Holo Red Streamer

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

@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.

@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,

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

@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.