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New Record Day – The KING is CROWNED!
Ana|Dia|Log The Digital to Analogue Conversion Vanguard
Going the extra mile – GoldenSound
Revisit of the Holo May Level 2
Oversampling on demand – Hans Beekhuyzen
13th Note HiFi Bewertungen | Holo Audios MAY KTE ist ein erstaunlicher R2R DAC (vs. Chord & PS Audio)
Notable features of May Dac
The new generation of linear compensation technology solves the accuracy errors caused by resistor tolerance, after compensation, reaching a variance of 005% tolerance accuracy. Proprietary anti-jitter technology that provides a full amplitude of anti-jitter without increasing noise floor and other undesirable effects. Based on this new generation of technology May “can provide a SINAD of >115dB and a dynamic range of >130dB, which represents the performance limit reached by today’s most advanced R2R architecture DAC.
Using the ultimate performance of PLL+FIFO technology, provides 0.1Hz Third-Order low-pass ability to inhibit jitter. It also uses a high-performance femtosecond VCXO as the PLL clock source. Under the premise of being almost immune to the front-end jitter, it can also lock up to 1.5us-2us @ 1KHz signal with high jitter. (It can lock up to 1.5us-2us @ 1kHz signal with high jitter on the premise of almost being immune front-end jitter).
Dual Mono DAC L/R channels are independently powered by their own dedicated transformer in the PSU chassis. This provides better channel separation and more accurate sound stage.
Official Support USB and I2S up to DSD1024 and PCM1.536MHz sample rate. The USB interface uses proprietary firmware with ultra-low latency, a highly reliable data transmission, ideal USB eye pattern measurements that contributes to 2-4 times higher performance than official firmware. Two sets of independent HDMI-I2S input interfaces are provided, and each set of I2S has a four-way independent circuit, as opposed to standard LVDS chip, making I2S clock signals subject to lower interference and lower jitter. In addition, each group of I2S inputs can be configured with specific pinout configuration, making it compatible with most of the HDMI-I2S digital devices on the market.
MAY Models
L1 (Level 1) May DAC
- Standard Version
- Copper wiring
- Schurter Gold fuse
- Remote Control Included
- DC cable
L2 (level 2) May DAC
- All Level 1 options
- Titanis enhanced usb GEN 2.1 module
- HoloAudio Caps
- Upgraded Fuse
- Remote Control
- DC cable
KTE (Kitsune edition) May DAC
- 100VA DUAL O-type(not Toroid) FLATWIRE (NOT roundwire) 6N Copper custom hand made audio transformers. (All models)
- All copper wire is replaced with 1.5mm pure occ silver wire. Only KTE model
- Hand Selected Dac modules to have best measurements compared to averages. Higher dynamic range. Only KTE model.
- CNC Black/Copper shield DAC Module Covers on each module with laser etched KTE logos. Only KTE model.
- Replaced IEC inlet connectors with pure silver/rhodium plated faston connectors at the IEC inlet Only KTE model.
- Fuse is upgraded with world class Red Nano fuse with gold/silver and graphene and quartz filtering materials. Only KTE Model
- Standard Vishay caps are replaced/upgraded with KTE capacitors***
- Custom made HoloAudio 1000V 1uF caps (replaces standard mundorf evo silver/gold caps)
- Enhanced USB module with Titanis 2.0 circuit
- Special Kitsune Tuned Edition branding inside and out (pure copper Kitsune fox emblem on top panel) + remote control
***unique ONLY to MAY KTE – KTE Caps to replace Vishay on the L1/L2 models (we have done extensive testing and these prove to provide intoxicating voicing and are beyond subtle improvements over L1/L2)
DIGITAL INPUTS |
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| COAXIAL1, COAXIAL2, OPTICAL, AES |
PCM 44.1-192K (24bit) DSD 64X (DOP) |
| USB | PCM 44.1K-1.536M (32bit) DSD 64-512X (DOP) DSD 64-1024X (Native) |
| I2S1，I2S2 | PCM 44.1K-1.536M (32bit) DSD 64-1024X |
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| PCM 48K NOS | THD+N 0.00017% @1K(-115dB) DNR 130dBRCA: Voltage Output 2.9Vrms and Imp 27 Ohm XLR: Voltage Output 5.8Vrms and 54 Ohm |
| DSD 128X | THD+N 0.00025% @1K(-112dB) DNR 115dBRCA: Voltage Output 1.45Vrms and Imp 27 Ohm XLR: Voltage Output 2.9Vrms and 54 Ohm |
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| Size (Main Box) | 430x300x55mm (W x L x H, Dimensions do not include protruding parts) |
| Size (Power Chassis) | 430x300x55mm (W x L x H, Dimensions do not include protruding parts) |
| Weight | 18kg/39.68lbs |
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| Power Input (configurable) | 220-230V 50/60Hz – Fuse Type 2A SB 5x20mm 110-115V 50/60Hz – Fuse Type 4A SB 5x20mm |
| Power consumption | 60W |
Patented R2R technology. Discrete DAC that has Linear compensation and this allows for ultimate music reproduction accuracy. Separate R2R network for PCM, and R2R for DSD.
