Holo Audio Spring 3 DAC Review

[@MichaelBrodie68]

Methodology: 1. Watch a superb DAC review by Tarun, 2. Sit down in front of my system, 3. Choose music I most enjoy and that is likely to emphasise the tonality issues raised by Tarun, 4. Read about the concept of a DAC, the physics, and the manufacturer's notes and pedigree, and 5. Thoroughly enjoy myself. Many thanks as always Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Michael. I am very flattered. I hope you have a great evening listening to your favourite music on your system 👍😊👍

[@tarquineous]

Thanks for reviewing their middle of the line product, with much detail. I think most of us can get a good estimate of whether we should move up or down in the line. A very fine review indeed.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@tarquineous thank you kindly 😊👍

[@danieldimech4770]

Greetings from sunny Malta, many thanks for your comprehensive and detailed reviews. This is very much appreciated for audiophiles like me who do not have the luxury of visiting and listen to audio equipment at their local Hifi store. Keep up the good work,

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Daniel. That is great feedback 😊👍👍

[@markphilpot8734]

This is the level of construction I expect and desire to see. There’s something to be said of having options of excellence to choose from. This is the level of quality I have seen in Spectral Audio and Sutherland product lines. Well thought out layouts are not something new to this company. I’m not easily impressed, but this piece is well worthy of praise. This is what separates true craftsmanship from wannabes. Love to hear it. That is the true test. Listening for yourself in your system. It is where legends and decisions are made. Well done Tarun, bravo! Stay safe my mates!😊👍🏻😷

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Mark. It is a very impressively built unit. A lot of pride of ownership with this one 😊👍

[@markphilpot8734]

@@abritishaudiophile7314, from the pictures and your review, this is clear. Listening in each person’s system is what will sell or fail this piece. Based on your analogy, it is based on perception and what you want as a listener. It will have to be tried in each person’s system to truly yield an answer for the perspective customer. Based on construction alone, I repeat my comments comparing it to Spectral Audio and Sutherland Engineering products. If you’ve heard either, you need not ask. You know what you like! Cheers!

[@dilbyjones]

Yes! Finally, but I still watch the others. Also just learned what linear actually means.

[@surfrico]

A wonderfully comprehensive review on a high quality product. Thanks Tarun, as ever your videos are a "must see" for someone interested in audio.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Richard. Very kind 👍😊👍

[@damnedseagull6194]

Thanks for your review that has been very helpful in choosing Pontas II or Spring 2 Dac. Started using Spring 2 and have been enjoying music.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing Jonathan 😊

[@gleamtarrest6310]

Very Nice Review , very thorough & easy to understand & follow. I went with the Pontus2 , really nice solid piece. Sounds great, just a very clean, clear, detailed DAC with an amazing Sound Stage... Really looking forward to some serious listening sessions.. A+ for the Pontus2 .

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences GT 😊👍

[@ericstefko4852]

Great review. I recently purchased a May KTE. when connected to the source via coax the sound was good. As soon as I connected it via USB the sound was jaw dropping. This is an amazing DAC the measures well and sounds even better. Using it with HQ Player takes it up to another level

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@johnratcliffe6438]

You shouldn't have to use HQ Player. Isn't NOS good enough?

[@ericstefko4852]

@@johnratcliffe6438 NOS is very good, but I did find that upsampling did help on some recordings

[@andrewaldridge4260]

Hi Taran, I'm a bit late to the party but there is a reason. As always an excellent and informative review. I’ve a bit more cash available so was looking at the next level from these companies i.e Spring 3 KTE and Denafrips Venus II. Both are impossible to demo in the UK so we punters are totally reliant on reviews and forums of which there are quite a few but of variable quality and usefulness. Your site is one of the best I've come across and your equally instructive responses to comments also help. I couldn't choose between these 2 makes and I'm sure either would be highly satisfactory, but today I ordered the Venus II mainly because there was a UK dealer and the OS/NOS facility. I'm hoping your comments scale up, I'll let you know when I receive my new DAC. Thanks again and keep up the good work.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Andrew. Very much appreciated. I suspect the Venus II will be a great choice. Please let me know how you get on 👍😊👍

[@nespressoman]

Denafrips NOS is not real. It’s marketing fluff.

[@stevenjackson8226]

Great point about how good audio is today, especially at the lower-priced part of the market. Value for money is off the charts for everything audio. It wasn't always that way. I got into the avocation in the late 1970s. First, Dad's Dynaco, Acoustic Research, Rek-O-Kut/Shure system (which is still around, and to note, the ST-70 can still to this day be a lovely amplifier). Really good stuff was rare and mainly pricey. I got rid of all my large/heavy/complex/multi- chassis electronics and big floorstanding speakers largely due to a lack of space, but with how good all audio is today, I haven't lost anything, but gained even better performance at much lower cost, reduced footprint, and plug 'n play ease. We are in the best time of audio ever.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Steven. Your dad had some great gear 😊👍

[@gerard3797]

Nice review again :)!! Guess what is driving my Kinki B7 mono blocks and S400s since two weeks. This thing rocks, especially with the preamp module it is one of the best value products on the market today. End game DAC / preamp for me. The combo with the B7 mono blocks is a match made in heaven to my ears :)! Final upgrade will be the S400 Mk2.

