Holo Spring 3 R2R DAC Review - Punching Up!

The Holo Spring 3 is a truly fantastic DAC punching above its pricepoint, and with some unique features that make it an extremely compelling choice. I can comfortably say I've not heard a DAC this good anywhere close to this pricepoint.
This unit was loaned for review by Holo Audio.
The spring 2 was loaned to me by my friend Koji (ConvinceMeAudio)
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Measurements and written reviews: goldensound.audio
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Content and analysis sponsored by headphones.com and patreon supporters on / goldensound
Holo Spring 3:
USA: www.kitsunehifi.com/product/s...
EU: magnahifi.com/?s=spring+3&pos...
Asia / Elsewhere: / wildismaudiohk
HQPlayer: www.signalyst.com/consumer.html
HQPlayer Settings: drive.google.com/drive/folder...
Intro Track: 'Ultraviolet' by Jack Lloyd - song.link/i/1584469027
Testing Tracks:
Bang Bang - Lawrence Taylor - song.link/gb/i/1451064407
Slow Motion - Flor - song.link/gb/i/1467801546
Run Boy Run - Woodkid - song.link/gb/i/1440862611
Time (Orchestra Version) - Hans Zimmer - song.link/gb/i/1452333617
Slow It Down - Manganas Garden - song.link/gb/i/1572340625
Reconnaissance - Mitch Murder - song.link/gb/i/1444368712
The Gospel of John Hurt - Alt-J - song.link/gb/i/886686899
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Overview and Features
4:18 - IO
4:46 - Internals
8:42 - NOS and OS discussion
13:12 - Sound
25:04 - NOS vs OS sound
27:18 - Summary
29:15 - Spring 3 vs Spring 2
33:08 - Spring 3 vs May
34:50 - Pricing/value discussion
The GoldenSound youtube channel, and all content is created and owned by GoldenSound LTD

[@mr.dynamite2543]

Without question, the most thorough and informative review of this DAC on the web. I purchased my Spring 3 KTE because of this review. I use the USB input and couldn’t be happier. Thank you.

[@Subsonic-cd2en]

This was the first video I've seen on your channel. When I first clicked and saw 37 MINUTES - I nearly clicked off - no way could someone talk coherently about a DAC for 37 minutes without rambling and repeating themselves over and over. Wrong. I watched the whole thing and it was extremely good information. Probably the best DAC review I've ever seen.

[@joshuabrain9751]

He’s such an awesome reviewer!

[@mohdpazli]

He has evil brother... Z lol

[@giovannitirado6229]

Agree! 37 min of detailed, organized, and very useful information.

[@lukeizze]

@@mohdpazli z is the Man! You know bro

[@majajconsulting1771]

@@joshuabrain9751 t

[@richardrosetta2728]

I have just recently discovered and subscribed GoldenSound and find his reviews to be the best and most informative I have found. Thank you for the excellent work.

[@BlueCliff72]

I have been watching gear reviews for years now. Having watched this as the first review I've ever seen from your channel, it makes me immediately not want to watch gear reviews from any other channel. You're aptly descriptive, passionate about the hobby, you ACTUALLY pick more diverse and interesting tracks and have to contain your joy after hearing them, and are more relatable than 90% of gear reviewers I've watched. Subbed. Nice work.

[@MichaelSamuelson99]

Most of what you review is way outside of my means but I so appreciate how you describe what to listen for in your samples. I have picked up much knowledge about the strengths and weaknesses of my own HIFI system. Also, I very much appreciate your music tastes. I have found many great tracks from your examples. Keep up the great work!

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

I appreciate how you combine objective measurements and subjective listening in a single review. This makes the strengths and weaknesses of the reviewed product clearer, and also, over several reviews, starts to give one a sense of how measured differences affect subjective impressions. The Kitsune edition is the only Spring 3 with the Titanios 2 USB module, lesser modules have a lesser USB module, and thus might benefit from a DDC with galvanic isolation.

[@tomu2858]

Great review, watching again as a happy owner of a spring 3 KTE, everything you say makes so much more sense.

[@dieterho]

one of my favourite audio reviews of all time (and it made me get one ;-)

[@ericharrelson32]

Another great review in the books. Informative and enjoyable to watch, lighting, video/sound quality, and your flow through the technical are on point. Your descriptive comparisons were really insightful, will be helpful for alot people interested in the HOLO products. Nice work Bro.

[@GoldenSound]

Thank you!

