my spring 3 kte arrived yesterday, I've only had about 3 hours sleep. can't stop listening. I'm in love. Thanks again for your review!! Holo red should be here in a couple of weeks... very excited!
Nothing in life that is worth anything, comes very easily. I think the sacrifice might be worth it LOL. This DAC will last you the next five years I absolutely loved it. And welcome to the fam 🐅
I saw the New Record Day review and was impressed by the ONE digital source used. Red book 💿 16/44.1 ..because if you want to show how much of an improvement modern chip and programming can improve the sound…. RUN an “original “ digital format disk. That is my criteria for my DAC . Does it work with the hundreds of cd in ny collection and also for , let’s say Amazon HD Music ….that’s my criteria. Great review 🍻
Hi koji love your review and appreciation to what you have achieved on your chanel your desk is getting bigger by the day , I love audio but get so confused sometimes on how things work for example I have the felix euphoria 20th and a holo cyan Dac but want to add a pre maybe the serene sometime soon I know the pre conects to the felix but we're does the dac get plugged into the felix or the pre forgive me I'm a bit dislectic when it comes to hooking things up lol thanks for all your help koji your great .😊
Hi Thank you for the kind words it’s very much appreciated, welcome to the fam 🐅 In your current setup, you do not need a pre-, The chain starts like this : Pc-streamer-Mac which ever sauce you have. This will connect to your DAC, then your DAC, connect to your headphone amplifier - euphoria, et cetera You need to integrate a pre-like this for a separate chain Your source your DAC, your pre-, finally, your power amplifier Currently, this is not your chain, you do not need to buy a pre-
@ConvinceMeAudio Thank you for your help koji I appreciate it very much so I do not need a preamp I that's good save me some money il invest in a streamer instead I just heard the running a pre with a tube amp leads to better results ? So the amp on the Euphoria is just fine then ? Thanks again koji I will join your patriot feel bad getting free advise lol great work koji you have been a great help .
@@nick62876 it’s my pleasure, welcome to join the public chat which is free as well, No, you don’t really need it with that specific amplifier I might have recommended it with some of the Cayin unit, Look at the red from holo audio it’s a fantastic streamer and DDC
@ConvinceMeAudio Thank you the holo red is on my list as soon as funds allow lol glad to be part of the fam Most people I know friends and family do not know what I'm going on about half the time they think I'm crazy lol . Thanks again koji
hello. awesome review . you are always doing awesome job . But i got a dilemma ..... i currently use Ps audio DSD and iam not happy at all . this thing produce a lot of noise. (my analogue part of the system is extremely quiet quiet parasoud jc5 with P6 preamplifier . My question to you is simple : based on specs the output of DSD part from the spring 3 DAC without optional pre-amplifier is very quiet DAC Voltage Output 1.45Vrms (RCA), 2.9Vrms (XLR) - its not much in my opinion.... did i should get the one with pre amp build in or not ? whats your experience ? from other have i dont like the idea of using one preamp over another one .
With pre you get 13 V additional headroom from memory, I think it’s been awhile since I had this unit here, at this point, I don’t think you will have any problems
Awesome, I always check the comments for these direct to consumer components to see if anyone NOT reviewing it has left their impressions. Would be good to hear yours once you’ve had time with it.
@@Benvos will be happy to revert on. Have a similar setup ie. Susvara, D90 with the Burson Sololist xp. I am hoping the KTE will be a marked Improvement on the D90.
This review was the final confirmation, I ordered the Spring 3 KTE myself, it's still breaking in, so I am waiting to see how good it can sound. It's impressive after an hour, but I believe that it needs a long breaking to show its full potential.
Everyone talks about how good a Dac is, but don't forget how the audio was converted to digital, most top end dacs do a good job back to analogue, but ultimately will be how the audio was encoded.
Genuinely being honest with you, there is not a genre where I found any weak spots It is fast, powerful attack, superb presentation and separation, excellent tonal balance and wonderful texture It is kind of captivating to be fair
@@peterwood2633 I recommend getting the L3, for the USB board, it’s like the one in the May and I think if I’m not mistaken is the only one with PLL This is very important
Great review! Love your style and thanks for the detailed info here. I currently have a biftost 2 DAC going out to a GS-X mini. Would the spring 3 KTE be a good upgrade? I've been going back and forth between that or upgrading to a yggdrasil. Curious to hear if you've tried the spring 3 through a GS-X mini or something like an Oor stack as well?
I think AutoCorrect might’ve messed up if you meant byFrost then yes significantly specially on a GSX mini I don’t think you will need to upgrade after this for a very long time
Now auditioning Spring 3 L2 with GS-X Mini and sounds bombastic. But you also need very special feet under the both of them, I use Midi for GS-X and Maxi under Spring3 from Authentic Audio Image and they truly transformed my experience with this combo. Need to try it yourself to believe, as I did. Now cannot (nor want to) go back :)
How do you usually feed such a DAC with data? Would that work with a simple smartphone via USB? I would like to have a device that I can operate like an iPhone. What should I bear in mind?
Considering the clocking and noise isolation/mitigation of the Spring 3 KTE, do you believe that there is sonically any advantage to buying an expensive streamer? Or will one achieve the same sound quality from a Chromecast Audio or Bluesound Node as they would from an Auralic. Aurender, or Lumin streamer? I understand that there may be features that differentiate them, but I'm just referring to the audio quality. Does this DAC make the previous sonic advantages of these upscale streamers obsolete?
