Quick Take: Holo Spring 3 KTE Review (& Pontus II comparison)

[@russb3n]

Great job and I totally agree with your thoughts on it. I had the Chord Dave with my Woo Audio WA33 Elite with upgraded KR HP tubes which made it extremely revealing and forward so much I was just to much for me with the combo. So I bought the Holo MAY KTE and it tames my system back to more neutral instead of the analytical side that I had before. But at first I was like this is to laid back for me but after a month of break in it sounds amazing exactly what I was looking for. Keep up the great work love the channel

[@mfgillia7606]

Great review - love my Spring 3 KTE too. If you haven't done so yet highly recommend trying it with HQ Player's upsamplying to experience a different flavor.

[@mesonto]

Do you use Roon as well? If so have you compared Roon's DSD upsamplung to HQ's

[@TheMax1230]

I agree, HQ Player really lets you see what a good NOS DAC can do.

[@swcblad]

@@TheMax1230 does it mean you have to play a file through a computer, connected to the DAC via a USB cable? and what files you recommend?

[@TheMax1230]

@@swcblad Yes that's what it means. Play what you like.

[@ericstefko4852]

nice review, if I could offer a suggestion it would be nice if you talked about what connections you used and what source was used.

[@orrman5]

Thanks for the review. When I owned the Spring 3 KTE I've noticed that with amps like the Enleum 23r it was just too smooth so actually lost details. I think your recommendation of getting a cleaner amp and resolving headphones are kind of saying something similar. This could be a great DAC for some but for others not as much.

[@SineCraftAudio]

Indeed. The 23r has a lovely fluid presentation and the Holo is more of the same. Probably not the best pairing.

[@ericelmore2742]

Great review. Looking for a Dac that is smooth, organic and brings soul to the music non-fatiguing analog sound without losing detail retrieval. In this price range do you feel this Dac performs the best?

[@SineCraftAudio]

Based on the description you provided of what you are looking for I think the Spring 3 is a very solid candidate in its price range. It offered a ton of detail retrieval without being fatiguing.

[@davidstein9129]

I definitely appreciate the way you carefully describe how this DAC sounded to you ...For example, how the bass and mid-bass sounded...."meaty".. fuller..thicker.. seductive...pulls you in". lol Great work!

[@juneguts]

Thanks for talking about this stuff.

[@davidstein9129]

Thanks for reaching out to me so quickly. I absolutely agree with you. I'm hoping that I can figure out a workaround to the Dac embedded in my Marantz AV7706 Preamp Processor. What if all av signals go through the DAC in my Marantz AV7706 Preamp Processor?.. and all 2 channel audio signals go through my new Holo DAC? I would essentially have 2 separate systems in 1 av rack. lol. ID how to do that. It doesn't make sense for me to purchase an expensive new DAC if the all audio signals must also go through the cheap DAC built inside of the Marantz Preamp Processor. It's really awful. I still don't know how to resolve this issue. Any other thoughts? Thanks, David

[@davidstein9129]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video review of this DAC. Thanks for the great work you put into your presentation and for just knowing your stuff. I'll briefly mention that I am having ongoing issues with the way my audio system presents the vocal & instrumental with in the 3D soundstage. The clarity/ spacial separation , depth and width are all good but definitely not great, while the height of the soundstage is horrible. Singers and instrumentalists sound as if they are 3 feet tall. A few people in high-end audio, believe that to get accurate 3D imaging, you have to have a high-end DAC. In other words, a preamp or an amp won't solve the problem. Do you agree with that? I am using 2 preamps that are daisy-chained together. The DAC's are built into my newish Marantz Preamp Processor and my Parasound Halo P6 Preamplifier. I welcome any of your well informed thoughts and opinions. Thanks, David

[@SineCraftAudio]

I'm not personally familiar with Marantz processors or the embedded DACs but in my experience dedicated DACs can have a significant impact on presentation. The quality source material is also important but that translation from digital back to analog is crucial.

[@jasperstromy2778]

The price difference of the Holo Spring 3 with preamp and the Denafrips Pontus II is significant. Pontus II is around 1,800.00 and the Holo is around 3,600.00. The Pontus II has a chip (fpga) update now that probably brings the sound a bit closer to the Holo. That update is great but requires synergy in the system. It was too much of a good thing in my system. Vinsine audio (who sales Denafrips) allows a customer to (roll back) to the original chip, which I did.

[@sonusancti]

I think it is more fair to compare it to the Venus or even the Terminator to see if it punches above its weight.

