BEST R2R DACs OUT THERE ? Holo May KTE vs Holo Spring L2

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BEST R2R DACs OUT THERE ? Holo May KTE vs Holo Spring L2
SYSTEM IN THE VIDEO:
SPEAKERS: QUALIO IQ - www.qualioaudio.com
AMP: FOSI ZA3 + Staccato in Dual Mono mode - bit.ly/virtalhifi (affiliate link)
STREAMER: Auralic Aries G2.2
DAC: Holo Audio Spring L2 / Weiss DAC 204
CABLES: Audiomica Excellence USB, VirtualHiFi interconnects and speaker cables
FOOTERS: VirtualHiFi Vibron
Big thanks To Koris koris.pl a HiFi Store in Poznan for providing great gear for the tests.
Few months ago I did multiple streamers tests and I did not consider changing my Weiss 204 DAC. I like the dynamics and soundstage of that DAC. It is neutral but absolutely beautiful sounding with stunning detail and holography. However the Holo Spring L2 that my buddy Marek brought was even more energetic pronounced and while all that more analogue and natural when it comes to vocals. Also it seemed to fill the room more, so I knew I need to change my DAC and so I ordered the HOLO MAY KTE. Since Marek revisited me recently I had a chance to listen and record the comparison of those DACs for you guys.
So here is it - Holo Audio MAY KTE vs Holo Audio Spring L2
00:00 - MAY KTE vs Holo Audio Spring L2
02:58 - All that you are - Elvin Vanguard
04:28 - Purple Beach - Giants’ nest
05:58 - Monsoons - Johannes Bornlof
07:28- The Last Kiss - Ritchie Everett
08:58 - Love You For It All - Daniel Gunnarsson
10:28 - Wood & Skin - Hara Node
11:58 - Something new - Anthony Lazaro feat Sarah Kang (Korean Version)
13:28 - Folium - Bladverk Band
14:58 - Air on the G String - Johannes Bornlof
16:28 - Coming Home Blues - Bo the Drifter
17:58 - Intimacy - Alex Kehm
19:28 - I Am Better Off (Jazz version) - Wildson
20:58 - Wandering Nomad - Cody Francis
22:28 - Virga - Bladverk Band
23:58 - The One - Ritchie Everett
25:28 - MAY KTE vs Holo Audio Spring L2 - A better Deal ?
29:48 - Special Announcement - Hold Your Horses ;)

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Опубликовано:

3 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 87

@VirtualHiFi 4 месяца назад

Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE 😄👍 For stunning revolutionary 3-way speakers visit - www.qualioaudio.com Best Fullrange Drivers - check out Cube Audio cubeaudio.eu Need to get the Fosi ZA3 Amp - fosiaudioshop.com/virtualhifi (affiliate link, no additional cost to you and I get a small commission that will help grow the channel)

@davidrivera2165 4 месяца назад

I love the fact that you provide great audio demos in order for us (your subscribers) to form our own opinions. I greatly respect you for the hard work in providing us with such valuable information. Thank you, and please don't change.

@MrBonger88 4 месяца назад

Totally agree. So many reviewers don’t play any demos at all. I get that we’re not going to hear what the reviewers are hearing but we can still hear differences when components are compared as long as the recording equipment and parameters are kept the same

@janbuker8722 4 месяца назад

Could you test the Holo Audio Red as a streamer as well, please. 🤗🤗🤗

@marklydon435 4 месяца назад

Thank you so much for the work you do for the audio community. These videos are very much appreciated especially regarding where you can and cannot save money in your system build.

@richpaul8132 3 месяца назад

Great Demonstration and because my ears are almost 70 years old, I'd have to say that I would gladly go with either DAC! BTW, "Wood & Skin" is a fantastic piece!

@martijn_nl 4 месяца назад

To me the Weiss DAC 204 sounds better for a professional recording environment. The Holo audio dacs are superb Hifi DACs. The price difference between the Spring and the May KTE is to big for the difference in sound. Thank you for making this video!

@MrBonger88 4 месяца назад

Yes the two Holo’s definitely sound more alike than different. I’d be happy with either. I’m assuming that the Spring KTE would be even closer

@JRadian 4 месяца назад

I agree with this.