I've thought of this question too. I currently have an Auralic Altair G1 DAC/streamer, and it certainly sounds great. This DAC will probably be my next purchase. From what I've read, different DAC-less streamers do make a difference....and I have a feeling it won't just come down to one thing. I'm sure the Springs PLL will help but, it won't fix everything. But....it would be a good way to gradually upgrade, get a better streamer later.
Thanks for the review. It was very informative. I'm particularly interested in your thoughts when comparing with the Chord Qutest? Also which PSU did you use for the Qutest? Thank you
So, I recently got to play with the cutest again with the utopia elite HEDDphone and Mysphear ear speakers. The spring three is in a league of its own, it’s not even in the same ballpark, the upgrade from the cutest would be exponential. Staging imaging layering impact of base region actual power delivery from the output stage, Texture the cutest sounds overall soft and less dynamic I love the cutest, it’s an excellent DAC, but it’s not in the same league Whole different ball game mate
Hugo to, which basically is the cutest, in that price point But to be honest Delta Sigma has never really sounded analogue to me, they’ve all sounded pretty excellent or fantastic but not quite there, it’s only been since the ladder DAC reviews that I’ve truly felt like the conversion is beginning to sound like analogue
Believe! The Yggdrasil takes running it 24 x 7 for at least 10 days when new before it opens up. I believe that folks say to run it at least 24 hours after it has powered down, but I just leave mine on all the time via a battery powered uninterruptable power supply. I don't usually question why in audio anymore. I just try it, if it really works I use it, but I do have to be motivated sufficiently to believe that it may make a difference.
I have heard this too many times and the first experience I had with it was awful, so that could be the case, but until I bring it in for review, and see, I can’t really tell. I can tell you now though the holloaudio DAC definitely does need 24 hours otherwise it sounds like aSS in the morning when you just switch it on, so I just leave it on LOL mine has been on for like five actually nine months
Slow, no, little laid-back, yes, slightly rounded it has punch, but in a different way For the characteristics you’re looking for you looking at chord They are a bit more incisive edge of attack and punchy for electronic music for regular music, spring three more organic more realistic
@@ConvinceMeAudio I’ve tried the chord DACs and the mojo2 lately. It’s good. Timbre is a touch off and the weight of the instruments isn’t the best. Meat on the bone so to speak. I’m trying to find a DAC to beat my Marantz HD DAC1 and I haven’t yet. Been through a lot. And I’m 53. I’m not a little kid who has some silly crush on my gear. I could care less. I just want to find something a bit more modern than my DAC to sound better and I haven’t yet. Been through the benchmark DAC3. Which was the best ESS DAC I’ve currently tried , to the Venus II from Denafrips which had an overdone huge soundstage and was too pipe and slippers. Very little dynamics and attack and punch. My search continues. Great channel btw.
@@Nightjar726 I am very glad to hear that, because the equipment means nothing. It’s just a tool at the end of the day. I highly recommend testing out the Dave and M Scaler or TT2 and M scaler If you have, and to those, but for organic nature realism, it’s very difficult to beat May at that price point To be honest, it just depends how much you wanna spend
@@ConvinceMeAudio I actually use HQplayer which is more powerful than the Mscaler and does the same thing but offers a ton of options on filters , modulators and DSD as well as PCM. They do make a difference and why I bought it. Unfortunately the Dave is out of my budget. You should try and get your hands on a used Marantz HD DAC1. I’m sure you will be quite surprised.
@@Nightjar726 I use HQ player on a regular basis on the main reference system here too. It’s awesome for the price point, but M scaler sounds far more organic and realistic
I have the Audeze LCD 5 and Burson Soloist 3X GT Amp incoming.. I'll be using these with the D90se for now. I am strongly considering getting the Spring 3 KTE. Based on this review and also Golden Sound's review, looks like this will be a significant upgrade to the D90se. I think this would be a pretty damn good "Trinity" as you call it and hope this will become my end game... for now ;) .. my wallet hates me
The D90SE review is actually coming very soon, but the difference between it and spring three is on another level Nice set up, drop by again with impressions very curious have not had the opportunity to demo or review the LCD5 yet
Unfortunately I have not had hands on with that. But looking at the specifications and some over views, this Hollo is in a different league mate in a different class But you will also need to provide your own amplifier this is just a DAC The second thing I will say is if you’re happy, no need to upgrade only upgrade if you feel the money is there and you want a better performance, But the answer to your question, take it with a pinch of salt, educated guess, yes
I don’t see it being a problem if you have balanced input or even RCA input This looks like a pretty decent amplifier, I will dive in to its specifications in a few hours
Of course, but I need to look through the video again, also remember this was very early last year or the year before, they’re much better amplifiers on the market HoloAudio bliss Zahl hm1 Purifi Benchmark ahb2 Ferrum OOR HYPSOS
I Just bought a Holo May Kitsune .. this morning .. currently have a Lumin D2 sends a signal to Hugo2 .. Modright KWH225i Integrated Hybrid Amp, Boenicke W8se+ Speakers …An Aurilac Aries G2.1 is on its way also .. can ‘t wait to get it all in an running
I bought the Auralic Aries G2.1 6 weeks ago, I’ve been loving it but it goes into the dac of the Hegel H390. A dac is next on the list and the Holo May was on my shortlist but the direct to consumer products always worry me! Be great to hear your experience with the G2.1 and the Holo May. From my short experience, Lightning DS is great, native Tidal and Qobuz so everything you do in the app saves in each app as well, it’s a great piece of kit and software.
