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Has there been any respectable comparisons of the Holo Spring 3 vs. Holo May?
Couple of guys on the board here talked me back into considering the Holo. The Spring 3 fits my budget wonderfully, but could reach to the May if it’s 2x better as it’s 2x the price.
A YouTube reviewer with both units said the Spring 3 was close to the May, but May was better if it was within budget. I’m not a big fan of YouTube reviewers in general. This guy seems to comport himself effectively: Holo Spring 3 R2R DAC Review - Punching Up! - YouTube
Curious what others may have heard or know.
Thanks!
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I purchased the Spring 3 KTE with Preamp from Tim at KitsTune HIFI.
He said the advantages of the MAY are not huge but are there after careful listening
He said the Spring is quite close to the MAY.
The Spring 3 KTE with Preamp is exceptional value
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Golden Sounds reviews of the Holo Dacs are credible and he has been in contact with Tim about them throughout the process. I would suspect the biggest difference in the two would obviously be the May’s separate power supply that weighs more than either of the two DAC’s themselves. You would need both of them side by side to know if you would hear the difference but you will be happy with either so buy what your budget is comfortable with.
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Thanks Dawkinsj & Magicknow. I’m going to order a Spring 3 L2 to get the better USB interface.
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Congratulations. Please let us know if you like it when you receive it.
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I am affraid only L3 (KTE) model has enhanced USB module. L1 and L2 has standard USB module, L3 has Titanis 2 USB module, exactly the same module is used in May DAC. I have Spring 3 KTE and this enhanced USB module is the main reason I have ordered KTE version of Spring 3.
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Yes you have to buy the Level 3 the get the upgraded USB.
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@Phil @rkosak @dawkinsj @magicknow
Thank you for the reinforcement and understanding L3 is required for the improved USB module. @rkosak the pics were very helpful and interesting.
@Phil Love your congrats post with each new convert. 
@dawkinsj @magicknow your feedback of May vs Spring L3 was a big comfort factor in pushing the button for the Spring 3.
I’ve been waiting for the DSD MKII but with the release date and especially the pricing being opaque makes waiting increasing difficult.
I still remember the terrific for its time Adcom GDA-700 DAC with the Burr Brown 20 bit 1702 R2R chip. I so love the accurate and smooth presentation. Anticipating the Spring L3 KTE R2R presentation.
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Welcome to the club. You won’t regret your choice
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I did the deed, 
Just pushed lightened my Visa card by $3278 for Spring L3 KTE w/shipping.
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Fun, you don’t believe in fancy cables, I don’t believe in Holo Audio DACs. LOL
I got a chuckle out of that. 
I’ll haven’t to listen to the Holo DAC to see if it’s really that much better. What’s your view on the Holo? Appreciate your perspective.
Analytical, dry, Lifeless. This was the May KTE edition I had in my system.
It was not a pleasant experience. Others feel differently of course.
My DAC of choice is my Gryphon Kalliope DAC.
I strongly prefer the PS Audio DSD DAC to the May.
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The May KTE edition did not work in my system neither. My PS Audio transformer modified DAC was more open, fuller, and richer sounding than the May. My system simply has no synergy with the May.
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Don’t worry, you are going to love it, like 99% of owners and all the reviewers.
I have only heard negative feedback from 2 people on this planet.
Compare the May DACs sound to my Gryphon Kalliope DACs sound and then pat yourself on the back. Until then, whatever.
You don’t know the difference. I do.
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My brother who also heard the May thought the PS Audio with vocals sounded more real, so that’s 3 people on this planet not 2 that didn’t like the May as much.
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Some people think Mac Minis sound good and there is no telling them otherwise. 
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I have the same impression with this new R2R constructions. You can hear more different sounds better control but music is somehow more alive and musical on psaudio.
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