[@xxgamerxxchrischris2325]

@@GoldenSound what's DACS do you own and what do you like most about them what do you say you would recommend

[@xxgamerxxchrischris2325]

@@GoldenSound it looks nice but it it's definitely supposed to be good at that price range

[@ericharrelson32]

@@xxgamerxxchrischris2325 I have three DACs: PS Audio DirectStream DAC; Denefrips Terminator Plus w/ Gaia DDC; Anthem Audio STR Preamp. Each one sounds good to me, I use the PSA and Denefrips the most. I'm currently waiting for PS Audio to release their new DirectStream MKII DAC for an in-home trail, but I really want the HOLO May KTE as well. I'm also thinking about getting the Spring 3 KTE for my office workstation rig.

[@xxgamerxxchrischris2325]

@@ericharrelson32 that is freaking insane that is overkill

[@xq0404]

Thank you for the insightful review. I recently bought the Holo Spring 3 (Level 3). I'm a little surprised and also relieved that May's two-chassis external power design has not made a night and day difference to the sound quality.

[@coolassloser]

What other dacs have you tried and how big of a difference compared to the Spring 3? I am on the fence of getting one so am trying to see other users and their honest feedback? Thanks. Also would help to understand the rest of your gear as well.

[@radkokosoTT]

Great review! I agree in everything about the sound character, but I would not be able to evaluate it so nicely myself.

[@eskamobob8662]

Lol. 90% of my golden support is for eloquently explaining sounds I stumble to put into words

[@nicolashulgich5281]

Can't agree more with your review. Well Done mate!

[@delta9k]

Thank you ! I have not been able to describe properly what I've found most striking about my Spring 3 KTE in regards to the stage and spatial recreation. The best I've been able to was say was that it is expansive and intimate at once, while sounding smooth and natural (to me). Hopefully now I can do a better, when asked. I have been using my KTE Spring 3 in NOS, but I am interested it trying out OS via roon first since I'm a roon user, and then HQPlayer if I take a liking to OS mode.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Great work on this one man! So far, we are hearing many of the same things.

[@BRLeoC]

Fantastic review, appreciate the clarity of your descriptions. When I bought the main DAC for my system I was between the Holo and Lampizator, both were obscure brands at the time but the Lampizator was nearer to me (edit: and they didn't have that tube rolling craziness yet). Would love to hear your comments on the Lampi if you ever have the chance to test one.

[@leonardpezzano5216]

Great review of another wonderful Holo Audio product. Earlier this year I purchased the May and the Serene. Love them as much as you. I had no idea what I was missing. BTY, I think I saw a Benchmark AHB2 in you setup. I am intrigued by its unusual design and wondering how it sounds compaired other soild state and tube amps. Are you planning on doing a rewiew on this amp. Love to hear your thoughts. Thanks again for you great videos.

[@colindoyle9876]

Talking about overloaded dac and sibilance shows you really do know your stuff - Best reviews !!

[@Maaruks]

I ordered Spring 3 DAC after watching this review !

[@KenMoreira]

I love my spring 3 kte, been waiting on your review :D

[@mcgjohn22]

great review and excellent insight into the DAC. Would sure be interesting to hear how the Spring 3 or May compare to the Denafrips Terminator II or Venus II. thank you.

[@mikelm222]

Great Review - thanks

[@Konsul135]

There is no way I will buy any Hi-Fi equipment from this price bracket anytime soon, but I really love your videos!

[@spamcan9208]

Excuses, excuses, you only need one kidney lol. Seriously though, this costs more than everything "hifi" that I own combined.

[@jacoblandjensen6230]

Dear GoldenSound In the Holo Spring 3 review, did you ask, for our view on OS. I did purchase a Holo May DAC, also thanks to your review and I have NOT been disappointed, it is a SUPER GOOD DAC!!! On the Holo May DAC do I prefer NOS, way over its internal OS. 10 years ago did I build a DIY DAC with AD1955 chips and a advanced DSP up sampler. My DIY DAC did sound warmer and has a fuller midrange than a Bricasti M1 dac and a PS Audio DirectStream, else did all three sound similar. We tested them on a 150.000,- € setup, so they all did have a chance for showing them self from their best side. The Holo May DAC does sound more resolving and detailed in the midrange and more natural in general then my DIY DAC. Thank you for very good reviews :) Br Jacob Land

[@klaymoon1]

Great review! You are definitely my best audio reviewer from now! :) How does Spring internal preamp compare to Serene?

[@kenanpao]

That's fine. After I watched your Gustard x26 pro up to 21:30, I decide to get the Spring 3. Thanks

[@simon-nl4mq]

Great work as always. Curious will you be releasing the full measurement of the Spring3? I trust it will be of interest to many. Thanks.