What utility would one actually gain from the pre amp module? If you're going to a proper headphone amp, integrated or power amp what's the point? Granted class A for 500 bucks is sexy but... what for? I suppose if you were ONLY using it in a fixed power amp situation you would gain utility. I run my RME at a fixed line out -20 dB with normalized loudness for a 20dB reference level which allows mid gain head room at the 12'o clock position, but is not necessary with high gain untapped.
So here’s the deal, The pre-inside this DAC is very good that’s fine, the pre-is useful if you have active monitors, One The second one would be is going to a power amp it’s the way to control the volume on the power amp because there normally would not be a volume control But you do not need a pre-for a headphone amplifier that has its own pot unless the pot is extremely bad and you want to bypass it
I currently have a Fiio K9 pro Dac/AMP connected to a ifi pro iCan signature, with Hifiman Arya Stealth, HD800s, Stellia, Th610. The Holo Spring 3 KTE is 2700USD here in Hong Kong. My ears isn't really thattt good at telling the difference between DACS, do you recommend me getting this Holo Spring 3 KTE or is it overkill? The other reviewer really dislike the Spring 3 and much prefered the May KTE and Chord hugo TT2 but they are like double the price, which I think is really overkill.
That’s actually a good value price we pay $3600 here for this. I think even get in the spring 2 l3 or L2 thought about probably where you are $1400-$1600, might be a good way to go, and you will still get a fantastic upgrade
@@ConvinceMeAudio It is much cheaper here even for the May KTE about 5150USD here. It just that I tried a few different DACs with the latest DAC chips, to me, I just cannot tell that much of a difference between them. Not sure if I upgrade to the Spring 3 KTE will give me that WOW factor for 4x the price of the K9 pro which I think sounds really good with its AK4499 implementation and tuning.
@@ConvinceMeAudio theres only one dealer for Holo in the whole city, probably there is demo but I only contacted through whatsap about availability and price. I can see the Holo Spring 3 is very popular on their China Taobao main store with many customers with great feedbacks but most of them use it with a speaker setup not with headphones.
I use a pair of Genelec 8341's so, in that case, would this DAC be irrelevant as I am ultimately hearing the DAC in within the speakers themselves. Is that right?
Irrelevant of course not, the spring free will just transport the source to the speakers, in the most organic natural way possible I have Genelec Studio monitors here too, they are a work tool,, they are extremely resolving and very reference, so with this spring I think it would make a magical combo
May review should be coming shortly, Separate power supply, so it’s two units on top of each other slightly different in the tonality bigger stage performs better obviously but not by a large amount I would say the difference is like 20% absolute tops
@@ConvinceMeAudio just came across your channel today, you’ve got very pertinent reviews. Actually selling my empyreans & TT2 for the May but keeping hold of M Scaler as I’ve heard it’s still great for third party dacs. Just not the headphone guy any more
@@ConvinceMeAudio in that case should I stick with sigma delta dacs for dsd upsampling? I have had the Ares II and was addicted to the analog sound and only felt it lacked a tighter low end so I love r2r dacs from my limited experience but I listen to less music these days and more "sounds" and background ambience. Pleasant Ambient retrieval is what I enjoy most and dsd upsampling with my Accuphase's DAC option board, I get all of that.
@@HailKingCeezer here is the thing, the in-house chip that deals with DSD sounds pretty fucking good inside the spring three, so you literally can have three in one at holy Trinity in this DAC DSD, NOS, up sampling,
@@ConvinceMeAudio Yeah that is very convincing. I can always just set certain PCM to upsample to dsd since my library is majority redbook-i can let that get the NOS analog feel and the rest upsample to the highest dsd. Great review and thanks. I got to sell off 3 amps i'm no longer using and then Spring 3 KTE is in the lead to be my new DAC, followed by Pontus II, 3rd place new Accuphase Dac-60 option board, 4th buy Ares II again. Dividing Funds between DAC and Power amp is tough, but i think the DAC will win.
