Two CRAZY HIGH-END DACs I Would Buy While Crying For My Wallet!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ต.ค. 2021
- I've been seriously considering TOTL DACs for my system after hearing some of the Audiophile R2R DACs and came down to these two Hi-Fi DACs. Holo audio May DAC KTE version ($5600) VS Denafrips Terminator PLUS ($6500).
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Denafrips Terminator PLUS: www.vinshineaudio.com/product...
Holo Audio MAY DAC KTE Version: www.kitsunehifi.com/product/h...
Holo Audio Serene Pre-amp: www.kitsunehifi.com/product/h...
related video:
Holo Audio Spring 2 R2R DAC: • Everyone is losing the...
Denafrips terminator & terminator plus R2R DAC: • Denafrips' Flagship DA...
Denafrips Pontus R2R Dac: • The Best DAC Award ! D...
Denafrips Ares ii R2R Dac: • The Best DAC Award - D...
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Denafrips Terminator PLUS: www.vinshineaudio.com/product-page/denafrips-terminator-plus-r2r-dac?currency=USD
Holo Audio MAY DAC KTE Version: www.kitsunehifi.com/product/holo-audio-may-dac/
Holo Audio Serene Pre-amp: www.kitsunehifi.com/product/holo-audio-serene-preamp/
related video:
Holo Audio Spring 2 R2R DAC: th-cam.com/video/hDxNB6B-YQA/w-d-xo.html
Denafrips terminator & terminator plus R2R DAC: th-cam.com/video/FuoBAodEI5w/w-d-xo.html
Denafrips Pontus R2R Dac: th-cam.com/video/HM2ZsPBaOpo/w-d-xo.html
Denafrips Ares ii R2R Dac: th-cam.com/video/Aa1MswOqYpk/w-d-xo.html
id get both
@@xxgamerxxchrischris2325 i wish !!
@@Jayiyagi same here man it would be sick to have those 2 dac's!
@@Jayiyagi Nice review!! From what I understand in this video you used the terminator in OS mode and the May in NOS mode. Were you able to compare the two units in OS mode? If so could you describe the differences between both? Thanks!!
As always great review! Do you remember the over sampling software which your friend uses? I'm thinking about experimenting with one.
Freakin’s beautiful and the room looks so nice.Thanks for a great review.
Jay, thank you. After watching your review of Spring 2, I was sold on Holo Audio. I now possess the SPRING 3 KTE. Only the cost of the MAY DAC prevented me acquiring it. Absolutely love it!!! Keep up the great work and love your presentation style!
I want the this DAC so bad. I wonder around looking at a touch cheaper DACs such as the Pontus 2, but keep going back to the Spring 3. Will be partnering my Burson Soloist 3x GT headphone amp
I love my Spring 3 KTE very natural and analog sounding but it does need >300 hours of burn in with music input, it’s still getting better. Also adding a decent power cord like a Pangea helps make a difference.
The May dac is absolutely incredible, and my reference is the $105K MSB Select II. For literally a 20th of the price, the May dac gives you a big slice of the organic body, stunning separation combined with spooky real tone. It will step up to another level if you can use HQ player or Mscaler or Auralic Sirius to upsample before going into NOS May
I doubt that the 105k are audible in any way! all for quality but DAC isn't rocket science nor are speakers for 100k
@@Harald_Reindl try proving this to the other Jay [Jay's audio lab]. His level of audiophile[ness] is another level doesn't matter if you believe it or not. ANd best part even he said its not an improvement to get 50k dacs especially if you only stream music & don't have dsd or ultra hires files at least.
I'll give you 5 quid for it.
"You stuck your foot in it this time!" It's something we say to the cook when the meal is excellent. Your review was thoroughly enjoyable. Apparently, all those months of listening to these DACs paid off. And especially for us viewers.
Any chance for a Spring 3 and Venus 2/Pontus 2 comparison?
I.tested pontus 2 and spring 3 I.prefer spring 3
@@Stephenwongdirectimaging what level? Im looking at the KTE
Both awesome dacs. Wouldnt mind either
HQ player is the oversampling software used by GoldenSound. I got the May L2 and like it quite a bit. Re build quality, I was a bit surprised by the rattling buttons on the remote. I agree on the NOS. Downloaded HQ player and did not find it helpful, but that was with a lowend integrated amp. Just got a Pass XA-25, so may re-explore the HQ player.