[@coolassloser]

Awesome review and thanks for talking about the technical aspects and comparisons. How would you rate the preamp of this DAC? I see that you have the RME ADI 2 FS on your desktop. How would you compare the two? Also, for a speaker stereo setup, would you pair the Spring 3 with the Benchmark amp you have there as well? I’m looking to upgrade and am seriously considering the Spring 3 L2 with preamp. Any further thoughts on pairing this with other amps for headphone and speaker listening would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@kingjongun7295]

Goes Brrrrr with volume

[@tassostsoutis601]

Great review, great kit! Will we ever see budget equipment reviewed here?

[@aceofspades6667]

To answer your question I listen to NOS only via Spring 1 KTE. I feed it to Hegel H160 -> Maggie LRS for 2 channel and Burson Soloist 3XP-> Abyss 1266 phi tc for headphone setup.

[@bagelhunk]

Awesome review! Curious to see a review for a Mola Mola Tambaqui, a MSB model, and DCS Lina if you ever decide. 👍

[@frye1430]

This was an immensely helpful review, as I'm currently trying to decide on my next DAC and definitely going in the direction of R2R. It's just that there are so many good choices, it's making my decision that much more difficult. The one thing about this review, however, (and it's the same thing I notice with many of these reviews and, for that matter, with the audio shows I've attended) is that the choice of music doesn't demonstrate what I want to hear. I'm principally a classical guy (though I listen to lots of other genres too), and this electronic/highly processed studio stuff IMO doesn't show off the component's ability to render a truly natural acoustic event like, say, opera, symphonic, or choral music. Still, the presentation makes a compelling and solid case for the Holo Spring 3, and it's firmly on my list.

[@henryt9731]

So what did you get?😂

[@frye1430]

Ended up getting a Sonnet Morpheus. Very happy with it so far.

[@ruffandruff]

Outstanding review mate. I really hope you get to review the Musician Aquarius. Really curious how these two compare.

[@joshuabrain9751]

I have the Aquarius and with i2s it is very good imo. I’m hoping the Spring 3 is even better as that’s what I’m considering upgrading to

[@ruffandruff]

@@joshuabrain9751 Yes, I have seen Aquarius review about it being fast and smooth, musical yet with very good transients. Then I came across the Spring 3 review and have been curious ever since. Please do share your thoughts, if you decide to get it. I'd love to see your impressions comparing them. If you don't mind, please provide a way to contact you. Thanks mate.

[@poki3247]

Another great review golden!!

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

We should not forget that there is a gentle but still quite present roll-off when you are using NOS with 44.1 material, starting well before 20k, due to the way NOS works. So there is a huge difference in how you appreciate the difference between an album in 44.1 NOS and the same album oversampled, compared to an album that is originally produced in 96kHz and the same album oversampled.

[@FernandoPereira]

With my Spring 2 KTE, I upsample 44.1 and 48 material 2x with Roon's linear phase filter. It reduces a slight smearing, and roll-off.

[@gerard3797]

Excellent review again :)! I ordered the level 2 with preamp just yesterday and am planning on using it for both HiFi and Cinema. Would not having oversampling mode be very noticeable for movie effects? Secondly, did you compare the preamp module against the Serene?

[@jerzysendorek9756]

Hi GoldenSound - thank you for another excellent review! I've got my Spring 3 KTE a week ago and it is still warming up... from what I hear from it until now - I agree with all you have said. The best is yet to come with burn-in, especially since my amp is new too. 2Qs: 1. Did you compare USB input versus I2S, performance/SQ-wise? 2. Question was asked already below but I could not find the answer - is Spring 3 KTE implementation on USB so good that what's upfront (a streamer, USB cable, etc.) does not matter that much? If this is not the case - what streamers would you recommend particularly for this DAC?

[@Dimitris_Pappas]

Good questions. I'd like to know too.

[@CatnamedMittens]

Unfortunately, we won't get an answer but those were great questions.

[@Staybrown11]

How’s the spring KTE holding up after 6months? What streamer did you settle for? I got a blue sound NODE, HDMI arc and use the USB to the spring 3.

