Your videos have become increasingly more valuable to me as I learn more about audio. Thank you for your excellent work. I enjoy most the excellent content and comparisons, but the next level graphics and humor are much appreciated as well. I’m planning to purchase an opticalRendu. I’ve had some impulsive buys, so I wait about a week after I decide to buy something.
Interesting review Simon. I disagree with one comment about the Denafrips DACs not having “air”. I am testing a Pontus 2 with a Hegel H190 and when I switch between the onboard DAC and the Pontus, immediately there is a sense of space, “air” and better decay. Just a lot more 3-D and life-like. I do agree the Spring 3 takes that to another level, but Denafrips does have that to some extent too.
Hi Alex, I have H190 as well & have been eyeing for a Pontus ii for a long while. Can you share the major improvements from the H190 internal DAC? Thank you !
@@favoritedsongs7331 - better soundstage (width, depth), more space, detail, air. Punchier bass. You’ll need a decent streamer to make use of it - but even with something like a BS Node it pushes things so much further. It is a great device!
An interesting one, because I too have a hegel (H200), and in trying a Pontus II instead of my trusty matrix audio Element I, i immediately noticed a lack of snap, clarity, and sparkle. The Pontus made snare drums sound damped and soft by comparison, no crack of drums, or sparkle of a ride cymbal. The pontus had amazing depth, good bass, and lovely imaging. But ultimately the loss of resolution and clarity in the top octaves meant it wasn't a keeper for me.
Your channel offers undoubtedly the best produced audio equipment review videos on RUclips ! I enjoy the superb cinematography thereof as much as the contents.👍👍👍🤗
I have the optical rendu and I use the i2s output into a holo 3 with preamp the sound is superb I have used the ultra digital just with a raspberry pi using roopie into the holo not cheap but superb sound the best system I have heard is definitely the holo 3 with the sonore kit
Had a Spring 3 KTE for about 4 Months and build quality,looks and sound quality are superb . Bought fom Magna hifi who are very easy to buy from with good customer service.. Has been a great buy.
@@texfish I suppose youd want something with i2s since you have that clocking and connection in the holo. I'm doing bluesound node out USB to a denafrips and am hearing I could get improvement upgrading the streamer from the bluesound but am hesitant about doing so for minimal gains.. if it is minimal
@@erics.4113 Thats the problem I've got . The transports are an expensive upgrade for a very small gain in quality. I cant make up my mind to do it or not .
@textfish . Did you notice a big difference going from previous track you owned when switching to holo May? I’m new to the audio world and I’m using Dac built into DMP-a6 streamer/Dac. There is always so much chatter about which Dac. I really wanna know if there’s night and day differences.
I’m glad you mentioned the difference between I2S and USB, they simply are not night and day. People get hung up on this and some even state USB is a useless connection. Top shelf manufacturers are producing products for use with USB, they know what they’re doing.
I agree with you, my job is to pull out finer differences I hear on the kit I test, if people want it. I tend to agree that all this …. Which input / format is best is small fry against the quality of the converter in a hifi system and that’s what you buy when you buy something like this. Not getting hung up on the minute details of input a versus b. 😀👍
I disagree having auditioned many DACs, with the Spring 3 KTE the USB input is an amazing difference! So holographic airy and smooth. I believe it’s due to Holo’s proprietary usb interface.
@@robertm8518 Good to hear. I just ordered a Spring 3 KTE. I think it was Goldensound who said in his video that the USB input measured VERY low jitter, almost nonexistent. Based on this, I was thinking of selling my Denafrips Hermes DDC and Sonnet Morpheus DAC and just run USB out of the Mac into the KTE. So I assume you're not using any DDC?
Thank you Simon. I am not looking forward to any new videos from you at the moment - I will be too busy re-watching the old ones and spring-chill-out for a while. Cheers & Keep on.
Watching this review while listening to music via Holo Audio May KTE + Sonore Optical Rendu + Customised Huawei Dual OCXO Clock Switch (replacing Uptone EtherRegen) + Classe CAP-80 Int. Amp + Raidho X-1. Can totally relate well to the “Air & Space” in the sonic experience. But I do not think I2S is superior to the USB. I play most of my music via USB using Roon, while the I2S goes through the Singxer SU-6 to play online music app which Roon does not support. The difference is really small, it is more about preference than performance differences.