@userhwoarang 4 месяца назад

Same here. Own both DACs.

@audiorick841 4 месяца назад

Very smooth music transition between the DAC’s. Well done!

@claudiuswaldschutz9179 4 месяца назад

I always thought that the sources were holding back the sound of the speakers. Now your system really shines. The Spring is completely satisfying and the May ion top ticks all the audiophile boxes in the right way. I learned a lot watching your audiophile journey.

@johntucker5994 4 месяца назад

Very interesting comments at the end re using the Aries G2.2 ($6100) and Holo Spring 3 L2 ($2500), and how much using that exceptional streamer made a difference vs, say, the Eversolo. For anyone reading this, I would note that only the Spring 3 KTE version has the enhanced USB modules found in the May dacs. The Spring 3 KTE is $600 more than the Level 2 version and would seem to be worth it. The enhanced USB module is a key feature that is supposed to result in extremely low levels of jitter, which should help its performance when pairing with a streamer that is not quite the at the level (and price) of the Auralic Aries G2.2. Here I am thinking a more affordable, but still good, match would be an Auralic Aries G1.1 ($3250), an Aurender N150 ($3500) or possibly even the new Lumin U2 Mini ($2400). Of course, none of these alternatives will reach the heights of the Auralic Aries G2.2; but they will likely fit into many more budgets.

@hrvojekant9415 4 месяца назад

Pure beauty ...with both DAC s..and the the music is amasing...as always.

@WillieBloom 4 месяца назад

I closed my eyes and listened for the transitions. Nailed it every time. My gear: Topping D70, Drop THX AAA 789, Hifiman Arya Stealth. The MAY KTE is the clear winner. The Spring L2 gets you almost all the way on some tracks, The May KTE adds more spaciousness and dimension and seems to lift certain instruments better than the Spring. For me it was most noticeable with horn instruments. It's real close though. Both are great DACs.

@aussie8114 4 месяца назад

Spring gets my vote. It’s less money and has less of that artificial echo effect.

@Bill.K 4 месяца назад

Great work making all these comparisons, it's not an easy task! Since you like the AURALiC Aries G2.2 so much you might want to arrange an audition of their Vega G2.2. They connect with their proprietary Lightning Link via HDMI cable and are reported to have great synergy when used together. Another DAC to consider would be the Musician Taurus which has a lot of similarity to Denafrips, they may be produced in the same factory. Keep up the good work!

@mcfIy 4 месяца назад

Thanks for the comparisons! I could clearly hear the bump in resolution and like you said, everything got a little better. I'm glad that the general statement "Spring is over 90% of May" holds true and i could hear it through youtube with my own ears. I made a great choice buying the Spring 2.5 years ago. Especially in terms of bang for the buck. I as well, focus now on a great new streamer to pair it with. Your videos certainly help with making this decision. Under 2000 bucks, what would be your recommendation for now? I’m using roon and that’s why i also consider the Innuos ZEN Mk3. It can be used as a roon core as well as a server. and not only a streamer. Fellow music lovers, please chime in and share your opinions and experiences if you like. Looking forward to the “new DAC” that seems to give the May a run for it’s money. I could see an MSB DAC on the photo…..will see.

@zenmen73 4 месяца назад

Thanks, I really enjoyed the music list, these holo dacs sounds amazing in your setup.. I’ll definitely check them over the denafrips!

@zenmen73 4 месяца назад

.. another good song.. here comes the river by Patrick Watson … relaxing mood

@armurthy7799 27 дней назад

Exact Analysis By You HOLO SPRING IS RICH & DEEP. CLEAN

@ulif.7593 4 месяца назад

As I said, I would buy the Holo Audio Cyan 2. This one in combination with the Holo Audio Red network streamer. I think it’s a great couple for a very good price.

@rcavor74 4 месяца назад

Smart choice...

@stevemd8947 4 месяца назад

Excellent video. Thank you.