[@devinmatteson]

Just bought a SMSL VMV D1se, for my secondary, 2 channel system. I have a Topping D70s in my primary, headphone system. Comparing the two together, in my headphone system, with a Singxer SA-1 for the amp and a pair of Harmonicdyne Zeus and Focal Clear MG cans. the D1se is more incisive than the D70s and slightly less so than something like a D90. But I feel that the timbre on the D70s is slightly more natural than the D1se; however, the notes tend to be thicker/heavier on the D70s, as well as being slightly smoothed over. If the D1se is one of your favorite dacs under $1k, I would love to see your thoughts on the D70s. I think that you might like it just as much, if not maybe more than the D1se, seeing that to me, it sounds a touch closer to an R2R dac, while retaining the benefits of a delta sigma style dac. I was very surprised by the D70s and it remains my favorite dac to date.

[@aceofspades6667]

I have the spring 1 KTE and love it. I desperately want the spring 3 KTE for usb implementation improvement and the pre amp module that is supposed to be fantastic. For $3k usd this is supposedly 90% of the performance of the May and 95% of the Serene.

[@user-prh3oz51hs]

I've bought this dac several days ago, but how can I change nos mode between other mode.?

[@pepeanguita8376]

Excellent review, congrats and thank you !!. I have one question about your HQplayer setup: does the DAC accept native DSD from the computer in linux ?. Thank you

[@DBTAudio]

I just read a Spring 3 KTE review in a online forum and the guy mentioned it had an overblown/exaggerated soundstage until he turned off the PLL and had a Mutec in the chain. With that setup, he advised the Spring 3 was sounding the best. Did you audition the Spring 3 with the PLL on and off? If so, did you hear a difference?

[@proustie]

Would be curious what you think of the Weiss DAC501 or 502. The most uncanny "you are in the studio" feeling I've gotten from a DAC. Eerily great resolution, and fun to listen with. Ultimately I preferred a certain R2R DAC that supposedly doesn't measure well, and I'm a happy guy...

[@eazydraw4681]

Great review, you have a super engaging style so keep it up ... now a question and apologies if i missed somewhere in the video which version you are reviewing but upon clicking through to magna there are 3 versions of the Spring 3 ....could you kindly clarify which you reviewed here

[@cablebrain9691]

He used the Spring 3 DAC KTE Kitsune edition. That's the top model of the Spring 3. You can easily identify it by the fox logo on the top of the DAC.

[@jarvinco9993]

Hi Goldensound, great review. It's very informative and thorough. Im just wondering if you heard any of the audiogd dacs? Perhaps the audio gd r8? Do you have impressions about audio gd?

[@roberteshaw4590]

Very impressed. Your enunciation is superb. I just stumbled upon your site, so glad I did. I was starting to look at a new DAC, and was surprised, deja vu. From your review, not sure whether to spring ( pun Intended) for the Spring 3 KTE or go all in for the Holo May KTE version? My only concern is warranty and the need for repairs if necessary? Reliability ETC. Where to send etc. Any info would be much appreciated. Thank you again! Robert TN

[@suryapratamak1690]

Hi Goldensound, i thoroughly enjoy all your reviews. I am looking for a great r2r dac. How does the spring 3 do with modern electronica, rap, hiphop, edm which make up 50% of what i listen, the remaining 50% is country, gospel and ost orchestra. I currently own the d90se and bifrost 2. I am bit worried if r2r i will lose slam and bite. Is that so with the holo spring?

[@maxjiang9663]

Great review!!I'm using a X26pro, is it worth to upgrade to the spring3?

[@mandarinus1]

As I am considering a Spring 3 L2: I am currently using a MiniDSP Studio as digital 'preamp' (or should I say attenuator?). I initially expected to hear the deterioration I always heard when using digital volume controls, but no! It surprisingly sounds great and transparant to my ears, and now I am using it as attenuator instead of my previous passive The Truth (Hornshoppe) passive preamp. For simplicity -- and in spite of the fact that I usually prefer the modular approach -- I do not want to add a separate preamp anymore. Question: woud the Holo preamp module bring benefits when used instead of the MiniDSP's attenuation? (The MiniDSP would stay in the chain for Dirac but could be set at 0 dB.)

[@MrDTF]

If you have the preamp option installed, is it possible to bypass it if you have a separate preamp later on? If you use Roon, e.g., via Raspberry Pi and USB, can you control the device volume control in Roon or do you need to use the remote? Is there any benefit in sound to use the separate preamp instead of the internal option? Regards

[@reginablach5368]

Thanks for this excellent review! Due to all the R2R review I bought a Ares II, to get my own impressions. It sounds good as my 20 year old CD player (Audionet). After I had a look at the waveform, I decided not to upgrade to the Terminator... Your May review I watched a couple of weeks ago. And I ordered it (Level 2) immediately. Know I 'm waiting impatiently for delivery to check it out ....

