Thinking about getting this and the Holo Cyan 2. I just wish it wasn't red to be honest. Black or silver would fit better imo. I know Red is the name, but...
I really appreciate your video. I recently acquired a Holo Cyan 2 and love it. I have my Roon Core on a Mac Mini M1 connected via an Ethernet cable to a Bluesound Node N130. The Bluesound Node is connected to the Cyan 2 via USB. I have all of my CDs ripped to Flac file stored on a 1 TB SSD connected to the Mac Mini. All of this for my 2 channel stereo system (CD transport, turntables, amp and preamp). I just became aware of the Holo Audio RED two days ago. Thinking of replacing the Bluesound Node with the RED. Your advice would be welcomed!
Ive had two generations of Nodes including the N130. The Red is a meaningful uprgade in sound. Its a disservice to assess a DAC without a good streamer.
I received my RED two days ago. Finally figured out the settings yesterday and boy, what a great streamer/transport!!!! Works flawlessly with the Cyan2 and the response to music selections is immediate. Really enjoying the music do much more and I give credit this video for convincing me to go RED.
I’m a Holo May DAC owner and I also own Kitsune’s Sigixr D2D converter, so I am familiar with how amazing all their products are. And I haven’t tried the Red. Having said that, I really like the Sonore Signature Rendu network bridge, because it stops all the noise that comes through Cat 6 copper cables, which act like noisy antennas. It uses a fiber optical connection, which essentially isolates all the noise from your streamer/computer and the network from getting into your DAC. It sounds fabulous and makes a difference with a high end DAC like the Holo May.
@@stereoazimuth Yes but there are also lower cost one too I think. I got the top of the line because it was basically parity for the KTE Holo May. If I has a less expensie lower performing DAC I would have probably gone with the lower priced model, but I was going for overkill. I also got the KTE Sigexur D2D converter, which it turns out I probably didn’t need because the input to the Holo May is plenty good already and I barely heard any difference. But there was a noticeable difference from going from my M1 Mac Mini directly into my dac via usb vs. using the Sonore network bridge. The difference was about 7-8% improvement in overall SQ.
@@stereoazimuth Also Tp-Link makes a $20 ethernet to SFP fiber adapter. So for around $200 you can get two of them and a sfp network switch (netgear) that will allow you to isolate your computer from your DAC. I use those with the Sonore transport, but it should also work with the Red as well and provide further noise reduction.
I have the Cyan2 and it’s the best DAC I’ve heard. Streaming from the Node N130 using the USB cable that came with the DAC. Was looking into the Red but I’m staying with the Node for now. I run Qobuz controlling from my iPad and it’s very easy to use. Maybe further on down the road.
Hi , just purchased the RED and happy with it listening to Qobuz. Is there a way to plug in the HDD directly to Red and listen to music ? If so how do I do it . Thank you very much .
Few questions: - If just using as a DDC, can you remove the card so it always boots to usb input? -Will usb out work to a usb only dac making the red a reclocker? Or is the usbout only for hard drive playback? -If i use 2 or 3 sources(spdif dac, usb dac(if usb out works) and toslink from tv, will it auto switch? Specifically if i want to switch from music on my pc to movie time with my tv connected via toslink and back again.
also you mention its an expensive box just as DDC, but not really. Denafrips cheapest DDC starts at $1k. Most of the well reviewed ones are around that price point And yes, i would consider streaming at a later date. I've done streaming once via the new WiiM Ultra and it was awful compared to my pc audio so i ditched it. If i need to also buy a network bridge and more audiophile ethernet cables, etc, id just keep myself happy with my PC audio quality.
- SD card or not, it will sense if there is a USB input on startup. - Theoretically, yes, but I have not tested this theory, I will get back to you on that. - It only has a USB input. All other connections are output.
Great video, is there a way to control this on a Android tablet with wifi turned off, like the bluetooth app on the Eversolo, asking as I have all my music on ext hdd into player via usb and turn off router at night when listening, so no streaming at all?