Bang on I appreciate your pre script on your review process and then how you think about comparisons. It’s difficult or nearly impossible to compare contrast dacs unless you have both on hand at the same time. Then use the same chain and volume match. Even then you need enough time to avoid placebo affect.
I own the spring 1 KTE and love it. I have the BlueSound node feeding a singxer SU6 feeding Holo spring via I2S. It’s a nice chain that feeds my Burson soloist 3XP SS amp and auris tube amp. I have a plethora of headphones and monitors that I run off this chain and found the house Holo sound to be quite enjoyable. If I role in my schiit bifrost 2 or an ares 2 the difference in Dac are night and day. But it takes time to listen to let your ears adjust. Also NOS is for me is clearly the best setting for my tastes in Holo dacs.
Interesting thoughts. I don’t agree if not in situ and if the system is resolving enough. It would be like saying i can’t taste difference from Mackeson or Guinness unless I try them one after other even though I know differences. They are similar drinks but the differences are obvious
Thx for your review / comparison and the work you have put in it. I always where curious about Denafrips DAC and hat a Pontus II here last week. In comparsion to Audio GD R1, specially the deep tone region sounded rounded an not well articulated, the rest was impressiv dough. Anyhow, your review helps me to look forward with Holo Spring. Cheers
I appreciate your efforts in doing this review, I've compared the Holo Spring L2 vs Denafrips Pontus and Ares and in my system, for my listening preferences the Deanfrips won over the Holo, the etched characteristics you described were very fatiguing and it did not lend itself to long and enjoyable listening sessions like the Denafrips does, YMMV. I sold the Holo and kept the Ares and eventually upgraded to the Pontus.
Finally someone telling it like it is. I own many dacs including Pontus II. I was thinking of trying a Holo but you just give me cause to hold off. I suspected this for awhile as everyone who likes Holo is only after 300 hr break in. I know someone else who compared these dacs and said Holo Spring was typical bright digital.😊
@@13thnotehifireviews7Ok gotcha! I would like to review one and I would tell it like it is! I have several dacs at home. So many raves like Gustard R26. My current favorite is the SMSL D300. Still testing. 😊
I have directly compared my Spring KTE directly to the Hugo TT2 and The Spring is more holographic, has more punch in its bass and deeper layering. The Hugo puts vocals more upfront and it costs more.
SONORE ultradigital,, I guess it doesnt get much more digital than that, huh,, 😂. Superduperultraturbomega review as usual Simon. Cheers, thanks and take care my friend,, 🍻😎👍.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 The S400 mk 2’s are speakers that have crossed my mind more than one time. Built to "fit" typical Scandinavian livingrooms, ei, not thousands of squarefeet, and well/thick insulated walls. I guess they would work good with a NAD M10. Nice speaker company Mads have built in a very short time. Happy listening Simon,, 👍❤️👍.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Im in super saving mode for a electric car right now, and have been for a couple of years, so there will be zero toys until that one stand in my parking spot. The "goodest" thing about that is that there will be even less expensive speakers then, than now,, 😎👍. Im realy keen on a couple of ELAC Vela book shelfs too,, 🥰, and a couple of used ATC SCM40 MK2,s for my future homestudio together with a Genelec One system,, etc etc etc 😅. To dream is cheap.🥰
I'm currently feeding my mono blocks via a Bel Canto eOne 2.8 DAC/Pre connected to my Lumin U1 Transport. The connection between the DAC and the transport is the very nice Kimber Orchid AES cable. I would like to continue using this cable, but want to ask what the SQ difference would be vs. running a USB connection instead? From what I've read, the difference between all the digital connections out of the Holo Spring 3 is very close. I just purchased the top of the line Spring 3 KTE, so looking forward to how this improves upon what the Bel Canto can do.
Question: Did you actually use DSD? Or did you use PCM when you tested the DAC? This is because these are actually two separate DACs in side the box. And also the output voltage is quite different on them.
Thanks. Probably can’t have that discussion re $500 dac as it all depends on system you use it with. But it would be pretty easy to discern on some gear.
Cosmic timing...just 1 week after I'd pulled the trigger on the Venus 2! From what little I'd managed to glean from forums about the Spring 3 head to head with the Venus 2 I think (read hope!) the Venus 2 will be a better fit for my system...course I have to say that now, don't I 😂 Still enjoyed the review nonetheless.