[@joshuabrain9751]

How does the May compare to the terminator?

[@reginablach5368]

@@joshuabrain9751 No idea. I did compare Ares 2 and the May. But may be you can find the answer here: Two CRAZY HIGH-END DACs I Would Buy While Crying For My Wallet!

[@thepickyaudiophile]

@@reginablach5368 How do you find the Spring 3 compared to the Ares II? I find the Ares tends to be a little too “fat free”/lean in the lower mids and a bit too sharp in the presence region (at least in oversampling mode). Hence I end up using me old Rega DAC instead. Curious about the spring, but would hate to spend that kind of cash on a disappointment 😀

[@reginablach5368]

@@thepickyaudiophile I don't own the Spring 3. I got a May L2 two month ago. After I connected the May to the amp, I never switched back to the ares II. The trumpets was so real on the May. Don't know if the mid are lean or the big, the sound at all was realistic regardless if I hear Metallica or Mahler ;-) The Ares at all was not bad, the Ares' NOS mode isn't NOS. That was the main reason not to test the Terminator. I'm happy with the May now :-)

[@thepickyaudiophile]

@@reginablach5368 Thanks, my bad regarding the model! The lack of true NOS on the Denafrips dacs (they do linear interpolation as far as I understand) would definitely also be a point of contention for me.. at least if spending terminator level money. Not sure I’m ready for lifelike brass in my life or would like something a bit more sugar coated 😃 Guess I need to take a chill pill and get the rest of my system in order and then rely on re-sellers with a return police to try out some laddet dacs (just hate auditioning gear within a small time window) 👍

[@lukephillips3751]

I like the ifi zen in the background. when will that be getting reviewed?

[@MiemoPenttinen]

When are we going to see a review of the VMV D1SE we keep on seeing on the desk? 🤓

[@dopydude]

19:34 - 20:15 Totally resonates with me.. I have the modi multibit2 and denafrips ares II..Ares does resolution in a more airier manner..but the drums dont have that chesty thump on the ares2 that the multibit does so so well. They suit different genres differently - Ares2 + Sundara for classical, ambient, soundtracks, chillwave, jazz...Ares2 + Hd6xx - jazz, blues, vocals, acoustics, solo violins (anything tonal or timbre rich). But for rock, electro, deep house, EDM - mimby just sounds more 'fun'. And yes, there a few songs that can make you swell up within - 'Time' is one of them... Quick question - does limiting oversampling to a rate that tidal selects automatically in exclusive mode better than setting the OS in mac audio midi set up (Ares 2 shows upto 756Khz). Love to hear from you! Its nice to be nodding along with your reviews..straight, informed, honest, inclusive.. and the music..just Golden ;)

[@NeilBlanchard]

The blue finned unit on the upper left is a smaller toroidal transformer (I think?), so there must be a separate power supply for a section of this unit?

[@curlmythic]

Hi Golden, what are your thoughts on the hot outputs (5.3V)? And do your comments, more or less, apply to the Level 2 w/ preamp?

[@KenMoreira]

i like both nos and OS with hq player, been trying dsd lately. I think its some sort of a closer sound to nos timbre but you give up even more of the space

[@Zyontan]

Hi! May I ask if this review is based with the preamplifier built in the SPRING 3 or Serene? Thanks for the great detailed review~

[@PhilBoggild]

My May lvl 2 arrived this week, but I was very tempted by the Spring 3. The thing that swung it for me was that getting the May shipped from Wildism in Hong Kong was only a few hundred pounds more than getting a Spring 3 KTE from Magna. Shipping only took a week, and they were happy to declare a lower value to take the sting out of import taxes.

[@x32i77]

Could you tell any difference between other dacs ?

[@PhilBoggild]

@@x32i77 Yes. I've tried a fair few and they definitely have their own defining characteristics.

[@x32i77]

@@PhilBoggild I am happy to hear that because z reviews said in his review there is absolutely no difference to 500$ dacs and the Holo May Audio dac which surprised me alot

[@PhilBoggild]

@@x32i77 everyone's ears are different I suppose. Zeos says a lot of pretty polarising things, that's part of his popularity I guess.

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

What happen if there is a problem during shipping? If they declare a lower value they can’t get insured for a different amount so they get nothing back if the DAC is lost?

[@alexherceg9496]

Hey GoldenSound! Always enjoy your videos and this one especially. I like that you augment measurements with listening. Here’s a question: is the Level 1 Spring 3 also good value? Do you have any idea of the gap between the “basic” level 1 and the KTE? I demo’d a Spring 3 Level 2 against a May and indeed it was very very close. I am curious how much the L1 and KTE ones differ from that. If anyone else has any comments let me know!