Re inputs, I would have liked two digital coax inputs, but there is only one. The digital interface actually has 2 COAX options, but there is only one physical input, which is really odd. I tried a Y-splitter cable, but that did not work, so ended up connecting the lower end component with optical.
Lots of excitement here. Nice to see =)
Silky smooth!! 🙉
Happy Halloween 🎃 Jay
Another excellent review. Looks like the May Dac is more of my cup of tea.
The smiles say it all
Great review Jay! My question is which would sound better with tubes? When you say smooth I fear the Holo won't work well with tubes? However the tubes will tame the Terminator's brightness? Thanks and keep up the great work.
Hi Jay ,the videos you put out are great so thank you for that I was wondering if the Holo Audio setup that you had would pair well with the Gershman Studio ll
Bellissimo video! Due ottimi dac! Ma cosa ne pensi dei dac Audio gd? Hai mai pensato di fare qualche video a riguardo?
Thank you Jay - I can relate to your statements as a current Denafrips T+ owner having owned the original Spring DAC Level 2. For me there is additional synergy between the T+ and Denafrips Athena pre amplifier resulting in a more natural timbre of instruments and eliminating any over(?) brightness when compared to my previous ATC pre amplifier:-)
Which ATC product?
Hi Jay, what was your base pre-amp while doing your review? Was it the same when comparing? Synergy plays an important role in equipment matching ..
Also do these DAC’s support MQA decoding and rendering?
Bought the Pontus 2. It’s incredible
Thanks for the great review Jay! How about hot rodding the Holo May! Maybe using OCXO reclocked USB input from something like the Innuos Phoenix (the Terminator Plus has dual OCXO build in? Or adding upscaler like the Auralic Sirius or Chord Mscaler would bring the Holo May to higher resolution? That could make it the best of both worlds? What do you think?
Hi Jay, really enjoyed your latest video. Question for you though, if I was to purchase the HoloAudio - Serene Pre-Amplifier along with the DAC, which amplifier would you recommend? Thank you
Frank
Hi Jay, You hit the nail on the head by saying that if your speakers and amplifier are at the high end only the it’s worth spending the money on the Holo May or Terminators Plus FAC’s.
Choose should be made in warmth or retail alone. Dependent on your systems signature. Good video thanks.
Just found your channel tonight, credit the TH-cam algorithms. I’ve seen you on audio excellence’s channel forever, and wondered what you were up to. Super stoked to see you doing your own thing, and expressing your personality. On AE, you were so quiet and unexpressive. This is a breath of fresh air. Happy for you and hope your channel continues to grow!
Very good review, tnx
Great looking dac
Great review. What Dac and pre amp are you using now? Which one of these Dac would complement the magnepan LRS+ and tube amp the best.?
I need my Matcha and Coffee too. ☕
Did you compare the Holo (either model) with OS and NOS? What sample rate did you play back at? And what filter did you apply?
High end "smoothness" (roll off) is an expected "feature" when playback is done at 44.1/48 in NOS mode.
Staging(not separation) is a consequence of ringing pre/post. Lateral width I'd have to look more into but most likely had more to do with your toe in / Sweet spot and wall reflections.
Lastly, was that the serene/holo may/power supply?
Thanks Jay for review :) which one from this two babies is faster with better attack and transients response ?
Terminator plus imho
I have a Denafrips P2 and love it. Was considering a T2 but the lack of remote to switch inputs is getting old, fast. It’s about to make me switch to a Holo.
Thanks for doing this man, this is what everyone wanted. I still want either a spring 3 or a Pontus 2
Leaning towards Spring 3 KTE with preamp - many of the benefits but not quite so wallet destroying compared to these two.
love the 3 kte. i do not have the pre though
Just get the Topping D90se, it will sound the same.
What you describe with Terminators detsil sparkling is the upsampling. Holo designs are natively best in nos but you can add far better upsampling than what terminator can do with hqplayer or just Roon if you stream from a good pc. The difference here is that Terminator has to rely on native upsampling while you can feed holo may or spring with upsampled DSD512 signal in nos mode.
okay Jay it's 9: 00am Toronto time, quick question, did you keep / buy one of these, and what would be your preference today?
I'm about to pull the trigger on one.
Did you try moving the Holo PS well away from the dac?
Purchased a used Terminator Plus off Head-Fi, couldn't be more pleased with the sound.
