amazing upgrade in my system. I listen exclusively in NOS mode. I won’t use a lot of flowery language, but it’s fair to say that the May was a massive improvement over my Berkeley Alpha DAC series 2. The performance is better in every way including soundstage width, height, depth, and resolution. That said, the most striking improvement in my system was the low end. The texture, impact, detail, weight, and realism of drums and both acoustic and electric bass are all remarkably better.
My system includes a Wolf Aplha 3, May KTE, BAT VK-50SE feeding a Luxman M900u, Tekton Ulfberht w/Beryllium, and REL 212SE (2). Nordost Tyr ICs and speaker cables.
One of my biggest concerns in purchasing the May DAC was that I would have to put my preamp back in the system. The BAT is an excellent unit, but I was happy to simplify using the volume control on the Berkeley Alpha DAC. Well, that concern was unfounded. The May plus the tubed VK-50SE is a fantastic match. Acoustic instruments, female vocals, piano are all relaxed and natural. Rock and Roll rocks hard. I’m simply enjoying listening to music more now than I ever have.
I would be remiss not to mention Jim Smith’s excellent setup guide, Get Better Sound. I bought both the book and the DVDs last year, and implementing Jim’s set up philosophy has taken my system to an entirely different level. Jim’s decades of experience in hi-fi set up have led him to believe that the vast majority of audiophiles are only getting a small fraction of the performance their equipment is capable of because of poor set up. That was certainly the case for me. I bought a laser level and a laser measuring device and literally have the system set up to the millimeter. Selecting the correct listening seat position was a key lesson (who knew?). Anyway, this improved set up also allowed me to maximize the improvements the May brought to my system.
In summary, the May KTE is greatly exceeding my expectations. It is by far the best DAC I have owned in every way. I’ve been a diehard vinyl fan since the 70s, but the performance of my system now with Qobuz, Roon, Wolf Alpha 3, and May KTE is so satisfying that I feel no need for a turntable. I haven’t sold my record collection yet, but that may not be very far off in the future. The May DAC is highly recommended.
Interesting development in my screeching noise issue. I reset the Midi Audio set up to 44.1khz and unplugged the USB cable at the mac end for a minute. I plugged it back in and I haven't heard the screeching noise since.
I just using iTunes for the USB input on the May, which is just my convenience source. Meaning, for music around the house while not critically listening. My main use will be coax through my SACD/CD player. But, I'm using the iMac to burn in the May so my CD drive isn't spinning discs for a month.
I mean that when in the iMac's Midi Audio setup panel, the Holo May is seen by the mac, and the format can be changed (44.1 khz, etc.) But the integer is not selectable and set at 2-channel 32-bit integer. It appears the 32-bit integer is being set by the May.
The clock source for the macs built in output is set to "default".
The clock source for the May is set to "device" and cannot be changed, which leads me to believe the May is telling the Mac it's handling clock duties.
I'm not sure what you mean by "however is forced by the May at 32-bit"
If you are using the upsampling in the May (that could be forcing it) otherwise nothing in the May is forcing the bit rate (to my knowledge), definitely turn that off and set May to NOS. Then you can play native rates or upsample via an external program like HQP etc.. Of course all IMHO
@redlenses03, your link to head-fi was helpful. It appears Macs and May dacs have had incompatibility issues. I wish i knew that before purchase.
Kitsune or should i say Magna hifi appear to be rolling out firmware updates for screeching sounds on Windows machines, but it doesn't really help the mac users since device drivers aren't required in the first place. If a firmware update to the May was availble, I'd certainly give it a try.
I have a support ticket into Kitsune, but wonder if I'm going have to unload this unit or try some usb to coax or optical converter,, which will defeat the purpose of having the "upgraded" Titanis USB on the level 2.
If i can find a solution, Ill report back for any other mac users out there.
There are some having this issue using JCAT usb boards at high sampling rates, looks to be something with the chip used on those JACT boards. Appears to have been addressed via firmware from holo. Also I "think" there was mention about the midi setup used on macs - See this for ref
I also run a Holo May DAC right out from the USB on my iMac, into an Auris Nirvana headphone amp. Before I did anything with the DAC, I just turned it on and left it that way for 3 weeks. These things require a LOT of burn-in, or so I'm told. But it sounds great and I've had no problems. And yes, I believe you are correct, @yakbobabout the Audio Midi Setup...
