DAC Shootout! Holo May VS Spring 2 VS Spring 3!

[@brochg]

Obi-Ron! Welcome back to the interwebs! It’s great to see you out here, and thanks for the great content!

[@JohnScheppler]

I'm glad to see you back doing these great reviews. I've been waiting on CAM to do this shootout, but I'm glad to hear your opinions. Thanks

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thanks for watching and your comment John!

[@atticusrussell1225]

Yeah I wanna see randy look at a may

[@richardclegg4866]

I have after 75 years found my perfect hi fi system feeding an i2s signal into the spring 3 from a Sonore system using an uptone to transfer a digital signal by optical cable the sound is dynamic and no background noise it’s the best dac I have heard in my life.

[@jeppemichaeljensen2684]

Good to see you back. Thanks for a great one

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thanks Jeppe! Appreciate that!

[@stephenstevens6573]

Been missing your content! Glad to see you back!

[@x-techgaming]

Thanks, Bill, for lending this DAC in for review.

[@SimonBrownja]

Finally! Great review, keep ‘em coming!

[@robeperez8626]

I pulled the trigger on the Spring 3 KTE and for me it’s very good. There was so many things missing in the Ares 2 that I was using especially the separation and clarity. i’m now 250 hours in the burn in of the DAC.

[@Maver1ck911]

You don't need to burn in discrete components, just leave it on for a stable temperature coefficient of the components benefitting the resistors' values

[@KaneAmaroq]

There's no such thing a burn-in, let alone for an electronic circuit, lol

[@MrVoayer]

Enourmously helpful! Highly valuable! Much appreciated !!!

[@radkokosoTT]

Very nice review, as always. Thanks! I like your style of explaining sound differences, very well done, very comprehensible. And spot on comments about Spring 3 (which I own).

[@barrygalvin8631]

I’m glad to see this review. I been waiting for it long before you moved. Thanks Ron for this excellent review, dad jokes are welcome anytime! Lol!

[@joneill1155]

Ron, good to see you back on the horse again. Keep swinging brother, good times ahead!

[@aceofspades6667]

Thanks for doing this shootout Ron! I've been waiting for this video since before you've moved.... I own the Spring 2 KTE so def interested in the comp between Spring 3 and May.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Yeah there is an audible difference in detail as you move up to either the May or Spring 3. Thanks Ace!

[@deanfisher1656]

Just saw this…..I have a Spring 2 Kitsune tuned version. Incredible DAC. I have found streaming device pairing makes a difference. Example running a Lumin U2 and that softness described is not present as compared to some others…..albeit, very slight.

[@gregsaddie]

Which streamers are best?

[@deanfisher1656]

Just did a Lumin U2 demo with my Spring 2 KTE and it was incredible. Matched my NAD 50.2 with just a slight better resolution in the bass area with some top end sparkle that was pleasant …..not shrill. Agree on you comments. Streamer matching is critical for best sound

[@gerard3797]

Still love my Spring 3 with preamp module every day, insane value for money. I still get amazed by it's holographic capabilities, everything is so well placed and separated, but all in such a natural way. I use it as a digital front-end to drive my Kinki B7 mono blocks and Buchardt S400Mk2 speakers. End-game setup for me, don't feel any urges to upgrade anymore, other than maybe power supply and cables. This DAC is it for me. BTW the PLL implementation is also an important game changer with noisy sources like TV. Question: How does the preamp module in the Spring 3 compare to the Serene?

[@dinsy512]

Hi Gerard! I’m looking to get the Spring 3 KTE with pre also. One question: is there a delay in the sound that would cause sync issues with video sources like TV or such like? I heard that the Denafrips Ares 2 has that problem, and it would be a deal breaker for me.

[@gerard3797]

No the PLL (phase locked loop) can take a few seconds to lock onto the signal, but there is no noticeable audio delay in my setup once it is locked and I use it also for TV/media consumption (Samsung TV with one connect box).

[@dinsy512]

@@gerard3797 Awesome! Puts my mind at rest. I think it’s time for me to “pull the pin”! Thanks for your advice!

[@dinsy512]

Hi Gerard! One more question: over a week ago I messaged the local Australian Holo Audio distributor to ask them if the preamp has any analogue inputs for eg a phono stage. Still no answer. I assume it doesn’t, but that is not a dealbreaker. Can you please confirm? Thanks again!