[@coolassloser]

Hi Gerard what other DACs / preamps have you used in the past? I am also in the same upgrade journey and really looking at the Spring 3, L2 with Preamp module. I'm just skeptical if it'll make a noticeable enough difference. Also, what sources (USB), streamer, streaming subscription services have you used with it?

[@gerard3797]

@@coolassloser One very important feature is the PLL, which removes jitter very effectively . I use it in living room environment, so for both music and tv/movies. This dac rewards good sources, but also sounds great with relatively noisy sources. It significantly cleaned up my tv sources (KZbin, cables, Netflix, ps5, etc) over optical. Streamer is Primare NP5. The difference with delta sigma dacs is night and day. I tried topping D90, Buchardt I150 with 9028 pro, Burson conductor (also sabre), RME adi 2. All sound lifeless and digital in comparisons. Also soundstage is completely different experience. With DS dacs it is more a wall of sound, whereas with R2R there is much more depth, layering, etc. Its sounds 3D and much more natural and real. Sometimes R2R in NOS mode can become too smooth, but the spring 3 strikes the right balance. All genres work well with it. It is also by far the most natural/musical experience I had. This is the first DAC with which I don’t get bothered by something in its presentation. It is also free of sibilance and sharpness. Decay structures, separation and timbre/tonality all are great. The preamp is also very clean and doesn’t add or subtract anything from the sound. Volume control is great and no loss in dynamics at all. You will love it if you already like the sound of your poweramp and speakers. The upgrade from 1k DS dacs is not small, is is huge in my opion. It is very close to the May DAC, that says it all. I also have a Merason Frerot. That one also sounds much better than any DS dac I tried, but that one was not so well controlled in the low frequencies. The Buchardt S400 are particularly sensitive to that with their passive radiator. The Spring is controlled even better than any DS dac in the bass department. This thing measures good, but more importantly sounds very good. It does deserve the best amplification you can get, because that is not something a DAC can fix.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Gerard. I would like to check out those Kinki amps at some point 😊👍

[@coolassloser]

@@gerard3797 Awesome explanation and thank you for the wonderful retailed response. This gives me a lot more confidence. I actually have the RME ADI 2 fs w/ the AKM 4493. I’ll keep it for my headphone / office and do comparisons (if I go with the Spring 3). Obviously with lots of burn in time. I probably won’t go monoblocks but am thinking of pairing it up with the NAD C298. Hopefully it’ll be a good combo. If not, I’ll try something else.

[@gerard3797]

@@coolassloser 👍 Break in is very real with the Spring 3, it takes at least 200+ hours. Also use a decent power cable, because that has a huge impact as well. I use Furutech The Empire and Puritan PS106 power conditioner.

[@astolatpere11]

Great explanation of this technology. I use an inexpensive r2r DAC from Schiit Audio using my Onkyo CD player as a transport and I wouldn't go back to using the onboard DAC. Thanks for a great vid.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Nick. Much appreciated 👍😊👍

[@blaaaaaaaa2017]

Schiit makes multibit dacs though and not r2r no? Which schiit dac do u have?

[@astolatpere11]

True, it's not r2r dac, it's the Modi multibit. Very different sound than the Onkyo DAC.

[@avro66]

Good evening tarun, I've been very interested and impressed with the new R2 R dacs on the market, some very nice build quality and measurements as well, your review was very well informed and explained well to non audiophiles. I'm hoping to get to listen to said dacs soon if my local hifi retailers have them available, looking forward to seeing another review soon tarun keep up the good work.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching Paul. Please let me know how you get on with them, once you get a chance to audition. As always, I appreciate your support 😊👍

[@Christian-op1ss]

Excellent review, thank you. I like that you showed the internals as well, and seeing it has optical decoupling is interesting.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Christian. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@carolineleonard8214]

Once again a superb review, excellent explanations and clarity. Thanks Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Caroline. I appreciate you watching and your kind words of support 👍😊👍

[@nespressoman]

Your reviews are superb, thank you. I am very tempted to buy the Spring DAC now.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Jim. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@mikehuntington4440]

I bought a Pontus 2 mainly because of this review. Wanted a Spring 3 but can't afford one yet, this review made me think that the Pontus was worth a try first. Thanks, and excellent review!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Wow. That is great feedback. I hope you enjoy your Pontus II 😊👍

[@johnshaw359]

Good review, liking the technical details section. R2R really stopped me disliking what I was hearing from the delta sigma technology. BTW, I still have exactly the same E39 you featured.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you John. Much appreciated. There was a lot to cover in this review. I have fond memories of that 5 Series E39 and the 3 Series E46. Great cars 🚗😊👍

[@richardherbert3519]

Another terrific review. It seems DACs are getting better every month!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Richard. I really enjoyed my time with this one 😊👍

[@GeirRssaak]

No, DAC s are not getting better at all! They are just snakeoil!

[@AtriGadhvi]

Fantastic review as always Tarun

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Atri 😊👍

[@scottbaylor6215]

Excellent review. Out of my price range but I do appreciate how you describe these high end products. Keep up the good work.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Scott. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@GeirRssaak]

No, this review is promoting a overprized product! Technics, maranz and Yamaha make superior products that include all sorts of streaming using superior DAC s! For the same price these products also include agood amp! The DAC industy is the new overprized snakeoil!

