The newest HoloAudio offering is the Cyan 2 DAC. We are quite proud of the Cyan 2 and confident in saying we think you will find it most impressive as well. It’s a true balanced discrete resistor ladder DAC with both PCM and DSD support packed into a smaller footprint of desktop space. The Cyan 2 has several “trickle down” technologies from it’s bigger brothers and we are excited to introduce this product at a more affordable price.
Cyan 2 “青2”, A new generation DAC of fully discrete resistor network (commonly known as R2R). Relative to its predecessor the Cyan “青”, the Cyan 2 “青2” has the following improvements:
• Equipped with R2R network and vector step resistor network at the same time. The R2R network is used for primary digital-to-analog conversion of the PCM stream, and the vector step resistor network is used for primary digital-to-analog conversion of the DSD stream.
• The new generation of de-glitch technology can provide full-amplitude de-glitch without increasing the noise floor and other adverse effects.
• Based on this new generation of technology, Cyan 2 “青2” Can provide >106db SINAD and >127db dynamic range.
• USB supports sampling rates up to DSD1024 and PCM 1.536M.
• 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.
| DAC Type | R2R (Discrete ladder) |
| Model | Cyan2 |
| Digital input | |
| COAXIAL, OPTICAL, AES | PCM 44.1-192K (24bit) |
| DSD 64X （DOP) | |
| USB (galvanically isolated) | PCM 44.1-1.536M (32bit) |
| DSD 64-512X （DOP) | |
| DSD 64-1024X （Native) | |
| I2S (HDMI) | PCM 44.1-1.536M (32bit) |
| DSD 64-1024X | |
| Auto input selection | LED indicator lights for each sample rate type as well as for input selection.. |
| Analog Output | |
| Both otuputs can be used simultaneously | |
| PCM 48K NOS | THD+N 0.0005% @1K (-106dB) |
| DNR -127dB | |
| Voltage Output 2.5Vrms(RCA), 5.0Vrms(XLR) | |
| DSD 128X | THD+N 0.0002% @1K (-114dB) |
| DNR -115dB | |
| Voltage Output 1.25Vrms(RCA), 2.50Vrms(XLR) | |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Dimensions (chassis) | 300x200x48mm / 11.8″ x 7.9″ x 1.9″ (WxLxH Dimensions do no include protruding parts) |
| Weight | 3.5kg / 7.72lbs |
| Power Specifications | |
| Power input (configurable) | 220-230V 50/60Hz – Fuse spec : 2A SB 5x20mm |
| 110-115V 50/60Hz – Fuse spec : 4A SB 5x20mm | |
| Power Consumption | 20W |
| Accessories | |
| Other included items | Power Cable (EU / UK ) x1 |
| USB Cable x1 | |
| No remote control available |
HDMI I2S INPUT
note: i2s is NOT the same as HDMI Audio/Video. NEVER plug HDMI devices into the i2s products like HoloAudio Cyan2. Be sure it’s i2s or IIS compliant with compatible pin out configuration.
note: i2s pin out is HoloAudio spec. Similar to PSaudio however left and right channel is swapped for DSD content.
note: i2s is not hot swappable, so never plug or unplug i2s cables when the devices are powered on. Always turn off both devices before plug/unplug of cable. And Ideal length for i2s HDMI cable is approx 0.3-0.6M or common size is 0.5M. Generally speaking the flatwire type cables are more ideal than round wire type cables for i2s protocol applications.
DSD natively supported
HoloAudio is the world’s first to support DSD natively on Resistor Ladder 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). Please note, the word ‘R2R’ is the name of a kind of architecture of resistor ladders. This architecture requires less resistors yet still is capable to deliver more than acceptable performance. Most DACs in the industry use this architecture. The DSD module of Spring3 does not use R2R architecture for the DSD, more specifically it uses a very specific architecture which is optimized to perform DSD to analog. So to be entirely accurate the DSD part of Spring is using resistor ladders, not R2R..