@@stereoazimuth Probably no BT app but it would have to have WiFi for streaming and/or control, right? On the site it says: Control music wirelessly with a controller app, but doesn't explain further.
@@michaelcampbell9459 Basically over WiFi. My Wifi and my hardware router are connected. It only has an Ethernet jack. No internal Wifi or Bluetooth modules inside the Red itself. I would encourage you to contact KTE for any questions. www.kitsunehifi.com/contact/
Hi, @michaelcampbell9459. If you’re Wi-Fi is running off the same router as your Wi-Fi, then Roon and the other apps will find it and you can choose the Red as a Roon endpoint and control volume, etc.
I just want to use it as a DDC to connect to my Ideon stack but HoloAudio sez that can only be done with the USB source connected. I don't have a USB but would connect my transport via BNC and use USB out.
I also have a Denafrips Gaia that I can use and stream with the Red(I have one). BTW, the Red sounds fantastic with the SR pink fuse, according to my friend.
@@tabl10s I have heard all sorts of magic fuses can make a difference on amps, DACs, etc. I have not jumped down that rabbit hole nor do I think I want to.
The correct answer is that the red does not come with an app. And you are stuck with a few standard upnp players which are not user friendly nor fancy.
It is listed at $798. I paid a total of $878 back in June of 2024. Prices and shipping of course subject to change. Well worth it though. I feel like I have had a DAC upgrade.
Unless you've compared every streamer out there, it is at best, disingenuous to declare the Holo Red to be "the best". Even then there is the rest of the chain to consider. So, how about "This is the Best I've heard in MY system"? I'd love to see a comparison between the Holo Red VS the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamer Premium VS the PS Audio AirLens.
Sure, it was the best in my system. I also value the opinions of many others and some that I know personally and trust and they have all said it was "the Best". It certainly is a performer.
Oh, and the stock software, which is rather limiting. You are better off with something more flexible like Gentooplayer, Volumio, ropiee, or moOde, but hopefully I will go over some of this in the Part 2.
Thanks for your comment. Everyone that has heard this streamer in my circles have loved it and we all have different DAC's/setups/preferences. You would be the first person to say otherwise. I would encourage you to maybe try a few different Pi distros, although I did settle on GentooPlayer, which is not free, but you can try it for free as long as you like, it is just limited to 16/44.1.
Thinking about getting this and the Holo Cyan 2. I just wish it wasn't red to be honest. Black or silver would fit better imo. I know Red is the name, but...
It's even better looking in-person.
I just purchased a Cyan 2 and Tim was responsive and helpful
I experienced excellent customer service
Thank you 🙏 Tim
I really appreciate your video. I recently acquired a Holo Cyan 2 and love it. I have my Roon Core on a Mac Mini M1 connected via an Ethernet cable to a Bluesound Node N130. The Bluesound Node is connected to the Cyan 2 via USB. I have all of my CDs ripped to Flac file stored on a 1 TB SSD connected to the Mac Mini. All of this for my 2 channel stereo system (CD transport, turntables, amp and preamp).
I just became aware of the Holo Audio RED two days ago.
Thinking of replacing the Bluesound Node with the RED.
Your advice would be welcomed!
My buddy has a Blusesound Node and he says the Red is far superior. He wound up selling his Node and LPS for it.
@@stereoazimuth - much appreciated and thanks again. I’m going to make the jump to RED. Be well!
Ive had two generations of Nodes including the N130. The Red is a meaningful uprgade in sound. Its a disservice to assess a DAC without a good streamer.
@@veniceog - many thanks for your comments. About another month before the Red arrives🙏🏻
I received my RED two days ago. Finally figured out the settings yesterday and boy, what a great streamer/transport!!!!
Works flawlessly with the Cyan2 and the response to music selections is immediate. Really enjoying the music do much more and I give credit this video for convincing me to go RED.
