Holo Audio – RED Network Streamer & DDC
Premium Digital Connectivity
The HoloAudio RED is a versatile network streamer with I²S HDMI output supporting DSD playback up to DSD1024 on USB output. It also functions as a digital-to-digital converter (DDC), allowing conversion from USB to I²S or SPDIF.
DDC Mode: To activate, power the RED on with a USB source connected. Streamer Mode: To return to streaming, disconnect the USB source and reboot the RED.
A critical part of the HoloAudio RED’s performance is its dedicated linear power supply, designed specifically for audio applications. Unlike common switch-mode power supplies, the RED’s linear design delivers clean, stable, and low-noise power, which is essential for preserving signal integrity in digital audio playback. The HoloAudio RED is housed in a chassis that is milled from a single solid block of aluminum. The result is a component that combines audiophile-grade performance with robust durability, ensuring that the RED operates in an environment free from unwanted interference. This meticulous attention to mechanical engineering complements the advanced electronics inside, allowing the RED to perform at the highest possible level.
At its core, the RED uses a Pi Compute Module 4, but unlike a standard Raspberry Pi, this version has been custom-developed by HoloAudio and optimized for high-end audio. By removing unnecessary peripherals and tailoring the design for sound quality, HoloAudio ensures both performance and flexibility. The RED remains highly versatile thanks to its broad software compatibility.
Roon Ready & Audirvana Certified: The Ultimate Streaming Bridge
The Holo Audio Red is officially Roon Ready, ensuring seamless integration and flawless playback within the Roon ecosystem. In addition, it proudly carries the Plays with Audirvana certification, guaranteeing perfect compatibility with Audirvana Studio for bit-perfect streaming. This dual certification makes the Red a versatile and future-proof digital transport for audiophiles who demand the best of both worlds.
Key Features
- Multiple digital inputs & outputs for maximum connectivity
- Simple, user-friendly setup process
- Ready to go ROON certified network bridge
- Holo Audio Red is Audirvana certified (Plays with Audirvana)
- Stream internet radio, music services, or your local music library
- Wireless control via a dedicated controller app
- AirPlay 2 support for seamless playback from iOS and macOS devices
- DDC Functionality: USB to I²S HDMI, Coax (BNC/RCA), Optical, and AES/EBU
- Configurable I²S pinout via DIP switches on the underside of the chassis
" The Holo RED is the lowest jitter and one of the lowest noise digital sources I’ve tested. Absolutely incredible performance that sets the current benchmark for a streamer or DDC. The fact that this level of performance is achieved at under $1000 is honestly incredible. Well done Jeff! "
Flexible I²S Connectivity
The HoloAudio RED offers a high-quality I²S digital output via an HDMI connector, providing a direct and ultra-clean path to compatible DACs. Because I²S is not yet a fully standardized format, the RED is designed with flexibility in mind: users can configure the pinout through DIP switches on the underside of the chassis, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of DAC implementations. This approach allows the RED to deliver the best possible digital signal transfer, minimizing jitter and preserving every detail of the music, while giving audiophiles the adaptability they need for their specific setup.
RED Details
Pure Power for ultimate performance
Premium components and precisely regulated power rails provide clean, isolated, and consistent power to every part of the RED whether it’s streaming, clocking, or digital conversion, effectively minimizing interference and jitter. The result is a darker background, enhanced dynamics, and exceptional clarity, allowing the RED to fully unlock the potential of your DAC.
USB Input & Output
The HoloAudio RED features a USB input and output designed for maximum versatility. In DDC mode, the USB input allows you to connect a digital source, converting it to I²S, Coaxial, Optical, or AES/EBU outputs with pristine accuracy. In streaming mode, the USB output serves as a direct connection to your DAC, delivering high-resolution audio with minimal jitter and noise.
This dual-function USB design ensures that the RED can seamlessly switch between digital conversion and network streaming, providing a flexible and high-performance solution for any digital audio setup.
Ultra-High Resolution Playback
The HoloAudio RED supports DSD playback up to DSD1024 and PCM up to 768 kHz, placing it at the forefront of digital audio performance. This capability ensures that even the most demanding high-resolution recordings are rendered with exceptional clarity, detail, and dynamic range.
Whether streaming from your network or converting digital signals via DDC, the RED preserves every nuance of the music, delivering a transparent, lifelike listening experience that fully reveals the potential of your DAC and audio system.