[@san01yt]

Another excellent review Tarun. Thank you!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Sandeep 😊👍

[@ericharrelson2045]

Nice review, Tarun. I especially liked the tour of the inside.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Eric 😊👍

[@exodusvelo]

saw the holo on the back in previous videos, looking forward to watch this video. Denafrips still king? who knows!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I hope you enjoy it EV 😊👍

[@exodusvelo]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 yes, great review!! I stay on ares2 for the long term, but looking forward to see a cheap holo in the future, or the next chord thing. Magna hifi are around the corner from here, bought from them my Singxer preamp, very nice people to deal with, you can trust them. Even via whatsapp they give direct support to customers Joris and company. They also carry hifiman headphones and I think audio GD, and more... Hifi is real!!! LOL God bless the queen.

[@exodusvelo]

How is the importing stuff now from EU there? different price for each incoming country or not really or... ? Such a shame really...

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@exodusvelo thank you for sharing EV. The Ares II is a fabulous DAC. Distributors in the U.K. have faced all kind of supply issues due to Covid and Brexit. Hopefully, the worst is behind us 😊👍

[@keithwood4031]

Ahh Saturday morning again and another excellent Tarun review, even if it is another digital one going over the head of this old analogue dinosaur. Thanks Tarun but you're still not convincing me to move away from my LPs.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Keith. I think it is more likely that you will convince me to buy a turntable 😂👍

[@keithwood4031]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 My goodness Tarun, although I've never seen a turntable featured in your rack on the videos I didn't realise you don't own one at all, not even hidden away. *Shocked*. Do you have any LPs? You do realise your life isn't complete without a turntable so I consider it my mission to now tempt you into getting one.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@keithwood4031 thank you Keith. Unfortunately, I am that generation that grew up with CD. I had a turntable and a small record collection early on but got rid of it. Regrettably 😢 It is not so much getting a turntable but build a record collection from scratch that seems prohibitive 😊

[@timleelim9930]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 it arguably isn’t worth getting into LPs now. Both software and hardware costs bring me to despair. Many of us who somewhat kept the flag flying when cd was taking over and had the time of our lives getting what was then a far superior sounding format (much better than cds used to sound during cds’ first decade) are hard pressed to see the value in it at today’s prices. LPs and turntables were being given away back then, practically. The cost of three of my high end refurbished vintage turntables cost less than what i would pay for a single mid level Pro-Ject turntable today. Digital has gotten so much better. I will not give up on LPs so long as I am still healthy enough to handle them, and still prefer the sound they make, but boy am i glad cds came along or else i’d never have been able to afford the turntables and LP collection I now own! Other well heeled younger audiophiles might argue to the contrary, obviously.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@timleelim9930 thank you Tim 😊👍

[@JCP-Ghy]

Great review, again. For me, ignorance is bliss - I really don’t notice all the finer qualities you mention, when listening to my music - so I’m happy, with a significantly smaller hole in my pocket 😀 But I did notice better dynamics when using the pre-amp of the Audiolab instead of the volume control on the RME ADI-2 DAC.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Jeremy. Great to hear from you 😊👍

[@billywindsock9597]

The Spring looks very well sorted inside and very pretty outside, I like the copper.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I agree. Thank you for watching Billy 😊👍

[@ianpickering4020]

Thanks Tarun, another excellent video. I have been eagerly anticipating this review as the Holo Spring 3 is joint top of my wish list with the Denafrips Pontus 2. It's going to be a tricky decision, but I'm tempted to push the boat out and go for a Spring 3 KTE version!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Ian. Much appreciated. That is a tough decision but either way you will have an excellent DAC. Just to add to your decision woes, the Denafrips Venus has the clocking mechanism of the Iris that I reviewed, plus other design enhancements. I wouldn’t overlook that option either 😊👍

[@michaelperry3578]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Tarun, Not sure how to word it but isn’t the effectiveness of the better clock in the VenusII(USB input) as compared to the Iris-I2S-PontusII combination “lessened” by timing being a transport function? Learned this from you in the review of the Iris (around 9 minute mark) Not imagining that the better clock in the Venus doesn’t matter, just doing a different thing in the Iris. Your reviews are among the most informative I’ve read. Thank you.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@michaelperry3578 thank you for your kind words of support Michael 😊👍 The Iris takes a USB signal, cleans it up and, if using the I2S output, takes responsibility for the timing of information to the DAC. It reduces jitter compared to using the USB input direct to the Pontus II. The Iris’s clocking mechanism is identical to that of the Venus II ( from what Alvin at Vinshine informed me). By my reasoning that would make the Iris redundant when using the Venus II as it does the same job internally. I hope that makes sense 😊

[@ianpickering4020]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 The Venus may be a bit overkill for me as I do already use a USB reclocker (SOtM tX-USBultra) between the streamer and the DAC

[@MisterChibs]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 This is news to me, thanks for explaining!

