Interesting. I recently replaced an older Playback Designs DAC (which Ii loved for many years) with the May KTE. I have now ended up with the May KTE in my 2 channel; system and a Holo Spring 3 KTE in my head-fi system. This is where I landed. What is missing from this thread so far to make it really useful is to know 1) what the poster's sonic preferences are and 2) what components are in their system. Shen their comments have context. Some us prefer "warmer", some of us prefer more analytical.
Everything makes a difference. In my 2 channel system I'm running Purist Audio Design Dominus Luminist full loom, very revealing, neutral with excellent timing into Audio Research Ref Pre & Amp, sightly warm to my ear, so the May is perfect. In the head-fi system with the Spring3 I want a little more "warmth" So I'll be getting Purist Audio Design Neptune interconnects between the Spring and a tube based headphone amp currently with more neutral tubes because the Neptune was designed to be a warm, slightly forward mid range (vocals) cable. Anyone who knows these components now knows pretty much what my sonic preferences are. Ot I could have just described my sonic preferences.
Now when I make a component recommendation, you can have an idea what my recommendations will sound like to you. How many of us have bought a component based on a bunch of rave reviews only to find that it was not our liking? Context, context, context will make recommendations practically useful. I get the most practical information from reviews in which the reviewer states their preferences and mentions the gear they are using. I now have my favorite reviewers whose reviews I trust.