HoloAudio “RED” is a Network Streamer and Digital Converter with I2S HDMI output. The Red supports DSD up to 1024 and it can be used as DDC (USB to I2S or SPDIF converter)HoloAudio “RED” is a Network Streamer with I2S HDMI output supporting DSD up to 1024 and it can be used as DDC (USB to I2S or SPDIF converter). To activate the DDC function the Red must be turned off/on while the USB source is connected. to re-enable the Streaming function, disconnect the USB source and turn the Red off/on again.
This audio device is using a Pi Compute Module 4 it only uses the Pi4 as core system. It differs from a standard Raspberry Pi because it does not have all peripheral components on board, but has been developed by Holo Audio itself, of course optimised for Audio. The advantage is that it can be used with a lot of software and is therefore versatile.
- Featuring digital input and output options
- Simple setup user-friendly software setup
- Stream Internet radio stations, streaming music services and your own local music library.
- Control music wirelessly with a controller app
- AirPlay 2 lets you play music from your wireless device
- DDC – Digital (USB) to Digital (I2S HDMI, Coax BNC, RCA, Optical, AES/EBU) Converter
- Configure the I²S pinout through the DIP switch [1,2] at the bottom of the chassis,
SOFTWARE
Supporting audio services:
-
- Roon Ready bridge) – Roon Certified
- NAA HQPlayer
- UPnP
- AirPlay
- Squeezelite
- Scream*
- Spotify
- Tidal Connect
– Easy to activate in the main menu.
– All services can be activated simultaneously*
– Output UAC2 Gen2 DSD DoP / DSD Native
* Scream (Virtual network sound card for Microsoft Windows) can only be activated in standalone mode
DSD Native Support notice: Red can support up to DSD512 and PCM768K by I2S. USB is limited by linux kernel and also support DSD512 and PCM768K right now, new kernel will support DSD1024 and PCM1536K in future release.
Alternative Software / AddOns
The Red is compatible with all kinds of software such us:
- RooExtend (Useful and easy to install extensions)
- Moode Audio (Audiophile-quality music playback)
- RoPieee (RoonBridge ready-to-go )
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| Product type | Network Streamer & DDC (Digital to Digital Converter) |
| Ethernet | Ethernet RJ45, GigE 1000Mbps |
| Digital inputs | USB 2.0 |
| Digital outputs | 1x I2S HDMI (Holo Audio compatible) 1x Coaxial S/PDIF RCA 1x Coaxial S/PDIF BNC 1x AES/EBU XLR 1x Optical Toslink 1x USB-A 2.0 (USB Host) |
| Supported file formats | MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, FLAC, OGG, ALAC, OPUS, WAV, AIFF |
| CPU | Quad core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz |
| Native sampling rates | 16-24bit 44.1-768kHz – Native DSD64 – 1024 (USB OUT) Note: Future release will support up to DSD1024 / 1.5Mhz on I2S HDMI output |
| Output Sample rates | COAX, OPT, AES: PCM 44.1-192K 24bit DSD 64 DOP USB: PCM 1.536Mhz / DSD1024 I²S: PCM 44.1K-768K DSD 64-512X Native / DSD64 -256X DOP |
| Compatible OS | iOS Android Windows Mac OS |
| Steaming services | Deezer, Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, Web radios |
| Others services | AirPlay 2 Spotify Connect Tidal Connect HQPlayer NAA UPNP Squeezelite Scream |
| GENERAL | |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 100-240VAC |
| Dimensions | 220 x 146 x 46mm |
| Weight | 3 kg |
| Package | 1x Holo Audio Red 1x TF card (pre-installed custom bridge system RedOS) |
Alpha Audio: Holo Audio Red streamer and DDC – Red Alert!
Holo RED Streamer/DDC Measurements
Kieran (verified owner) –
I am really impressed with this holo audio red, compared to the pc running straight in to the spring 3 dac with the red in between the sound is so much better even with no run in time on the red. The initial sound i heard was much more refined with a very noticeable amount of size and space to the sound stage,before the red the sound was very flat but now it sounds full and plump! Your recommendation to use I2s connection for this combo was excellent advice!