Does it pair well with lower impedance headphones with its pre? Looking for a DAC with pre for my active speakers and headphones like utopia and stellia, kinda worried that it might be too powerful
Welcome to the channel, yes exactly It will work perfectly but it does not decode MQA and you want to stay away from mqa anyway In my opinion it sounds like ASS
@@maximeleblanc7828 it comes down to what type of music you listen to, Qobuz definitely sounds the best of all the streaming services in my testing, but the catalogue is very genre specific, jazz, classical, et cetera they’re getting better though This is what I use at the desk, or my own library. For on the go, Apple Music, because I am heavily invested in Apple, and it sounds fricking good for on the go Waiting for Spotify to release the lossless streaming service Their native player sounds the best of all the others on a desktop system Qobuz that is, also if you are using third-party players like Roon or Audirvāna you are limited to tidal or Qobuz anyways, and I will choose the latter
how much better is this vs Gustard R26 or A26...all of them are R2R DAC's❓I heard Halo May is comparing in sound to an MSB Reference that is over 10,000 more 😮no way❓
Heres a comparison with r26 i copied and pasted from a forum thread I have a little more compares bitwin spring3 kte and r26. R26 is more extendet in highs - similar too delta sigma. As holo is more midrange centric with more mellow overall signature. With electronic/metal/rock music i prefer definetelly r26. R26 is faster and better slamming. Just as Sandu said great technical sounding. Where is spring3 kte is too mellow for that kind of music IMO. But with jazz, acoustics i prefer holo as it have more textures...if i got too choode one dac for all genre of music i choose r26...peace They are very similar. But i think holo spring 3 KTE is better. More textures in midrange, better positioning in soundstage, more full sound, more emotions in voclas, more "wet" sound. R26 is more technically sound signature(but not technically overall - still analog signature close to vinyl), little faster but thiner - specially in bass region. But they are pretty close in overall terms. Maybe r26 is little better in hard rock/metal music. So Holo is more connection to the music(emotions) but r26 is very good at that department too(much better then delta sigma in the same price category). I like them both !!! But i need to pick it up then Holo (more engaging)- it has much better parts and caps/wiring/trafo inside i think here is the reason of better sound
@@peterwood2633 The active pre-inside of the spring, is beneficial for somebody who wants to control the volume at the end of the chain, This could be the following, active studio monitors, speaker amplifiers, or bypassing a very bad P.O.T. But if you have a decent headphone amplifier such as a GSX mini with a integrated stepped attenuator you don’t need to buy the pre-, the pre-inside the spring will most likely outperform it for transparency and performance, but it’s not necessary You only go for the pre-option if you need some way of controlling the music at the end of the chain
Nearly 2 weeks for the Analog 2. It may be listenable at a week, I don't remember, but I wasn't really impressed until it was on for about 12 days. I leave it on 24 x 7 now too. YMMV I am planning on replacing it with the Holo Audio Spring 3.
Unfortunately mate, this is the DAC only with active pre-, you will need to supply an amplifier with this for your system at your desk, Unless you’re running active monitors But it’s fricking sublime
@@rogerhuston8287 no need to apologise mate I just wanted you to be aware It depends what your current system is, and what headphones you have, in regards to how much of a large role it will play in your chain
my spring 3 kte arrived yesterday, I've only had about 3 hours sleep. can't stop listening. I'm in love. Thanks again for your review!! Holo red should be here in a couple of weeks... very excited!
I think I'm about to be living on oatmeal for the next two months. Thank you for this excellent review!
Nothing in life that is worth anything, comes very easily.
I think the sacrifice might be worth it LOL.
This DAC will last you the next five years I absolutely loved it.
And welcome to the fam 🐅
Soo much passion. Incredible review mate. Thanks a lot for your time and effort.
Welcome to the fam 🐅
your reviews are amazing, man. Keep it up!
Welcome to the fam 🐅
Great review. I am so stuck deciding between the Bliss May or Spring! ❤❤
I ordered Spring 3 DAC after watching this review !
When it arrives, and you play with it give us your opinion
it’s fantastic 🐅
I saw the New Record Day review and was impressed by the ONE digital source used.
Red book 💿 16/44.1 ..because if you want to show how much of an improvement modern chip and programming can improve the sound…. RUN an “original “ digital format disk.
That is my criteria for my DAC .
Does it work with the hundreds of cd in ny collection and also for , let’s say Amazon HD Music ….that’s my criteria.
Great review 🍻
Hi koji love your review and appreciation to what you have achieved on your chanel your desk is getting bigger by the day , I love audio but get so confused sometimes on how things work for example I have the felix euphoria 20th and a holo cyan Dac but want to add a pre maybe the serene sometime soon I know the pre conects to the felix but we're does the dac get plugged into the felix or the pre forgive me I'm a bit dislectic when it comes to hooking things up lol thanks for all your help koji your great .😊
Hi
Thank you for the kind words it’s very much appreciated, welcome to the fam 🐅
In your current setup, you do not need a pre-,
The chain starts like this :
Pc-streamer-Mac which ever sauce you have.
This will connect to your DAC, then your DAC, connect to your headphone amplifier - euphoria, et cetera
You need to integrate a pre-like this for a separate chain
Your source your DAC, your pre-, finally, your power amplifier
Currently, this is not your chain, you do not need to buy a pre-
@ConvinceMeAudio
Thank you for your help koji I appreciate it very much so I do not need a preamp I that's good save me some money il invest in a streamer instead I just heard the running a pre with a tube amp leads to better results ? So the amp on the Euphoria is just fine then ?
Thanks again koji I will join your patriot feel bad getting free advise lol great work koji you have been a great help .
@@nick62876 it’s my pleasure, welcome to join the public chat which is free as well,
No, you don’t really need it with that specific amplifier
I might have recommended it with some of the Cayin unit,
Look at the red from holo audio it’s a fantastic streamer and DDC
@ConvinceMeAudio
Thank you the holo red is on my list as soon as funds allow lol glad to be part of the fam
Most people I know friends and family do not know what I'm going on about half the time they think I'm crazy lol .
Thanks again koji
hello. awesome review . you are always doing awesome job . But i got a dilemma ..... i currently use Ps audio DSD and iam not happy at all . this thing produce a lot of noise. (my analogue part of the system is extremely quiet quiet parasoud jc5 with P6 preamplifier . My question to you is simple : based on specs the output of DSD part from the spring 3 DAC without optional pre-amplifier is very quiet DAC Voltage Output 1.45Vrms (RCA), 2.9Vrms (XLR) - its not much in my opinion.... did i should get the one with pre amp build in or not ? whats your experience ? from other have i dont like the idea of using one preamp over another one .
