Holo Audio May KTE vs DCS Rossini Player / Clock
Like the title says.
I’ve been using the Holo May DAC for a while and really like it a lot. Because it’s what I do I bought the DCS to try out as an alternative or possible upgrade to the May DAC.
I don’t have the DCS (none Apex) home yet but I’m wondering if anyone has compared these two units as DACs and what your experience is? Also, can anyone comment on the Apex upgrade… at $9k that’s a lot of moolah, can it be justified?
I’m using an Aurender N10 as source, various amps, preamps, and main speakers currently are the ProAc D40R which tend a little to the warm side, this being one of the prime reasons for trying something a little more neutral than an R2R DAC.
I will report back with what I hear, but predictions??
Rooze
@rooze I read alot about it too, which is why I purchased it (at the right price)..But the proof is in the pudding at they say, put my ear on it and just didn't sound like music. Definitely not a system issue, I have had a bunch of dacs in here as of late, all sound decent, not like the May though. Have you listened to Audio Note, or Total Dac in your own system? Heck even the Border Patrol DAC sounds better than the May.. If not give it a whirl you will see what I am referring to. |
@jc51373 I reached the same conclusion as you. I daily drive playback designs and emm labs and got interested in May due to many people talking about how great May is and how amazing it sounds for the price. I put my ears on them (not once, not twice but three times) and each time came away disappointed. Not worth the price IMO. |
I believe the May KTE has a slightly warmer tone in general, which is a common trait of R2R DACs. Its performance can range from average to spectacular, depending on how it is used. The best results I’ve achieved—my current setup—are with NOS mode, an I2S connection, PLL off, and feeding over sampled DSD 256 music via HQPlayer. This combination delivers a natural, dense, wide, and deep sound that I enjoy immensely. I've listened to much more expensive DACs, but none have tempted me to part with this one. Finding the right filter and noise shaper settings in HQPlayer required some experimentation, but I’ve settled on a combination I truly love. |
