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Testimonials
Total reviews: 374
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
Sorin Strimbu January 21, 2025
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!!
M.N. van der Laan January 21, 2025
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.
Thomas January 21, 2025
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
Eric Johnson January 21, 2025
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!
Martin January 21, 2025
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.
Jeroen January 21, 2025
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.
Nicolas January 21, 2025
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… ..
Rene January 21, 2025
The DAC arrived in perfect condition and it' working damn well. It was a pleasure to deal with you. Best regards Radu
Radu January 21, 2025
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.
Wilco January 21, 2025
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.
Patrick January 21, 2025
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.
Henry January 21, 2025
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.
Alfred Fischer January 21, 2025
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!
Thomas M January 21, 2025
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!
Dominic January 21, 2025
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.
Paul January 21, 2025
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 January 21, 2025
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.
Arnold January 21, 2025
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.
Marko January 21, 2025
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.
Martin January 21, 2025
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.
Igor January 21, 2025
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!
Leo January 21, 2025
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.
Luis January 21, 2025
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 !
Addy January 21, 2025
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!
Edward January 21, 2025