After only 4 days of "burn-in", I have to admit that Holo May is exceeding my expectations! The sound is very natural and smooth in the same time, there is no "digital" hiss on trebles and the bass is incredible well defined! I've made "on the fly" A/B tests with my turntable records and the sound is pretty close to the vinyl analogue sound, which is fantastic!! Compared with my previous DACs (Mytek Manhattan II, Rockna Wavelight), Holo May KTE plays in a completely different league! Many thanks again Jos for the great service and support, as always! All the best, Sorin

I find the current playback sound so natural, smooth, refined and easy that I keep listening. I am better able to let go of technical listening and enjoy a nice piece of music better and that is ultimately the goal… ..

The gear looks good and after some 40 hours of break-in it sounds already great: tonality well balanced, soundstage expanded (compared to my former setup) every instrument at its proper place, revealing yet natural. Miles Davis' ‚Tutu‘ for example always sounded a bit sharp and harsh; now the SERENE-MAY-combination provides more details in well separated layers but still a homogeneous sound. Comparing some high-res-files with CD-quality differences seem apparent even in non-audiophile recordings like RHCP ,Blood, Sugar, Sex Magic‘. Finally, the dac seems to love the piano and so do my wife and I. Up to now it is a great pleasure and maybe the best is yet to come.

Never I have been blown away by a DAC like the May KTE. It is almost magical in its musical delivery and so freaking perfect in all aspects of sound quality: detail, soundstage, imaging, PRaT, body, soul, dynamics, resolution, excitement, neutrality, calmness and musicality in all frequencies are simply unmatched. As a result, the KTE will emotionally connect you without any effort to the music; get a box of Kleenex, you May (pun intended) tear up when you hear your favourite music. One thing, the burn in process was for me a bit scary. After a few good first days the May sounded like crap for almost five days. Patience is key, it took 11 days 24/7 and a few pauses before it started sounding magical again. It is not cheap, but this is truly end-game and a class apart. The May will easily compete with TOTL end game DACS that are much more expensive. Most said in the professional reviews is true, and believe me, understated. As an audio reviewer you want to remain a good relationship with all sponsors. For me the May takes the cake, the USB implementation is so good, no need to invest in reclockers or IS2. Considering this, the May is almost a steel. 6 out of 5 stars ?

Excellent service. High level of product knowledge, good communication, fast shipping, perfect package protection and top tracking information. The Holo May DAC KTE is the best DAC I’ve listened in life, it’s and end game DAC for sure.

Everything I write I am doing the Holo MAY short! It is an incredible achievement from a brand which was unknown to me. I have tried (won't mention them) much higher priced DACs but this one is simply sublime. Especially the PLL technology in this DAC does a great job. The only advice I can give to doubters: You have to try it! (Leave on for at least 150 hours before actually listening). Happy customer - thanks Magna Team for the great service!

Purchased a Holo May KTE. I had some questions before buying, all got quickly and in details answered by Jos. After delivery I noticed a humming noise coming from the item sometimes. Jos gave me advices on different possible solutions. I am very satisfied with both of the dac and Magna Hifi. This is the kind of costumer service I love in the US but rarely experience in the EU. ?

Purchased one of the best end game DACs (Holo audio may KTE). Had some scares during the burn in process, but Magna was super understanding. All I needed was patience, my May KTE just took 11 days before it sounded magical. :) Magna's service is simply outstanding, these guys deserve your trust and business, especially when you invest in your audiophile hobby.

I am in the position to listening to more music... and therefore really coming to appreciate the qualities of the May. It presents music organically, across a broad and deep sound stage, with hardly any digital artefacts - the decision to go with an R2R Dac has been one of my best choices over many years of audiophilia!

There has been a lot said and written about this DAC. I am certainly not the first, and probably not the last. I took the plunge and switched from another brand/type in the same price range. I had been warned. This machine is good, very good! I've been using this DAC for a few weeks now, and it has completely exceeded my expectations. The sound quality is exceptional, with clear highs and deep, rich lows. The build quality is also top-notch, and it feels sturdy and well-made. Overall, I'm extremely impressed with this DAC. I couldn't be happier with my decision to switch.

A la recherche d’un dac qui puisse remplacer mon Ayon Skylla2 (R2R PCM1704K) avec plus de neutralité et de résolution mais sans perdre les qualités tonales du R2R, l’âme de la musique, et tout en rivalisant avec mon principal dac le Mola Mola Tambaqui, le May est un choix que je ne regretterai pas. Une partie numérique au dessus de tout soupçon, des étages de conversion R2R Nos compatible tous formats avec une partie DSD dédiée réussie, un étage de sortie à l’évidence bien pensé et réalisé qui donne toutes ses lettres de noblesses à la restitution sonore et creuse l’écart avec la concurrence utilisant des AOP lissant et réfrigérant la restitution, subtile positionnement fait de neutralité et beauté, crédibilité sans aspect analytique comme beaucoup de dacs à puces Delta Sigma dont les filtres ne sont pas débrayables, et sans en faire trop et verser dans des colorations éloignant de la réalité. Le May analyse finement en donnant le liant, la continuité naturelle entre les sons qui fait que l’on écoute de la musique et non du son, et avec son étage de sortie il le fait sans froideur, en sachant impliquer l’auditeur. Que demander de plus?…. Une intégration de la lecture réseau qui soit aussi réussie que les entrées USB et I2S du May serait un plus pour s’asseoir sur la concurrence en terme de versatilité. Le May n’est pas donné si l’on considère son circuit de vente, la nécessité d’acquérir un bon lecteur réseau et cablage de liaison pour l’accompagner face à ses concurrents , mais il sait justifier son positionnement par de vrais arguments techniques et sonores donc recommandé sans réserve aux amoureux de la musique qui fuient les colorations mais fuient la désincarnation et la froideur également. Excellent support de Magna Hifi dans la démarche d’acquisition, toujours une réponse rapide de Jos aux questions posées avant et après la vente.