[@gerard3797]

No it doesn’t have any analogue inputs. Basically it uses the stepped volume control from the Serene, but without all the analogue connections. Serene is the way to go if you also want that :)!

[@x-techgaming]

Wonder how Spring 3 KTE compares to May L1 and May L2, for the ultimate value option...

[@fadedlogic1]

Ron, good to see you back! Chord TT2 or save money and go with the Spring 3?

[@baronofgreymatter14]

Which DAC would you pair with the Yamaha AS2200 and Cornwall IVs ? May? Spring 3?

[@cheapaudioman]

Great review, Rom!

[@Newrecordday2013]

Classic Rom.

[@roberteshaw4590]

Very impressive and enlightening. As I am looking for a new Dac , obviously listening and reading as much as I can. Everyone seems to agree that they are great sounding items. However, the other side of the coin that never comes up, is service related, reliability, etc. Is Kitsune in Washington state, a good shop? Do they have a service arm stateside? Does it go back to Lynnwood, Washington, during 3 yr warranty period, where to get it repaired, if necessary after warranty? Thanks again for the review. Robert TN

[@ferchizzle]

Good to see you back! Hope you and the family are healthy. What are your impressions of the of the May+Serene vs Spring 3+Preamp?

[@henryt9731]

8:53 I have 2 setups so i got a new Cyan2. I also have a Spring 2 kte. Simple way to put it, metal/ rock get the cyan2. Vocals, get the Spring 2

[@infn]

I notice that Goldensound listens to a lot of tracks with mediocre recording quality, and is primarily a headphones and nearfield speaker listener. He would have come to his conclusions differently and wouldn't have the same insight into conventional stereo setups. Headphones are great for evaluating clarity and resolution of fine detail but not so great for imaging and soundstage.

[@Maver1ck911]

Verite closed is as speaker you can get in a HP. You also don't need to account for room acoustics when reviewing with cans. Furthermore you will get an obvious idea of staging and stereo imaging. While this won't be as impressive as a proper stereo set up, it's easy on a judges score card when A/B ing gear.

[@infn]

@@Maver1ck911 We can get a sense of imaging and soundstage when listening with headphones but that is valid within the context of headphones. It does not correlate to the imaging and soundstage when heard from stereo speakers in conventional setups. Rather than making a bad inference, it's better to make the judgement with the gear in an analogue of the actual system.

[@Maver1ck911]

@@infn a flagship HP is a better tool than a poor room with non-optimal woofers with standing waves and highly reflective surfaces if you're reviewing gear 1:1. Every time. Reviewing a room is not useful to anyone. This is why there are gear reviews and there are system reviews done by those fortunate and dedicated enough to build a proper listening room.

[@infn]

@@Maver1ck911 It is not going to predict the imaging and soundstage on a stereo system. And you can't review a power amplifier with headphones either. Let alone speakers.

[@Maver1ck911]

@@infn you're barking up the wrong tree. 🤣

[@jonathansmoore]

Torn between the May and the Spring 3. I have a Decware tube amp with Klipsch Forte IVs with Cambridge CXN as the transport.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

I like your style

[@mindhead1]

Which Holo DAC did you go with? I have a Decware on the way and am considering Forte IV or Cornwall IV for speakers.

[@jonathansmoore]

@@mindhead1 I went with the May and I’m glad I did. My listening space is relatively small, so I opted for the Fortes over the Cornwalls. I’m now considering a Holo Serene or an LTA Microzotl.. not sure where I want to go with that :)

[@tarquineous]

The Spring 3 is noted for very good low bass and no harshness. I don't know about the May.

[@snowrang3r657]

Here's the $$$ question... would you rather the Spring 3 + a turntable so you can play both? (I think you've even mentioned some albums are just mastered better on vinyl). Or is the May good enough in your eyes that it could an all in digital system?

[@danfranz2538]

I had a spring 1kte and turntable and moved the TT to the floor to fit the may kte in my rack. Not once since have I thought about putting the TT back.