I’m a Holo May DAC owner and I also own Kitsune’s Sigixr D2D converter, so I am familiar with how amazing all their products are. And I haven’t tried the Red. Having said that, I really like the Sonore Signature Rendu network bridge, because it stops all the noise that comes through Cat 6 copper cables, which act like noisy antennas. It uses a fiber optical connection, which essentially isolates all the noise from your streamer/computer and the network from getting into your DAC. It sounds fabulous and makes a difference with a high end DAC like the Holo May.
Isn't the Sonore Signature Rendu like $5,300 and the optical module another $500? So at that price, sure.
@@stereoazimuth Yes but there are also lower cost one too I think. I got the top of the line because it was basically parity for the KTE Holo May. If I has a less expensie lower performing DAC I would have probably gone with the lower priced model, but I was going for overkill. I also got the KTE Sigexur D2D converter, which it turns out I probably didn’t need because the input to the Holo May is plenty good already and I barely heard any difference. But there was a noticeable difference from going from my M1 Mac Mini directly into my dac via usb vs. using the Sonore network bridge. The difference was about 7-8% improvement in overall SQ.
@@stereoazimuth Also Tp-Link makes a $20 ethernet to SFP fiber adapter. So for around $200 you can get two of them and a sfp network switch (netgear) that will allow you to isolate your computer from your DAC. I use those with the Sonore transport, but it should also work with the Red as well and provide further noise reduction.
I have the Cyan2 and it’s the best DAC I’ve heard. Streaming from the Node N130 using the USB cable that came with the DAC. Was looking into the Red but I’m staying with the Node for now. I run Qobuz controlling from my iPad and it’s very easy to use. Maybe further on down the road.
I've heard some guys say this Red streamer is far more superior than the Node FYI
Can you make a video about this product in actual practical use?
It is on my "to do" list. Kind of complicated though because it basically is a Pi based streamer.
@@stereoazimuth yeah, it seems you can do the same with Pi and LPS and Ian Canada out and pick your own software
I am doing this RPI5 (Gentoo player diretta target with power filter mod) --> USB in to Red (power filter mod) --> out I2S to May KTE = Audio bliss!
Diretta is not over USB. That is using the USB conversion of the Red.
Hi , just purchased the RED and happy with it listening to Qobuz. Is there a way to plug in the HDD directly to Red and listen to music ? If so how do I do it . Thank you very much .
No, but you can use something like Music Bee or foobar2000 or mConnect to play over UPnP.
Few questions:
- If just using as a DDC, can you remove the card so it always boots to usb input?
-Will usb out work to a usb only dac making the red a reclocker? Or is the usbout only for hard drive playback?
-If i use 2 or 3 sources(spdif dac, usb dac(if usb out works) and toslink from tv, will it auto switch? Specifically if i want to switch from music on my pc to movie time with my tv connected via toslink and back again.
also you mention its an expensive box just as DDC, but not really. Denafrips cheapest DDC starts at $1k. Most of the well reviewed ones are around that price point
And yes, i would consider streaming at a later date. I've done streaming once via the new WiiM Ultra and it was awful compared to my pc audio so i ditched it. If i need to also buy a network bridge and more audiophile ethernet cables, etc, id just keep myself happy with my PC audio quality.
- SD card or not, it will sense if there is a USB input on startup.
- Theoretically, yes, but I have not tested this theory, I will get back to you on that.
- It only has a USB input. All other connections are output.
The Singxer SU-2 is $470. Since the Red is not a DDC per-se and only has a USB input. Other USB to S/PDIF are not quite as much.
I'm waiting on the Marantz model 60n, which has Airplay capability; should this Red streamer enhance the sound?
You would have to use the Red for Airplay with something like moOde.
Same PI based approach as Volumio Rivo. That's a comparison that needs to be done before people buy a new shiny 😊
Not all Pi's are created equal. I mean, it will run Volumio. The Rivo is a locked system and slightly more expensive than the Red.
