I echo the comments about having synergy between components. A case in point I owned the Accuphase DP-78 CD/SACD player a formidable DAC that matched wonderfully with my Shindo, Wolcott 220 monoblocks and Maggie 20.7. After moving to a Pass Labs 350.8 amplifier the sound had changed to a more aggressive and rock and roll sound, still good but different. I demoed the Holo May Level 2 R2R dac. In my system it had a polite sound more laid back, detailed, and good sound stage, but did not WOW me to switch from my Accuphase. I've also heard the Chord Hugo TT which had a similar sound as the Holo May. With the Aqua La Scala MKii Optologic IMHO it blew away the Holo May and just matched up extremely well in my system, music just slightly warmer, but more weight/body, detail, huge sound stage both wide and deep, and that "there" factor. Piano notes were just to die for. I can only emphasis what others have indicated where possible to demo the unit in your system. Happy hunting!!
New DAC! Meitner MA3, Denafrips Terminator Plus, Holo May KTE, Mola Mola Tambaqui
Currently have an original Schiit yggdrasil. Thinking about taking another step up or maybe two steps! Is the Holo May still good? I know I hear a lot about Denafrips. Then someone was mentioning Mola Mola.
I like the idea of the i2s HDMI connection, I believe this is so I could have my DAC decode SACD versus a player.
Also considering name brands dCS Lina, Meitner MA3, MSB?
Wilson Alexia V
Dan D'Agostino S250
Mac mini running Roon
Is anyone really winning in this space. Tough for me to demo at home as I'm 2 hours from HiFi Shops and they are kind of limited in the direct to consumer DACs.
Thank you!