[@robertward3362]

Ron love your channel, thanks for putting me on to Ben Howard’s every kingdom, love it ! But if I’ve moved my speakers once tonight I’ve moved them 40 times, I’ve been down the left of the settee down the right, up it down it, I’m knackered! But in the words of mr Howard , got my head up and my hearts strong, and I’m loving my h390, and in the words of yourself, the juice is definitely worth the squeeze, great work Ron!

[@Newrecordday2013]

Heck yeah!

[@briancampbell7712]

Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic Dac or Dicrete msb DAC or Linn Klimax DSM streamer w/ upgraded Organik dac & Utopik power supply ...❓

[@z.s.9855]

Did anyone compare Benchmark DAC 3 to Spring 3? What’s your take on this?

[@ayfj4572]

Great synopsis. Did the Spring 3 you tested have the built-in preamp? I understand if you go down this route you can't bypass the pre should you have an even better pre. I wonder if this makes a difference.

[@xq0404]

I chose not to buy the built-in preamp version. Instead, I bought a Creek passive preamp that works beautifully with Spring 3. I have also ordered a Tortuga passive preamp and hopefully it will sound even better.

[@gertjanvanderkooij9242]

i bought the spring 3 KTe and it is an awesome sounding dac

[@urbantone]

I’m about to buy a spring 1 KTE 3 any opinion about that?

[@jamestartaglia7686]

Hi Ron did you compare these to denifrips already ?

[@Newrecordday2013]

Not directly - no

[@JR___]

@@Newrecordday2013 did you use a Spring 3 with the discrete preamp stage option when comparing May and Spring 3? Thanks!!

[@RJ_Chicago]

Hi Ron, when ordering from Holo Audio in the US for shipment to the US, does the buyer have to pay customs? They do for Doge Audio (a China based company) but do not for Vinshine Audio (a Singapore based company). Those are examples. But it may not be as clear as China - yes customs and not China - no customs. Thanks!

[@Newrecordday2013]

I have no idea, reach out to Holo audio

[@markcarrington8565]

Lighter coloured copper buttons. Might it be that they are brass coloured? 😉. Nice review, Ron.

[@carminedesanto6746]

First and being educated . Thank you 🙏🏽 To rich for my blood …but enjoying the review none the less 🍻

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thank you!

[@Peace_Guard]

Which versions of the Spring 3 and May did you compared? Both KTE? Both Lvl2? Different?

[@wazzupi]

How about the Frerot vs spring 3 ?

[@dansisternas9158]

Same question. I have Frerot + Pow 1 at this time. I'd like to try Cyan 2 or Spring 3 KTE...

[@rainman3269]

Doesn't Golden Ear do his listening thru headphones ... How did you do you're listening tests Ron ... Kind Regards

[@wabbasMEpern]

Also I think these are genuinely amazing pieces of technology and DACs on their own. Don't trust Zeos when he said he could not hear any difference even on super expensive amps. Bless him and I like the dude but I think he has hearing damage.

[@tomu2858]

@@wabbasMEpern the review I think you're referring to is one of the saddest reviews I've ever watched.

[@bruceparris657]

Hello Ron. Hello from Bruce in Canada Enjoy all your reviews. Saw your review of the HOLO Dacs and wanted to seek your opinion on the Spring 3 DAC. Some reviews state that if your system is under a certain value (speakers/amp/transport) then you maybe wasting the funds and should consider spending the money on upgrading speakers or amp. Recently retired and this maybe the last update to my gear. Have purchased within my budget new speakers (Q Acoustics Concept 40 & new amp MOON 240i internal dac). Using my old ARCAM DV27 cd/dvd player and must admit the sound is very good. Do you think spending approx $3000.00 CDN is worth it or should I upgrade the amp/speakers? Any reply or comment would be appreciated.

[@TylersEclectic]

My thoughts as well! Fantastic DACs!

[@engelhaft]

One question, I read that the Ares 2 has some delay in the audio when using USB, is this a drawback of the R2R DACs or is that only for the ares implementation? Do Holo audio DACs have a delay in USB?

[@oscarpapa]

I would like to get an answer to this as well.