Great video, is there a way to control this on a Android tablet with wifi turned off, like the bluetooth app on the Eversolo, asking as I have all my music on ext hdd into player via usb and turn off router at night when listening, so no streaming at all?
No, I don't think so. I do not believe there is a BT or WiFi module on it.
@@stereoazimuth Probably no BT app but it would have to have WiFi for streaming and/or control, right? On the site it says: Control music wirelessly with a controller app, but doesn't explain further.
@@michaelcampbell9459 Basically over WiFi. My Wifi and my hardware router are connected. It only has an Ethernet jack. No internal Wifi or Bluetooth modules inside the Red itself. I would encourage you to contact KTE for any questions. www.kitsunehifi.com/contact/
Hi, @michaelcampbell9459. If you’re Wi-Fi is running off the same router as your Wi-Fi, then Roon and the other apps will find it and you can choose the Red as a Roon endpoint and control volume, etc.
would this be better than a Volumio Rivo? noise filtering? no DC option?
Ive had both. Theyre both good. The Rivo’s ability to display a menu on a monitor is great. I kept the Red for the I2S connectivity.
I just want to use it as a DDC to connect to my Ideon stack but HoloAudio sez that can only be done with the USB source connected. I don't have a USB but would connect my transport via BNC and use USB out.
I think once you boot with the USB input, the USB output is turned off.
I also have a Denafrips Gaia that I can use and stream with the Red(I have one).
BTW, the Red sounds fantastic with the SR pink fuse, according to my friend.
@@tabl10s I have heard all sorts of magic fuses can make a difference on amps, DACs, etc. I have not jumped down that rabbit hole nor do I think I want to.
the diretta thing is really interesting
Stay tuned!
Hi, can I use it to play .iso files from sacd? Thanks
It’s an endpoint device, so you need a player, but there are options for DSD pass through if you have a DSD capable DAC.
Does it support native Amazon Music?
Hi. If I connect that directly to ethernet (no computer at all), may I command it with a kind an app from the phone or tablet?
BubbleUPnP if on Android or MConnect if on Apple devices. Or run Roon core. There are so many ways.
@@stereoazimuth thank you for reply
So no. Not really.
@@stereoazimuth MConnect?? thank you
The correct answer is that the red does not come with an app. And you are stuck with a few standard upnp players which are not user friendly nor fancy.
Would this be better than CA MXN10?
Yes as far as performance, yes.
How much it takes to deliver?
It is listed at $798. I paid a total of $878 back in June of 2024. Prices and shipping of course subject to change. Well worth it though. I feel like I have had a DAC upgrade.
Unless you've compared every streamer out there, it is at best, disingenuous to declare the Holo Red to be "the best". Even then there is the rest of the chain to consider. So, how about "This is the Best I've heard in MY system"?
I'd love to see a comparison between the Holo Red VS the Orchard Audio PecanPi+ Streamer Premium VS the PS Audio AirLens.
Sure, it was the best in my system. I also value the opinions of many others and some that I know personally and trust and they have all said it was "the Best". It certainly is a performer.
Why not go over the user interface?
That is Part 2 that is coming soon!
Oh, and the stock software, which is rather limiting. You are better off with something more flexible like Gentooplayer, Volumio, ropiee, or moOde, but hopefully I will go over some of this in the Part 2.
@@stereoazimuth Looking forward to that. For me, the user experience and feature set of a streamer is going to make or break it. Thank u!
I've owned many streamers in my life. And the Red was the most veiled sounding of them all.
Veiled??? Strange... My previous streamer was ifi zen stream & x power... when red arrived home was like a veiled was lifted...
Thanks for your comment. Everyone that has heard this streamer in my circles have loved it and we all have different DAC's/setups/preferences. You would be the first person to say otherwise. I would encourage you to maybe try a few different Pi distros, although I did settle on GentooPlayer, which is not free, but you can try it for free as long as you like, it is just limited to 16/44.1.
yes but it's red ugly...
Then put a bag or a blanket over it.