Hi aangen,
Give it a few more weeks of break in. It will relax some. Takes awhile for the caps to break in.
Never heard the Gryphon dac. Looks interesting.
Holo Audio May KTE Dac
- Thread starter audioarcher
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Give it a few more weeks of break in. It will relax some. Takes awhile for the caps to break in.
Never heard the Gryphon dac. Looks interesting.
My May arrived yesterday. Out of the box it bested my Gustard slightly. 24 hours later it's sounding even better. Man it runs hot!
How do you guys deal with the different output for PCM 48k NOS (5.8Vrms XLR) and DSD 128x (2.9Vrms xlr)? I have a variety of resolutions on my Aurender and playlists. Every once in a while a song (evidently in PCM) comes on and is about twice as loud. Seems kinda weird?
How do you guys deal with the different output for PCM 48k NOS (5.8Vrms XLR) and DSD 128x (2.9Vrms xlr)? I have a variety of resolutions on my Aurender and playlists. Every once in a while a song (evidently in PCM) comes on and is about twice as loud. Seems kinda weird?
Unfortunately, DSD output is -6Db than PCM in the May. It would be nice if they could have been made the same or at least closer. I think most use the May set to NOS and send PCM and convert DSD to PCM, upsample and noise shape if you wish.
Mine runs 100F or 38C. Seems fine.
So I have Redbook, 24/88, DSD, 24/96, 24/176 files. How do I randomly play them (NOS) at the same volume?
I’m not worried about the heat, but definitely glad I have a lot of space on my rack.
I've got about 500 hours on the May and it has definitely hit its stride.
One thing I noticed is that it will only play 88.2 files in OS mode (which definitely does not sound as good as OS when playing files that can be played either way). Is there anything I can do to get the 88.2 files to play in NOS?
Also, does the OS circuitry/chips benefit from burn-in or does burning in the DAC and power supply independent of ladder DAC or OS DACs suffice?
Update: I deleted the album from my Aurender playlist and reloaded it. It plays fine now in NOS (it is a FLAC file). Go figure.
One thing I noticed is that it will only play 88.2 files in OS mode (which definitely does not sound as good as OS when playing files that can be played either way). Is there anything I can do to get the 88.2 files to play in NOS?
Also, does the OS circuitry/chips benefit from burn-in or does burning in the DAC and power supply independent of ladder DAC or OS DACs suffice?
Update: I deleted the album from my Aurender playlist and reloaded it. It plays fine now in NOS (it is a FLAC file). Go figure.
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I received my May kte on Monday and let it play music continuously for a few days before I had a listen. It was straight out of the factory and wanted to give it a few days to warm up. I am pretty sensitive to first reactions, I didn't want to listen straight out of the box.
Yesterday was my first listen -my previous dac was a chord tt2 so I will try my best to sum up what I am hearing in relation to that. The sound has quite a different character to that of the chord. I was a little confused at first. The music lost some low end that what I was used to. Not that it was weak in that department, just 'cleaner' somehow. It seems the chord has an extension that makes the low end 'warm' and not as focused I believe.
I felt that the soundstage was just as big. The May seems to be able to pinpoint sounds quite a bit better than the tt2. I was able to hear reflections of reverb that I simply wasn't hearing before or at the least the detail wasn't highlighted in the same way. There is a more focused stage. The sounds don't blend in to each other as much. I put on that new billie eilish song that she did for the bond movie, Too Young To Die. I noticed those reverb reflections again there.
Regarding the flow of music, I feel there is a big difference with the tt2. At first I was thinking that things seem to have slowed down in some way. One of my go to tracks to test natural dynamics and rhythmic energy is Dire Straits - Six Blade Knife. I don't choose electronic tracks here because I want that natural feel of a band playing tight. Its hard to describe in words, the tt2 seems to 'push' the music out, whereas the May lets things flow out much more relaxed. Its not slower, just more effortless which is what confused me in the first part of listening. The music seems to just be there, coming out of the darkness effortless. The tt2 was more like' go go go'.