[@erics.4113]

I own the ares and have been trying to look into this more as well, since I hope to add a minidsp to time align my subs and mains. Using the ares, I'm concerned with reading things like "variable output delay". Although it seems like the value is under 2ms on average (if I remember correctly), it would still negate my efforts to achieve time alignment within the .00ms or whatever the minidsp is capable of. From what I've found, the "issue" is caused from the FIFO buffer so you could start your Google rabbit hole there. Basically, that first in first out buffer does not have a fixed latency. It just depends on the stream coming in and bits being decoded or handled or something like that. It's still murky to me but hopefully that can put you in the right direction. I did come across someone that benched the ares and took readings from multiple playback sessions and posted the min, max and average latency readings they got with the ares. I don't recall this being limited to USB. I assumed the FIFO buffer and variable latency was part of the overall architecture and independent of what digital input was used. Basically it happens on all of them

[@benjaminbrown5430]

Good question I’m curious as well I don’t mind a fixed delay any feedback on this?

[@erics.4113]

@@benjaminbrown5430 it's not fixed delay. Some DACs are, but the fifo buffer on the ares 2 will be variable, although I recall it being under 2-3ms on average. There was some more info online from someone that did tests to get the average

[@benjaminbrown5430]

@@erics.4113 I'm considering other higher end r2r dacs for my purchase. I can deal with dealy but variable is a turn off. Is this unique to denafrips?

[@dhananjeyannatarajan5366]

Abyss ab 1266 phi tc review?

[@hoth2112]

Having "lived with" a Spring 2 on loan for a few months, I was really impressed by how good they sound. I was rather disappointed when I eventually had to go back to my $200 USB SDAC/headphone amp. I'm definitely going to be keeping an eye out for a used Spring 2 to call my own. The DAC also responds REALLY well to good, clean power, which not only increased it's clarity, but also improved the scale of the soundstage and the separation within that soundstage. With cheap/free power cables they sounded harsh/bright at times. However, as you moved up the scale that occasional harshness subsides pretty quickly & the scale improves. That said, I have no doubt that the May & Spring 3 DACs are incredible choices that will hold up for a long time to come.

[@anthonyhopkin]

Thanks NRD for an interesting discussion. Would love to hear you compare the best of these with the Chord DAVE (with or without the Mscaler) Yes, pricey but ... see what you think. Greetings to you and yours

[@connorduke4619]

The Chord Dave is like a an oversized woofer which the power amplifier can't keep up. It actually presents slightly more detail than the May, but cannot fully control it from being digitally harsh. The M-Scaler helps to resolve the problem, but still does not achieve it fully. The May might give 5% less detail than the Dave, but it presents all the detail that it has in a 100% controlled, non-fatiguing, analogue, musically engaging way... for about one third the price of the Dave+M-Scaler. This is not to knock Chord, which is clearly one of the best Dac producers in the market. I just think the May is going to go down in audiophile history as a landmark Dac. It is a Dac that is making people throw away their turntables, which is a sign that the humble Dac has finally come of age.

[@Peace_Guard]

@@connorduke4619 I feel the closest profitable progression from May KTE is not Dave or Dave + MScaler, but MSB Discrete. It's MSB and dCS who offer the crown jewels of the DAC world and their Reference and Vivaldi models lead the way. You might want to watch Sajid's "Holo May L2 vs MSB Discrete DAC" review on Amplify Audio channel (and, by extension, his vid on dCS Vivaldi & Rossini).

[@connorduke4619]

@@Peace_Guard I like the top two MSB models, but the lower models are far from then IMO. A bit like Wilson loudspeakers where the budget models are fairly average. For budget Dacs I am happy to go with Musician Aquarius at this point - R2R ladders, shielded LPSU and OCXO clocks for just $3,200.

[@kinkias]

yes, but what lev spring did u use? lev 1? 2? 3?

[@Newrecordday2013]

3

[@S.L.1211]

Great video Ron! Audience question: do you think I’d see a major difference in an outboard dac (maybe one of these) over the bluesound node2i? I’m inexperienced in dacs. My speakers are Wharfedale Linton Heritages and my integrated amp is a Prima Luna Evo tube amp.

[@peterwood2633]

Hard to say, I believe the node2i gets a well reviewed DAC. I think you have to know what difference you want to hear and base DAC options on that. In theory it should be better as it's a separate component. Poor Sonos connect is old now but I tried it's onboard DAC thinking it would be ok and laughed out loud to myself within 3-4 seconds of playing a test song. Really bad. I view DACS more as a sound tuning device than certain models being 'better' than another all in a neat logical price correlating line.

