Thinking about getting this and the Holo Cyan 2. I just wish it wasn't red to be honest. Black or silver would fit better imo. I know Red is the name, but...
I just want to use it as a DDC to connect to my Ideon stack but HoloAudio sez that can only be done with the USB source connected. I don't have a USB but would connect my transport via BNC and use USB out.
Unless you've compared every streamer out there, it is at best, disingenuous to declare the Holo Red to be "the best". Even then there is the rest of the chain to consider. So, how about "This is the Best I've heard in MY system"? I'd love to see a comparison between the Holo Red VS the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamer Premium VS the PS Audio AirLens.
Great video, is there a way to control this on a Android tablet with wifi turned off, like the bluetooth app on the Eversolo, asking as I have all my music on ext hdd into player via usb and turn off router at night when listening, so no streaming at all?
@@stereoazimuth Probably no BT app but it would have to have WiFi for streaming and/or control, right? On the site it says: Control music wirelessly with a controller app, but doesn't explain further.
@@michaelcampbell9459 Basically over WiFi. My Wifi and my hardware router are connected. It only has an Ethernet jack. No internal Wifi or Bluetooth modules inside the Red itself. I would encourage you to contact KTE for any questions. www.kitsunehifi.com/contact/
I have the Cyan2 and it’s the best DAC I’ve heard. Streaming from the Node N130 using the USB cable that came with the DAC. Was looking into the Red but I’m staying with the Node for now. I run Qobuz controlling from my iPad and it’s very easy to use. Maybe further on down the road.
The correct answer is that the red does not come with an app. And you are stuck with a few standard upnp players which are not user friendly nor fancy.
It is listed at $798. I paid a total of $878 back in June of 2024. Prices and shipping of course subject to change. Well worth it though. I feel like I have had a DAC upgrade.
I really appreciate your video. I recently acquired a Holo Cyan 2 and love it. I have my Roon Core on a Mac Mini M1 connected via an Ethernet cable to a Bluesound Node N130. The Bluesound Node is connected to the Cyan 2 via USB. I have all of my CDs ripped to Flac file stored on a 1 TB SSD connected to the Mac Mini. All of this for my 2 channel stereo system (CD transport, turntables, amp and preamp). I just became aware of the Holo Audio RED two days ago. Thinking of replacing the Bluesound Node with the RED. Your advice would be welcomed!
Ive had two generations of Nodes including the N130. The Red is a meaningful uprgade in sound. Its a disservice to assess a DAC without a good streamer.
Few questions: - If just using as a DDC, can you remove the card so it always boots to usb input? -Will usb out work to a usb only dac making the red a reclocker? Or is the usbout only for hard drive playback? -If i use 2 or 3 sources(spdif dac, usb dac(if usb out works) and toslink from tv, will it auto switch? Specifically if i want to switch from music on my pc to movie time with my tv connected via toslink and back again.
also you mention its an expensive box just as DDC, but not really. Denafrips cheapest DDC starts at $1k. Most of the well reviewed ones are around that price point And yes, i would consider streaming at a later date. I've done streaming once via the new WiiM Ultra and it was awful compared to my pc audio so i ditched it. If i need to also buy a network bridge and more audiophile ethernet cables, etc, id just keep myself happy with my PC audio quality.
- SD card or not, it will sense if there is a USB input on startup. - Theoretically, yes, but I have not tested this theory, I will get back to you on that. - It only has a USB input. All other connections are output.
Thanks for your comment. Everyone that has heard this streamer in my circles have loved it and we all have different DAC's/setups/preferences. You would be the first person to say otherwise. I would encourage you to maybe try a few different Pi distros, although I did settle on GentooPlayer, which is not free, but you can try it for free as long as you like, it is just limited to 16/44.1.