[@SuSan-sx7kf]

Nice review Tarun…and nice GMT master as well 😉

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@philhenderson7635]

Another great objective review Tarun. Thank you

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Phil 😊👍

[@BerndtNorten]

Excellent review as usual

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thanks Tim 🙂

[@beslemeto]

I respect your work sir!Next please review Gustard R26 if you have a chance!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I will look into it 👍

[@anthonykay5100]

Thanks Tarun for another great review. Since being reunited with my Michell GyroDec which showed up the short comings of my Ares 2. Have to mention I acquired a pair of ProAc Response one SE’s as thanks to yourself as a benchmark. As an upgrade I was initially considering the Pontus and the Venus although I’m gravitating towards Holo Audio Spring 3. Magna HiFi offer a fuse upgraded to a Synergistic Research Pink Fuse at £175. Not a lot out there as far as reviews that I have much faith in. Is this just more Snake Oil? Thanks again Anthony

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@anthonykay5100 thx Anthony. The new Pontus 15th is very similar to the older Venus 12th-1 😊

[@ahDeeChai]

I know Jeff Zhu before the release of Spring 1. I was one of the users of the Holo Audio T.Rex 1704 DAC. This Spring 3 looks like an upgrade in the signal processing part like what he always pursue for years. I look forward to listen to it soon.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Very cool 😎 thank you for sharing 😊👍

[@luisdimarco5102]

Hello Tarun, first I would like to congratulate and give you may thanks for your transparent and fair reviews. Could you give a review about a technical interesting DAC. I’m talking about SONNET MORPHEUS DAC. cheers!!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Luis. I appreciate the suggestion. I will look it up 😊👍

[@User_not_found_403]

Thanks for another great review. Would love to see Holo Audio do smaller R2R DAC that you can use on a desktop (Ares II or Musician Pegasus sized).

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you GG. Much appreciated 😊👍 They do or did the Cyan DAC. Not sure if it is still available? 🤔

[@User_not_found_403]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I'd like a mini-holo may - newer design shrunken down :). The format of your reviews are great. You give inform from a variety of angles to satisfy different types of audio enthusiasts.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@User_not_found_403 thank you GG. Very kind 😊👍

[@robertnelson3179]

Thanks Tarun this one is to rich for my blood but loved your review. Had seen a couple reviews now al good ones. Right now using a Bifrost but had looked into the Aries love it for my speed.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Robert. I appreciate you watching. The Ares II is the best bang for the buck out of all the DACs I have reviewed 😊👍

[@jaysworld5378]

Great review. I wish I could hear these different dacs. I can only comment on what I have, a Questyle CMA400i and I think it sounds very natural. I hope you get to review a Questyle Dac sometime, would like to hear your comments on it.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and your suggestion Jay 😊👍

[@nunoferraz5426]

Brilliant review... detailed, paced, balanced. 👏🏻

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Nuno. Very kind of you to say 👍😊👍

[@nunoferraz5426]

By the way Senhor T...KTE+pre spring 3...ordered.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@nunoferraz5426 cool 😎 please let me know how you get on 😊👍

[@nunoferraz5426]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 will do

[@johnhallkenney]

Another superb review. And such a great voice, you should consider doing Audible books Tarun. What would you pair it with when using headphones instead of speakers. Under say 1000 pounds? Headphones are HD8800s, ZMF VC, LCD3's. Cheers John

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you John. Great DAC but you will need to run it in to a headphone amp 😊👍

[@jeffkalina7727]

Thank you for the Holo vs Pontus 2 comparison. That was information I was very curious about. Perhaps next you can find an R2R DAC which uses tubes & of the same $2k-$3k price range?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Jeff. I would love to do just that 😊👍

[@fletchermunson6225]

Thank You for another excellent in depth review. I followed what you were saying but couldn't repeat any of it. It sounds like you might be in for a new DAC, one or the other? I think DACs make a great difference in musical enjoyment. I went through several before I found one that sounded right and didn't cause any smoke to rise from my visa card. I know it sounds like a Schiit Parade from me, but I enjoy the Gungnir Multbit. No remote and no filters. Just good. I noticed you have some country music in your favorites. You might want to try All The Roadrunning by Emmylou Harris and Mark Knopfler. Light country but an elegant musical experience. Also great fun is Neck and Neck with Knopfler and Chet Akins. Some guitar amazing there. Thanks again. Love the reviews.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Lee. Sounds like you got the right DAC in the end. I have enjoyed both of those albums. I am a bit of a Mark Knopfler fan boy 😊👍

[@fletchermunson6225]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 It is i interesting how many films he scored. Another favorite is Steely Dan. Beckers arrangements are wonderful.

[@GeirRssaak]

You should invest your money on better speakers or a better amp! If you can hear a difference between your DACs,then they are colouring or polluting the data.if you like the sound you should be happy!

[@fletchermunson6225]

Tarun, the reviewer on this site, has devoted hours upon hours of testing and commenting on the differences in DACs. I noticed you responded to me and not him. Please refer all demonstrably ignorant inquiries to him in the future. If you don't believe him (me)then what are you doing here? If Tarun is wrong about the differences in DACs why would you rely on anything he would say about any other gear? Why are you spending time reading reviews of things you don't believe in? There is a saying that applies to your comment. "Don't get down in the mud and wrestle with a pig, because you're just going to get dirty and the pig is going to like it"@@GeirRssaak

[@whiskeytangohotel6624]

Great reviews! Thanks

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 👍

[@johnsweda2999]

you always make me hungry when you describe things have to call you the audio chef lol

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Sorry about that. Thank you for watching 😊👍

[@anthonycody4095]

Hey Tarun, thanks for a great review, always really helpful. I would love you to review the Denafrips Thallo amp, there aren't many reviews on this amp but it has been given high praise.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Anthony. Funny enough, I have that amp in to review at the moment 😊👍

[@treyhorn5645]

Thanks , that was an amazing review I

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Trey. Very much appreciated 😊👍

[@tomb375]