@Wharariki 4 месяца назад

Yet another well recorded comparison thanks. For me the May, although sharing the same house sound/tonality as the Spring, was in another class of nuance and delicacy. Particularly noticeable on the trailing edges of notes where the May had a lovely lilting tone with more microdetails sense of decay and acoustic space than the Spring. The Spring by comparison seemed to truncate the decay a little, and had less texture within notes. For this to come through over a compressed YT recording the difference must be greater in person.

@gottrekk5798 4 месяца назад

Yes, the Holo has more analogue and natural sound when it comes to vocals but the Weiss 204 has more details with a beautiful vocals as well.

@garlys3417 4 месяца назад

Again thank you for provide a great sound demo. I'm pragmatic, so for the difference price, the spring is a better choice, not realy a big sound difference. Now, you have to try the Holo Audio Red Streamer, it's simply the best streamer to complete your Holo collection. Peace.

@Stephenwongdirectimaging 2 месяца назад

Great review ..i own a spring L3 after compare listened may the different is so little hardly notice from my headphone. .i save money for better dac in future

@williams9117 4 месяца назад

Thanks for all your videos ! They are great ! I would love to hear your opinion on musician audio taurus and how does it compares. Maybe you could ask for a review unit from one of their distributors.

@claudiuswaldschutz9179 4 месяца назад

Both sound amazing. The May is just so much more transparent and at the same time more natural sounding.Especially in the bass region. Difference is like hearing bass sounds and a real standup bass. Impressive

@martijn_nl 4 месяца назад

Very interesting. I think I need to upgrade my dac/amp/headphones to hear those differences. May I ask what your listening setup is?

@janbuker8722 4 месяца назад

I had the same impression 😎 Very great sounding DAC‘s. Pricewise I would choose the Spring

@claudiuswaldschutz9179 4 месяца назад

@@martijn_nlipod pros third generation. But I can also hear the difference via iPad speaker.

@martijn_nl 4 месяца назад

@@claudiuswaldschutz9179 your hearing must be perfect then!

@claudiuswaldschutz9179 4 месяца назад

@@martijn_nl 😀😀😀 far from, I produce, I mix, iknow how instruments sound when your in the room and I am in this hobby for 40 years and know what to listen for, just listen to the upright bass in one of the first tracks, then repeated listening for the next instruments

@userhwoarang 4 месяца назад

I own a Spring 3 Lv2 and May Lv 2. The Spring has the optional volume control an sounds great on my ATC aktive speakers. Combinated with my Eversolo DMP-6 ME ist is a small, but very High End sounding system: DMP-6 -> Spring 6 -> ATC aktive loudspeakers. The HoloAudio May is a little bit more in every detail, but double the price. I use it in my second Stereo (EAR Yoshino & Harbeth), ‚cause there it performa outstanding. It‘s also a question of combination. All in all your absolute right, the Spring is nearly 80-90 sound% of the May.

@KaiBringsverd 4 месяца назад

Are you going to test Holo Audio Red streamer?

@justasimplefox 4 месяца назад

Great work! It must be possible to find a better streamer for less(=normal) money..more in equal relation to dac and speakers. 6100$ is simply to much for me 🤯

@VirtualHiFi 4 месяца назад

thanks for the comment. I'll sure will try. I like high end sound and bargain prices. Sometimes it's possible and sometimes not, but if I stumble upon a better or even streamer I'll review it right away ;)

@rcavor74 4 месяца назад

Interesting observation about streamers and DACs choice. Just to check, you don't use any preamplifier between DAC and Fosi amps?

@vagomaniac 4 месяца назад

Rockna Wavelight try and compare. It will be your next dac I believe. Oh shoot, I posted the same thing on your other video lol

@Nefty_ 4 месяца назад

Hi, I love the comparison between Aries and Eversolo in the budget balance. When comparing those two combinations, where you always using the same cable to connect the streamers to the DACs? Thank you

@barrybrennan2135 4 месяца назад

If I look away from screen, I can't tell when changes occur.

@klepp19 4 месяца назад

Try with headphones

@buckethead84 4 месяца назад

Famous audiophile words "live with this (insert component) for a long time".