[@loudiber]

Great review! Helpful take on the amp and headphone pairings. What was your source chain feeding the Spring? And what connections did you use? It sounded like you didn't use the I2S input. If you still have the Iris maybe you could try running it through the Spring via I2S?

[@SineCraftAudio]

Unfortunately you can't pair the Iris and Spring, they don't have nay shared I2S protocol options. I used USB off my laptop and coax from a Cambridge streamer both using Qobuz.

[@davestevens4193]

Venus 2 vs this DAC or level 1 vs Pontus 2 would have been fairer comparisons.

[@klepp19]

Sine Craft I believe you are on point! Just to make sure is Spring less lean than Pontus? As other reviewers say Pontus is fuller. Thanks!

[@SineCraftAudio]

I guess it depends. I think thee Pontus has a little more impact at times which can feel weightier, but thee Spring to me has an overall fuller sound.

[@klepp19]

@@SineCraftAudio Thanks Sine Craft! 😊

[@mrpmj00]

the denafrips pontus II 12th-1 can further be improved by adding the DDC Denafrips Iris 12th! Apple Music lossless

[@baronofgreymatter14]

I run this very Dac with a Rose RS130 streamer. Really nice match. Tons of upsampling options I play it thru a Luxman L507Z

[@SineCraftAudio]

Nice! How do you like the Luxman? I've been getting interested in Luxman and Accuphase integrated amps.

[@baronofgreymatter14]

@@SineCraftAudio luxman is very relaxed and clear. No real house sound. Very real to what you put thru it

[@mrt6349]

I would like to know what difference is on level 1 to kte. I have bought the kte bliss the difference in price between lvl to kte was not so bad, but the spring 3 level 1 to kte is.

[@SineCraftAudio]

Obviously the specific updates are listed on their site but unfortunately I can't comment on the practical performance difference. Would personally love to see an A/B comparison to know what you get. I'm guessing like all things in high end audio I'mm sure it's a story of diminishing returns but FOMO usually wins out ;)

[@mcfIy]

nice to finally also get your take on this infamous DAC. to your point of having a "good enough" chain to access it's potential: can you name some headphones and/or amp's that would be capable of accessing "it"? Is the Arya for example capable enough? How about ZMF headphones? thanks! cheers

[@SineCraftAudio]

I think you'd want to go higher in the Hifiman line to really get the value of this DAC, maybe HE1000 V2 and up. As far as ZMF goes, the Verite are pretty detailed and have enough structure to be a good pairing but the lighter, thinner, Hifiman sound might be a better match. The amp will make a big difference as well.

[@fabriziosiano7210]

Great review! Really enjoy your pairing comments as well. Sorry if I’m a bit late on this review but if you find the time to give me your opinion on this it would be really appreciated. When you said the mids are forward, does this include the singer (vocals). Are the vocals pushed closer to you than from the Pontus. ? I’m searching for a dac with the vocals behind the speaker plane. Any suggestions?

[@SineCraftAudio]

I primarily listened to this and the Pontus over headphones which present a bit differently, and, it's been awhile since I've heard either one, but based on your goal I think the Pontus is more what you're looking for. You might also check out the Chord stuff, from memory the staging is pretty even.

[@fabriziosiano7210]

@@SineCraftAudio sorry for all the questions, I’m from Haiti so it’s hard to audition anything. Found the answer on the web. The holo seems more forward as it brings the stage closer but pushes the singer further back. So it has a deeper staging. the Taboo also seem to be what I’m looking for with the variable staging. So now I need your opinion on the best DAC for the taboo between those two or any other one you think synergies best with the Taboo. For focal utopia.

[@guanhuan]

Great review! Are you interested in douk audio U3 and U5 headphone amplifier, are you going to make reviews of them?

[@davidstein9129]

I have heard reviewers call the Denafrips Pontus II as sounding on the warm side of neutral but not dry. Can anyone briefly weigh in on this opinion for me?

[@aleksandarstojceski3139]

Everybody thinks denafrips is warmer....except this guy.

[@jasonlsimmons]

@@aleksandarstojceski3139 I am loving my Pontus II! Use it with an Eversolo DMP-A6 streamer via USB.

[@mignotmaxime2409]

You get more smoothness, with notes gracefully decaying in the space, more sense of the room but at the same time you qualified it as being forward. I struggle to understand.

[@SineCraftAudio]

Sometimes it's hard to find the right words to describe the subtleties of audio gear. I don't see forwardness and graceful decay as being mutually exclusive characteristics. One of the things I like about the Spring is its ability to be fun and full sounding while also exposing a ton of detail and nuance.

[@brothatwasepic]

Hi guys is there anywhere in Washington State where I Can just walk in, audition and walk out owning a May or Dave or Spring?