Opamp used as input and discrete output design is applied. Fully DC coupled, no capacitors are used in signal path. Pure Class A output stages.
MAY DAC configuration options
NOS mode, without oversampling, the original data directly to the analog conversion. NOS can avoid these problems because digital oversampling can produce time-domain distortions such as ringing effects. NOS will usually have a significant impact on other performance indicators, but the spring design can make the NOS mode also maintain a good performance indicators.
OS mode, make PCM oversampling to reach a higher frequency PCM, the DSD oversampling to a higher frequency DSD, and then digital analog conversion. OS PCM mode, whether it is PCM input or DSD input, will be oversampled to PCM mode for digital analog conversion
OS DSD mode, whether PCM input or DSD input, will be oversampled to DSD mode for digital analog conversion.
Digital input interface, including, USB (ground isolation), RCA, BNC, AES, optical fiber, HDMI interface, I2S. All digital input interfaces support DSD (DOP mode). Spring analog output interface for the single-ended and balanced each group.
Technical Information about our Custom PLL circuit
Now the May is implemented with femto clocks, and also new discrete ultra high performance voltage regulators. It has an advanced PLL (phase lock loop) circuit that is completely custom built for ultra high performance anti jitter performance. Even the highest levels of jitter are near eliminated which delivers world class performance. Using Crystek VXCO clocks that will take any incoming digital signal an reclock it to perfection! This feature can be enabled or disabled to test and prove it’s performance is truly spectacular. Note: this is NOT an off the shelf PLL, but it’s truly the most powerful PLL found in a DAC. Or at least to our knowledge it’s the most powerful PLL ever.. Spdif usually is a not a good protocol because it’s very old and dated! It was designed in 70s together with CD with Sony and Philips. As you may know, It encodes the data signal together with clock signal so it can be transferred by a one-core cable. It makes the cable easy to source, but to encode the data to clock at the transmit side and decode the clock from data at the receiving side, creates jitter. Toslink is a fiber glass version of SPdif. So Toslink adds even more jitter while doing electronic to photo and photo to electronic translation. So people will see clearly that I2S is usually better than SPDIF because I2S has 4 separate signal, 3 clocks 1 data. So it does not have encoding-decoding stuff thus has a better jitter performance. This is important to know this.
A common technique to improve the clock signal from SPDIF is PLL. A PLL is to use a local clock generator to track the source clock. You know jitter is actually a time deviation problem. For example, the fist period frequency is 44101Hz and the following second period is 44099Hz. Thus it has 2/44100 jitter. A PLL is to smooth the time deviation of clock. So after the PLL, it can be 44100.9-44099.1(this is a weak/poor performing PLL). Or it can be 44100.1-44099.9(this is a strong performance PLL). Usually, a SPDIF chip, like AK4118A, has an internal PLL. AK4118A is good chip compared to other spdif receiver chip and it marks 50ps jitter. ItÂ’s the best we can get from a commercial chip. But it’s far from ideal, and definitely not enough for a HiFi standard we are implementing in the May dac. So we need a significantly stronger performing PLL. If the PLL is strong enough, it can smooth the 44101-44009 source clock to 4410001-44009.99999(very close to ideal 44100-44100)
But to make a stronger PLL is not easy, it’s actually incredibly difficult. First you need a powerful local clock source. A fixed clock can’t be used because it need to be adjusted to follow source clock rate. A common solution to use a VCO(voltage controlled oscillator). VCO is made by resistors, capacitor and inductors. The cost is low but performance is not so great. So, a better solution is to use VCXO(Voltage controlled crystal oscillator), it uses crystal as oscillator and crystal is a far better oscillator. The VCXO we used in May is Crytek’s CVHD-957. This the best VCXO we can get now.