With pre you get 13 V additional headroom from memory, I think it’s been awhile since I had this unit here, at this point, I don’t think you will have any problems
...very interesting reviewer, I like his style. True passion coming though. Based on this... ordered the spring 3 , kte + preamp. 👏🏻
Awesome, I always check the comments for these direct to consumer components to see if anyone NOT reviewing it has left their impressions. Would be good to hear yours once you’ve had time with it.
@@Benvos will be happy to revert on. Have a similar setup ie. Susvara, D90 with the Burson Sololist xp. I am hoping the KTE will be a marked Improvement on the D90.
It will utterly annihilate it completely different experience
@@nunoferraz5426 I have Burson Soloist also and I think I have decided I want the spring 3 to pair it with.
This review was the final confirmation, I ordered the Spring 3 KTE myself, it's still breaking in, so I am waiting to see how good it can sound. It's impressive after an hour, but I believe that it needs a long breaking to show its full potential.
Everyone talks about how good a Dac is, but don't forget how the audio was converted to digital, most top end dacs do a good job back to analogue, but ultimately will be how the audio was encoded.
You’re a natural, thank you. I have the May on order would love to hear a review
Hey bud, thank you so much welcome to the fam 🐅
May kte has already been filmed
it’s awaiting editing
@@ConvinceMeAudio awesome that’s great to hear can’t wait
Just gotten this DAC also! Currently pairing it with V280. Very impressive DAC!
Fricking awesome 🐅🐅🐅
I’ve had mine 2 days, my face is aching. Can’t stop smiling.
Well done my man! Beautiful dac
My first time watching this channel... and I really enjoyed the presentation....
I'd give this review 5 tigers
Welcome to the fam
@@ConvinceMeAudio cheers man.... I'm binge watching the lot now 👌🏻
Subbed great review. How does it do with metal ? sounds like it would keep up? Cheers
Genuinely being honest with you, there is not a genre where I found any weak spots
It is fast, powerful attack, superb presentation and separation, excellent tonal balance and wonderful texture
It is kind of captivating to be fair
@@ConvinceMeAudio Thanks i think I'd get lvl 2
@@peterwood2633 I recommend getting the L3, for the USB board, it’s like the one in the May and I think if I’m not mistaken is the only one with PLL
This is very important
Excellent review!
A Nice review, thank you!
Great review! Love your style and thanks for the detailed info here. I currently have a biftost 2 DAC going out to a GS-X mini. Would the spring 3 KTE be a good upgrade? I've been going back and forth between that or upgrading to a yggdrasil.
Curious to hear if you've tried the spring 3 through a GS-X mini or something like an Oor stack as well?
I think AutoCorrect might’ve messed up if you meant byFrost then yes significantly specially on a GSX mini
I don’t think you will need to upgrade after this for a very long time
Now auditioning Spring 3 L2 with GS-X Mini and sounds bombastic. But you also need very special feet under the both of them, I use Midi for GS-X and Maxi under Spring3 from Authentic Audio Image and they truly transformed my experience with this combo. Need to try it yourself to believe, as I did. Now cannot (nor want to) go back :)
How do you usually feed such a DAC with data? Would that work with a simple smartphone via USB? I would like to have a device that I can operate like an iPhone. What should I bear in mind?
Oh no, I mean you can, but I wouldn’t recommend it, mostly a good source, such as a DDC, or a streamer
Considering the clocking and noise isolation/mitigation of the Spring 3 KTE, do you believe that there is sonically any advantage to buying an expensive streamer? Or will one achieve the same sound quality from a Chromecast Audio or Bluesound Node as they would from an Auralic. Aurender, or Lumin streamer?
I understand that there may be features that differentiate them, but I'm just referring to the audio quality. Does this DAC make the previous sonic advantages of these upscale streamers obsolete?
Honestly, the PLL is phenomenally good I don’t think it’s necessary
I've thought of this question too. I currently have an Auralic Altair G1 DAC/streamer, and it certainly sounds great. This DAC will probably be my next purchase. From what I've read, different DAC-less streamers do make a difference....and I have a feeling it won't just come down to one thing. I'm sure the Springs PLL will help but, it won't fix everything. But....it would be a good way to gradually upgrade, get a better streamer later.
did you end up comparing this to the may?
May kte is my daily driver
@@ConvinceMeAudio I mean a video Comparison
@@MrBoomtheroom it’s definitely coming, a little bit swamped I want to do the video properly Dave will be in the mix and most likely rockna to
Thanks for the review. It was very informative. I'm particularly interested in your thoughts when comparing with the Chord Qutest? Also which PSU did you use for the Qutest? Thank you
So, I recently got to play with the cutest again with the utopia elite HEDDphone and Mysphear ear speakers.
The spring three is in a league of its own, it’s not even in the same ballpark, the upgrade from the cutest would be exponential.
Staging imaging layering impact of base region actual power delivery from the output stage,
Texture the cutest sounds overall soft and less dynamic
I love the cutest, it’s an excellent DAC, but it’s not in the same league
Whole different ball game mate
@@ConvinceMeAudio Thanks a lot. In your experience, what are some of the most analog sounding DACs you've heard?
Hugo to, which basically is the cutest, in that price point
But to be honest Delta Sigma has never really sounded analogue to me, they’ve all sounded pretty excellent or fantastic but not quite there, it’s only been since the ladder DAC reviews that I’ve truly felt like the conversion is beginning to sound like analogue
@@ConvinceMeAudio appreciate the feedback!