I believe the treble is slightly smoother than the tt2. The tt2 seems to display slightly sharper transients, but possibly not in the most natural way? I am starting to understand what people mean by saying that the May is more analog sounding. I don't have a turntable -and never owned one, but have listened to some setups with one.
It is still in the early stages and am very intrigued to see if/how things will improve over the next coming weeks months. I DO prefer the music playing with the May over the tt2. The naturalness and ease of flow makes things much less fatiguing and enjoyable. This was my first listening, I'll do an update in a couple of weeks if I hear any significant change!
Yesterday was my first listen -my previous dac was a chord tt2 so I will try my best to sum up what I am hearing in relation to that. The sound has quite a different character to that of the chord. I was a little confused at first. The music lost some low end that what I was used to. Not that it was weak in that department, just 'cleaner' somehow. It seems the chord has an extension that makes the low end 'warm' and not as focused I believe.
I felt that the soundstage was just as big. The May seems to be able to pinpoint sounds quite a bit better than the tt2. I was able to hear reflections of reverb that I simply wasn't hearing before or at the least the detail wasn't highlighted in the same way. There is a more focused stage. The sounds don't blend in to each other as much. I put on that new billie eilish song that she did for the bond movie, Too Young To Die. I noticed those reverb reflections again there.
Regarding the flow of music, I feel there is a big difference with the tt2. At first I was thinking that things seem to have slowed down in some way. One of my go to tracks to test natural dynamics and rhythmic energy is Dire Straits - Six Blade Knife. I don't choose electronic tracks here because I want that natural feel of a band playing tight. Its hard to describe in words, the tt2 seems to 'push' the music out, whereas the May lets things flow out much more relaxed. Its not slower, just more effortless which is what confused me in the first part of listening. The music seems to just be there, coming out of the darkness effortless. The tt2 was more like' go go go'.
I believe the treble is slightly smoother than the tt2. The tt2 seems to display slightly sharper transients, but possibly not in the most natural way? I am starting to understand what people mean by saying that the May is more analog sounding. I don't have a turntable -and never owned one, but have listened to some setups with one.
It is still in the early stages and am very intrigued to see if/how things will improve over the next coming weeks months. I DO prefer the music playing with the May over the tt2. The naturalness and ease of flow makes things much less fatiguing and enjoyable. This was my first listening, I'll do an update in a couple of weeks if I hear any significant change!
I'm interested in your experience. My May KTE went through a few variations in sound over the 3 weeks of break in/burn in (well at least the first week, weeks 2 and 3 were mostly just continued improvement)
Quick update, almost on the 2nd week of listening.
I don't know what the rest are experiencing, but in my system, the May kte is Very sensitive to power chord changes and USB cables. I find using the May on an unfiltered power socket works the best.
The soundstage has gotten larger, particularly the height. Precision even better. Bass even tighter and more 'clean' weight. I'm starting to get deeply involved in the music playing. Low level listening has gotten very pleasing, MUCH more so than with the tt2. I could barely enjoy music at low volume using the tt2, with the May, it has a full, wonderful sound.
I don't know what the rest are experiencing, but in my system, the May kte is Very sensitive to power chord changes and USB cables. I find using the May on an unfiltered power socket works the best.
The soundstage has gotten larger, particularly the height. Precision even better. Bass even tighter and more 'clean' weight. I'm starting to get deeply involved in the music playing. Low level listening has gotten very pleasing, MUCH more so than with the tt2. I could barely enjoy music at low volume using the tt2, with the May, it has a full, wonderful sound.
I have my May DAC plugged into a Hubbell hospital grade outlet on a 15A circuit dedicated for my front end components. I'm using a Triode Wire Labs cord and Intona USB cables through an Intona galvanic isolator. I have not experimented with different configurations--I wanted to get through the ups and down of burn in, which I think I passed about a week ago after 4 weeks of 24/7 operation (at least I don't get surprised now like I did early on with changes in the sonic signature).