Same but opposite I rolled the dice with the Spring 3 KTE, it was either that or the Venus 2. Maybe if it doesn't work out for both of us we can swap DAC's 😂
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Alas no returns or refunds from Vinshine Audio, it's in the fine print. Been researching DAC's for the past year with the Venus 2 being top of my list. Need an alternative to the Qutest I'm using with my transport whilst my much loved Classé CDP-202 is in for repair.
@@Sunshine_Superman the Holo audio spring dac is closer to the Qutest in its overall presentation than to the Venus 2 and would be the one I’d recommend for ‘Qutest movers’ around the Holo audio’s price.
Another one hit straight out of the park Simon.. That's one attractive looking DAC. I wonder if Chord will refresh the Hugo and Qutest DACs soon, what with the new Mojo? I must say, looking forward to the Buchardt review! Thanks for posting.
I own the Denafrips Venus II. I absolutely love how voices and acoustic music in general sound. How do voices sound compared to the Holo ? Because I'm interested in the added dynamics of the Holo.... I'm currently hesitating to upgrade, or should I say sidegrade, but I'm afraid of being disappointed.
Thansk Simon, great video and production! I enjoy your videos from the start to the end. I own a Hegel H590 and I wonder, considering internal DAC is similar to H390 that you have, what aprox price point would start being an upgrade for other DACS vs the one on H390. And being more precise, what DACs that you have tested are a clear win over the one included in H390 please. I would pair with my Bluesound Node as streamer. Would Denafrips Ares II be already better in your opinion?
I'd start with the ares if not pontus. That is, if you like the idea of the r2r and denafrips sound. You can certainly get a better measuring DAC for the ares money (e.g. topping d90se) or the RME for pontus money if you just want state of the art SINAD and thd+n figures. I recall a review and measurement of a Hegel integrated and don't remember it getting the highest marks in those measurements but that could be a less expensive model like the h190 or even h95. Do they use the same DAC? I'm running bluesound node 2 to a denafrips ares 2 and much prefer the way the ares sounds over the bluesound internal DAC. If you have the latest bluesound (n130) model, they released USB audio out this year. I'm now using USB to the ares 2 and it works flawlessly. Better? Or different? I dunno man but I'd say the denafrips indeed has a smoothness to the sound that I personally enjoy, especially as I don't always listen to great recordings. I realize I may be giving up the last word in clarity and definition, however I'm willing to make that trade for something that I can simply put on and listen to for hours on end without strain. Rest of the chain is creek audio evolution as pre, parasound a21+ power, bluesound node, ares 2, sonus faber toy towers, pair of rel t7x subs. I'm tempted to try pontus with an i2s source later down the line, but I'm not sure my speakers and preamp are up to snuff to really flesh out the improvements and if it would just be a small upgrade over the ares, albeit with considerable cost.
@@amarquesgo the discussion around upgrades is always about the whole system and taking account the quality of the components in one device and the other.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks Simon, my speakers are Dynaudio Heritage Special that pair very well with H590. I wonder what DAC level clearly betters the one in the Hegel. I am thinking on a second hand Chord TT2 and add later the M scaler, I am sure that is definitely better. Spring KTE is rarely availble second hand and out of budget if bought as new to me at this moment :)
Great review. Hat is your reference Dac? Looking for a smooth , organic , very musical sounding Dac that bring soul to the music but doesn’t sacrifice detail retrieval. Best in the 1,000-2,500 range
From what I hear from due diligence, my preference would be for the RME at this price or the chord Qutest, so no it’s not in my interests to review products where there are more worthy alternates.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Regarding the TP Link... I currently use 2 generic optical converters to eliminate the noise with excellent results. I currently have a Sonore Optical Module on order to replace the generic converter nearest my streamer. You have tried both options. Do you have any thoughts on the performance benefits of the Sonore?
@@blainerivera9733 I don’t tbh and they are not in situ. The optical module does have some better clocks etc so it could translate into a sq difference.
Hi dear good evening, Does this Halo audio spring 3 has MQA& MCA formats , it has streamer ? Is it suitable for Parasound pre amplifier and power amplifier. I am using Parasound. Where is this made??? Can you give which chips are they using.
