Holo Red Streamer

@nymarty Thanks for the info. Right now, I'm connecting my Roon core server (SMG sonicTransporter5 with LPS) to Pontus II via USB and it's actually sounding so good that I'm wondering if it makes sense to even add a streamer at all. 

By the way, this is my second system in the home office. In my main system, I use Aavik S-280 as a streamer which is in a completely different league.

How are you connecting the Red (while functioning as a streamer only) to the Pontus? USB or another method? 

You say it's better than Zen and BS Node. How much of an improvement do you think it provides? And specifically which areas did you see the improvement in?

@arafiq I’m currently switching back and forth between USB and i2s and they’re pretty close.  I think the Red gives me a little more detail, better imaging and a better defined soundstage than the Zen Stream setup.  It’s also just cleaner — like the quiet parts are more quiet.  Really enjoying it.

@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.  

jackd,

I will look into JPlay. I am comfortable with mConnect so I am loath to fiddle with another app because they give me a headache, but I will check it out. Thx.

Now I am looking around for the next DAC after PSA DSD Mk I. Mk II is expensive new, even with a discount on turning in my current unit.

Neal

@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. 

@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.

The Holo Red streamer is a definite keeper! Exudes quality and weight, small though it is. Took 7 weeks to receive, instructions not very helpful unless for a software engineer, but Tim Connor of  Kitsune was very helpful as were some of the Audiogoners, who pointed out quirks I never would have known, e.g., mConnect I use for Tidal via PS Audio DSD Mk I has to be the mconnect Player, not the mconnect Control.The latter was embedded in PSA DAC. Who knew?

Once working, Red is a 25%-33% qualitative sound quality over the Bridge II card I installed in the PSA DAC. Proverbial cleaning of the window. Vocals much clearer and more natural and present; bass tighter and deeper; wider and deeper soundstage; increased internal detail in music. Highly dependent on power cord. Included PC not comparable to a high end PC. Right now, using an AES/EBU Odin cable Red to PSA DAC and sounds grand. Someday I might try I2S. Bottom line: Was not expecting this. Holo Red is a felonious audio steal! Neal

@jackd That's really good info!

When you say "connect the Red to a Denafrips streamer ...", I'm assuming you mean Denafrips DAC, right?

So basically the configuration looks like this:

Ethernet IN >> Holo Red: HDMI cable >> Pontus2: i2S port

If there's an improvement in SQ via Pontus2's I2S input then definitely the Red is worth purchasing. Thanks.

@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.

@nymarty Thanks. I understand that it can do both, but I was kinda hoping to kill two birds with one stone and use both functions simultaneously.

A few questions if you don't mind answering ...

How are you connecting the Red (while functioning as a streamer only) to the Pontus? USB or another method? 

You say it's better than Zen and BS Node. How much of an improvement do you think it provides? And specifically which areas did you see the improvement in?

Thanks in advance!

@arafiq it can do both just not at the same time. ;-)   It’s excellent as a Roon streamer and sounds better than my iFi Zen Stream and my Bluesound Node N130.  For me it was a worthwhile upgrade without having to spend a lot more with Lumin or Auralic or Innuous.  I’m also using a Pontus 2.   You really don’t need a DDC if your source is good to begin with.  

@nymarty Thank you for validating my understanding. I was kinda hoping that the Red could do both, both oh well! I need to do more research on how much better the streamer only function is compared to cheaper alternatives like Bluesound Node or ifi Zen Stream. For DDC, if I'm only going to use the Red as a DDC then I think I'm better served by using a DDC by Denafrips for better synergy with the Pontus II DAC.

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.

Next step. I finally found the right ISP and now on the Red  Audio menu, I first ticked UPNP then saved. I could not get MConnect to connect to my network, never a problem with Bridge II on PSA DSD. What am I missing? I am at the last stage before I commit harikari! Neal

Next step. I finally found the right ISP and now on the Red  Audio menu, I first ticked UPNP then saved. I could not get MConnect to connect to my network, never a problem with Bridge II on PSA DSD. What am I missing? I am at the last stage before I commit harikari! Neal

I followed Jackd's 4/19 instructions but got lost once I type in my Verizon router IP into browser. Nothing on Holo Red setup came up; only Verizon devices on the WiFi Network, which included the Holo Red. All I received was a new blister pack MicroSD card with 32GB. It does not look like a preinstalled TF card.

What am I missing? Help!

Neal

@arafiq yes, it’s either a streamer or a DDC.  Once you connect (USB in) to use as DDC, you lose the network connection.  I bought it to use as a streamer and very happy so far. I’m using it with a Pontus 2 via USB.  I’m going to try i2s this weekend after I get a decent short HDMI cable to use.

I'm also interested in the Holo Audio Red for my second system. I'm planning to use it with Denafrips Pontus II DAC. The fact that the Red has an IS2 output is a big plus in my book. However, based on my understanding, the Red cannot be used as a streamer AND a DDC simultaneously. To use it as a DDC, it must be connected (USB in) to another streamer or Roon core. 

Can someone validate if my understanding is correct?

Thank you to nymarty and oczed. This is why I ask clear instructions in advance of a digital or computer-related component with weak instructions so I do not bang my head against the wall. It would not have taken much more effort from Holo/Kitsune to make clear instructions, rather than "computerese."  Neal

There is a long Holo Red thread on the PS Audio forums under the network section, including some users with the PS Audio MK I DAC.  That might be really helpful for your setup.

I literally just finished hooking up the Red a couple of hours ago.  I ordered mine around the same time and it arrived today (NJ just outside of NYC).  Yes, it’s not clear at all how to set it up.  The manual is terrible. I’m upgrading from an iFi Zen Stream and I thought their manual was the worst until this one.  @jackd advice above should get you started.  My use case is a little different because I’m just using it as a Roon endpoint.  The silver lining to the confusing setup is that it is a remarkably good streamer.  I thought my Zen Stream was dialed in with an external LPS and really liked the sound. Then tonight I listened with the Red and everything was better.  I was never a big believer in the importance of the streamer/transport in a digital system. I thought the DAC was 80% of it.  I think I was wrong.  Let us know what you think once you have it connected.

Jackd,

Thank you for the step-by-step directions. I will give it a go and report back. Cheers. Neal

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. 

Tim at Kitsune was very helpful via EMail.  He takes a few days to respond, but provides clear answers to concise questions.