Thanks Jay. Any chance you could review the Mola Mola Tambaqui please ?
I have the May KTE and I found it takes a long time to break in. Almost upto 500 hours. I found the sound tightens up the base sound more defined. I’d be interested to know if you experienced the same
Have you tried Hugo tt2 m scaler combo? What are your thoughts
Jay was in love with the Doge tube Dac but now he found new love.
That's his job to find new love every few months to keep the channel going.
I heard a comparison of both units and immediately i preferred the Holo Audio.
Thanks!
Jay, enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work. Wanted to share with you. I just attended the Van Gogh Immersive Experience. Basically, its a Audio Visual experience playing tribute to Uncle Vincent. The Video was amazing while the Audio absolutely sucked! The average viewer had no idea what they were missing. Sad indeed.
Jay did you mentioned the amplifier used during your comparison? Thanks
We use many many amplifiers and integrated units in the months we had (Same thing with speakers as mentioned). Too many to list or recall (class D, tube, class ab.. etc) but I feel like I know these DACs' sound signature like the back of my hand now ! if you know what I mean haha. PS. Amplifier choice would ultimately depend on your taste and what you are trying to achieve with the entire system. Cheers !
Nike’s or Adidas? Ford or Chevy? Thanks Jay, good stuff
Would be nice to compare them to the a MSB dac
Now Jay which would you prefer The Holo May DAC or the MSB Discreet or Premere. I know you are looking at $20,000 for the PREMERE and around $10,000 for the Discret. Are the bud quality better on the MSB. GIVE ME YOUR THOUGHTS JAY. I’m about to buy either but for another $13,000 is the the MSB that better? Very good comparison Jay, your the Man
Jay, since so many people are streaming Tidal and Quobuz, have you considered doing reviews of streamers? It seems like their are limited reviews on this topic across the internet?
Hi Jay, love your channel! Do you think the denifrapps Pontus II would be a big improvement over the DAC that is built in the McIntosh c50 preamp that is now about 5 years old? And how do you feel about the McIntosh DAC II that comes with c55 and c2700 tube preamp? I love the sound of the c50 + mc352 running my Magnepan 1.7i and I also love my c50 + Carver Crimson 275 tube amp with Klipsch Hersey IV . Thanks!
Hey John. DACs that come with McIntosh units as modules are just OK imho. Nothing special. I'd say Pontus would be an upgrade
I was using the DAC inside my MAC6700 for several years and the $500 Gustard X16 was a gigantic improvement.
Hi Jay,
Is there a huge difference between Hegel H390 dac and these two dacs? You are the only person can say this coz you know Hegel than anybody. Please give us some feedback .
Thanks !
Which one will be better match to ELAC Navis ARB-51? Thank you
How wold you compare Holo May KTE against MSB Premier?
I’m in your friend Tugen category. Hate bright. What is his favorite dac at the 1500 dollar area? I have Vincent 237 and Buchardt d400 2 speakers. Thanks
I found the DOGE 7, Wyred4Sound STP-SE Stage 2 preamp and Kinki EX-B7 into the Dynaudio Special 40 with GR Research cross-over upgrade is phenomenal. Try that Jay.
Was just reading on some forum threads some saying tube sound into Dyns can be really good.
@Phantom Plastics Are you still liking the GR rearch mods for the sp40 ? Was it hard to do? Also did you use the tube connectors and wiring Danny provided? What part of the frequency spectrum was the most affected by his mods?
Does the Spring 3 lvl 3 have the DSD OS mode? Would it be beneficial to upsample to DSD using software on a pc AND OS DSD on the Holo DAC?
Roon with upsample and then dsd conversation to terminator is best sound for me
Jay,hello… in my system I have Mcintosh ma 12000 and bowers and Wilkins 802 diamond and Auralic Aries g2.2…what dac do you advise for me? Holo may kte or Auralic vega g2.2? I usually listen metal,rock and other styles of music… all… and I want to take best possible sound from my Mcintosh… give me right advice please… frank you🙏
Who makes those wood shelves you have there that interlay between the various dac and preamps? Look like white wood to the left of your shoulder
From Ikea. Jays added his own feet on them. I think there made from bamboo. I bought 4 of them.. cheap.
How do they fare in compare to Chord Hugo TT2 fpga DAC?