I'm hoping some of the MAY DAC owners here can help troubleshoot an issue I'm having with my recently acquired May (L2).
The unit has about 200 hours on it as I've been burning it in using my iMac via USB. About once every 15-20 minutes I get this digital "screeching" noise for about 1 to 2 seconds in duration. It sounds like when one of the Agents in the first Matrix movie inhabits and takes over another body. Zzzzhhhwweeee.
I've tried different output settings on the mac using Audio Midi Setup (44.1khz through 153.6 khz is available). I assume 44.1 is what I should be using since all imac files were ripped from CDs. Bit depth however is forced by the May at 32-bit. I would assume 16-bit should be an option and more in line with my file types, but it is not an option.
I have not noticed the noise when playing CD's and using the coax input on the May.
Hello. Would like to ask owners of Holo May / Spring. Im looking for replacement for Chord Qutest, that im feeding from Nvidia Shield Tv (Android) through USB. Anybody can confirm, Holo can be feed from Nvidia Shield through USB or HDMI?
In specification id only PC, MAC and HDMI/I2S. Not sure if it will work with Nvidia Shield.
@vinylshadow I’d go for it! If you want it and you have the funds, go for it. You may decide to level up with a different server/streamer one day and you’d already have the great DAC to answer the call… If the May is stretching the budget and/or your sure the Node and this DAC purchase will be it for your digital rig, then get what yer comfortable with and enjoy… If you ever think ‘what if’, then just buy the May or whatever other top of budget unit your thinking :)
Do you folks think using a Holo May L2/KTE DAC with an upgraded Node 2i (PD Creative PSU interface, SBooster LPS and better power cable (which really makes the Node 2i much better sounding)) is "overkill" for a DAC choice?
Holo Audio is pretty clear about cancellations both at the time of order, and on their Terms and Conditions page:
"Refunds on Holo Audio, LCR-1 MK5/MK4 Phono Stages, and any other special order items.
Only accepted within 48 hours after purchase, refunds/cancellations may be made."
Not as much an example of a restrictive policy, than failing to read the fine print. It sounds like Wildism is simply maintaining the Holo Audio policy.
A couple things - if it’s being shipped to you in a matter of days then it’s already built (obviously) and with a lead time of 6 week build time to ship, your cancellation is very late in the process. They would lose a lot of money on a unit just sitting as well as time put into it. More importantly they must have a cancellation policy that you should have been aware of prior to ordering?
- you will be able to sell it without problem, so I wouldn’t worry about it. You may be out a few bucks for some shipping or whatever but this isn’t a money making hobby
I've ordered the May KTE edition from Wildism HK but with a change of plan I want to cancel my order. Yiu, Wildism contact person, told me that I cannot cancel my order as it has specific specs and presumably he cannot sell the unit to others even though I told him I don't mind to pay for cancellation fee. Is this a too restrictive policy? Do they treat international customers differently?
You use the pre-in on the LM amp so the LM volume pot is removed from the equation. And then you can set your max volume level in HQPlayer to prevent it from going too high. You can also set ’comfort level’ in Roon which requires manual override to go higher.
Alternatively/additionally, as mentioned before, I also bought a high quality passive transformer with stepped gain control to take the balanced outputs from the May into the SE input on the LM. Aside from slight increase in SQ, the stepped attenuator allows one to dial in max gain into the amp. Which in turn allows one to run HQP volume control at the top of the scale. But honestly, I don’t know if this is worth the extra $$ and box/cables. https://ampsandsound.com/products/black-box-xlr-to-rca-balanced-converter-with-input-transformers-an...
Bonus idea: I then installed free Ropieee.xl on an cheap rPi endpoint and added a $20 FLIRC IR usb plug. You can them use Ropieee remote function to send mapped Holo Remote control volume buttons to Roon/HQP. The funny thing is that I am not using this endpoint for NAA output like most - just as a way to add volume control via the Holo Remote control.
The end result is that I can actually control volume with the Holo May remote in a very well defined gain range. It provides for a nice integrated setup and one would be none the wiser that it wasn’t coming from some sort of pre-amp setup.