The second hard problem is, the data need to be synchronized with clock. For example, the source has 44101-44099 clock from SPDif, that also mean it has 44101 samples in first period and 44099 samples in second period. So a good local 44100-44100 clock will have to throw away one sample in first period and lack one sample in second period. An easy fix to it is to use digital filter to smooth the data and it calls ASRC, but ASRC actually modified the data. So after ASRC, the data is modified thus not bit perfect anymore. And digital filter can also generate time domain problems like ringing artifacts. So, a digital filter is not a good way to solve this problem, or you can say, it solve a problem by introduce another problem.
May uses a fifo buffer to store the extra one sample in first period and release it in second period. So it has no harm to data. The difficulty for this design is how to manage fifo buffer. It can be a problem when you have a long-term jitter. And long-term jitter is actually called low frequency phase noise in a frequency domain point of view. To explain it easily, let’s take a example, a long term jitter can be like this, 44101-44102-44103-44104-44105-44104-44103-44102-44101-44100-44099-44098-44097-44096-44095-44096-44097-44098-44099-44100. So you see, it will have 25 extra sample in first ten periods, so the fifo buffer need to able store enough of them and release it in next 10 periods.
So, as a result, May’s PLLÂ’s corner frequency is set to 0.05-0.1Hz in 3-orders. Than means it can reduce a 10s long term jitter by 90%, 1s period jitter by 99%, 0.1s period jitter by 99.9%Â…Â… That maybe the most powerful PLL in this industrial. And the most important is, it won’t lose data, it can still locking the source while huge jitter comes in. When you compared other similar PLL in the industrial, you can see it simply unlock the signal when huge jitter comes in. So, in that way, it simply stop you from listening, it tells you there is a problem but not solve it.
I have attached 2 pictures. The AP equipment generate huge jitters to SPDIF(750ns, 1KHz). If the PLL turned off, you will see an very ugly spectrum that means the jitter distorted the analog signal badly. The other picture turn on the PLL, and you can see it beautifully removed almost all the jitters. Compared to other competitors PLL. They won’t remove the jitter so clean, and simply unlock the signal for more than 10ns jitters.
Some noted features
The May DAC (all three models) will also support DSD1024 native and PCM 1.536MHz output! Theoretically it can do DSD2048 and PCM 3.072Mhz however is untested at this time. Also, we have worked hard to reduce the common click noise with all dacs when switching from DSD to PCM. This sound click sound has been reduced significantly with a special circuit design. The May DAC has the new and exclusive USB Enhanced module which has our FPGA with the new Titanis 2.0 and custom firmware to improve USB Eye Pattern and reduce latency to near zero as well as reduce jitter to very very low levels. The USB module has completely new code written to optimize performance and reduce latency significantly. Low frequency performance (-40db) is also improved. The “enhanced” USB module has two XMOS xu208 chips instead of one that is used in the Spring2.
New improved power supply circuit with high performance multi stage regulation circuit using Rubycon ZLH caps, Panasonic FC, Vishay Caps or L2/KTE models with our exclusive HoloAudio Branded Caps (KTE model unique custom proprietary caps to replace Vishay caps)
We are no longer using common LVDS chipset and are now using a custom 4way circuit that isolates each line which further improves sound quality. such as the MCLK is isolated from data line and this improves jitter spec. Also there are TWO i2s ports in the May dac. Each one can be individually configured pin outs to support all i2s products on the market.
The May and KTE version of the May DAC also is with a CNC machined aluminum remote control! Standard with all three models.
The KTE version has OCC copper wire replaced with 1.5mm pure silver wire. 1.5mm Silver wire is soldered direct to the pcbs with highest grade audio solder. Silver Rhodium Faston connectors used at IEC input.
The May is a DUAL mono DAC. so there is a dedicated Dac Module for Left Channel and a dedicated Dac Module for Right Channel. Also each channel is individually powered by it’s dedicated Otype FLATWIRE transformer found in all three models. We have found after careful testing this new transformer type outperforms ALL transformers we have ever tested to this date. Near zero leakage, improved dynamics and overall spectacular performance. They are handmade for this dac specifically and delivery world class performance you would expect.