I'm hoping you do a review of the Holo Audio streamer. It seems like a real giant killer. If you know their Dacs, you are aware that coming out with a streamer at $798 may be game-changing. There are not many reviews out there.
Hi Jay great vid, although both dacs are well out of my price range! Wondered if you had any advice on what sort of Dac would be best with a tube amp. Am I right in thinking it’s best to get a highly detailed Dac like a Chord or SMSL or Matrix etc, to balance out its more laid back character or does it not matter too much? Keep up the good work.
Hi Jay, my speaker bowers Wilkins 801D4 with McIntosh MC1.25KW, should I use terminator Plus or Holo Audio spring 3? I want not too warm either not too bright sounding.
Which preamp are you using I have the McIntosh mc1.25kw and c1100 with the Sonus faber Olympica Nova V and Matrix Audio X-SABRE 3 and I am quite happy for now, the X-SABRE 3 is very clean. I am thinking of the Holo May but not sure it would be better!
What source were you using?
What would be a good match for headphone playback?
Jay, if you do not want to open these up as it is a lot of work, how about showing us pictures and talking about which uses better parts?
Jay your room is looking really good, I have the Holo Audio May KTE dac , just a friendly suggestion,.I noticed the May dac performance is mildly effected plugging it into a Ac conditioner, perhaps it was just the brand though high quality brand which made me switch to a high quality Ac distribution instead power bar for the dac and preamplifier only .
It sounds darn good !
Why is the Denifrios so much larger? Transformer ? Which is the heaviest
22:45 15-20% is 'little bit more' ? Thats fucking huge.
What about kind of future proof? Which DAC will work with the majority of speakers and power amps?
Future proof in audio? They would all go bankrupt. Dacs are like cars. As soon as you purchase. Depreciation goes down big time.
Future proof - maybe inputs. That’s it. Ethernet, Usb 3.0, and I2S. R2R or Sigma is subjective.
Deal with companies where you can upgrade your Dac, such as Schitt, Briscati, and the two reviewed.
For NOS purists, it's a no-brainer to choose Holo Audio May.
i'm seeing the Holo May starting to pop up for sale on audiogon. Most people that go out and drop $5K+ on a dac can't tell the difference between the dac in their AVR or processor and a $5K dac so they end up selling it though they say "I'm upgrading my system" though we all now that's not true. They just regret spending $5K on a dac they can't hear a difference. I have the Holo May & Schiit Yggydrasil but honestly most A/B comparisons I do for people they can't hear a difference between not only those dacs, but also many choose the dac in my Anthem STR pre-amp. I like being able to listen to different dacs, I know the differences and it matters to me, but i do find it funny how many choose the STR in a blind test. go figure
I bought a Chord Qutest and it blew me away compared to all the $200-$300 DACs I was used to. Then I got a DAVE and honestly while it is sharper and more etched than even the Qutest, it wasn’t 10x better and I actually liked the Qutest more as the DAVE is almost too bright. I think $1000 is about the sweet spot for high end but not overly obscene.
Holo May K($5500) vs Denafrips TPlus($6500) does this mean Holo May is the better value? Possibly if you already have Holo Audio pre-amp. Curious to know what and what level speakers were paired in you audition. Wonder if TPlus paired with 20K plus level speakers would be forward sounding. I get the impression that Jay was floored (10:46) by the TPlus sound but likes the way Holo May looks ;-) No losers either way, TPlus w/ tubes and Holo May & Term1 w/ solid state? Thanks for the video.
Was thinking the same thing! Trying to decide between the t-2, the may or the PS Audio DAC.
Metrum Pavane is true NOS DAC and same price point as Holo DAC. You should review one.
We have a personal relationship with our audio systems as we do with our romantic mates, I will always pick the long term pleasure over the short term bling. 🤗
If you put the terminator on OS slow it will smooth everything out.
Have you tried TT2? What do you think about that compared to may & termi 😁
I’ve compared the Spring 3 to the TT2 and the Spring has lower and tighter bass. It’s more analog sounding while the TT can sound thinner and more SS sounding. I prefer the Spring 3 over it, but it’s very close! I love the Spring 3 KTE very natural and analog sounding but it does need >300 hours of burn in with music input, it’s still getting better. Also adding a decent power cord like a Pangea helps make a positive difference.
@@robertm8518 Did you compare the Spring with the May?