[@joshuabrain9751]

Which level May did you demo against the Spring 3 L2? I can’t really answer your question but I can say this if you plan on using USB the KTE is the way to go.

[@alexherceg9496]

@@joshuabrain9751 it was a May L2 I believe against a Spring 3 L2

[@R3s1d3ntAl13n]

Great video. Did you get a chance to test out the Pro-Ject Audio DAC Box RS ? If so, what were your thoughts on it ?

[@SchwizzZer]

Well done assessment! Would you be able to compare to say a MSB or dCS?

[@kenanpao]

Will KTE SU-1 DDR improve the sound quality of Spring 3? I try to decide between Holo spring 3 and Gustard x26 pro. I have a Singer SU-2 DDC on hand now. Thanks

[@jr-6025]

Out of curiousity, what are you powering with your AHB2? At first i thought u had passive speakers, but then i saw the focal monitors. Really hope we'll see a future review of it!

[@clintonwalker5000]

Hi I’ve just come across your channel ,so are you saying that in your opinion the Holo May or sprain sounds better than a Chord Dave with up sample Which cost three times as much ? Thanks Clint 🇬🇧

[@jasonpmcqueen]

Is there any chance you could do a vid on your upsampling setup? I've been using a Spring 3 KTE for a few days and I'm finding I actually prefer the sound of the 44.1k vs that from HQ player. It would be interesting to see what you're using for a USB/I2S feed and your HQ settings.

[@karl9865]

Hi GS, which digital transport do you use feeding the Holo? Thanks for the excellent reviews!

[@SkywhiteChannel]

Holo May Level III Kitsune edition owner here. I listen to NOS mainly. I just prefer it...

[@dexterkane4106]

How do NOS DACs work? Do they have separate analog filters for each supported sample rate?

[@Diwakarvlg]

Very nice presentation. It shows your passion and appreciation towards Gear Presented. A small doubt when presenting Holo May you said that there is no much difference between may l2 and may kte. And here you also tell that the spring 3 kte and May differences are subtle. Little confusing. Also does the spring kte also have the Separate DSD implementation . True OS/NOS implementation? Thanks in advance

[@efisadovnick4761]

Hello I really enjoy your reviews thank you very much. What do you think is better between the two models of Holo: SPRING 3 KTE OR May Level 2 Many thanks in advance

[@sebgato1452]

Great review! Is it possible to do also a review of Gustard X26 Pro with external 10Mhz clock?

[@burg856]

OK, I have another question because I am so lacking in electronics knowledge. I have no headphone system, I do have a stereo system. A 32 year old Wadia 2000 DAC with digital volume control going into a BAT VK-75se amp. Thinking of the Holo Springs 3 with pre amp to run BAT VK-75se amp and a headphone amp. Will the Holo Springs 3 with pre amp do this?

[@Benvos]

For my 2 channel system I’ve been researching DACs, not to buy now but to put together a list of potential candidates. In that list include the Rockna Wavelight, Metrum Onyx, Sonnet Audio Morpheus. However when I listen to you speak about these DACs I literally get so excited I just want to buy it without even an audition. Your thorough explanation and excitement for them are infectious, if you’re not getting paid by Holo Audio you bloody should be!

[@KenMoreira]

I bought mine blind, on pre order. I am someone who doesn't have alot of extra money and saved for a while to get a system upgrade. And no regrets with my spring 3 kte purchase.

[@Benvos]

@@KenMoreira ah man that must be such a nice feeling, to save and get something without hearing it to find out you love it. DACs for me seem to be the most personal choice of all because of what they can do to overall sound so congrats on getting something you love!

[@FernandoPereira]

I've owned Onyx and Spring 1 KTE, I own Morpheus and Spring 2 KTE. I'm planning to get a Spring 3 KTE or May KTE for another system. Spring 2 KTE has the best balance of tonality, speed, instrument separation, and clarity of the ones I've heard. Morpheus is a bit denser tonally in the low-mids, almost romantic, but slightly smeared relative to Spring 2 KTE.

[@elhijueputa8423]

Is the pre-amp module necessary if you can use instead the pre-amp from an amp? Would this pre-amp be that much better?

[@brooksphillips2234]

Is there a difference is sound quality between level 3 kte vs level 3 kte with preamp? I have heard that a pre amp can change things. Idk. I'm still fairly new and have never experienced this.

[@paulcomeau6]

Side question to your interesting and informative DAC review. What is the visualization software you are using when playing tracks? Thanks in advance.