May dac also has a new screen on the front that appears the same as the Spring2 on initial glanceÂ…. Font size is bigger than Spring2 but smaller than Spring1. Also you can see the CD track-time information is displayed when using spdif inputs!!!. This is done by extracting additional data from SPDIF. This a part of CD red book standard but nobody notices this and often forgets this cool feature or doesn’t know how to extract the data!. This will lead a fashion for other DAC developer to support this featureÂ… customers will surely love this feature albeit subtle. The screen is much better contrast and viewing angles and one of the first things one may notice.
The May also has a front power button now! It’s been a request by many customers and gone are the days of a good old reach around to get the dac to be turned on! As mentioned before aboveÂ… The dac has a soft start circuit!! So don’t fret, it takes a moment for it to charge up and pull power without blowing the fuse!! It actually uses the same exact value of fuse that our spring1 and spring2 has! But two transformers! If we don’t have a soft start a couple issues can happenÂ… one being a blown fuse from power surge, and another simply having possible pop noises. No chance of these things happening. We have carefully designed the circuit to have a zero compromise design.
Volume Control has NOT been implemented (on purpose!) A preamp is designed to do any of these things such us increasing the gain; Lowering the output impedance; converting from unbalanced to balanced or any combination. If your device has an output impedance that is too close to the input impedance of the device you’re connecting it to, you will be in the wrong gear, and your signal may be too weak. That weakness will result in a degrade of the analogue output. DAC’s offering volume control mostly do not have an integrated preamp. At this quality level there is no question integrating degradation into the DAC.
DSD is natively supported for the first time on this R2R Discrete DAC
HOLO Audio is the world’s first to support DSD natively on R2R DAC, so far the only one. This is not the DSD converted to PCM before digital-analog converter, but directly by the discrete components of the DSD digital to analog converter. Supported currently on MAC (DOP)and Linux (DOP), and Windows/PC (Direct Native and DOP).
Jeff Zhu „HoloAudio Explains his patented R2R technology“
There are ways to improve the performance, the segment+R2R is one way. Trimming is another way. There is an additional R2R ladder in Spring, it compensate the main R2R ladder. It works like trimming, but trimming is to change the resistor value. This additional R2R ladder are digital controlled and is to compensate the resistor tolerance. For example, the MSB of 16 bits should have the value of 32768, but due to tolerance, it represent 32700 in real world. Then that additional R2R ladder will compensate 68 into it. Then it became 32700+68=32768.
Actually there are other ways to improve performance, I just told you two stories. There are more stories behind the design. It is really hard. I must count every via holes in layout, every PCB wire has it’s impedance and must put attention on it. A via hole can be 50 m Ohm, it is 1/20000 of 1 kilo-ohm, and you see, it covers 32768 which is the MSB of 16bits. Also the switches has self-impedance which is about several ohms to 30 ohms. If you find this issue. Maybe you will go crazy, it seems to be an impossible mission. But a good designer will overcome all these problems. It’s our value at HOLO Audio.
All the resistor tolerance, switch impedance, line impedance, via hole impedance, finally reflect as linearity. There is a chart that shows Spring’s linearity, it’s excellent. But I suggest you to look at THD performance. Bad linearity must result a bad THD performance. But good linearity doesn’t mean there will be good THD performance. THD is dynamic performance, more critical than linearity which is a static performance.
If you look at the THD performance, you will find Spring to maybe the best among those competitors. I’m applying a patent which contribute a lot of that performance. But I can’t tell you how. It’s confidential now.
Alfred (Verifizierter Käufer) –
The Holo Audio May KTE sounds outstanding as expected. I think he fits perfect in my system. He brings warmth and body to my B&W 800D3 without loosing any detail. And the holographic staging and imaging is outstanding.
So thanks a lot for your support.