Believe! The Yggdrasil takes running it 24 x 7 for at least 10 days when new before it opens up. I believe that folks say to run it at least 24 hours after it has powered down, but I just leave mine on all the time via a battery powered uninterruptable power supply. I don't usually question why in audio anymore. I just try it, if it really works I use it, but I do have to be motivated sufficiently to believe that it may make a difference.
I have heard this too many times and the first experience I had with it was awful, so that could be the case, but until I bring it in for review, and see, I can’t really tell.
I can tell you now though the holloaudio DAC definitely does need 24 hours otherwise it sounds like aSS in the morning when you just switch it on, so I just leave it on LOL mine has been on for like five actually nine months
Very passionate review! Nice one mate. I am waiting for my spring 3 kte … pumped
Compared to a delta sigma DAC chip DAC. Is the Holo Spring a bit slow? Too laid back? Doesn’t have enough slam when needed?
Much appreciated !
Slow, no, little laid-back, yes, slightly rounded it has punch, but in a different way
For the characteristics you’re looking for you looking at chord
They are a bit more incisive edge of attack and punchy for electronic music for regular music, spring three more organic more realistic
@@ConvinceMeAudio I’ve tried the chord DACs and the mojo2 lately. It’s good. Timbre is a touch off and the weight of the instruments isn’t the best. Meat on the bone so to speak.
I’m trying to find a DAC to beat my Marantz HD DAC1 and I haven’t yet. Been through a lot. And I’m 53. I’m not a little kid who has some silly crush on my gear. I could care less. I just want to find something a bit more modern than my DAC to sound better and I haven’t yet.
Been through the benchmark DAC3. Which was the best ESS DAC I’ve currently tried , to the Venus II from Denafrips which had an overdone huge soundstage and was too pipe and slippers. Very little dynamics and attack and punch.
My search continues.
Great channel btw.
@@Nightjar726 I am very glad to hear that, because the equipment means nothing. It’s just a tool at the end of the day.
I highly recommend testing out the Dave and M Scaler or TT2 and M scaler
If you have, and to those, but for organic nature realism, it’s very difficult to beat May at that price point
To be honest, it just depends how much you wanna spend
@@ConvinceMeAudio I actually use HQplayer which is more powerful than the Mscaler and does the same thing but offers a ton of options on filters , modulators and DSD as well as PCM.
They do make a difference and why I bought it.
Unfortunately the Dave is out of my budget.
You should try and get your hands on a used Marantz HD DAC1. I’m sure you will be quite surprised.
@@Nightjar726 I use HQ player on a regular basis on the main reference system here too. It’s awesome for the price point, but M scaler sounds far more organic and realistic
I have the Audeze LCD 5 and Burson Soloist 3X GT Amp incoming.. I'll be using these with the D90se for now. I am strongly considering getting the Spring 3 KTE. Based on this review and also Golden Sound's review, looks like this will be a significant upgrade to the D90se. I think this would be a pretty damn good "Trinity" as you call it and hope this will become my end game... for now ;) .. my wallet hates me
The D90SE review is actually coming very soon, but the difference between it and spring three is on another level
Nice set up, drop by again with impressions very curious have not had the opportunity to demo or review the LCD5 yet
i have a NAD D1050, sounds great, would this be a huger upgrade?
Unfortunately I have not had hands on with that. But looking at the specifications and some over views, this Hollo is in a different league mate in a different class
But you will also need to provide your own amplifier this is just a DAC
The second thing I will say is if you’re happy, no need to upgrade only upgrade if you feel the money is there and you want a better performance,
But the answer to your question, take it with a pinch of salt, educated guess, yes
I have the Cayin CS55-A tube amp and I really love it. Will it be enough to take advantage of the Spring 3 KTE?
I don’t see it being a problem if you have balanced input or even RCA input
This looks like a pretty decent amplifier, I will dive in to its specifications in a few hours
@@ConvinceMeAudio Wow... thx!
Can you list all the amps you mentioned, in the description along with model numbers
Of course, but I need to look through the video again, also remember this was very early last year or the year before, they’re much better amplifiers on the market
HoloAudio bliss
Zahl hm1
Purifi
Benchmark ahb2
Ferrum OOR HYPSOS
@@ConvinceMeAudio I'm seeking the best soundstage / image amp to pair with the Holo Spring 3 DAC. Budget for amp $3k max
@@DJdavefromlondon holo Bliss
Review is nearly completed, buy it leave the hobby and don’t look back LOL
No difference between I2S and USB inputs. What I2S source were you using for this comparison?
PLL on, pie4/pie2AES
Roon - qobuz local Library consisting of dsd flac
I Just bought a Holo May Kitsune .. this morning .. currently have a Lumin D2 sends a signal to Hugo2 .. Modright KWH225i Integrated Hybrid Amp, Boenicke W8se+ Speakers …An Aurilac Aries G2.1 is on its way also .. can ‘t wait to get it all in an running
i using d2 also , just ordered a spring 3 kte. what cable do you use between lumin and may?
Sweet 🐅
I bought the Auralic Aries G2.1 6 weeks ago, I’ve been loving it but it goes into the dac of the Hegel H390. A dac is next on the list and the Holo May was on my shortlist but the direct to consumer products always worry me! Be great to hear your experience with the G2.1 and the Holo May. From my short experience, Lightning DS is great, native Tidal and Qobuz so everything you do in the app saves in each app as well, it’s a great piece of kit and software.