Nice review! Let me ask you about which DAC you’d choose between the Hugo TT2 and the Spring 3 for: 1-Timbre 2-Holographics 3-Transparency 4-Resolution Thanks!! 🙂
@@13thnotehifireviews7 wow! I really thought the Spring 3 would be better at least in holographics and timbre. I know the TT2 sound very well but it’s very difficult to find a way to try a Spring 3 so for the Holo it’s all about a leap of faith and reading reviews and balancing their conclusions (there is no consensus about the Spring 3 sound and then some glowing suspicious reviews). By the way recently I have tried a Gustard X26 PRO and I was amazed. Bettered the TT2 in every parameter. Mainly in organic natural tonality. A very very special sounding DAC. I was curious about the Holo but too much money for a blind purchase. Thanks again!🍻
@@MistaLova-Lova my experience is limited to older R2R IC based dacs not discrete ones and that was a long time ago to make some useful comparison but the X26pro’s sound really impressed me. Easily one of the finest DACs I’ve ever heard at any price
Just discovered you.. My stupid never-ending quests for "better?" probably just different. Ho hum we all get bored all too easily. 75 and still tilting at windmills. Way done w/LPs End game system? shit I'll be dead sooner. does it just simply all boil down to taste? Try to learn something new every day. Denafrips?? Holo? (just discovered too) Unfortunately just a little bit north of a tap water budget with u know what kinda tastes, besides having typical 4Khz hearing notch. It's not all down to slicing and dicing acoustics, it's things we like. Still have respectable gear, I'm no parvenu, recently rebuilt Quad 63's, etc., Hooray for our side!!
@@ericelmore2742 it really depends what I have. The best I’ve ever tried is a dcs bartok (gone back). I’m currently using the excellent punching well above price Aune S9c Pro reference. Trying many types gives me a big reference!
The best sonic breakdown between holo and denafrips I’ve seen. Helps me understand why some prefer the one to the other.
Your videos have become increasingly more valuable to me as I learn more about audio. Thank you for your excellent work. I enjoy most the excellent content and comparisons, but the next level graphics and humor are much appreciated as well. I’m planning to purchase an opticalRendu. I’ve had some impulsive buys, so I wait about a week after I decide to buy something.
Thank you too.
Wowww… the production… True art work ! Congratulations
Thank you! Cheers!
Thanks Simon. I have the optical rendu and love it. Nice to see it get some press.
This review has made me more convinced of it with the better Holo Audio DAC
Interesting review Simon. I disagree with one comment about the Denafrips DACs not having “air”. I am testing a Pontus 2 with a Hegel H190 and when I switch between the onboard DAC and the Pontus, immediately there is a sense of space, “air” and better decay. Just a lot more 3-D and life-like. I do agree the Spring 3 takes that to another level, but Denafrips does have that to some extent too.
Thanks Alex, I think it’s all comparative but definitely a better converter than the Hegel H190. 😀
Hi Alex, I have H190 as well & have been eyeing for a Pontus ii for a long while. Can you share the major improvements from the H190 internal DAC? Thank you !
Thanks
@@favoritedsongs7331 - better soundstage (width, depth), more space, detail, air. Punchier bass. You’ll need a decent streamer to make use of it - but even with something like a BS Node it pushes things so much further. It is a great device!
An interesting one, because I too have a hegel (H200), and in trying a Pontus II instead of my trusty matrix audio Element I, i immediately noticed a lack of snap, clarity, and sparkle. The Pontus made snare drums sound damped and soft by comparison, no crack of drums, or sparkle of a ride cymbal. The pontus had amazing depth, good bass, and lovely imaging. But ultimately the loss of resolution and clarity in the top octaves meant it wasn't a keeper for me.
Great. Super duper info. Thanks. Really looking forward to the Buchardt review
Thank you
Your channel offers undoubtedly the best produced audio equipment review videos on RUclips ! I enjoy the superb cinematography thereof as much as the contents.👍👍👍🤗
Thanks very much. I really enjoy making them and comments like yours encourage me.
I have the optical rendu and I use the i2s output into a holo 3 with preamp the sound is superb I have used the ultra digital just with a raspberry pi using roopie into the holo not cheap but superb sound the best system I have heard is definitely the holo 3 with the sonore kit
Glad to hear this. Thanks!
One of the most informative videos on hifi I have watched! Top job 👌👌👌
Thank you
Had a Spring 3 KTE for about 4 Months and build quality,looks and sound quality are superb . Bought fom Magna hifi who are very easy to buy from with good customer service.. Has been a great buy.