Henry (Verifizierter Käufer) –
Second experience with Magna. Some time ago, I purchased a Holo Bliss KTE. Extremely happy with this purchase. So much so that I became interested in other Holo products. My interest in a Holo May DAC was sparked. I contacted Rob and Jos at Magna again. After making an appointment, I made a long journey to Heiloo to listen to the May. It was worth the trip! I was very kindly received and given ample opportunity to listen to the May. Ultimately, I ordered the May KTE. It was quickly shipped after arrival. The device has now been running for some time and is really starting to open up. What a fantastic combination the Bliss and the May make. I am particularly impressed by the natural way the music is reproduced, just as the artist intended. I am very satisfied with this combo and have now found my ideal setup.
Wilco (Verifizierter Käufer) –
Even though the Holo May KTE DAC needs some time to get used to properly, according to what I’ve read on the internet, I already experience it as a significant upgrade, and it sounds fantastic! I now truly feel that I can get the most out of my music system.
I would also like to thank you very much for the excellent service.
Patrick –
There has been a lot said and written about this DAC. I am certainly not the first, and probably not the last. I took the plunge and switched from another brand/type in the same price range. I had been warned. This machine is good, very good!
I’ve been using this DAC for a few weeks now, and it has completely exceeded my expectations. The sound quality is exceptional, with clear highs and deep, rich lows. The build quality is also top-notch, and it feels sturdy and well-made.
Overall, I’m extremely impressed with this DAC. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to switch.
Leo –
There is so much good to read about the HoloAudio May Dac KTE in reviews. I was a bit sceptical, but my high expectations weren’t too high.
Listening to the May, the music is full and present in the room. It is a pleasure to enjoy the richness of sound.
Advice: reserve time for other activities, the attraction of May leads to the rediscovery of your music collection. ;-) May is here to stay!
Paul (Verifizierter Käufer) –
No point me telling you what a May KTE sounds like as you already know, but I wanted a few things from a new DAC – greater dynamics, removal of what I call „digital hash“ on busy music and a non-fatiguing sound. The May has delivered on all counts even if it was a bit of a rollercoaster to get there.
Roi (Verifizierter Käufer) –
Very impressive DAC especially for the price!
This is the best DAC you can get for the price, in my opinion. It can be compared to DACs that cost twice its price!
Ian (Verifizierter Käufer) –
I thought I would send you some initial listening impressions after a longer music session last night.
In a word ‘Wow!’
Any doubts I had about the May KTE’s ability to match the dynamic sound of my Schiit Yggdrasil DAC (which I loved) evaporated when I played some really well-recorded, CDs with huge dynamic range.
The sound was explosive!
I listened to all sorts of genres- Rock, Jazz, Folk, Classical..and whatever I tried, it all sounded ‘right’.
The PLL is incredible!
My old Logitech Transporter’s sound quality via BNC is almost indistinguishable from Jay’s CDT vis I2S.
A remarkable achievement.
I think I now have my ‘end game’ audio system..for now 😉
Thank you Jos and Rob for your advice and help.
Thomas (Verifizierter Käufer) –
What can I say, I am still quite speechless and impressed, it’s like listening to analog music with digital equipment. A wonderful DAC, which fits perfectly with the Ferrum Hypsos/Oor to the Hifiman Susvara.
M.N. van der Laan (Verifizierter Käufer) –
I’ve been wanting a Holo Audio May dac for a few years now. This time it worked. My regular point of contact at Magna first sold my dac quickly and for a fair price. Because there was some delivery time on the Holo, I got a loan dac available. The ordered Holo May kt still arrived surprisingly quickly. It is now really enjoyable, partly due to the very pleasant service of Magna Hifi. Basically like I’ve always been used to. Really a very nice company. So recommended again!!
Brandon (Verifizierter Käufer) –
Dac arrived safely and is now connected to my system.
The sound quality straight out of the box is fantastic. It is a big upgrade to my previous dac.
Nicolas (Verifizierter Käufer) –
A la recherche d’un dac qui puisse remplacer mon Ayon Skylla2 (R2R PCM1704K) avec plus de neutralité et de résolution mais sans perdre les qualités tonales du R2R, l’âme de la musique, et tout en rivalisant avec mon principal dac le Mola Mola Tambaqui, le May est un choix que je ne regretterai pas.
