Holo Audio - Spring DAC - Level 3 - "Kitsune Tuned Edition" - Impressions & Reviews

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by Torq, Nov 7, 2016.

  1. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    I believe I preferred Lynx E22 via AES over Singxer SU-1 via I2S when I had the Holo, but that's a massively different situation than Eitr via RCA.

    Even if I2S is the best way to connect to the Holo Spring, a significantly superior source interface is still going to be better.
     
  2. earnmyturns

    earnmyturns Smartest friend

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    Just started to do that comparison, but I have not listened closely enough to enough different music to reach a definite conclusion. In addition, the two paths have other differences to make it easier to compare:

    1) microRendu+LPS-1>USB>SU-1>I2S
    2) Allo USBridge>USB>Eitr>S/PDIF

    Grouped both into a single Roon zone to make switching easy. Amp is Neurochrome HP-1, headphones MrSpeakers Ether C Flow.

    Close enough so far that if I can't find a repeatable difference after a few days of closer listening, I might be tempted to put 1) up for sale. But then I'm a rather inexperienced listener compared with many here, and especially @Torq .
     
  3. FredM

    FredM New

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    Have you considered to remove USB from the chain? With ie a Allo Kali you can create a direct I2S signal to the DAC (a Kali version 2 seems to be introduced shortly), more fancy option: the Manga Mano I2S streamer
     
  4. earnmyturns

    earnmyturns Smartest friend

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    The problem of USB audio is electrical noise from the source carried by the USB cable. The EItr seems to solve that, both in my recent experience and that of many others. I guess I could try a Kali+Sparky setup, but that would be assuming that the Kali I2S implementation is as good as the SU-1. Not sure I have the time or patience for that additional iteration...
     
  5. EricR

    EricR New

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    During Black Friday last year I bought the Spring Level 1 from kitsunehifi.com and am very happy. I went with the Level 1 because the cost (even at BF prices) was pushing the edge of my sensibilities - now I consider it excellent value!

    If using a computer & USB (Surface Pro 3 for me) I feel an Eiter or SU-1 a must have. Earlier this year @Torq kindly lent me his SU-1 for a week and I was sold. Shortly after the Eiter was released and I have been using it ever since. Going by memory the SU-1 is superior, though the Eater probably gives 75% of the SU-1.

    More recently I have bought a used SU-1 that arrived yesterday and will be able to directly compare to the Eiter.

    -Eric
     
  6. EricR

    EricR New

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    BTW, before I can get started with i2s on the SU-1 I'll need to buy a cable. Using search I see Torq had mentioned the Wireworld Starlight last fall.

    Is there a consensus on what HDMI cable to buy?

    Thanks!
     
  7. bengo

    bengo Friend

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    A short one is essential for I2S, which is intended for connections on a PCB, not between components in a separates system.
     
  8. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    I used the short basic cable that Kitsune sells. Worked the best of 3 or 4 cables I tried. I probably still have it in a drawer around here.
     
  9. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    Will be interested in hearing your thoughts on Eitr vs. the SU-1 I2S input. I have an L3 Spring DAC I'm using with Eitr but wondering if the SQ difference is that significant to warrant the price difference for the SU-1.
     
  10. earnmyturns

    earnmyturns Smartest friend

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    I've got both, so far I've not heard much of a difference. I need to ask my wife to compare, she does not care about the specifics of the gear and has a better ear than me, so she'll be less subject to subjective effects.
     
  11. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    @EricR was the level 3 also on sale last year?
     
  12. EricR

    EricR New

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    Are you using i2s with a .5m or less HDMI cable for the SU-1?

    I look forward to your wife's impressions.

    Thanks
     
    Last edited: Oct 7, 2017
  13. EricR

    EricR New

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    Yes, though the Level 1 % discount was better. The Level 3 was already backordered by BF.

    ^^^ IIRC
     
  14. earnmyturns

    earnmyturns Smartest friend

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    Yes, very short HDMI cable I got from Kitsune at the same time as the Holo Spring and SU-1.
     
  15. PacoTaco

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    I've been talking to quite a few people about this DAC (especially since I lack the mean of trying it out,) and this about what I've gathered about the difference between the levels sonically. Take it with a grain of salt, as these aren't my impressions, but those of other people.

    Apparently, the Lvl 1 and Lvl 3 Spring DAC is a Yggdrasil vs. Gungnir Multibit situation. The Lvl 1 is 95% of the Lvl 3 (and the Lvl 2 is a hair worse than the Lvl 3.) If that's true, then it seems like the Lvl 1 is a fantastic bargain....though I'm debating on if it's unfair to add the cost of needing an Eitr, AES, or SU1. The Amethyst has made NOS an extremely compelling option for me (and I agree with @Hands about the NOS sound. It's very non-fatiguing in a weird way.)
     
  16. earnmyturns

    earnmyturns Smartest friend

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    SU-1>I2S>Lvl 3 is slightly cleaner, less hazy than Eitr>S/PDIF>Lvl 3, at least according to my wife who has a better ear for fine detail than me. IOW, SU-1 or equivalent seems inevitable in a Spring setup.
     
  17. bengo

    bengo Friend

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  18. JeremiahS

    JeremiahS Almost "Made"

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    Friends,

    What is the best way to obtain this DAC if you're outside of USA? I was keen on the Yggdrasil but it costed almost US$3,300 here... I hope Asian members can provide advise since the Holo Spring is made in China.

    Regards,
    Jeremiah
     
  19. bengo

    bengo Friend

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  20. Grahad2

    Grahad2 Red eyes from too much anime

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