[@MWeston2]

How would you compare the sound differences between this and the Chord DACs you've tested? I'm thinking of getting a Spring 3 to offer something different to my Qutest but just how much difference am I going to get? Thanks!

[@SineCraftAudio]

I'll be the first to admit that at the end of the day their is not a *huge* difference to be found from one high end DAC to the next, but that being said, I think Chord and Holo are pretty differentiated in their approach and resulting presentation.

[@MWeston2]

@@SineCraftAudio Thanks for taking the time to reply. The thing for me is deciding if spending all that money would give me enough difference in the sound to make it worth while, across all my headphones, or if just buying another headphone would be the smarter choice. :)

[@MusicLover-01]

I've had the Qutest, Musician Pegasus and now Pontus 2. Assuming the Pontus 2 shares some similar R2R traits, you will likely get a more relaxed (for me) closer to natural analogue presentation from the Spring. Spring 3 sound charachterisitc is closer to the Qutest than the Pontus 2 based on my interpretation of reviews. It's snappier and more resolving and sounds a bit closer to a chip/fpga but maintains a more natural and musical sound. Both options will be a step up over the Qutest in a meaningful way if you value the sound signature and musicality of R2R. Musician Pegasus is a very lush sounding DAC but it smooths things out a bit too much for my tastes and so I ultimatley preferred Qutest. However, there is a caveat, Qutest is probably at least as detailed and faster than both the higher end R2Rs. The crucial difference is harshness (synthetic digital glare) which disappears and sound stage depth which is there with the Qutest but lacking vs said alternatives. Pontus 2 casts a wider and deeper soundstage, and gives you a richer fuller sound with better timbre, not sure about the Spring 3 although likely similar. Last but not least you need a resolving system to pull out the smile factor differences. Consider amp or speaker upgrades beforehand if not. Good luck 👍

[@MWeston2]

@@MusicLover-01 I really appreciate the reply! Actually, shortly before Christmas, I ended up buying a used Ares 2 to see what I thought and I totally get what you are saying when you make the Pontus 2 vs Qutest comparisons. I actually like the Qutest so much more than the Ares 2. The bass is so much stronger, the highs are so much sharper (in a good way) and the overall feel is more exciting. I hope you are right about the Spring 3 being closer to Qutest than the Denafrips sounds but I'm still holding off for now. Thanks again for your comments!

[@MusicLover-01]

@@MWeston2 My pleasure, Qutest is a fantastic DAC and takes a big step up or in a different direction to do any better. Pontus 2 is a big step up over the Ares 2 which as you say isn't as good as the Qutest overall, i.e. the gains don't offset the losses. Whilst I haven't heard the Holo in my system, based on sound demos and reviews it appears to follow a closer line to the Chord sound as far as FPGA dacs go in that it has slightly more defined leading edges to it and a slightly more analytical approach. Pontus 2 is likely more relaxed but is extremely musical and enjoyable whilst retaining excellent detail and speed. If you move up to R2R and you have the system to support a big leap, I'd be comparing the Spring 3 and the Venus 2. Pontus 2 will get you close and offers great value and is a solid option if you can't reach the others.

[@Peace_Guard]

If you choose the version including preamp, can you turn off the preamp module if you'd like to use a separate preamp instead of the in-built one?

[@SineCraftAudio]

I don't think you can bypass the preamp section.

[@vagomaniac]

Considering youre plugged in directly noisy devices and I imagine you didnt over sample the signal, you probably didnt get the whole picture. This way it wiould get faster more dynamic and detailed if you want it.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Is this the level directly under May? I get confused by their naming.

[@joshuabrain9751]

Yes. Spring is lower model, May is higher model. Spring 3 is latest version of the Spring.

[@joanyadhatan]

a comparison with Chord Hugo TT 2 would be good

[@SineCraftAudio]

From memory I'd say the TT2 has crisper and more demential presentation. The Spring is smoother and subtler. Spring is more to my taste (*depending on system synergy).

[@joanyadhatan]

@@SineCraftAudio thank you very much

[@HungryEatNow]

The price gap is rather big...

[@SineCraftAudio]

There is for sure. Removing the preamp from the Spring (so just looking at top of the line KTE version) and adding the Iris to the Pontus they get closer (about $700 delta) but still a big margin. The Pontus has one of the better value here dollar ratios I've found in high end R2R DACs.

[@Peace_Guard]

@@SineCraftAudio I think Denafrips Venus 2 would be a better comparison. It's step higher vs Pontus 2, well received, and it's price is in between Spring 3 editions Level 2 & KTE.