Une partie numérique au dessus de tout soupçon, des étages de conversion R2R Nos compatible tous formats avec une partie DSD dédiée réussie, un étage de sortie à l’évidence bien pensé et réalisé qui donne toutes ses lettres de noblesses à la restitution sonore et creuse l’écart avec la concurrence utilisant des AOP lissant et réfrigérant la restitution, subtile positionnement fait de neutralité et beauté, crédibilité sans aspect analytique comme beaucoup de dacs à puces Delta Sigma dont les filtres ne sont pas débrayables, et sans en faire trop et verser dans des colorations éloignant de la réalité. Le May analyse finement en donnant le liant, la continuité naturelle entre les sons qui fait que l’on écoute de la musique et non du son, et avec son étage de sortie il le fait sans froideur, en sachant impliquer l’auditeur.
Que demander de plus?…. Une intégration de la lecture réseau qui soit aussi réussie que les entrées USB et I2S du May serait un plus pour s’asseoir sur la concurrence en terme de versatilité. Le May n’est pas donné si l’on considère son circuit de vente, la nécessité d’acquérir un bon lecteur réseau et cablage de liaison pour l’accompagner face à ses concurrents , mais il sait justifier son positionnement par de vrais arguments techniques et sonores donc recommandé sans réserve aux amoureux de la musique qui fuient les colorations mais fuient la désincarnation et la froideur également.
Excellent support de Magna Hifi dans la démarche d’acquisition, toujours une réponse rapide de Jos aux questions posées avant et après la vente.
Luis (Verifizierter Käufer) –
Excellent service. High level of product knowledge, good communication, fast shipping, perfect package protection and top tracking information. The Holo May DAC KTE is the best DAC I’ve listened in life, it’s and end game DAC for sure.
Peter (Verifizierter Käufer) –
Purchased a Holo May KTE. I had some questions before buying, all got quickly and in details answered by Jos. After delivery I noticed a humming noise coming from the item sometimes. Jos gave me advices on different possible solutions. I am very satisfied with both of the dac and Magna Hifi. This is the kind of costumer service I love in the US but rarely experience in the EU. ?
Edward (Verifizierter Käufer) –
I am in the position to listening to more music… and therefore really coming to appreciate the qualities of the May. It presents music organically, across a broad and deep sound stage, with hardly any digital artefacts – the decision to go with an R2R Dac has been one of my best choices over many years of audiophilia!
Serge (Verifizierter Käufer) –
I’m ecstatic about the May, a very amazing piece of hardware. I would recommend an upgrade allowing the I2S ports to accept real HDMI signals and not only I2S.
Addy –
The built quality is exceptional. Fantastic sounding DAC in comparison with my old BurrBrown DAC and I also tested very expensive delta-sigma DACs. They sound analytical, not engaging and have a flat soundstage compared to the May KTE.
The May is unbelievably smooth (organic) sounding, with the best soundstage and holographic presentation I have ever heard !
Igor (Verifizierter Käufer) –
MAY has exceeded expectations, very-very impressive gear. Even out of the box it was already shining !
Truly all modes attract attention immediately, very positively. And fall into that thin category – „this is not better by different“. At times I caught myself thinking that simple PCM 44.1 via NOS is already full and rich and engaging.
Martin (Verifizierter Käufer) –
I got the HoloAudio May KTE 4 weeks ago and I must say that I am really impressed with that DAC, absolutely happy with it.
Marko (Verifizierter Käufer) –
But o´boy does the May sound glorious! So natural, realistic and effortless. It really let’s you connect deeply with the music. I had the Chord DAVE with M Scaler home last week. The May wins and not with a small margin. May is hands down the best DAC I ever experienced.
Philippe (Verifizierter Käufer) –
I am amazed at how good it is ?
Arnold (Verifizierter Käufer) –
The gear looks good and after some 40 hours of break-in it sounds already great: tonality well balanced, soundstage expanded (compared to my former setup) every instrument at its proper place, revealing yet natural. Miles Davis‘ ‚Tutu‘ for example always sounded a bit sharp and harsh; now the SERENE-MAY-combination provides more details in well separated layers but still a homogeneous sound. Comparing some high-res-files with CD-quality differences seem apparent even in non-audiophile recordings like RHCP ,Blood, Sugar, Sex Magic‘. Finally, the dac seems to love the piano and so do my wife and I. Up to now it is a great pleasure and maybe the best is yet to come.
