2. digital
  3. 183982-1578

Holo Red Streamer

I placed my order and paid for it on February 22, 2023; it finally arrived today in my building in NYC. Apparently they are backlogged in a major way.

Their manual is not user friendly to walk through starting it up. Greek to me on their TFT card and finding the IP address and whether I have to do that first. I can connect my Ethernet cable from my router to the Holo Red and then to run an AES/EBU cable from the Holo Red to my PS Audio Mk I DAC, but what else must I do to get going? I now use MConnect for Tidal and use the streamer card I installed in the DAC.

If anyone has experience with the Holo Red  streamer, I could use the advice to start up operating it so I don't grind my teeth and pull out my remaining hair. Thank you. Neal

nglazer

Showing 6 responses by jackd

jackd
1,037 posts
 

Before you plug in the Red or turn it on put the supplied Micro SC card with Red OS on it in the unit connect all the cables and turn it on.  It will take a few minutes to boot up so be patient.  Next find the IP address given to it by your router and then type the IP address in your browser which will bring up the Red OS setup screen.  Do the setup and hit save in every section you change.  After the setup MConnect should find it as the Play To device. If you are only going to be using MConnect for Tidal then only have checked UPnP and Airplay.  Leave the other stuff like Roon, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, etc. unchecked. 

jackd
1,037 posts
 

Neal

 

You can't use the same version of MConnect on the Red that you used with the Bridge.  The version you were using with the Bridge only sees and controls Conversdigital devices which the Bridge was.  You have to use the $5.99 MConnect HD. That version is for any UPnP device.

jackd
1,037 posts
 

@arafiq 

 

If you need to connect the Red to a Denafrips streamer you can use any output including I2S by changing the Dip switch settings on the bottom so just use Ethernet in and output of your choice.  No need for a DDC at all.

jackd
1,037 posts
 

@nglazer 

Glad you got everything up and running.  I am familiar with the mConnect family of software as like you I used it with both the Bridge II and the paid version with the Zen Stream and the Red but just recently started on the 14 day trial of JPlay for IOS.  It is a definite step up in functionality and sound for the Red. Might want to consider giving it a try.

jackd
1,037 posts
 

@arafiq 

Yes that is what I meant.  As to whether or not I2S is the better input on Denafrips DAC's I don't know but if you think it is and Alvin agrees then the Red is worth a try. 

jackd
1,037 posts
 

@nglazer 

If you like the basic sound profile of the DS Sr. like I did but are just looking for "more" I found that first with the Aqua La Voce S3 and then with both the Holo Spring 3 KTE and the May KTE.  All three surpassed the DS even with the transformer mod.  With the Holo's it will come down to how much you want to spend as to my ears the Spring 3 KTE will get you at least 90% of the way to the May KTE but in a direct comparison having the extra external power supply will give it the edge.  Not personally familiar with the Denafrips DAC's but the Venus II should get you in a similar ballpark.  

More to discover