[@Staybrown11]

You need to have a dedicated listening room, treated with diffusion and absorption to hear any system at its full potential. Also, you need to have your speakers pulled out into the room. That said, you are attempting to compare a $600 streamer/ DAC combo against a dedicated $3k DAC. If you are asking this question you are not ready for what a true high end DAC can do. You have to understand that you need a system that that can resolve what a $3k DAC can do. Your speakers need to be within that price range as well. Also your amplifier. Also your room. Otherwise it really does not matter. However, yes! You will hear and see a difference. Is the difference $3k worth? That’s up to you to decide. I don’t have a dedicated room and I can’t pull out my speakers more then 2ft into the room but I hear and see a difference and I love it!

[@snomofilms]

I would say heck yeah- the node 2i’s DAC is very underwhelming. Would be a huge step up (as long as your room isn’t totally poor, etc…)

[@tarquineous]

We are crazy DAC lovers ?? Well. I seriously think the DAC Spring 3 will save lots of money because of the preamp built in. The saved money can be spent on optimizing the ethernet accessories, a cable upgrade, and AC power refinement.

[@vtkz]

Check out the Crane Song Solaris DAC. Since years one of the best, honest DACs you can buy. The quality for that price is superb

[@my_tube9405]

Ron Carter approves this video. - Edit: Wait. Ron would like to know if it has Spring reverb?

[@mikehuntington4440]

Awesome review Ron. I've been waiting for this one. The spring 3 is definitely on my next upgrade list....and the big reason is the preamp option. Did you find any particular input better or, all basically the same? Thanks Ron. Have a great day.

[@Newrecordday2013]

I2S or USB sounded insane to me, either one was exceptional! Thanks Mike!

[@nicolashulgich5281]

@@Newrecordday2013 I can't agree more in this. I have the Spring 3 and is a phenomenal dac. Best I've tied so far and I had the opportunity of trying many high en dacs in my system.

[@JR___]

@@Newrecordday2013 Nice review! The Spring 3 you used in the shootout had the optional preamp installed or was dac only without preamp version? Thanks!

[@mikehuntington4440]

Here's the question. Would it be better to get the spring 3 without the preamp and buy a schitt Freya plus instead?

[@robertm8518]

Excellent review and topic! I have the Holo Spring 3 KTE and it did take ~500 hours to break in and it sounds awesome as compared to the many DACs that I’ve auditioned. What Spring 3 model did you review?

[@wetcat833]

I've been living with a May level 2 now for a couple of months, I certainly get it when you talk about our unwillingness to go without that one or two percent "extra" once you hear it. Half the fun of the May is listening and thinking, how did I hear that? I didn't know that bit was there! And so on. These pleasant surprises are currently a distraction from actually listening to music but In a nice way. The best way to describe this is that the level this dac provides over my last is not that I'm hearing the music better than before (even though I am) but I am hearing things I've never heard before. Tracks I've heard a thousand times are revived as I'm hearing them like never before and my amp and speakers are performing tricks I never thought possible. I cannot try the Spring 3 and compare but I wonder if that "extra" is not generating the WTF moment that keeps blowing my mind.

[@pennfootball71]

ok it is time to get a Tambaqui .. Iheard the may yea not a tambaqui. I use a hot rodded lampizater i recapped with AudioNote, VCaps and higher grad nichicon caps and audionote resistors and a cover for the transformer because i couldn't buy anything i like so i made it happen with an audio company that pimped it for me calle d VuJaDe audio. The Tambaqui now is my second favorite dac. May is like 4-5 on the list behond the Pillium DAC (a 50k beast).

[@goodsound4756]

On one hand you did cover the sonic differences in an eloquent manner (always a pleasure), but on the other hand you left out how a Spring 2 owner is left in the rain, if he asked Holo Audio about upgrading his DAC, because you can‘t. You have to sell it, lose a lot of money and then go to rebuy a Spring 3. How many will do that? How sustainable is this business model?

[@PlaAwa]

pretend it has a different name

[@mikehuntington4440]

This is the way it is for virtually everything. I spent almost $40,000 on a vehicle that I can't bring back to the dealer and get the newest upgrades....it's just the way it is. DACs are probably the worst though.... The technologies change every time you turn around.