I agree with not changing things around till after the break-in. I recently got the Sablon usb and was doing some a/b last week with my AQ diamond. I was slightly preferring the AQ. Now its not even a competition, the sablon is like 5 steps up. Much better overall balance, realistic timbre, more 3-d, richer soundstage etc.
Update around 350 hours of break-in on the kte.
For me, the sound has completely changed from the first week. The detail retrieval, soundstage portrayal, texture/flesh produced by this dac is simply outstanding. The soundstage compared the tt2 is not even in the same league. Especially in the depth and width. I'm hearing everything from way behind, I look up to examine whats happening with the sound coming out of the speakers but then I realize, what speakers? The May has pulled a Houdini act and made them completely disappear.. Its honestly night and day in this regard compared to the Chord. Big big difference. Really deep and wide soundstage. The chord was very good, but this is just a no contest. Both in size and in precision.
The music has weight. It is so much more texutred and such ultra realism to each sound. I am rediscovering my collection and updating my library enthusiastically every day, it is really a joy listening to music coming out of this dac.
I would highly advise anyone wanting to test changes like usb/power cords to wait to at least 300 hours to start changing things around. The difference in my system was massive and is getting better every day.
For me, the sound has completely changed from the first week. The detail retrieval, soundstage portrayal, texture/flesh produced by this dac is simply outstanding. The soundstage compared the tt2 is not even in the same league. Especially in the depth and width. I'm hearing everything from way behind, I look up to examine whats happening with the sound coming out of the speakers but then I realize, what speakers? The May has pulled a Houdini act and made them completely disappear.. Its honestly night and day in this regard compared to the Chord. Big big difference. Really deep and wide soundstage. The chord was very good, but this is just a no contest. Both in size and in precision.
The music has weight. It is so much more texutred and such ultra realism to each sound. I am rediscovering my collection and updating my library enthusiastically every day, it is really a joy listening to music coming out of this dac.
I would highly advise anyone wanting to test changes like usb/power cords to wait to at least 300 hours to start changing things around. The difference in my system was massive and is getting better every day.
That is great! I am happy for you!
Later this year I likely will choose between the Holo May KTE and the Lampizator Baltic 3.
Later this year I likely will choose between the Holo May KTE and the Lampizator Baltic 3.
That sounds great, I can't comment about the Lampizator but the May is incredible in every way. Is there anyone who has compared the Baltic 3 to the May?
Ron... Please include the SW1X in the shootout! The SW1X Balanced-3, the Baltic-3, and the Holo May. Chose the May simply since I did not have a chance to hear the other two.
GoldenSound did an excellent two part review of the May with some good comparisons, I like his style:
Hi all, without rehashing what has already been said ( I think the quote above sums it up pretty well ), I have had my Holo May for 2 weeks now and the change in sound from out of the box until now defies logic , out of the box it was soulless, lacked bass etc, even after 50 hours where the sound was fuller but still very average but fast forward 2 weeks of solid running and I cannot imagine that the sound could get much better than this ! It is seriously like I have changed amplifiers , there is so much punch and fullness and crazy detail from my single ended 845 amps that I would swear I am running solid state like drive and power into my Wilson speakers. How is this even technically possible ?
I am at a loss to explain how a DAC can have this much effect, I previously ran an Auralic Vega and then an SMSL400 which both measure incredibly and sounded pretty fine and the Holo May blows them into the weeds, I am still a measurement guy but the SMSL400 sounds so congested and distorted in comparison to the Holo May which cannot be explained by measurements ( the SMSL400 ) is one of the best measuring DACs running at the moment.
That aside the air around instruments and voices the sweetness amd sheer holographic sound is something I thought could only be achieved by the best of analogue but the HoloMay has changed my mind. If it keeps improving to the same extent in the coming weeks I cannot imagine why you would need to spend the stratospheric prices for a DCS or similar , can they really be that much better ?
