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

Yes, AD1865N-K. Fixed the typo.

OK, I understand what you're saying now re the elements. I can't comment on that, as I don't recall hearing any difference there. Incidentally, the most 3D rendering of individual elements I've heard through headphones to date occurred at the recent CantJam meet with the @Donald North Stellaris driven by the SF CD player. Actually I can't get it out of my head, and am still somewhat regretting not breaking my table down early to move my digital front end over to Donald's table so that I could determine how much the CDP influenced this effect vs the amp.

 

With all this talk of NOS, has anyone ever tried the DDDAC 1794?

 

I don't mind, but I am not sure what you're asking. The AD1865N-K (Analog Devices) is/was dual 18-bit and was in a 24-pin (I think) DIP package. I don't know what the K designation meant, but possibly something to do with wafer bins. Glancing at the data sheet, I'm a bit curious as to the NOS operation as it seems to be advertised as 16x Fs. Perhaps there's a NOS mode or perhaps that's a shift register frequency thing more than a sampling frequency thing.... Not a DAC chip guy.

 

LOL, my bad... Mojo Audio Mystique v2+ (now discontinued). Incidentally he's working on a v3 now that is going to be designed around the Burr Brown PCM 67.

 

Was thinking of upgrading my sfd-1 mkii SE+.

I was thinking about totaldac, dave, nagra hd, boulder dac, msb V or maybe something from aqua

Is this going to be even worth trying? I'm seeking musicality and slight warmth and engagement. But i want something more clean than the sfd-1 which on occasion can seem a bit smeared and muddy. I do love the warmth/imaging/soundstage of thr sfd-1.

Access to audition stuff is highly limited because 'Straya.

Pairing with EC studio and abyss with aes interface.

 

For anyone in the DC area, Tim has arranged for HeadAmp to lend us (Urban HiFi, a now actual storefront-having retail store the guys at LTA are opening) their Spring for about two weeks starting at the beginning of December, to coincide with a headphone meet at the shop and then our formal opening soon after. If you want to listen to the DAC on speakers, headphones, or your own rig if you bring it, you're welcome to come by any time during business hours or just contact us and we'll be happy to meet you at whatever time works.

 

Do you still have the Pavane demo unit or is that loooong gone?

 

Long gone, unfortunately. Eventually we want to get the whole Metrum lineup in the shop permanently, that just requires a few thousand dollars that are not available to spend on single components right now. The DACs that will be available Sunday, in addition to the Spring, are: Metrum Musette, Aqua La Voce, Clones Asher, MHDT Stockholm V2, and if it's requested I could bring in my Wavelength Brick. In the future we'll have more MHDT models, as we're now an official reseller.

Along with the Spring, they're sending along a SU-1 Singxer and a Starlight HDMI cable, so we won't be limited to USB. I also have a DXIO Pro3Z if anyone wants to compare USB to SPDIF outputs.

 

I really liked the tonality of the v2. Wonderful tone. The Musette may need an external power supply to sound better. Thats cool though... those sound like some good components and like you have a trend there and with the Holo DAC to top it off.

 

Congrats Marv! Out of curiosity, when did you order yours? I placed my order on 11/09 and also got the "mid December" estimate. Not expecting it sooner, but always get a bit antsy with new gear.

Cheers

 

Got it. Thanks for the info.

Guess I'll have to not get too excited about a possible early delivery!

Cheers

 

I'm very much looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

And not just because such things help me calibrate my own listening and how I describe what I hear.

 

Marv - Was the Spring shipping directly from Asia? Curious how long it takes to get the unit to your door once you get the shipping notice. Cheers

 

From all the knick knacks I bought from Chinese sellers, it usually takes 2 weeks to arrive from the time the actual shipment leaves.

 

guys, what's next, a request for fedex tracking info followed by heavy breathing? this kind of irrelevant minutia completely obliterates an otherwise useful thread.