I’m curious. I’m using a Lumin X1 and I’m curious to getting the may kte and a separate streamer.
Can you comment on D2 vs May?
What utility would one actually gain from the pre amp module? If you're going to a proper headphone amp, integrated or power amp what's the point?
Granted class A for 500 bucks is sexy but... what for? I suppose if you were ONLY using it in a fixed power amp situation you would gain utility. I run my RME at a fixed line out -20 dB with normalized loudness for a 20dB reference level which allows mid gain head room at the 12'o clock position, but is not necessary with high gain untapped.
So here’s the deal, The pre-inside this DAC is very good that’s fine, the pre-is useful if you have active monitors, One The second one would be is going to a power amp
it’s the way to control the volume on the power amp because there normally would not be a volume control
But you do not need a pre-for a headphone amplifier that has its own pot unless the pot is extremely bad and you want to bypass it
@@ConvinceMeAudio excellent! Thanks for the response.
PS: gave me a heart attack when you were palming the unit 🤣
@@Maver1ck911 😄
I currently have a Fiio K9 pro Dac/AMP connected to a ifi pro iCan signature, with Hifiman Arya Stealth, HD800s, Stellia, Th610. The Holo Spring 3 KTE is 2700USD here in Hong Kong. My ears isn't really thattt good at telling the difference between DACS, do you recommend me getting this Holo Spring 3 KTE or is it overkill? The other reviewer really dislike the Spring 3 and much prefered the May KTE and Chord hugo TT2 but they are like double the price, which I think is really overkill.
That’s actually a good value price we pay $3600 here for this.
I think even get in the spring 2 l3 or L2 thought about probably where you are $1400-$1600, might be a good way to go, and you will still get a fantastic upgrade
@@ConvinceMeAudio It is much cheaper here even for the May KTE about 5150USD here. It just that I tried a few different DACs with the latest DAC chips, to me, I just cannot tell that much of a difference between them. Not sure if I upgrade to the Spring 3 KTE will give me that WOW factor for 4x the price of the K9 pro which I think sounds really good with its AK4499 implementation and tuning.
@@Fenom60 is it at all possible to go somewhere to audition it before putting down the money? That is what I would actually advise
@@ConvinceMeAudio theres only one dealer for Holo in the whole city, probably there is demo but I only contacted through whatsap about availability and price. I can see the Holo Spring 3 is very popular on their China Taobao main store with many customers with great feedbacks but most of them use it with a speaker setup not with headphones.
@@Fenom60 it is absolutely superb, it can be your final DAC
I use a pair of Genelec 8341's so, in that case, would this DAC be irrelevant as I am ultimately hearing the DAC in within the speakers themselves. Is that right?
Irrelevant of course not, the spring free will just transport the source to the speakers, in the most organic natural way possible
I have Genelec Studio monitors here too, they are a work tool,, they are extremely resolving and very reference, so with this spring I think it would make a magical combo
@@ConvinceMeAudio Thank you, definitely a DAC to consider then!
Bit of a step up from the minidsp SHD that I'm currently using! :)
@@ConvinceMeAudio Try 2 Neumann 310 / 2 KH 750 (Mono Array) / With 3 KTE ./preamp . Convincing.
curious to see if you could compare this to Chord TT or Dave even.
I should get hands on with the Dave and the TT to next Thursday or Friday
And Hugo 2 as well :)
I owned that specific amp DAC, but a very long time ago but they will have it there I’m sure
@@ConvinceMeAudio Nice, im very interested.
I am interested to see how you think this and the May compare. You would probably need a pre-amp to compare both, but still.
My May kte is just with my friend Mimic at the moment, should be here pretty shortly and we will use the serene
Hi ,what is the difference between spring and may?
May review should be coming shortly,
Separate power supply, so it’s two units on top of each other slightly different in the tonality bigger stage performs better obviously but not by a large amount I would say the difference is like 20% absolute tops
Excellent review/presentation. Thank you.
Thanks!
🐅❤️ heartfelt, thank you for the support
@@ConvinceMeAudio just came across your channel today, you’ve got very pertinent reviews. Actually selling my empyreans & TT2 for the May but keeping hold of M Scaler as I’ve heard it’s still great for third party dacs. Just not the headphone guy any more
@@keithbertschin1213 😎 thanks bud, welcome to the fam 🐅
Definitely works well, yes
I heard these DACs have a long burn-in period. Have you experienced a constant change in sound over time?
No mate but it does take 24 hours to truly sound it’s best it needs to warm up.
After this period it’s stabilises and it’s completely fine
Will upsampling PCM to DSD via software mean i won't be using the r2r part of the dac at all?
Yes
@@ConvinceMeAudio in that case should I stick with sigma delta dacs for dsd upsampling? I have had the Ares II and was addicted to the analog sound and only felt it lacked a tighter low end so I love r2r dacs from my limited experience but I listen to less music these days and more "sounds" and background ambience. Pleasant Ambient retrieval is what I enjoy most and dsd upsampling with my Accuphase's DAC option board, I get all of that.
@@HailKingCeezer here is the thing, the in-house chip that deals with DSD sounds pretty fucking good inside the spring three, so you literally can have three in one at holy Trinity in this DAC
DSD, NOS, up sampling,
@@ConvinceMeAudio Yeah that is very convincing. I can always just set certain PCM to upsample to dsd since my library is majority redbook-i can let that get the NOS analog feel and the rest upsample to the highest dsd. Great review and thanks. I got to sell off 3 amps i'm no longer using and then Spring 3 KTE is in the lead to be my new DAC, followed by Pontus II, 3rd place new Accuphase Dac-60 option board, 4th buy Ares II again. Dividing Funds between DAC and Power amp is tough, but i think the DAC will win.