Rene (verified owner) –
Had mijn ps aucio nuwave dac direct aan een nuc met Roon Rock, nu echter via de netwerkstreamer Holo audio red en de Nuc verplaatst naar de meterkast. Toen ik de Holo Red aansloot via een i2s verbinding geen geluid en kon de Holo ook niet vinden in het netwerk.
Contact gehad met Jos en hij gaf aan dat ik de sd kaart naar een andere image moest flashen.
Dit gedaan de Holo Red werd gevonden in het netwerk en kon deze instellen als Roon endpoint.
Het feest kon beginnen, meteen bij de eerste noten hoorde je al veel meer rust en detail in het geluidbeeld, de plaatsing was beter en meer details zijn hoorbaar. Ook de bas is een stuk strakker geworden.
Wel op de instelpagina van de Red in het netwerk 2 keer over een update uigevoerd en nu kan ik de Holo red ook in de Holo omgeving instellen als Roon endpoint met bij behoorde instellingen.
Ik had gevraagd naar een Eversolo DMP8 maar Jos gaf aan dat gezien mijn installatie, en een Roon core het verstandiger was om een Holo Red aan te schaffen en dit een grotere upgrade zou zijn in mijn installatie.
Ik ben erg blij met de aanschaf, maar nog enthousiaster hoe ik geadviseerd en geholpen ben door Magna Hifi, ze stellen klant tevredenheid duidelijk boven een hogere omzet.
In een woord TOP!!
Marcel (verified owner) –
The Holo Red replaces my Auralic streamer. Since I already owned a Holo Spring3 DAC, I’ve switched to the Red now. What can I say? I’m using DSD512 upsampling, and it works flawlessly and sound is awesome! I’m very pleased with this Red.
Chris (verified owner) –
The device’s measurement outcomes are outstanding, as evidenced by its impeccable sound quality. Its versatility as both a streamer and DDC further underscores its excellence. Truly a remarkable product!
Kai (verified owner) –
I am very happy with the Holo Audio Red, it sounds very good. I use the SP-DIF RCA output to my DAC.
USB cable seems a little loose in Red when the cable is inserted.
Frank (verified owner) –
I received my Holo Red and it was a pleasant surprise to get a Roon Ready device! I use it with my Holo Cyan2 DAC and can playback DSD512 via I2S. Very good result, did not expected such an improvement over my Denafrips Arce streamer!!
Ben (verified owner) –
The Red has landed safe and sound. I’ve plugged it in via ethernet in/USB out, and have been a bit shocked by the results. I’m running into the May/Bliss KTE combo into Susvaras, Atriums, Verites and Calderas. On each pair I’ve been blown away with how much of a difference the Red has made. Coming from a Zen Stream powered by a Hypsos with high end power management, I was expecting a relatively minor but noticeable improvement, but… wow! I think it’s really the blackness of the background that has changed significantly, everything is instantly more dynamic, vivid and textured.
Patrick –
Gorgeous sound; beats my expectations! Very versatile device. Red can be used as a DDC or as a streaming bridge with Tidal Connect. Super!
Chris –
I’ve had a closer listen to the Holo Red, and I’m impressed. The Holo RED fundamentally solves digital issues. Very nice unit, can’t wait to receive mine……
Matthew (verified owner) –
The Holo Red detail retrieval is insane coming from a noisy source like a desktop. You can hear the smallest vinyl pops that artists mix into the music.
Will (verified owner) –
This streamer is good very transparent, with a large soundstage. The rendering is very fluid and always natural, it is much better than a IFI AUDIO ZEN ONE SIGNATURE which is for sale now.
Tested in coaxial output on two different dacs.
Eric (verified owner) –
Received the Red. The SD Card was already prepared. I am using Mconnect and it was totally straightforward, perfect for me. The sound quality using Red is great!!