Did you get the preamp module? Is this your first R2R?
No already have a good pre/power amp . Yes my first r2r dac and first stand alone DAC. Now looking for a good streamer transport
@@texfish I suppose youd want something with i2s since you have that clocking and connection in the holo. I'm doing bluesound node out USB to a denafrips and am hearing I could get improvement upgrading the streamer from the bluesound but am hesitant about doing so for minimal gains.. if it is minimal
@@erics.4113 Thats the problem I've got . The transports are an expensive upgrade for a very small gain in quality. I cant make up my mind to do it or not .
@textfish . Did you notice a big difference going from previous track you owned when switching to holo May? I’m new to the audio world and I’m using Dac built into DMP-a6 streamer/Dac. There is always so much chatter about which Dac. I really wanna know if there’s night and day differences.
I’m glad you mentioned the difference between I2S and USB, they simply are not night and day. People get hung up on this and some even state USB is a useless connection. Top shelf manufacturers are producing products for use with USB, they know what they’re doing.
I agree with you, my job is to pull out finer differences I hear on the kit I test, if people want it. I tend to agree that all this …. Which input / format is best is small fry against the quality of the converter in a hifi system and that’s what you buy when you buy something like this. Not getting hung up on the minute details of input a versus b. 😀👍
I disagree having auditioned many DACs, with the Spring 3 KTE the USB input is an amazing difference! So holographic airy and smooth. I believe it’s due to Holo’s proprietary usb interface.
@@robertm8518 Good to hear. I just ordered a Spring 3 KTE. I think it was Goldensound who said in his video that the USB input measured VERY low jitter, almost nonexistent. Based on this, I was thinking of selling my Denafrips Hermes DDC and Sonnet Morpheus DAC and just run USB out of the Mac into the KTE.
So I assume you're not using any DDC?
Thank you Simon. I am not looking forward to any new videos from you at the moment - I will be too busy re-watching the old ones and spring-chill-out for a while. Cheers & Keep on.
Great review. I don't see a phase invert switch on the DAC. It have just about everything else.
Watching this review while listening to music via Holo Audio May KTE + Sonore Optical Rendu + Customised Huawei Dual OCXO Clock Switch (replacing Uptone EtherRegen) + Classe CAP-80 Int. Amp + Raidho X-1. Can totally relate well to the “Air & Space” in the sonic experience. But I do not think I2S is superior to the USB. I play most of my music via USB using Roon, while the I2S goes through the Singxer SU-6 to play online music app which Roon does not support. The difference is really small, it is more about preference than performance differences.
Nice one 😀👍
Bang on I appreciate your pre script on your review process and then how you think about comparisons. It’s difficult or nearly impossible to compare contrast dacs unless you have both on hand at the same time. Then use the same chain and volume match. Even then you need enough time to avoid placebo affect.
I own the spring 1 KTE and love it. I have the BlueSound node feeding a singxer SU6 feeding Holo spring via I2S. It’s a nice chain that feeds my Burson soloist 3XP SS amp and auris tube amp. I have a plethora of headphones and monitors that I run off this chain and found the house Holo sound to be quite enjoyable. If I role in my schiit bifrost 2 or an ares 2 the difference in Dac are night and day. But it takes time to listen to let your ears adjust. Also NOS is for me is clearly the best setting for my tastes in Holo dacs.
Interesting thoughts. I don’t agree if not in situ and if the system is resolving enough. It would be like saying i can’t taste difference from Mackeson or Guinness unless I try them one after other even though I know differences. They are similar drinks but the differences are obvious
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Living in Bavaria my advice - "please stay with Hi-Fi " :-)
I have the spring 3 kte from my Usbridge signature player, that is connected to the router and my pc :) a big fan.
Thx for your review / comparison and the work you have put in it. I always where curious about Denafrips DAC and hat a Pontus II here last week. In comparsion to Audio GD R1, specially the deep tone region sounded rounded an not well articulated, the rest was impressiv dough. Anyhow, your review helps me to look forward with Holo Spring. Cheers
Very nice detailed and informative review! Thank you!
I appreciate your efforts in doing this review, I've compared the Holo Spring L2 vs Denafrips Pontus and Ares and in my system, for my listening preferences the Deanfrips won over the Holo, the etched characteristics you described were very fatiguing and it did not lend itself to long and enjoyable listening sessions like the Denafrips does, YMMV. I sold the Holo and kept the Ares and eventually upgraded to the Pontus.