Comprehensive Digital Connectivity
The HoloAudio RED is built to integrate seamlessly into any high-end audio system, featuring:
- Ethernet RJ45 – Gigabit (1000 Mbps) network streaming
- Digital Inputs: USB 2.0
-
Digital Outputs:
- 1× I²S HDMI (HoloAudio-compatible)
- 1× Coaxial S/PDIF RCA
- 1× Coaxial S/PDIF BNC
- 1× AES/EBU XLR
- 1× Optical Toslink
This versatile selection ensures maximum compatibility with a wide range of DACs and digital components, giving you flexible, high-quality digital signal transfer.
Easy Configuration & Flexible Software
The HoloAudio RED is designed for straightforward setup and versatile operation. Out of the box, it’s ready to connect as a certified Roon Bridge, letting you start streaming your music library immediately. Configuration is accessible via any web browser, making system setup simple and user-friendly.
For audiophiles who want to explore beyond the standard configuration, the RED’s flexible platform allows installation of alternative software, such as Gentoo Player, Lyrion, or Audirvana Studio, giving you full control over playback options, customization, and advanced tuning. This combination of ease-of-use and expandability makes the RED both plug-and-play ready and a powerful playground for audio enthusiasts.
LINEAR POWER SUPPLY
High performance linear regulated Power Supply
- High-quality components and carefully regulated power rails ensure that each section of the device, whether streaming, clocking, or digital conversion, receives isolated and consistent power, minimizing interference and jitter. The result is a blacker background, improved dynamics, and greater clarity, allowing the RED to fully reveal the capabilities of your DAC.
POWERFUL PROCESSING HEART
Integrated Compute Module 4
At the heart of the HoloAudio RED is the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4), a powerful yet compact system-on-module that provides the processing muscle for streaming and control. Unlike a standard Raspberry Pi 4 board, the CM4 strips away unnecessary peripherals and is fully custom-integrated by HoloAudio, ensuring an audio-focused implementation optimized for performance and reliability.
MILLED FROM A SOLID BLOCK OF ALUMINUM
Solid Aluminum Chassis
The HoloAudio RED is housed in a chassis that is milled from a single solid block of aluminum. This construction not only gives the device a sleek and timeless appearance, but also provides outstanding mechanical stability. By eliminating joints and weak points found in conventional enclosures, the solid design greatly reduces the influence of external vibrations and resonances that can negatively impact delicate digital audio processing.
USB IMPLEMENTATION: A STEP BEYOND
Isolated USB implementation
The Holo Audio RED USB implementation is truly exceptional, featuring full isolation to eliminate noise and interference from the source. Its proprietary firmware is engineered for ultra-low latency and highly reliable data transmission, ensuring every detail of the music is faithfully delivered. Combined with outstanding performance measurements, this USB implementation sets a new benchmark in digital audio, capturing subtle nuances and delivering clarity that rivals the finest interfaces.
DIGITAL SEAMLESS INTEGRATION
Rich Digital Connectivity & Flexible Storage
The HoloAudio RED is equipped with an impressive array of digital inputs and outputs, ensuring seamless integration into virtually any high-end audio system. With support for USB, I²S (HDMI), AES/EBU, Coaxial (BNC/RCA), and Optical, the RED offers the versatility to connect to a wide range of DACs and digital components while maintaining uncompromising signal quality.
Adding to its flexibility, the RED features a Micro-SD card slot that allows for system customization, software updates, or even alternative playback environments. This makes the device not only powerful out of the box but also adaptable to evolving audio needs, giving users a future-proof solution tailored to their preferences.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| Product type | Network Streamer & DDC (Digital to Digital Converter) |
| Ethernet | Ethernet RJ45, GigE 1000Mbps |
| Digital inputs | USB 2.0 |
| Digital outputs | 1x I2S HDMI (Holo Audio compatible) 1x Coaxial S/PDIF RCA 1x Coaxial S/PDIF BNC 1x AES/EBU XLR 1x Optical Toslink 1x USB-A 2.0 (USB Host) |
| Supported file formats | MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, FLAC, OGG, ALAC, OPUS, WAV, AIFF |
| CPU | Quad core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz |
| Native sampling rates | 16-24bit 44.1-768kHz – Native DSD64 – 1024 (USB OUT) |
| Output Sample rates | COAX, OPT, AES: PCM 44.1-192K 24bit DSD 64 DOP USB: PCM 1.536Mhz / DSD1024 I²S: PCM 44.1K-768K DSD 64-512X Native / DSD64 -256X DOP |
| Compatible OS | iOS Android Windows Mac OS |
| Steaming services | Deezer, Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, Web radios |