Awesome Review! Love your Video's ! Can you do a Video on good Streamers to use with the spring3 or May?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Tom 😊👍

[@mikemajors2385]

Great review!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Mike 😊👍

[@lonniefarmer7067]

Thanks! This does sound like a outstanding DAC and maybe one day. This year my disposable is going into a 77" OLED with the new EVO screen.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching Lonnie 😊👍

[@j.b.2333]

Great review as always! As you mentioned the Yamaha A-S1200 as a pairing in the video and I happen to have the same amplifier, I was wondering if you used the Spring 3 as a preamp with the Yamaha as a power amplifier, or if you used the Yamaha as an integrated amplifier without the preamp section of the Spring 3? Which setup would you recommend?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@j.b.2333 thank you. It was a while back but I think I used some dedicated power amps to evaluate the Spring 3 preamp section 😊

[@j.b.2333]

@ thank you very much for the answer! keep up the amazing work :)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@j.b.2333 you are most welcome 🙏

[@coolassloser]

Thanks for the awesome review Tarun!! I have been debating getting the Pontus 2 or the Holo Spring 3, L2 with Preamp module. You're the first reviewer that goes into comparison between your existing preamp vs the preamp module in the Spring3. Had some questions for you :) 1- Would you recommend pairing the Spring 3 (exact config as your review unit) to a Purifi-based Class D amp? Like the NAD C298? Or would you opt to pair it with a Hegel class AB? My speakers measure quite flat so I am wondering what amp I should combine the Holo S3 with. 2- What sources did you use with the Holo / Denafrips? Would a BlueSound Node be good enough to notice the Spring 3's full capabilities? I plan to use it direct USB to PC/Mac and Coax to Node. As always, highly appreciate your reviews and review style.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. The Spring 3 imparts very little character on the music so I am sure it will work well with a wide range of amps. I haven’t heard the C298. It works well with Hegel though. I used my Auralic Ares II as the main source. I am sure the Node will do fine also 😊👍

[@alexherceg9496]

Hello! I run a Pontus 2 with a Hegel H190 and it works well! Already going to upgrade my Node 2 though.. ;)

[@bruceparris657]

Hello Tarun. 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.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Bruce. I would upgrade the speakers first 👍

[@sujayks]

Hi Tarun, excellent review as usual. I particularly liked the comparison to the Denafrips and the SMSL. I currently have the Lampizator Big 7 mk2 R-2R DAC which i love and I keep wondering how the Holo Audio May might sound in comparison……..it never ends!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Sujay. Much appreciated. I would like to check out the Lampizator DAC when the schedule clears 😊👍

[@sujayks]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 that will be very interesting. Looking forward to that

[@GeirRssaak]

You have been fooled by the industri!DAC s are the new snakeoil! If you buy a good technics, maranz or Yamaha amp, you will get all streaming devices and DAC s included!

[@MusicLover-01]

Hi Tarun, I'd love to hear your thoughts on how the Chord Qutest and or the TT2 stack up against these R2R dacs if possible?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for the suggestion. I reached out to Chord but didn’t get very far 😊

[@IsaacChew]

They are weary.

[@connorduke4619]

Hi Tarun, a seemingly excellent match the spacious soundstage of the Holo Spring (and even more, May) Dac are the QAcoustics Concept floorstanders: 500 and 50. Hifi Choice even recently ranked the QAcoustics Concept 500 ahead of the mighty 3-way ATC SCM 40s (!) Also the late Ken Ishiwata chose the 500s to demo his flagship 9,000 Euro Marantz PM-10 amplifiers on. The Concept 50 is also rather good at its price point. So one of these QAcoustics might be very interesting for you to review, it is by the way a British brand.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Connor. I reviewed the Concept 300 standmount 😊

[@connorduke4619]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Great, I'll check it out!

[@lanx0003]

I heard good thing about Cyan 2. A completely striped down version of May at no SQ compromise. Not sure if Cyan 2 stack up with Spring? Thx.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@lanx0003 thx for sharing 😊

[@davidstein9129]

This was a wonderful video..loaded with useful information. I have a question which I don’t believe is off-topic to a discussion about high-end DACS. I use decent quality digital and analog components in my av system. I am currently using the DAC inside a Marantz AV7706 Preamp Processor that is daisy chained with the DAC inside my Parasound Halo P6 Preamplifier. I have more than enough amplifier power to drive my speakers. The problem that I'm trying to solve is with the 3D soundstage. The depth & width are good but not great. The height representation of singers & instrumentalists, on the soundstage, is terrible..completely unrealistic..the singers & band members sound as if they were 3 feet tall. I have tried tweaking my av system but nothing I do corrects the soundstage issue. I have heard from several knowledgeable people in audio that soundstaging is a DAC's responsibility..not that of the preamp and power amplifier per se. That I can't power my way out of a soundstage problem. Does anybody else agree with this? If this is true, then maybe it would be prudent for me to purchase a better DAC than the one built inside if my Marantz and Parasound units. Maybe I should consider one of the state-of-the-art DAC's mentioned in this video. IDK... Please let me know your well considered opinions. I really appreciate it. Thanks, David

[@davidstein9129]

I think that I'm allowed to reply to my own original comment. lol I am particularly interested in knowing how well the DACs discussed here are able to cleanly and clearly represent vocals and instruments instruments in 3 dimensional space. If one or all these fine quality DAC'S can soundstage Significantly Better than the DACs I'm using, then I would consider buying one of them. Thanks, David

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thanks you David. Soundstaging is about preserving timing information. The DAC is critical but any component in the system can mess it up. I think you will need to get away from using the AV power amp as well 😊

[@ju1ceaudio]

proper bloke. good review

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy 😊👍

[@nespressoman]

Hi Tarun, when you used the Spring 3 with your Exposure pre-amp, what volume did you set the Spring to? Is it best to up the volume on your Exposure and lower the Spring’s volume or vice-versa? Thank you for a fantastic channel, all the best, Jim

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That will vary from system to system but, if I recall, I had the volume set to line level on the DAC and adjusted the volume using my preamp 😊

[@nespressoman]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you.