Does it pair well with lower impedance headphones with its pre? Looking for a DAC with pre for my active speakers and headphones like utopia and stellia, kinda worried that it might be too powerful
It’s perfectly fine,
Specially SUS, sounds exceptional on speakers
Great video. Sub made.
Welcome to the fam 🐅
i own the holo 3 kte,it is an awesome dac
Noob question here: I Get The dac and then the amplifier and…can I plug my computer with TIDAL Premium on this?
Welcome to the channel, yes exactly
It will work perfectly but it does not decode MQA
and you want to stay away from mqa anyway
In my opinion it sounds like ASS
@@ConvinceMeAudio so if Im not to use Tidal’s MQA what should I use to stream The best music quality possible?
@@maximeleblanc7828 it comes down to what type of music you listen to, Qobuz definitely sounds the best of all the streaming services in my testing, but the catalogue is very genre specific, jazz, classical, et cetera they’re getting better though
This is what I use at the desk, or my own library.
For on the go, Apple Music, because I am heavily invested in Apple, and it sounds fricking good for on the go
Waiting for Spotify to release the lossless streaming service
Their native player sounds the best of all the others on a desktop system Qobuz that is, also if you are using third-party players like Roon or Audirvāna you are limited to tidal or Qobuz anyways, and I will choose the latter
What's with the sunglasses :)
Lights hurt my eyes mate, pretty much blind 😄
And yes, you are getting your reviews from somebody who uses his ears as his eyes, 😜
Permanent blind testing over here LOL
how much better is this vs Gustard R26 or A26...all of them are R2R DAC's❓I heard Halo May is comparing in sound to an MSB Reference that is over 10,000 more 😮no way❓
Heres a comparison with r26 i copied and pasted from a forum thread
I have a little more compares bitwin spring3 kte and r26.
R26 is more extendet in highs - similar too delta sigma. As holo is more midrange centric with more mellow overall signature. With electronic/metal/rock music i prefer definetelly r26. R26 is faster and better slamming. Just as Sandu said great technical sounding. Where is spring3 kte is too mellow for that kind of music IMO. But with jazz, acoustics i prefer holo as it have more textures...if i got too choode one dac for all genre of music i choose r26...peace
They are very similar. But i think holo spring 3 KTE is better. More textures in midrange, better positioning in soundstage, more full sound, more emotions in voclas, more "wet" sound.
R26 is more technically sound signature(but not technically overall - still analog signature close to vinyl), little faster but thiner - specially in bass region. But they are pretty close in overall terms. Maybe r26 is little better in hard rock/metal music. So Holo is more connection to the music(emotions) but r26 is very good at that department too(much better then delta sigma in the same price category). I like them both !!! But i need to pick it up then Holo (more engaging)- it has much better parts and caps/wiring/trafo inside i think here is the reason of better sound
Recently acquired the SPRING 3 KTE. I love it! The build quality is stunning! If cost was not an issue I would have purchased the MAY DAC.
Congratulations it’s fucking awesome
I will bring them in for review soon and we will see if How much of a difference there is going to their flagship
A DAC affects the sound of a system just as a cartridge on a tone arm does!
It is a very important part of the chain
6:33 pretty sure Golden or anyone else has ever shown objective differences on a dac being "warm"
the serene plus this makes a lot of sense to me than just buying the May.
You do not need the sereen the pre-already is absolutely exceptional in the spring three and it’s only a $500 upgrade
Save yourself $2000
What is benefit of pre if I have an Integrated amp? Cheers
@@peterwood2633 The active pre-inside of the spring, is beneficial for somebody who wants to control the volume at the end of the chain,
This could be the following, active studio monitors, speaker amplifiers, or bypassing a very bad P.O.T.
But if you have a decent headphone amplifier such as a GSX mini with a integrated stepped attenuator you don’t need to buy the pre-, the pre-inside the spring will most likely outperform it for transparency and performance, but it’s not necessary
You only go for the pre-option if you need some way of controlling the music at the end of the chain
@@ConvinceMeAudio I have the Yamaha A-S1100 ?
@@peterwood2633 honestly mate I’m not too familiar with that one I will have to look it up and see
Kinda sounds like you like it...
Yiggy does take a week to stabilize they use some medical grade wacky parts
I think I might have to revisit this DAC, if it comes across the desk
My last play with it was back in 2017
Nearly 2 weeks for the Analog 2. It may be listenable at a week, I don't remember, but I wasn't really impressed until it was on for about 12 days. I leave it on 24 x 7 now too. YMMV I am planning on replacing it with the Holo Audio Spring 3.
I really want this amp. I think I need to sell a camera lens to be able to get this thing.
Unfortunately mate, this is the DAC only with active pre-, you will need to supply an amplifier with this for your system at your desk,
Unless you’re running active monitors
But it’s fricking sublime
@@ConvinceMeAudio Sorry, I really want this DAC. That is what I meant. I have to find things to sell to get it.
@@rogerhuston8287 no need to apologise mate I just wanted you to be aware
It depends what your current system is, and what headphones you have, in regards to how much of a large role it will play in your chain
I really need to quit watching videos like this.
Same !
Thumbs up and comments to help boost reviews like this.