@VirtualHiFi 4 месяца назад

Yes, funny when this long time changes to 1 month ;)

@larsv6144 4 месяца назад

I heard the May level 2 against the Spring 3 KTE (at Magna Hifi, European dealer) and yes the May is better, but a lot more expensive. The Spring 3 KTE (level 3) is 80-90% of the May. And I tested the Spring 3 KTE (which I owe) with the new SR MASTER fuse in the KTE dac.... and that improves it even more (now have the SR Purple fuse in it). The SR Master has the stage a little bit more recessed compared to the SR Purple, but the soundstage is bit wider, and everything sounds more natural and alive. The last little digital glare in some songs are gone with the SR Master fuse. Next purchase will be the Network Acoustics Eno 2. (My system: Wharfedale Elysian 2 speakers (with Stack Audio Auva 100 absorbers), Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 600 amplifier (with Stack Audio EQ), Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC (with Stack Audio EQ), REL S/510 subwoofer, Triade Flow reference 808 speaker and XLR cables, Puritan Audio Labs PSM156 Net filter, Cisco Meraki MS220-8P switch full upgrade + power supply, Furutech PowerFlux power cable, Magna Hifi Mano Ultra MK3 streamer (with Stack Audio EQ), Pink Faun LAN isolator)

@oohtob6685 3 месяца назад

I can honestly say that if I didn't look at the screen at the change overs of dacs I wouldn't have noticed a difference.

@Alexander-jc2ec 4 месяца назад

The Spring sounds edgy and lean in comparison to the May. The May is more relaxed but also more detailed and believable at the same time. A step up for sure. It will be interesting to compare the May KTE to the Weiss DAC204 with a good LPS although I think I already know the outcome....

@matytinman 4 месяца назад

In all your videos that I have watched, it is the current one, with the new Holo Audio MAY KTE. And the VOICES are much better 💪👏🤟 FOSI ZA3 + Staccato or with Sparkos?

@hrvojekant9415 4 месяца назад

Stacatto...as I've been told

@matytinman 4 месяца назад

@@hrvojekant9415 I know it is in the description of the video but I ask because I think the Staccato does not fit in the Fosi due to height.

@mattmarceau8156 4 месяца назад

Did you ever test the Weiss 204 with a better LPS?

@AdiMaco 4 месяца назад

KTE is more open and is on a higher plane of refinement! I would love to know what equipment you use to record these videos! Thanks!

@HD-Tech 3 месяца назад

The May is slightly better but not slightly more expensive. I would keep the Spring and invest the difference in effective, sensible room treatments

@VirtualHiFi 3 месяца назад

100% agree on that ;);

@astodkar81 4 месяца назад

Excellent Review.Thanks. Is it possible to Build DIY DAC +Streamer with IAN CANDA + Raspberry Combo. It will saves so mush money. It May Rock Fosi ZA3...plz try for it. Thanks and Regards. Namaste❤

@VirtualHiFi 4 месяца назад

If I ever have a chance I'll be more than happy to check it out. However DIY options are for only few, or does the IAN Canada Sells the combos ;)

@jaigill7134 4 месяца назад

Isit possible for you to get the Gustard R26 for a test?

@GianpaoloCerrato 4 месяца назад

I would be extremely interested in comments concerning the spring dac’s onboard preamp section. Did you use it this way at all or with separate pre. Maybe what differences you heard between onboard pre and a separate pre. I am considering the Spring dac and not sure if I should opt for the preamp option or not.

@VirtualHiFi 4 месяца назад

Well I ordered the May without Pre since I'm not a fan of relay based attenuators. it seems like they suck the energy out of the devices. My friends Spring has a preamp and thanks to that it's significantly louder, but still the moment you go even one step quieter the sound collapses. so there is benefit of more energetic sound due to pre but the volume control .... well ill conduct experiment since I just ordered Khozmo relay base 10k attenuator and I'll do also a mechanical resistor ladder and I'll check if that's what I heard. the same was with lampizator DaCs the volume control kills the sound if it's not 100% ;( so if you have a pre don't bother with the one in the Dac

@larsv6144 4 месяца назад

Please test the Network Acoustic Eno 2 or Muon Pro.....

@joshuabrain9751 4 месяца назад

Even through Sennheiser HD800S headphones with an Auralic class A headphone amp I'm really struggling to detect any differences...