[@briancampbell7712]

thanks for this review...My question for you is...what did you choose to keep in your system?... Pontus ll or this Holo Audio Spring?...and what makes you selct that particular one?...also have you ever tried either of the following two dac's Msb Discrete or Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic? those are more expensive dac's but somtimes more expensive doesn't relate into better sound..✌️

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thx. I kept the Pontus II. In comparison to the Spring 3 /L2, it traded a little resolution for a more harmonically rich sound which I preferred 😊

[@idlohtrab]

still loving the Chanel Tarun, any chance of you reviewing the ProAc Response D20R ? and a great follow up to what has been achieved since your 1se this would be the next logical level up for many in the 1k bookshelf range , keep up the great work

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I would to Neville but ProAc do not send out products to KZbin reviewers 😊

[@syaifulrizalmohamed6077]

Hi Tarun.. An excellent review.. thanks. May i know which one have more airy in presentation, Pontus or Spring3?as you mention spring 3 wider sound stage comparing to Pontus.. thanks☺️

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. It has been a while since I compared them. Both excellent in the upper frequencies. The tonal balance of the Spring 3 draws more attention to the treble 🙂

[@gertjanvanderkooij9242]

i just ordered one!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool please let me know how you get on 😊👍

[@nohype-fi6468]

Love your review structure, the explanations and most importantly the existence of COMPARISONS. The R2R market looks hot now. Any idea how the Holo Spring and the Denafrips Pontus compare to a similarly priced european solution like the Metrum Onyx?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. Very kind. Unfortunately, I haven’t heard the Metrum as yet 👍😊👍

[@ÆONS_AGO]

Any chance of a review of the Musetec LKS MH-DA005 DAC? Great video's otherwise, looking forward to what you come up with next.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. I am not familiar with that company 😊👍

[@willmac5642]

Oh wow, nice dacs. I was going to suggest the Audial Aya 5 before this went up. Also Sonnet Morpheus (mk2), which has a very interesting voltage based volume control.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for the heads up Will 😊

[@willmac5642]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 another product that isn't out yet, Soncoz class H power amp. Looks v interesting

[@GeirRssaak]

Volume should be controlled by the amp

[@mrpmj00]

Hi, It would be cool if you could compare the new Laiv Harmony to the Denafrips and Holo; then recommend which one sounds best for female vocalists/jazz. I have the Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1 + Denafrips Iris 12th Apple Music lossless

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thx 😊

[@marcus1970]

Oh Tarun.... Fantastic.... This Is very much my cup of tea..... Very insightful.... The value of a clean pre amp facility as well as a superb (performing and measuring) dac is appealing.. Though the depth texture and body that a great seperate preamp may lend overall... Hmmmm.. Tough decisions 😂..... Really top content here, thank you again.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

It is a great product Marcus. Thank you for watching and your generous words of support 👍😊👍

[@anthonygordon14]

Great review and like the sound of the Holo Spring 3. How does it compare with the Auralic Aries/Altair (excluding the streamer function)?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. They will be pretty close in performance. I would need to get them both in at the same time to tease out differences 👍

[@flemdoghd]

Thanks for an interesting review. Looks like some great kit. I worked at Altwood of Maidenhead many years back and loved the E39. On a separate note have you ever auditioned the Marlow CE loudspeakers (by EJ Jordan). There is also the MFA Baby Classic pre amplifier. Both British. Would be great to see your review of these. Btw am not in or have any links to the audio industry.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I worked at Altwood Maidenhead in 1999 and 2000. Jason Ouvaroff was the sales manager at the time. I have some great memories of that time 😊👍

[@flemdoghd]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Haha, yes I remember that name. I was there in 96-97 and loved it.

[@uclaxab]

@abritishaudiophile7314 Tarun, another amazing review as always. Grateful for all that you do and your content. I am debating like many others, between the Pontus II + Iris DDC, spring 3 KTE, or the Venus II. You mentioned the Venus II makes the Iris a moot point. How would you stack up the Venus to the Spring KTE? I’m leaning towards the Venus because it gives the option of OS/NOS but curious about your thoughts here. Source is eversolo dmp-a6 master, feeding into Michi X3 integrated amp and Sonus Faber Sonetto V speakers. Thanks.