Gheorghe Maria (verified owner) –
I started to follow reviews about R2R DAC, I knew about this principle from recent years, I knew that the proof and prices are performant, as an aside, DACs with SIGMA-DELTA, have unbeatable and affordable technical characteristics for the consumption of the common man, but in my opinion, here I am subjective, it does not sound as I want, the ROHM MUS-IC BD34301EKV32 Bit Stereo chip in my DAC SMSL D300 really does it, But my ears, my brain wants perfection. I’ve been watching HOLO Audio May, HOLO Audio Spring 3 for a while, I damn like how they are executed, the Trick principle used to encode and decode, Yes, I would need that, but my financial possibilities are exceeded. I saw in passing Holo Audio Cyan 2, acceptable as price for me, at the moment I went over it quite easily, it seemed too simplistic, I was one click away to order a Gustard R26 from a French site where I have an account. Chance, or curiosity makes me watch on Youtube a video Holo Audio Cyan 2, presented by Mr. Hans Beekhuyzen, a reliable engineer, for whom I have every respect. I saw how it is executed inside, I saw what technical characteristics it presents, I followed with interest the opinion of a specialist and YES! My light bulbs went on, my 6th sense that works for me, gave me the urge to order it, that he is solving my claims with Analog music and I was not wrong, the second choice of DAC, very, very inspired! I let it wear and I can tell you without fail, that it is the perfect choice, I really hear Analog music, UPS! :) . On PCM music files, compared to SMSL D300, it’s a bit higher, bass with more depth, just as soft, soft, pleasant. The voice seems a little bit forward, but with a more holographic presence, with more texture. Highs sound beautiful, clear, crystal sound, it was expected, my flair did not deceive me. The big surprise came when listening to DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 files. I used the “Audiophile Hi-RES System Test-DSD128 ” album for comparison. A deep, deep, powerful but soft bass at the same time. A perfect spatial separation, you close your eyes and feel the position of the musical instruments. You feel your voice in front of you, you feel every sound, every movement, you feel how space fills up, how music pours throughout the room, giving the feeling of holographic music. Here I can say that it has exceeded very, very much the possibilities of SMSL D300. I pulled myself out, completed the realization of the system as I wanted. Holo Audio Cyan 2 receives signal via USB and I connected it via XLR to SMSL H300 AMP-PRE. The Coaxial input receives signal from GEERFAB D.BOB when listening to SACD CD, or watching a Blue-ray show on Smart TV. Holo Audio Cyan 2 is a success of Holo Audio, an excellent price/quality ratio. It looks good, simple but with some enviable performance. The switch is done automatically when it senses signal on one of the inputs. The priority is the USB input, for those who use multiple inputs, the inputs that are not used at that time must be disabled. Now I want to say a few words about the Magna Hifi team. A team of specialists in the field, with a pleasant practice in communication, honest and with a lot of expertise in this field. I highly recommend purchases from this Magna Hifi online store.
Michael (verified owner) –
I hesitated for a long time before making a decision. I already had a DMP-A6 and wondered what a Cyan2 could improve upon. Jos advised giving it a try. From the first notes, it’s already clear: how much more beautiful can it sound? Much more beautiful! I’m super happy with it. Beautifully minimalist in design, and as Jos said: No unnecessary features, just pure sound quality!
Gerd (verified owner) –
Great machine – great service – I like it and that’s what counts to me.
Downside: Output are high and therefore some trouble with attenuation, but manageable LED’s a bit too bright for my liking
Chris –
The DAC arrived some days ago . First parcel/outside box was a bit banged up but all is hooked up now and runs flawlessly. I must say first impressions trump my expectations/hopes by “quite a margin”!
John (verified owner) –
Exceptionally balanced and steadfast across all frequencies; impeccable discernment among diverse sounds and musical styles; I adore the effortless switching capability, facilitated by USB streaming and TV via Toslink connection. Magna Hifi delivers top-notch service!
Knut –
I am really blown away by the Cyan 2 details and clarity even when I come from the similar priced Soekris 2541 R2R DAC
Milosz (verified owner) –
I have the Cyan 2 for several weeks – it’s nice sounding dac I’m enjoying it.
Daniel B (verified owner) –
High resolving DAC for the fraction of the price! This DAC preforms almost like an true endgame DAC. The body of the sound this dac makes is verry rich in detail and accurate. Spacial presentation is really good and if you use DSD the soundstage becomes even bigger and you get even more detail retrieval! You won’t be needing any replacement for the coming years if you buy this DAC. Oversampling is really good on this DAC.
Its also compatible with ASIO driver from holoaudio. Im verry impressed with th sound of the DAC.