Holo MAY KTE DAC/ Kitsune Hi FI, Lynnwood Washington

@anwar Thanks for clarifying. I heard it with a tap x Bent preamp, Coincident monoblocks and a really great streaming setup -- all on speakers with a delightfully articulate Beyma tweeter. Comparing my Orchid vs the Holo May showed the kind of difference you describe, but not that much of a difference. The Orchid really shined.

That said, I bet on a less resolving system, such as my own, your point would be even more obvious to me in a head to head. I suppose it would be my call to decide if the $4500 price difference was worth the extra performance.

@hilde45 If you prefer NOS, then Holo Audio Spring L3 most likely is good enough.  It has similar USB module like May L3.  I only use NOS with my May L3.

I use Bent Audio passive preamp, the pure silver autoformers, 4 pcs for fully balanced operation.  Please check my PM.

I listen to the May DAC and it’s a great product. My good friend dumped tubed Oppo and got the DAC. The engineering and design.is excellent as so with the sound. This is a first rate Audio DAC with first rate build quality. Yes I would dump my OPPO 205 to buy one. Stunning product.

 Great product the implementation and hardware layout excellent and the sound great too. My good has one, I listen to it for hours, it’s a great product and sound great.