Others services | Roon Ready (Roon Certified) Plays with Audirvana (Audirvana Certified) Qobuz Connect (Certified with Qobuz, Max 192kHz / 24 bit) Tidal Connect (Max: 44.1kHz / 24-bit) Spotify Connect (Max: 320 kbit/s (Ogg Vorbis)) UPnP Streaming HQPlayer NAA AirPlay 2 Squeezelite Scream |
GENERAL | |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 100-240VAC |
| Dimensions | 220 x 146 x 46mm |
| Weight | 3 kg |
| Package | 1x Holo Audio Red 1x Power Cable (EU/ UK) 1x TF card (pre-installed custom bridge system RedOS) |
SOFTWARE
Supporting audio services:
- Roon Ready (Roon Certified)
- Audirvana (Audirvana Certified)
- Qobuz Connect (QOBUZ Certified)
- Tidal Connect
- Spotify Connect
- UPnP Streaming
- HQPlayer NAA
- AirPlay 2
- Squeezelite
- Scream
Alternative Software / AddOns
The Red is compatible with all kinds of software such us:
- Volumio Audiophile Music Player
- Moode Audio (Audiophile-quality music playback)
- RoPieee (RoonBridge ready-to-go )
- piCore with Logitech Media Server
- Gentoo Player (RoonBridge and many other features)
Story
That’s why Holo Audio RED
In a world where digital audio often compromises clarity and purity, RED was designed to bring every bit of detail to life. It’s more than a network streamer, it’s a versatile DDC, a digital hub, and a carefully engineered piece of audio craftsmanship. Inside, a custom Pi Compute Module 4 drives its powerful, flexible platform, while a linear power supply ensures the cleanest, most stable energy for every digital signal. The MILLED FROM A SINGLE SOLID BLOCK OF ALUMINUM chassis keeps vibrations at bay, letting the RED perform at the highest level. With rich digital connections, USB, I²S, AES/EBU, Coaxial, and Optical, plus a Micro-SD slot for endless flexibility, RED adapts to any system and grows with your music library. Stream your favorite services, play internet radio, or enjoy your personal collection, all with wireless control and AirPlay 2 convenience.
The HoloAudio RED isn’t just a device, it’s a statement: precision, versatility, and musicality in perfect harmony.g it a perfect introduction to the world of Holo Audio without compromise.
Holo Audio RED - Reviews & Awards
Holo Audio
When people talk about innovation in high-end audio, the name Holo Audio often comes up. Behind the brand stands Jeff Zhu, a designer whose vision has helped redefine what digital-to-analog conversion can be.
Jeff Zhu’s journey into audio began with a passion for music and engineering. While many manufacturers follow wellworn paths in digital audio design, Jeff believed there was room for something more radicaln approach that combined cutting-edge engineering with the natural warmth and presence music lovers crave.
That philosophy led to the creation of Holo Audio, a company that quickly gained worldwide recognition. The Spring DAC and May DAC series put Holo Audio firmly on the map, introducing the world to discrete R2R DAC designs and groundbreaking technologies such as true linear compensation. These innovations solved long-standing problems in digital playback, allowing Holo Audio products to reproduce music with remarkable accuracy, texture, and emotional impact.
But beyond the technical achievements, Jeff Zhu’s work reflects a deeper philosophy: audio gear should serve the music, not the other way around. Every Holo Audio product is built with this principle in mind, balancing advanced engineering with a focus on musicality, craftsmanship, and longevity.
Today, Holo Audio continues to expand its reputation across the globe. With Jeff Zhu at the helm, the company remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital audio, while staying true to the simple goal that started it all: helping people connect more deeply with the music they love.
Tim Connor has many years of experience in the Audio Industry and is passionate about just enjoying the music. He strives to exceed your expectations by helping you choose the right products that fit best for your needs. Please contact him with any questions you may have. His wife, Dawn Connor, is also very passionate about music, and sang in Choir for many years. She enjoys learning about and working on electronics, (including past experience with guitar equipment) audio grade, and higher specification, wiring and the founder of KitsuneHifi.
In the world of audio equipment, wires are the staple of life as they are required to transfer electricity, the more strands the better conductivity and electricity transferred more efficiently. As with a wise kitsuné, the more skilled and knowledgeable the craftsman the better the end result.
At KitsunéHiFi we’re always searching for the mythical creature… the awe inspiring equipment of legends.
The kitsuné logo was inspired by a few things, a bedside lamp with a cute little fox, the fox-spirit from Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna) (which Dawn kept calling a kitsuné), and our pup which looks a lot like a little fox and credited in part to the Kitsuné head logo
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