[@pveentjer]

For a tube system (tube pre-amp and tube power-amps), which one would you prefer: the Spring or the Pontus. Could the Spring make the sound too 'warm' and you and up with a dark system? I currently am using a Teac UD-301; a temporary solution. PS: It seems that with the Pontus 15e, you are effectively getting a Venus of a previous generation.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@pveentjer the Spring 3 is like to colour the sound less 😊

[@The_Renoldian]

Hi Tarun, great review thank you! I have a Hegel H590 and Im considering alternative DAC's - would you consider the holo spring as a suitable upgrade? also - what did you use as a streamer for the review please as Im assuming it is a DAC only?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

The Holo Audio Spring 3 will be an upgrade to the internal H590 DAC. My steamer is an Auralic Ares Mini with MCRU linear power supply 😊

[@josepessoa8543]

Hello Tarun! Thanks for your transparent and fair reviews. Could you consider a review about another interesting R2R DAC? Soekris dac2541

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I appreciate the suggestion 😊👍

[@miguelvidal2612]

Hi Tarun, thank you very much for this beautiful review, that had a negative impact for me... I was decided to go for the pontus II next week, and now there is a big dought ;-) As I am seeking for the best for symphonic and classical music, according to you, which one would fit the best for this music, specialy for the cello and doublebass breeth and structure in a complex piece ? Thanks a lot Tarun for you advice, I could find wonderful one SCs thanks to you ! bye

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Miguel. Very much appreciated. I think it is a trade between presentation between these two excellent DACs rather than one being better than the other. The Denafrips Pontus II doesn’t have quite as much clarity as the Holo Audio Spring 3 L2 but it has more harmonic richness 😊👍

[@invisiblekid99]

Defintely my upgrade from the D1se to my Burson Soloist GT i think.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@markhyslop929]

Hi - firstly a great review that really gets into the details of what makes the DAC good but also doesn't get lost "in the weeds" of dac technical detail. I have become a big fan of R2R dacs and my testing journey started at the SMSL M500, onto the Denafrips Ares both of which I tested in my home for a while. I then had to narrow my decision down to the Pontus 2 and the Audio GD R8MK2. I had to choose one without an audition as there were none available to me at the time. Have you ever listened to any of the newer Audio GD products? I would love to hear your opnoin?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Mark. Much appreciated. I hope to get to review some Audio GD DACs at some point 😊👍

[@paulhoran837]

Love your reviews! I've been going back and forth between buying a Pontus 2 and Holo Spring 3 and am still torn. I'll be pairing it with a Mcintosh 6600 integrated, Cambridge 851N streamer, and Kef Model Two reference speakers. I'm thinking the Mcintosh integrated should preclude the need for a preamp, and would love your thoughts on which DAC might pair best with what I have, and improve on the sound from the built in DAC of my Cambridge streamer. Many Thanks!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I am sure you would be happy with either. It will come down to which direction you want to move your system in the slightly more detailed and analytical Spring 3 Vs the warmer and tonally richer Pontus II 😊

[@paulhoran837]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks so much , Tarun! You're the tops!

[@Maaruks]

I ordered Spring 3 DAC after watching this review !

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for the feedback Maaruks. I hope you enjoy it. Give it about 30 hours of use to run in and please let me know how you get on 👍😊👍

[@hilde45]

Hope at some point you can review the MHDT Orchid DAC (R2R and -- a key difference -- a tube). It has a great following and can be modded out. I had an upgrade to mine and he did the following: Replace and upgrade 8 key resistors directly around the tube with a mix of Vishay Zfoils, Audio Note Tantalum non-magnetic and Shinkoh. Also replaced the output caps to the great sounding VH Audio Audio Vcap Odam 2.2uf. Total cost for DAC after these mods is still about $1500. It sounds spacious, resolving, detailed, and smooth.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for the heads up DH. That sounds like a fascinating product. Right up my alley 😊👍

[@backrack01]

Does MHDT provide those upgrades for people or DIY?

[@hilde45]

@@backrack01 There is a hobbyist on audio forums known as Grannyring who does these. I reached out to him.

[@backrack01]

@@hilde45 Is he in the U.S.? If so, and if it's ok with him...can you PM his email?

[@donguin1885]

Hi, I actually replaced my MHDT Labs Orchid with the upgraded Philips TDA 1541 double crown chip installed to the Denafrips Ares II DAC. I would be interested in checking out the upgrades for the Orchid you mentioned for future reference. I held on to Orchid too. it’s a fine sounding DAC but the ARES II is a bit better sounding DAC. And until Tarum posted the review on the HOLO DAC I was content to try the Denafrips Pontus II at a future date.. But no, Tarum had to review the HOLO. Although that is quite a price jump from the Pontus II to the HOLO, It kinda separates the men from the boys.

[@sonicplayroompiano4302]

Great review. Is this the level 1 version of the Holo spring 3 Dac?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. level 2 👍

[@blessonjacob3809]

Tarun could you please do an R2R vs chip DAC video. What’s different in the sound quality between two high end implementations of both approaches.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

There are some generalisations that can be made but it all depends on the individual product 😊

[@connorduke4619]

Hi Tarun, would you be able to consider reviewing the Denafrips Avatar CD Transport at some point? On paper it looks like a match made in heaven with this Holo Audio Spring 3 DAC, which I have heard performs best with an I2S input - and the Denafrips has an I2S output, as well as a Femto clock and top loading mechanism, not to forget great looks.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for the suggestion Connor. It is about time I reviewed a CD player/transport 😊👍

[@connorduke4619]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I just saw for 800 euro more the updated Jay's Audio CDT2 Mk3 has the Philips CDM-4 CD reader and probably has the edge on the Denafrips Avatar. In any case possibly the two best sub 3,000 euro Transport options. I'd be happy to see a review on either, or both! :)

[@peterwood2633]

That construction is beautiful! Your explanations are great and unique. I'm personally eyeing the Doge 7 Tube DAC, any chance to review one please?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Peter. I haven’t any plans as yet. It will be looking at new products to review next year 😊👍

[@GeirRssaak]

If a DAC producer makes an aluminium frontplate,how can you believe it is a great product?