Thanks. I defo didn’t think it fatiguing, far from bright Dacs
Finally someone telling it like it is. I own many dacs including Pontus II. I was thinking of trying a Holo but you just give me cause to hold off. I suspected this for awhile as everyone who likes Holo is only after 300 hr break in. I know someone else who compared these dacs and said Holo Spring was typical bright digital.😊
The spring isn’t a bright dac at all. That takes it way too far.
@@13thnotehifireviews7Ok gotcha! I would like to review one and I would tell it like it is! I have several dacs at home. So many raves like Gustard R26. My current favorite is the SMSL D300. Still testing. 😊
I can only imagine the cable rats nest with all of those components?!?! Great video sir. Your editing and presentation is top notch
nice production value and great content Simon! Kudos!
Thank you for the lovely comments.
Pity you didnt get to try the Spring 3 KTE version. Thanks for the great review.
Thank you too Nuno. If I do get to try another , hopefully one of the May DACs to see how it compares to the Hugo TT2.
I have directly compared my Spring KTE directly to the Hugo TT2 and The Spring is more holographic, has more punch in its bass and deeper layering. The Hugo puts vocals more upfront and it costs more.
Nice review, as always. Thanks
Again an excellent video. You deserve more subscribers.
Thank you. I think it’s always a trade off with making really good videos and gaining subscribers but long term they go hand in hand.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 subscribed
sch8mid thanks, 20 odd to get to 14k now.
SONORE ultradigital,, I guess it doesnt get much more digital than that, huh,, 😂.
Superduperultraturbomega review as usual Simon. Cheers, thanks and take care my friend,, 🍻😎👍.
Thanks Irene , having some days off now enjoying the S400 mk 2’s
@@13thnotehifireviews7 The S400 mk 2’s are speakers that have crossed my mind more than one time. Built to "fit" typical Scandinavian livingrooms, ei, not thousands of squarefeet, and well/thick insulated walls. I guess they would work good with a NAD M10.
Nice speaker company Mads have built in a very short time.
Happy listening Simon,, 👍❤️👍.
@@IrenESorius I think the direct model is a very good one Irene to keep the costs down and once word gets out there….
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Im in super saving mode for a electric car right now, and have been for a couple of years, so there will be zero toys until that one stand in my parking spot. The "goodest" thing about that is that there will be even less expensive speakers then, than now,, 😎👍.
Im realy keen on a couple of ELAC Vela book shelfs too,, 🥰, and a couple of used ATC SCM40 MK2,s for my future homestudio together with a Genelec One system,, etc etc etc 😅. To dream is cheap.🥰
Has anyone here tried the ultraRendu with the Denafrips Ares DAC? :) Looking to get an Ares 12th-1
Great review!
I'm currently feeding my mono blocks via a Bel Canto eOne 2.8 DAC/Pre connected to my Lumin U1 Transport. The connection between the DAC and the transport is the very nice Kimber Orchid AES cable. I would like to continue using this cable, but want to ask what the SQ difference would be vs. running a USB connection instead? From what I've read, the difference between all the digital connections out of the Holo Spring 3 is very close. I just purchased the top of the line Spring 3 KTE, so looking forward to how this improves upon what the Bel Canto can do.
Question: Did you actually use DSD? Or did you use PCM when you tested the DAC? This is because these are actually two separate DACs in side the box. And also the output voltage is quite different on them.
Great review, think a comparo to a $500 DAC would be interesting.
Thanks. Probably can’t have that discussion re $500 dac as it all depends on system you use it with. But it would be pretty easy to discern on some gear.
Great into sir it made me smile fine video a fan and a yank .peace to you
Thank you very much 😀👍
Cosmic timing...just 1 week after I'd pulled the trigger on the Venus 2! From what little I'd managed to glean from forums about the Spring 3 head to head with the Venus 2 I think (read hope!) the Venus 2 will be a better fit for my system...course I have to say that now, don't I 😂
Still enjoyed the review nonetheless.
Thank you. If it has a demo period with refund maybe try the Holo Audio too?
Same but opposite I rolled the dice with the Spring 3 KTE, it was either that or the Venus 2. Maybe if it doesn't work out for both of us we can swap DAC's 😂
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Alas no returns or refunds from Vinshine Audio, it's in the fine print. Been researching DAC's for the past year with the Venus 2 being top of my list. Need an alternative to the Qutest I'm using with my transport whilst my much loved Classé CDP-202 is in for repair.