I wonder if I could actually hear a difference in a blind test. I wonder what price point where diminishing returns starts to pop up. I have so many questions. Everyone has a different hearing capability. Too bad there is no trial period for these products so you could purchase both of these and a modi multibit do a compare and contrast and see if the price difference is worth it. I miss brick and mortar stores.
Many online retailers offer trial periods, you could buy both perform the test and keep your preferred option. 😉
@@MusicLover-01 A lot of non-Chinese manufactures do in fact have a trial period. Kitsune HiFi only has a 10 day return policy,. The Denefrips has NONE meaning you can not return it. Even Schiit audio only has a 15 day period. A lot of these products also ship from china so when does that 2 week return period start? I do not think you can effectively compare these products without resorting to resale.
Free trial and return policy means extra costs on the part of the retailer, so by the end of the day these will be passed on to the consumers themselves. Nothing in this world is free. ChiFi products would likely be priced 25% more if returns were allowed.
Thanks Jay - great video. Curious which boards you are using under the May. They seem to be a perfect fit and wasn't able to find them in your description.
th-cam.com/video/cjgmtG0-EzU/w-d-xo.html
Cheers :)
Hi Jay, I'm looking to buy a new dac. Among these two plus Doge 7, which one is best for female vocal with forward presentation, big mid range, and musical?
Ps. I'm using Willsenton R800i as my amplifier.
Mmmm. Based What you are describing to me, I’d recommend the doge7 :)
Did you find the MSB DACs to be superior to these two?
Yes, MSB is superior, but I think the May can compete with the Discrete, but Reference and Select is above everything else in the market if organic and natural sound is what you like
You should try a Jays Audio DAC. Under £3k, might even beat the terminator.
please do holo spring 3 vs pontus vs draco =)
I would prefer dena termiantor plus because seems holo may lose some high frequency to be smooth and long-period friendly to the lisener. I know someone also complaint about holo may is a little bit dim and dull compared to dena terminator plus.
I don’t find that at all true, as I had a Terminator 1 with DSP board upgrade and I prefer the Holo Spring 3 over it’s sound. It’s a little more lively and musical not as dry. Bass is a little fuller and tighter.
@@robertm8518 T1 & TPlus are different designs
You can tame the sparkle on the Denafrips by using (pseudo)NOS. I just finished a 2 month trial of the Gustard R26. I completely understand what you mean about "smoothness" and pinpoint placement of elements on a track being joined at the hip. If you get one, it can be at the sacrifice of the other.
I expect the SMSL D3 to be in the same game
I always wondered at what price the quality of sound ends and personal preference began 🤔
In my humble opinion around 4k per item in the hifi chain
Please review MSB Select II
Holo audio May would be the perfect DAC for me if it had build in 10 band PEQ.
Why not non oversample on the terminator + ? Others liked that better being more organic
Wouldn’t you rather the rose audio media server instead for your money?
Wudda 'bout R2R SMSL VMV D3 vrs. R2R Musician Aquarius?
💘 my awesome Doge 8 .
Pontus 2 best all of them for deminshing return.
What is the material of your T Shirt jay, it's bend..eee
At this point I think we need a clearer context of what you're describing. Like which part of a song made you feel this way or that way. It's hard to understand just by superlatives, because the words don't always mean the same thing for everyone.
Jay, nice review 👏 My system is compose with the Wilson Sasha 2, power by Devialet 440 pro, dCS bridge, Metronome T5 transport all cable by Nordeste Tyr2, power, speaker and digital cables. I’m considering upgrade the speakers to the Alexia2 and i wanna know if i use the Holo Dac connected to the Devialet by RCA cables will bring me some benefits, or if you suggest any other DAC to my system. because of the size I don’t wanna leave the Devialet. Thanks
Jay, from the current reviews of the new B&O speakers you can get rid of all your gear and just sit back and enjoy music without all the gear you have...everywhere! Do a review on these speakers and let your followers know how you think about their approach.
Mr. Pete------------>
aging hippie
Is it still worth picking up a *used* Holo Audio Spring Generation 1 or 2 (not mix up with level) ?
Hello know that it is not yet ready because in no time they have brought out alternatives denafrips came first butt do not want to be left out!
I own spring 3 KTE
May better than Doge?
Why would anybody choose a "bright" DAC? Although I don't have a terminator plus, my experience with denefrips (pompous II) is just the opposite. Then again, speakers make a difference. Mine are fairly transparent (JBL L112s).