MAY has exceeded expectations, very-very impressive gear. Even out of the box it was already shining ! Truly all modes attract attention immediately, very positively. And fall into that thin category - "this is not better by different". At times I caught myself thinking that simple PCM 44.1 via NOS is already full and rich and engaging.

What can I say, I am still quite speechless and impressed, it's like listening to analog music with digital equipment. A wonderful DAC, which fits perfectly with the Ferrum Hypsos/Oor to the Hifiman Susvara.

The built quality is exceptional. Fantastic sounding DAC in comparison with my old BurrBrown DAC and I also tested very expensive delta-sigma DACs. They sound analytical, not engaging and have a flat soundstage compared to the May KTE. The May is unbelievably smooth (organic) sounding, with the best soundstage and holographic presentation I have ever heard !

I have tried both the Gentoo player and Roopieee XL configuration to use as Roonbridge. I recommend Gentoo player software, it has more microinfo and better 3D image. This combo is fantastic! My Holo Spring KTE connected via I2S is now giving its best in combination with the Mano Ultra MKIII. I strongly recomend this streamer for Holo DACs or any other DAC

The streamer is exceptional and if the purchased through a normal dealer network would cost a lot more. The only reason i have not given 5 stars is because there is no WiFi possibility. I am however extremely happy with the sound quality of this device. The sound quality exceeds my expectations.

I love the Mano Ultra Mk3 its so transparent

Hello, I had to write again and thank Rob for the super type. I have had the Mano Ultra MKIII the most expensive version for over a year. I am super satisfied I have written before . So far I have used piCorePlayer and LMS played it amazingly well . Rob gave me the type to run roon Server and use Mano as a roon-bridge with GentooPlayer I will say yes I already had a few things in my house now it's the best Streaming I've ever heard . If you want to really hear what Mano Ultra MKIII can install GentooPlayer and fire through roon . You can also take the trial version after that there will be no return 😁. Thanks also for the super service

The Mano sounds great with Rockna DAC using I2S connection

I have only used it for 48 hours so far so it's not fully burnt in I guess, still it sounds great. I use it as a pure Roon endpoint and I've tested the supplied MoOde Player 32-bit v7.25 which I upgraded to v7.30 and installed the Roon Bridge, everything else turned off in MoOde. Later I switched to MoOde Player 64-bit v8.25 and it sounded even better. I also tested the Ropieee 2023.02. It also sounds nice, but I think I prefer the MoOde Player 64-bit v8.2. I have yet to try your recommendation of the GentooPlayer, but I will have to obtain a test license first. The Mano Ultra mk3 leaves the HoloAudio Red and the iFi Zen streamer miles behind. The Mano Ultra mk3 is even better than the Lumin U2 mini streamer at twice the cost behind, which I also have tested.

I am really enjoying the Mano! ULTRA mk3 It replaced the Bridge II network card in my PS Audio Directstream and it has added a ton of clarity and separation that I didn't have with the Bridge II. Not a subtle change.

I wanted a music streamer with a proven technology and this attracted me to the Magna Mano/Farad combo. There are multiple streaming solutions available for this pair and I selected BubbleUpNP and RopieeeXL. The sound quality is excellent and has all the attributes of a great streamer; holographic, large sound stage, bass, detail, musicality, warmth, analog sounding. Magna customer support has been responsive and helpful. Getting the Mano working was relatively straight forward as I explored the settings in Ropieee and the BubbleUpnp Android app. The Mano and Farad enclosures are well finished in black anodized aluminum. Just listening this morning and noticing the Mano and Farad are breaking in and sounding better and better!

Went to a private listening session of around two hours. Great hospitality and conversation . Compared their Magna Mano music streamer with the Holo Audio Red. I hadn’t expected that much difference. I was wrong. Coming home I ordered the Magna Mano. Including the build, Gentoo Player configuration and shipping to me, I had it up and running in 4 days. My wife said after a few days: it sounds so natural. I leave it at that!

After a few days of listening, I'd have to say I'm extremely impressed. Transient impact, note separation and stage positioning are all noticeably improved. Impressive clock, and equally impressive step change in the blackness of the background . Adding the Mano Ultra has taken an already impressive sounding system to the next level. Special mention to the enhanced bass experienced on the Susvara - has really rounded them out beautifully, without any loss in clarity. Outstanding!

I’m really enjoying my Mano Ultra purchase. Thanks for everything even the generic HDMI cable you tossed in, it is the perfect length to my Denafrips Ares 12th-1. Well done Team