[@mauriceelet6376]

What about the Azure? I have seen a lot about HoloAudio's more exspensive products, but cant find much about the Azure. I've read that it has a proplem with isolation from the transformer. The THX AAA 789 i would switch it with is connected to the RME ADI DAC 2 FS and HD 800S.

[@hushpuppykl]

Now, this IS a review. I salute you! TQ

[@clivesilver463]

I have a question on after service, any good? also where can you download their manuals and is there a UK distributor.

[@aabuahro]

Love your reviews

[@ellmusic769]

Hi, About purchasing this DA and service. How do I buy it in Thailand? And what happens when it needs service? - Thanks

[@Atricapilla]

I was gonna get the Spring 3 KTE on the basis that it seems to be best bang for the buck bringing over some of the better features of the May. But I am genuinely in doubt as to whether it is worth to pay the extra money and get a May Level 2 (which I understand to be Jeff Zhu's own original design and build without modifications). The comparisons made here I presume are between Spring 3 KTE and May KTE. Can I assume the observations also apply in a comparison between Spring 3 KTE and May level 2? Thanks for your great review.

[@markg3789]

Nice review - thanks. My Spring 3 KTE arrives late next week and I will run it alongside a Delta Sigma DAC in my speaker setup. I have read a lot about burn in hours on the Holo DACs ranging from one or two hundred hours to some truly ridiculous time frames to sound their best. Can you comment on your experience?

[@joshuabrain9751]

How are you liking the Spring 3 Mark?

[@markg3789]

@@joshuabrain9751 Yeah loving it Joshua, it just sounds more natural & real than the DS DACs I have without any of the syrupy character that NOS DACs are historically renowned for. Sometimes I miss some of the sharp edges that DS can give you but the difference is only subtle on most tracks and it makes up for it in many other ways.

[@joshuabrain9751]

@@markg3789 Awesome mate. I’m close to pulling the trigger on one myself. Just still trying to work out if I should get the preamp module with it or use the preamp in my Integrated amp

[@GarySmith-mc8vf]

Hi Mark, How are you enjoying your Holo Spring? Do you prefer it to your Delta Sigma? Thanks Gary

[@tomb375]

If I were to go for something like this Holo Audio - Spring 3 DAC - Spring V3 KTE +Preamp Module what streamer do you recommend?

[@chidotv7009]

love your reviews, can’t wait for the VMV D1se review…

[@laieauxdaims]

Dear Goldensound, You might very much be the most trustworthy and valuable reviewer out there. Would you consider reviewing the Gustard R26. I am sure you would get a lot of attention for this. - Because your reviews are outstanding; - Because you could compare it to the Halo Spring and May; - Because you are one of the only ones understanding the importance of testing both PCM and DSD inputs. How do both R2R ladders compare for PCM, especially in NOS mode ? How do both DSD treatment compare, Holo May having a dedicated multi bit ladder whereas R26 has only a 1Bit DAC for DSD ? So, a lot of interesting stuff to compare here. And you seem by far the most competent reviewer for this. That would be so great. Thanks

[@HailKingCeezer]

#1:So as someone who likes to upsample to DSD, with a music library on a desktop that ranges from redbook to 24/96 to DSD, would it be best to use ASIO and leave redbook to NOS and everything above upsample to highest DSD in the program while leaving the DAC in NOS? I just feel 3k is a waste if i'm going to upsample my entire library and none of it is going through the NOS ladder dac. #2: Was the Ares II fake NOS only or the entire Denafrips lineup? I owned and loved the Ares II before trying my Accuphase option card, but i miss that analog feel to music and am considering the cheaper than Spring KTE-Pontus II. With the Accuphase DSD option card, i prefer ambient and musical scores/"Sounds" rather than "music." In a perfect world, i'd split my library up and have a NOS DAC for "music" and DSD upsampling for electronic ,OST's, ambient. Having to mix best of both worlds, what should i consider?

[@ianpickering4020]

Absolutely awesome review! I've been waiting for this since I watched your review of the Holo May (which is unfortunately a bit over my budget). This told me everything I wanted to know and the Spring 3 is now top of my shortlist of DACs! The only thing that I'm not sure about is the price I would have to pay to import into the UK.

[@bruceparris657]

Think hard about this purchase. Ordered the Spring 3 Level 2 at $2400.00 U.S. dollars plus $200.00 U.S. shipping from Washington to Toronto, CDA. The final bill was a shocking $3600.00 CDN dollars due to 1.42 exchange rate & 2.5 credit card charge! I have yet to receive the unit and keeping my fingers crossed that import duties will not apply. I sure hope this will be worth the money or this will definitely be my "last" upgrade.