John
Hey Johnny, love the review. Without disparaging DCS, I will say a fine gentlemen that is very close to my best friend of both highend audio and life told me that this gentleman who can and does own anything he wants without regard to any price limitations owned an entire DCS stack and it sits collecting dust, my friend mentioned the May KTE DAC based on my unwavering enthusiasm and it didn't hurt several members in Audio Asylum Irc Chat also took the plunge confirming my emphatic assertions as well. This gentleman is completely amazed with the Holo May KTE DAC. He is absolutely smittened. Usually both this gentleman and I both take the advice of my best buddy who always nails it and is right on the money. It was an honor that I could recommend a piece like the May KTE DAC and get both him and this gentleman to validate what my gut already was screaming inside . Just a little context, the last time I visited him in CA he had not one pair, but two pairs of JBL Everests stacked inverted on top of each other with separate D to A for each driver and eight Bryston TOTL monoblocks powering the whole rig! It's bonkers. He can pretty much buy anything he wants and does. He's very sensible to diferentiate price from audible performance.
The grin on his and my buddy's face listening to the May KTE, was priceless.
My guru buddy has been pining and intrigued with the Legacy Whispers, and I got into open baffle design recently and was looking at options after hearing a great demo of a well known kit version. I ordered the Legacy Whispers 3 months ago without even any hesitations based on the number of times my buddy mentioned them over two decades. I received them this past Sunday, delivered by the owner, Bill Duddleston and Brice from Legacy both of which are a class act and he even upgraded me to the new Wavelet II preamp, DAC, 4-way active digital crossover, speaker correction, DSP Room correction, with dynamic psychoacoustics, and a new game changing feature called Omnio that literally one-ups the industry and I don't fully understand how it works, but
It's not a subtle improvement either. He also upgraded the midrange drivers to the new generation driver that he recently came out with. I had surgery today and I can't sleep really because I'm unable to use my bipap machine due to my nose having been operated on earlier and mouth breathing with sleep apnea is a real struggle, but I'm not complaining at all listening to these incredibly refined speakers with the May Dac KTE, which BTW even Bill Duddleston admitted had a naturalness that one ups the Wavelet II internal DAC, meaning the analog output is so good it literally shines through the ADC/DAC of the Wavelet II!
Sorry for the this long winded digression, but I'm just enthusiastic and had to ramble, and tell somebody. If you got this far, thanks. Have a good night/morning. ?
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Wow wh01sjongalt, thanks for the affirmation. I love your enthusiasm !
I must admit I was starting to despair that digital was never going to live up to the promise of many years ago but now I also have a new enthusiasm.
May I ask what sort of digital files you are using ? CD's ? Hi Rez ? Streaming ? I am intrigued because predominantly I play various Hi res files that I purchased through HD Tracks, a lot of reviewers are suggesting you need nothing more than CD quality when you use the Holo May because it is that good.
It has certainly lifted my Spotify to another level but it is anything but Hi Res but still sounds incredibly good through the Holo albeit lacking a bit of air so it does make me wonder whether a Tidal or Qubuz subscription may well be worth it now ? Your thoughts ?
Thanks
BTW I live in Australia
I must admit I was starting to despair that digital was never going to live up to the promise of many years ago but now I also have a new enthusiasm.
May I ask what sort of digital files you are using ? CD's ? Hi Rez ? Streaming ? I am intrigued because predominantly I play various Hi res files that I purchased through HD Tracks, a lot of reviewers are suggesting you need nothing more than CD quality when you use the Holo May because it is that good.
It has certainly lifted my Spotify to another level but it is anything but Hi Res but still sounds incredibly good through the Holo albeit lacking a bit of air so it does make me wonder whether a Tidal or Qubuz subscription may well be worth it now ? Your thoughts ?
Thanks
BTW I live in Australia
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