[@michaelk1772]

Another highly detailed and informative review. How would you compare the Holo Spring to Chords Qutest. Different technology and sound signature.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Michael. I had a short demo with the Qutest and i would say that it is more on the level of the Ares II rather than the Spring 3 or Pontus II DACs 😊👍

[@mehmetcamat4458]

I will be happy if you could review the Gustard R26 dac as well

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I have sent an email to Shenzhen Audio about it. Let’s see if they respond 😊

[@joseestrella334]

Hi Tarun, I have an H190 and was wondering which match more appropriately, the holo or. Pontus, I do understand it Is a matter of tastes but certainly both can sing better with the hegel commanding, but which one stood out with the hegel, if any. Also if you have heard the h390 and the h590,.How do they compare with the holo /pontus +h190 teamup. Thanks to you and your channel.. Very well thought and well picked content

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Jose. I haven’t tried the H390 or H590. As for the Spring 3 or Pontus II , it really is a matter of taste 😊👍

[@pandiyansegaran6550]

Great review! I have a Chord Mojo 2 in my system but am looking for another DAC. Do you think the Holo Audio Spring would be better / a good complement? I only ask as I know you have a Chord Mojo. Thanks!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. The Spring 3 is a much more capable DAC in the right system 😊

[@Maxiinti]

Hi hope you du a rewue of the Auralic vega 2.1 dac Thanks 🙏 your the best🤘

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. I hope to get a contact there at some point 😊👍

[@christian.g77]

Hi Tarun, fantastic channel! I'm a happy owner of a h160 and wondering how the reviewed dac compares with the dac integrated into the Hegel. In other words, what would be price range, where an external dac would bring significant sound improvement compared to the h160 integrated dac? Thanks for your opinion!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Christian. There is a very good internal DAC in the H160. However, the amp does have a slightly lean or dry tonal character. Something that Hegel have addressed in the H190. The Pontus II and Holo Audio Spring 3 would be overkill for the H160 unless you are planing to upgrade the amp in the near future. The Denafrips Ares II will help to flesh out the sound a bit over the internal DAC but I think money would be better spent on upgrading the amp instead 😊👍

[@morespinach9832]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 so getting Hegel 190 would be as good as getting Pontus and H95 separately? Speakers being Dynaudio Contour 20 or Evoke 20?

[@davidhart9376]

New to your channel and finding it most useful and informative. I have just got some ProAc DB1's similar to yours and im looking for some stands . Can I ask what you have for your ProAc's Thanks again for the channel

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you David. I appreciate you watching. I use Target R4s 😊👍

[@fizywig]

how would this dac compare to a linn dac or a dcs bartok? Comparison with high end dacs are always interesting

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I haven’t tried them yet 😉

[@emarshallp]

Excelent review, thanks for sharing your knoledge. Thinking on upgrading from Topping d50s to VmV d1 se, do you think it worth it? My other equipment is an old rotel rb 991 and a parasound pre z3 preamp that i thinks is the weaker link. My speakers are dali zensor 3. Thanks, Greetings from Argentina!!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Marcial. You will hear an improvement but probably not worth the outlay. I would go speaker upgrade first 😊👍

[@shanestephenson8423]

As usual Tarun another outstanding review, I sound a bit like a broken record. I am very interested in this review because I have a luxman DA-06 DAC and l am considering an r2r ladder DAC. Would I be right in assuming that the Terminator 2 is the equivalent of the May? I'm not sure if you have any experience with the May but if so I'd be interested in your opinion in regards to a comparison of the two. Cheers Shane.😁👍🎧

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Shane. Great to hear from you. I have no experience of the May and Terminator as yet but hope to review them at some point 😊👍

[@shanestephenson8423]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I look forward to hearing your thoughts Tarun.

[@enos1]

I have a doubt between audio - gd R28 NOS and Holo Cyan 2 dac. Please, if anyone can help with advice. Thank you

[@mrt6349]

I am pondering which DAC i want to buy the Pontus 2 or the spring 3.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Tough choice 😊

[@cruzzeaudiochanel2581]

I'ts time to test a Rockna Wavelight !

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for the suggestion 😊

[@brucemitchell5092]

Very thorough and helpful review Tarun (as always). I have a question regarding the preamp module of the Spring 3. There don't appear to be any line-level inputs on the rear panel. Is the preamp section restricted to use with the digital inputs?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Bruce. Yes, it can only be used with the digital input of the DAC. It isn’t a standalone preamp 😊👍

[@violin-schwerin]

I would love your take on croft acoustics gear

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I hope to review some 😊

[@Petrakeas]

Great review! If you want to connect to an external pre-amp, is there a way to bypass the included one?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. You can buy the Spring 3 as purely a DAC 😊👍

[@Petrakeas]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 in your review though, how did you connect the spring3 preamp output to the Exposure pre-amp input ? Did you set the holo audio preamp volume to maximum?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Petrakeas I connected to my Exposure preamp at full volume and also connected it to my Exposure power amps directly and adjusted the volume on the DAC 😊