@rambler3080 4 месяца назад

How do you connect streamers??

@user-nf4ob5rq4o 4 месяца назад

The differences are very subtle if anything significant.

@VirtualHiFi 4 месяца назад

thanks for sharing ;)

@sandrobuijs1123 4 месяца назад

To me is the bass of the Spring is deeper and warmer.

@WolfgangWimmer 4 месяца назад

I own the Spring 3 KTE and tried to find differences to the May which I really not grasp. I would only upgrade to a DAC like Chord Dave which is than already Top league.

@quant2011 4 месяца назад

Play some Los Karkiks on this gear. Ultimate test of a hifi system. Their tunes are damn alive fast and with real instruments and passion. Ok pink floyd boomers? ;)

@carminedesanto6746 4 месяца назад

I just bought my first r2r DAC the new Denafrips Ares 12-1 …and I dint think I can go back a delta/sigma DAC …

@D1N02 4 месяца назад

I liked the Spring better than the May. It felt more coherent to me. I am missing something in the midrange of the May, making it feel a bit disconnected to me, that made me nervous and messed with my engagement. The fuller warmer and more present midrange presentation of the Spring has my preference.

@VirtualHiFi 4 месяца назад

thanks for sharing. yes I understand why. as I said I could live with either and it's all on the details ;)

@MrBonger88 4 месяца назад

Spring KTE for $600 more is the one that I’ve had my eye on. Still $2500 less than the May KTE

@danjohnson8675 3 месяца назад

both sound great, but I can't tell any difference at all, even when I'm looking at the screen listening for changes. listening with topping e70v+L70 and soundrhyme dte900 iems.

@mikelautermilch8939 4 месяца назад

Check out the new tube DAC by Linear Tube Audio.

@VirtualHiFi 4 месяца назад

Thanks for a hint ;) 😀

@teknolojigundemi 3 месяца назад

Holo audio has a streamer also, is it good like Dacs?

@VirtualHiFi 3 месяца назад

Yes Holo has a streamer but It's hard to get for a review. I'm trying to get it though :)

@user-cf2bu6if2k 21 день назад

they are great DAC under 1000 $, why don't you do that for average Joe like us!! this one is excellent Soekris dac1421, Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200, Schiit Modius, iFi Zen

@mehmetcamat4458 4 месяца назад

just recently you tested the hifi rose streamer. How would you compare it to the Auralic ARIES G2.2?

@VirtualHiFi 4 месяца назад

Both add plenty of energy to the sound but in different regions. Rose is all about upper midrange and great soundstage, but can be over the top with bright or even neutral systems. Rose has definitely better user experience and imo looks. I didn't get any bugs but I read about some in the comments. The rose app worked great for me on Android. The Auralic is more Analogue in a good way. rich and creamy while maintaing all the energy. does upsampling with great performance, but the app works only on IOs and I'm using room to control it. I choose the Auralic since my system is neutral dynamic and holographic and what it benefits more is richness. for very mellow and rich system I'd go for the Rose 🌹

@user-uu9rg8nd9i 4 месяца назад

Na szczęście nie słyszę kompletnie żadnej różnicy przy różnych przetwornikach. Słucham na HE400i

@BrettShaw 4 месяца назад

Holo May is a little better, but for the price/value ratio, Spring is more worth it. Of course, listening live is a different feeling, unfortunately no matter how professionally you record the music, RU-vid's 256 kb/s lossy compression eliminates many fine details. This should be listened to with a FLAC file.

@VirtualHiFi 4 месяца назад

thanks for sharing your feedback and I totally agree with you and hence I'm working on a solution to improve the sound compression issue ;)

@BrettShaw 4 месяца назад

@@VirtualHiFi Thanks for your effort! 👍

@amaya897 Месяц назад

It highly comes down to gear you use with both. Some gear is more revealing then other, with mid - hifi speakers / headphones, Spring 3 is enough, anything remotely summit-fi will show the strengths of May and it will be FAR more then 10% difference. Reviews like that can be very confusing to inexperienced people and you should always consider the gear you use for such A/B tests. Soundtests are useless btw.