Jeroen (Verifizierter Käufer) –
Never I have been blown away by a DAC like the May KTE. It is almost magical in its musical delivery and so freaking perfect in all aspects of sound quality: detail, soundstage, imaging, PRaT, body, soul, dynamics, resolution, excitement, neutrality, calmness and musicality in all frequencies are simply unmatched. As a result, the KTE will emotionally connect you without any effort to the music; get a box of Kleenex, you May (pun intended) tear up when you hear your favourite music.
One thing, the burn in process was for me a bit scary. After a few good first days the May sounded like crap for almost five days. Patience is key, it took 11 days 24/7 and a few pauses before it started sounding magical again.
It is not cheap, but this is truly end-game and a class apart. The May will easily compete with TOTL end game DACS that are much more expensive. Most said in the professional reviews is true, and believe me, understated. As an audio reviewer you want to remain a good relationship with all sponsors.
For me the May takes the cake, the USB implementation is so good, no need to invest in reclockers or IS2. Considering this, the May is almost a steel. 6 out of 5 stars ?
Jeroen (Verifizierter Käufer) –
Purchased one of the best end game DACs (Holo audio may KTE). Had some scares during the burn in process, but Magna was super understanding. All I needed was patience, my May KTE just took 11 days before it sounded magical. :) Magna’s service is simply outstanding, these guys deserve your trust and business, especially when you invest in your audiophile hobby.
Sorin Strimbu (Verifizierter Käufer) –
After only 4 days of „burn-in“, I have to admit that Holo May is exceeding my expectations! The sound is very natural and smooth in the same time, there is no „digital“ hiss on trebles and the bass is incredible well defined! I’ve made „on the fly“ A/B tests with my turntable records and the sound is pretty close to the vinyl analogue sound, which is fantastic!!
Compared with my previous DACs (Mytek Manhattan II, Rockna Wavelight), Holo May KTE plays in a completely different league!
Many thanks again Jos for the great service and support, as always!
All the best, Sorin
Radu –
The DAC arrived in perfect condition and it‘ working damn well.
It was a pleasure to deal with you.
Best regards
Radu
Martin (Verifizierter Käufer) –
Just wanted to tell you that I really like the „Holy“ May and want to keep it!
Whatever I throw at it, it sounds amazing. Already sold my PS Audio DAC.
I have the impression that I get the best sound through the combination of Intona to the USB board of the
May.
Interestingly I get the sound signature of the May through every connection may it be Coax, I2S, Toslink….
I like the naturalness and closeness to the real music as I experience it in concerts or also through my vinyl setup.
Really, really fascinating. Now I love to hear digital as well and it is no longer a compromise.
You have a new very happy customer!
Dominic –
After much deliberation, I made the decision and traveled to Rob in Heiloo to hear the difference between the May Level 2 and KTE. That was clear and in the end we took the KTE version home. What a top DAC. The other DACs simply had no chance. Fantastic and unprecedented performance this R2R DAC!
Thomas M –
Everything I write I am doing the Holo MAY short! It is an incredible achievement from a brand which was unknown to me. I have tried (won’t mention them) much higher priced DACs but this one is simply sublime. Especially the PLL technology in this DAC does a great job. The only advice I can give to doubters: You have to try it! (Leave on for at least 150 hours before actually listening). Happy customer – thanks Magna Team for the great service!
Rene –
I find the current playback sound so natural, smooth, refined and easy that I keep listening. I am better able to let go of technical listening and enjoy a nice piece of music better and that is ultimately the goal… ..
Eric Johnson –
From Kitsune
I received my HOLO AUDIO MAY DAC kte about 10 days ago. I listen to Lieder, string quartets, symphonic music and opera. Listening to my favorite works with MAY is magical. So much detail with a complete absence of anything unnatural really immerses me into recordings I have adored for a long time. The clarity is scary without calling attention to itself. This DAC is neither “bright” nor “dark”, simply …accurate. My inner experience is so visceral, I must choose works with which I am prepared to connect. I can detect no bandwidth limitation and so far, every instrument and voice sounds impeccably “right”. Nothing is exaggerated nor subdued – only believable. And so much texture is grin-inducing. I am very happy to hear my favorite music through such an accomplished instrument. This machine is important to me. I am closer to the sounds I need to make living worth it. My Jay’s Audio CDT-2 Mkll. disc transport is connected to MAY via I2S HDMI (PSAudio pinout) connection. ECJ