[@peterwood2633]

Some have reported on the forums of vocals sounding like gigantic heads in the room with some songs and being unpleasant?! With the holo DACs that is.

[@connorduke4619]

Great review and matches my own experience of repeated listening to both Dacs over youtube. In particular the May defines bass drums more clearly and reverbs female vocals for longer. However the Spring 3 with built in preamp would form part of a great simple "budget" system with say the Marantz ND-8006 (CD transport + streamer) and Elac Navis ARB-51 (active speakers).

[@scottiepdizzle]

@newrecordday I really enjoy your reviews. I was going to purchase Holo May L2 and then i discovered the Musetec MH-DA005 for $3200 and equal in SQ. Please check it out.

[@sonickiller360]

I still can’t wrap my brain around spending this much on a DAC when you can get the state of the art for so cheap nowadays.

[@Newrecordday2013]

What do you think defines state of the art?

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@Newrecordday2013 ones that ace measurements and do not alter the source one bit. The best dacs out there are the ones that sound like nothing. Thats SOTA.

[@adamjj85]

I am in the same boat. Having never heard R2R and other DAC's at this price point, what are the differences from the top performing SMSL/Topping chip based contenders

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@adamjj85 distortion and noise can often please the human ears as it masks the rough edges of the original data. Remember the saying "you are not ready for the truth"? Yup, thats what happening here. Also, studies have shown that noise, yes NOISE, can enhance the perception of soundstage depth, which makes things worse. One is hi fidelity, the other is MY fidelity. Both are acceptable but never to be mixed up in a discussion.

[@nicolashulgich5281]

​@@AbsoluteFidelity Hi mark, I had tried state of the arte dacs and even though they sound good the Spring 3 that I have has something else in regards to realism that is hard to explain. I had Matrix XSabrePro and XSabre 3 which are state of the art dacs in regards to measurements, and compared directly to the Spring 3. Immediately you hear the difference.

[@Nightjar726]

What doesn’t make sense to me is that no mixing engineer mixes with an R2R DAC. So they mix with soundstage in mind as well. Of course. These R2R DACs have huge soundstages. So one of them must be lying.

[@bernardstachman3507]

Something unclear (also in GoldenSound videos) is the Spring 2 a kitsune edition? Kitsune has some silver in it that would justify the differences described, and also as GoldenSound put it make the Spring 2 to Spring 3 kitsune sound more far apart then the Spring 3 kitsune and May kitsune. Would be really nice to have a clear idea of how kitsune tuning affects these dacs. I've been on the fence of buying but I cannot find any clarification about kitsune and my guess is that it's gonna have more of a typical silver (highlighted more forward detials due to phase shift in conductors) overall hifi-ish presentation while the original version would be more neutral.

[@Newrecordday2013]

The spiring 2 I had is indeed the Kitsune Tuned edition.

[@bernardstachman3507]

@@Newrecordday2013 Great! Thanks for the answer. Did you ever get to hear a non kitsune one? It puzzles me kitsune being an after market mod why holo designer being this good and meticolous would go for a less correct sound in his standard model, but is almost impossible to find a direct comparison.

[@markhanna7504]

@@bernardstachman3507 I've been searching for the same answer. I don't need the fancier USB module, so the Spring 3 LVL 2 looks really appealing.

[@PaoloCaminiti]

@@markhanna7504 did you find any answer to the kte vs standard?

[@markhanna7504]

@@PaoloCaminiti Nope. I just went and splurged on the KTE one. Fantastic piece of kit though, I gotta say. Replaced a Matrix Audio X-Sabre in the chain.

[@jon4715]

May vs Spring 3

[@Newrecordday2013]

Yup. That’s what we did.

[@jon4715]

@@Newrecordday2013 🙃 teach me to be quick, will be watching this in full, later on today!

[@Gary_M]

Which overpriced DAC is right for you?🤔

[@MrBoomtheroom]

whats the best way to hook up the pc to the dac? my dac will be 10 meters away in the next room... usb,toslink,hdmi,coax ethernet? going to get a holo may kte...

[@tomu2858]

you don't want 30 feet of any interconnect between your pc and dac. put pc closer to dac and extend keyboard mouse and monitor.