I sometimes question whether these extra 2 boxes are worthwhile ... but even without them, I already do some room correction in HQP and I do think HQP volume control sounds better than LM volume pot. And the most recent benefit is that HQP has added automatic loudness adjustments which increases the low shelf as volume is turned down - absolutely fantastic for low-level, late night listening. All in all, this is the best digital sound I have had in my system.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Joining the club today just ordered the May KTE version. 4-6 weeks delivery time. I will hunt you all if it’s not good 😉 What power cables can you recommend for the May?
@glory I use the base model Intona USB cables and USB 3.0 galvanic isolator. They sound great. No real comparison other than different manufacturer's AES/EBU and SPDIF cables, which I don't like as much as the USB.
Owners are probably just enjoying music instead of coming here, it’s what happens with good discrete R2R multibit dacs. They stop the merry-go-round dac search.
I run my Jay's Audio CD transport into a Helen Titan jitter reduction then into a modded Holo Springs DAC feeding a hybrid Black Ice pre amp going modded Ampzilla monoblock amps feeding modded Silverline Sonata speakers. Inserting the dac into this system was sublime. The Holo DAC is off the hook natural sounding with great dimensionality.
@eugene81 Herb Reichert in a recent column/review, listened to the dCS Bartok and compared it to the May DAC. His conclusion was that the Bartok beat out the May, but only by a small margin (my words, not his). I am not sure if this comparison is yet available online as only I read it in the print mag (Sterophile) within the last month or two. Keep in mind that the Bartok costs 3X the May DAC. For me this is too much to upgrade to to make only a marginal difference. At my age I doubt I would fully appreciate the improvements, and $10K more is a large price to pay for that.
Anyone compare this to Lumin X1, dCS bartok, MSB Discrete or other in similar class? This DAC is being pumped up as some "giant killer" but I want to see a detailed report of a giant being killed, or how it falls short.
@nquery Thx for sharing your experience, seems to make sense the difference is only subtile. Could you maybe comment more on the "less forgiving nature" of the May dac. Are you also using it with lesser quality sources like Netflix/Youtube etc?
I think that Jeff Zhou’s comments are true in general, but the May (and likely Spring 3) are in fact ideal candidates for digital volume control under the right conditions.
I don’t have any experience with that other than putting a Topping Pre90 with stepped attenuator in my desktop setup between my Merason Frerot Dac and Heed Elixir integrated amp with Alps Blue Velvet volume control. The level of dynamics that you are missing with either using the digital volume control in Roon or using the Alps volume control is very noticeable in my setup, especially because I listen at low volumes a lot it that system. I always thought this was mainly due to the Fletcher–Munson curve, but volume controls have a big impact as well. GoldenSound made an interesting video on his channel as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD2Fj1tTu8Y
@dvdboulet
very interesting about that analog pre-amp volume control as an option on the Spring 3. I’m curious why they don’t offer a similar optional upgrade for the May? After all, if someone wants "their best" DAC, but also wants this feature, why make it only available on a lesser-model (if I understand the hierarchy of their somewhat confusing line of products). I totally get and agree with not providing a digital-volume control.
I think they don’t offer that on the May because that is a no compromise piece and therefore also focussed on a different crowd. From the reaction of Nquery you can already tell that the difference between SE and Balanced is very small. Maybe the separated power supply design will have a bigger influence on sound than the second Ladder Dac. Depends also on how revealing your system is in the end. It is actually quite common for companies to make a flag ship product and than trickle down that tech also to a lower priced product, to also serve a different part of the market. They assume that most customers that will buy a May Dac already own a very nice preamp and would rather see them buying the Serene preamp as well. So different customers/different markets I guess. It is the early adopters and flagship product customers that usually pay the biggest part of the development cost.
In the end I will probably go with the Serene preamp instead of the Spring 3 with volume control in my system. I want to keep the flexibility to use a different DAC and digital front-end for lesser quality sources like cable set top box, Apple TV (Netflix/Youtube), etc. I will probably use the new Bluesound Node for that purpose over its eArc HDMI port. Maybe will upgrade to the matching Spring 3 dac for HiFi streaming purposes only, when they start to pop up at the second hand market next year. Although the Spring 3 comes with the optional preamp/volume control, it does not have any analogue inputs.
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