@@AlexanderTG3 ha ha great idea! I might hold you to that 😂. I'm hoping we'll both be delighted with our new dacs though.
@@Sunshine_Superman the Holo audio spring dac is closer to the Qutest in its overall presentation than to the Venus 2 and would be the one I’d recommend for ‘Qutest movers’ around the Holo audio’s price.
Another one hit straight out of the park Simon.. That's one attractive looking DAC. I wonder if Chord will refresh the Hugo and Qutest DACs soon, what with the new Mojo?
I must say, looking forward to the Buchardt review! Thanks for posting.
Thanks Anton, I think we will probably see qutest and Hugo with dsp like mojo 2. 😀
I own the Denafrips Venus II. I absolutely love how voices and acoustic music in general sound. How do voices sound compared to the Holo ? Because I'm interested in the added dynamics of the Holo.... I'm currently hesitating to upgrade, or should I say sidegrade, but I'm afraid of being disappointed.
I think the opinions are made and by others in the ether too. Bw Simon
Thansk Simon, great video and production! I enjoy your videos from the start to the end. I own a Hegel H590 and I wonder, considering internal DAC is similar to H390 that you have, what aprox price point would start being an upgrade for other DACS vs the one on H390. And being more precise, what DACs that you have tested are a clear win over the one included in H390 please. I would pair with my Bluesound Node as streamer. Would Denafrips Ares II be already better in your opinion?
I'd start with the ares if not pontus. That is, if you like the idea of the r2r and denafrips sound. You can certainly get a better measuring DAC for the ares money (e.g. topping d90se) or the RME for pontus money if you just want state of the art SINAD and thd+n figures.
I recall a review and measurement of a Hegel integrated and don't remember it getting the highest marks in those measurements but that could be a less expensive model like the h190 or even h95. Do they use the same DAC?
I'm running bluesound node 2 to a denafrips ares 2 and much prefer the way the ares sounds over the bluesound internal DAC. If you have the latest bluesound (n130) model, they released USB audio out this year. I'm now using USB to the ares 2 and it works flawlessly.
Better? Or different? I dunno man but I'd say the denafrips indeed has a smoothness to the sound that I personally enjoy, especially as I don't always listen to great recordings. I realize I may be giving up the last word in clarity and definition, however I'm willing to make that trade for something that I can simply put on and listen to for hours on end without strain.
Rest of the chain is creek audio evolution as pre, parasound a21+ power, bluesound node, ares 2, sonus faber toy towers, pair of rel t7x subs.
I'm tempted to try pontus with an i2s source later down the line, but I'm not sure my speakers and preamp are up to snuff to really flesh out the improvements and if it would just be a small upgrade over the ares, albeit with considerable cost.
@@erics.4113 Thanks Eric, I have already RME ADI-2 FS and the DAC in the H590 betters RME clearly, in my opinion :) Both use AKM chip
@@amarquesgo the discussion around upgrades is always about the whole system and taking account the quality of the components in one device and the other.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks Simon, my speakers are Dynaudio Heritage Special that pair very well with H590. I wonder what DAC level clearly betters the one in the Hegel. I am thinking on a second hand Chord TT2 and add later the M scaler, I am sure that is definitely better. Spring KTE is rarely availble second hand and out of budget if bought as new to me at this moment :)
I’m Hoping to review a May dac soon . Watch that vid I’d say and then have a zoom chat with me and we can thrash it all out as to what’s best for YOU
Great review. Hat is your reference Dac? Looking for a smooth , organic , very musical sounding Dac that bring soul to the music but doesn’t sacrifice detail retrieval. Best in the 1,000-2,500 range
Simon
You made this a while ago but anyway- near the end you say that the OpticalRendu take the spring 3 LeVel 2 “to another level”, pls elaborate?
It just does, I’m not doing the normal audiophile commentary anymore
Hey. Your videos are getting better! Great. Could you provide some thoughts on Auralic Altair G1 vs aim ND5XS2.
Thank you Ivaylo. I don’t rest on my laurels is my policy, always trying to improve. But sorry, I don’t comment on what I don’t try generally 😀👍
can you make a review of Mytek Liberty 2 DAC?