[@ianpickering4020]

@@bruceparris657 That would still be a great price compared to the UK. Would cost around £2500 here which is approx $4000 Canadian.

[@andrewkahn7345]

@GoldenSound Are you an electrical engineer of some sort, or do you just know how the internals of audio equipment works very well?

[@nick62876]

just wanted to know if you have ever reviewed the holo cyan amp/dac and if so how does it compare to other dacs in their range

[@seethruhead7119]

Have you had a change to listen the the XIAUDIO Sagra? Would be interested in a video on it.

[@momtazularefin]

Excellent review as usual. You seem very knowledgeable about preamp and digital volume control. You said that when I use digital volume control of a DAC I lose dynamic range. 12db attenuation reduces 12db of dynamic range. I perfectly understand the logic and math behind it. But I noticed another phenomenon. When I use volume control on the HQ player and disable DAC volume control completely, I get much better sound quality audibly. Although both should be perfectly same. Not all players provide such improvement. Only HQ player and jriver internal volume controller generate such improvement. Frankly the improvement is so obvious that it is very close to having a high quality analog preamp. Could you shed some technical reasoning behind this experience? BTW this is true for all DACs that I have.

[@ivanmelkner7704]

Hello, will be good for active analog speakers like ELAC ARF 51? Thank you

[@patrickdowns7114]

Excellent review. I have narrowed down my choice of next DAC to this one, OR the Denafrips Pontus II. I was hoping to find a review of the Pontus II by you. Have you used it, and do you have thoughts? Thanks.

[@cablebrain9691]

I watched a review in which they were compared, on the "A British Audiophile" channel. But I do wish they would be compared (in more depth) here, to get another perspective and better overall understanding of the sonic differences. You can view the brief comparison in this segment: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaXGp6aEZZqKbMU

[@nunoferraz5426]

@@cablebrain9691 in reality...cant see how a pontus or venus being an overall better Dac than the spring 3 kte. This is more in line with the terminator.... with a preamp.

[@cablebrain9691]

@@nunoferraz5426 So you've heard them I presume...........what are the sonic differences?

[@nunoferraz5426]

@@cablebrain9691 I haven't... basing it on internals and specifications, from true native dsd to galvanized input with pll. I have ordered the spring 3 kte /w preamp... will share thoughts then .

[@cablebrain9691]

@@nunoferraz5426 For what it's worth, A British Audiophile had the Denafrips Pontus II and the Holo Audio Spring 3 Level 2 (not the KTE) in his home at the same time. He found them different, but comparable. I'd like to hear more direct comparisons like this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaXGp6aEZZqKbMU

[@denisovandrey6313]

I want to upgrade from Spring 1 and I don't need a preamp, what would you recommend May or Spring 3?

[@alcophone8072]

So feature wise the Spring 3 can be bought with a built-in preamp, while the May has built-in oversampling, but there's no May with a built-in preamp, right? Are there any good options to perform HQPlayer oversampling to 1.536 MHz with an MScaler-like filter using regular SPDIF input (e.g. TOSLINK)? Do the many taps add latency, thus making it unusable for videos?

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

You can’t use 1.536MHz with SPDIF.

[@alcophone8072]

@@Maxime-ho9iv The idea is to take any SPDIF signal (from 16/44.1 to 24/192) and upsample it to 1.536 MHz, then send it to the Spring 2/3/May via USB. HQPlayer can upsample files that you have and I believe it can act as a virtual sound card and therefore upsample the output of other applications, but how to use it with an existing streamer/transport/TV etc. is not clear.

[@plebbyplebster9595]

Random and probably dumb question, but I can't seem to find good answers on the web: Does it even make sense to use a high-end DAC like this with active DSP monitors? I'm trying out a pair of EVE SC3070 monitors over the next weeks and was wondering how much I should invest in a decent DAC. But the double-DACing seems totally weird to me, won't the second DAC in the monitors basically overwrite a lot of the first DACs characteristics? Especially if it's R2R externally and then Delta/Sigma inside the monitor. Needless to say, I'm new to this field :)

[@paoloilusorio2042]

Would the Level 1 Spring 3? Compared to a Gungnir MB or Qutest?

[@robeperez8626]

Is there any sound quality difference from the L1 vs the L3 KTE?

[@caspian40]

Can i ask what the amp is on your desk you refer to while talking about the spring 3 pre amp capabilities