From what I hear from due diligence, my preference would be for the RME at this price or the chord Qutest, so no it’s not in my interests to review products where there are more worthy alternates.
After watching i might try fiber optic too, although the switch is gonna cost me $$$$
The used market might be quite reliable too Michael with little to go wrong and the TP link type converters can cut down on a bit of the cost too. 😀
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Regarding the TP Link... I currently use 2 generic optical converters to eliminate the noise with excellent results. I currently have a Sonore Optical Module on order to replace the generic converter nearest my streamer. You have tried both options. Do you have any thoughts on the performance benefits of the Sonore?
@@blainerivera9733 I don’t tbh and they are not in situ. The optical module does have some better clocks etc so it could translate into a sq difference.
Hi dear good evening, Does this Halo audio spring 3 has MQA& MCA formats , it has streamer ? Is it suitable for Parasound pre amplifier and power amplifier. I am using Parasound. Where is this made??? Can you give which chips are they using.
Nice review!
Let me ask you about which DAC you’d choose between the Hugo TT2 and the Spring 3 for:
1-Timbre
2-Holographics
3-Transparency
4-Resolution
Thanks!! 🙂
Thanks, tt2 for all of them but it’s Pricier 😀
@@13thnotehifireviews7 wow! I really thought the Spring 3 would be better at least in holographics and timbre. I know the TT2 sound very well but it’s very difficult to find a way to try a Spring 3 so for the Holo it’s all about a leap of faith and reading reviews and balancing their conclusions (there is no consensus about the Spring 3 sound and then some glowing suspicious reviews). By the way recently I have tried a Gustard X26 PRO and I was amazed. Bettered the TT2 in every parameter. Mainly in organic natural tonality. A very very special sounding DAC. I was curious about the Holo but too much money for a blind purchase.
Thanks again!🍻
@@JR___ Have you heard any R2R DAC before? If so, how does the Gustard X26Pro's sound presentation (soundstage, holography, depth etc.) compare?
@@MistaLova-Lova my experience is limited to older R2R IC based dacs not discrete ones and that was a long time ago to make some useful comparison but the X26pro’s sound really impressed me. Easily one of the finest DACs I’ve ever heard at any price
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Yup at twice the price.
How would you compare the Holo Spring 3 Level 2 with the Aune 9 Pro ?
I wouldn’t. I’d say sign up to patreon please 😀
All playing through your best Logitech sound.
What does that mean?
@@13thnotehifireviews7 It doesn't matter how good your equipment is, i'm hearing it through my (inferior) system.
@@peternicholson233 you gotta remember though 80 percent of why we do this is the music….
Did you play with the Hegel DAC loop on this review ?
Only having this DAC for a short time and filming etc, unfortunately didn’t Matthew. I’ve got it until Monday so will try and have a go over weekend
Hello, I like your background music - what it is? I can't see any credits.
Which music?
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Pretty much all of it. 1/ the piece in ''connecting up segment'' 2/ Front Controls 3/ End Credits
@@007EnglishAcademy I’ll try to remember to list them but most of the time you can find on Shazam or Siri etc.
i need 2 spdif inputs since i use one input for home theater.
If you mean two RCA spdif inputs then you’d just by a bnc to rca converter and use it on the other one , sorry if you knew that.
How can I contact the holo designer you mentioned you have contacted?
You can’t change display size I don’t think.
How does it compare to the adi pro?
Better
Just discovered you.. My stupid never-ending quests for "better?" probably just different. Ho hum we all get bored all too easily. 75 and still tilting at windmills. Way done w/LPs End game system? shit I'll be dead sooner. does it just simply all boil down to taste? Try to learn something new every day. Denafrips?? Holo? (just discovered too) Unfortunately just a little bit north of a tap water budget with u know what kinda tastes, besides having typical 4Khz hearing notch. It's not all down to slicing and dicing acoustics, it's things we like. Still have respectable gear, I'm no parvenu, recently rebuilt Quad 63's, etc., Hooray for our side!!
What Dac is your current reference?
Can you explain a bit about the premise of your question 😀🎶🔊
@@13thnotehifireviews7 interested in what DAC you are using in you current system?
@@ericelmore2742 it really depends what I have. The best I’ve ever tried is a dcs bartok (gone back). I’m currently using the excellent punching well above price Aune S9c Pro reference. Trying many types gives me a big reference!