Holo Audio Red Streamer

[cosminbro]

And your files are PCM ?
(DSD does not work on Spdif I think)

PCM

 

[Davidv100]

PCM

Sorry, I have no answer then.
I’ll pass you over to the upper level support line.

 

[gk2013]

Red does support DSD over SPDIF outputs, only DSD 64 though.

 

[cosminbro]

Red does support DSD over SPDIF outputs, only DSD 64 though.

Ok, but how can I use effectively the SPDIF output, instead of USB?

 

[incredulousity]

Do you use the stock OS? What output and renderer module do you use?

Stock OS. As streamer. The USB output goes to May and is used for Roon and AirPlay, primarily. The i2s output is used for HQPlayer upsampling, controlled by Roon. No need to ever restart Red or close HQP. Just use input selection on May and choose output in Roon. Close Roon to use Airplay.

 

[rocky500]

I am using the Red in Streamer mode with MoOde player OS.
It enables me to use a USB external HDD plugged directly into the Red.
Plus i2S out to my Holo Dac.

 

[cosminbro]

I made tests all the day, Holo Audio Red vs Stack Audio Link II with Volt linear PSU. I use the USB output straight to Intona and exactly the same OS with same settings on both streamers.
Very hard to conclude who is the winner. It seems Red is a little bright with some minor details, and a little bit aggressive overall, and Link is a little bit darker, but more smooth and musical. But Red is brand new and I must let it run for 200-300 hours or so, and I’ll make the comparison again.

 

[rocky500]

I made tests all the day, Holo Audio Red vs Stack Audio Link II with Volt linear PSU. I use the USB output straight to Intona and exactly the same OS with same settings on both streamers.
Very hard to conclude who is the winner. It seems Red is a little bright with some minor details, and a little bit aggressive overall, and Link is a little bit darker, but more smooth and musical. But Red is brand new and I must let it run for 200-300 hours or so, and I’ll make the comparison again.

I found mine really only started to sound good after 50 hours & above. It was the extra subtle sounding micro dynamics that seem to come through.
Really enjoying the Red now.

 

[intrepidcase]

Holo Audio Red vs Stack Audio Link II with Volt linear PSU. I use the USB output straight to Intona

You are able to get an Intona to connect to the Red? If so, is it an Intona 2.0 or 3.0? My Intona 3.0 won’t connect to the Red unless I put a USB hub in between.

 

[cosminbro]

You are able to get an Intona to connect to the Red? If so, is it an Intona 2.0 or 3.0? My Intona 3.0 won’t connect to the Red unless I put a USB hub in between.

Intona 3.0 needs higher current than 2.0, so only 2.0 will work with Red

 

[rocky500]

You are able to get an Intona to connect to the Red? If so, is it an Intona 2.0 or 3.0? My Intona 3.0 won’t connect to the Red unless I put a USB hub in between.

Could you just buy something like this for the Intona 3.0
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/123787428432

or if in Australia/NZ
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/155065536594

Then connect that to the Intona Auxiliary power input
(The secondary side may be powered by an external power feed with up to 2000mA for energy-hungry devices via Micro-USB. The power switching between internal and external supply is done automatically.)

Or even use a linear power supply with the right connectors if you want something more substantial.

 

[cosminbro]

I think there is no reason to use Intona 3.0 instead 2.0. There are virtually no differences between them, sonically speaking.
And any powered device after Red will add unnecessary noise and distortion.

 

[intrepidcase]

Intona 3.0 needs higher current than 2.0, so only 2.0 will work with Red

Maybe, but a $10 bus powered USB hub actually makes the 3.0 work. There is no added power input involved to the hub or Intona. Can’t figure that one out.

 

[lsantista]

I think there is no reason to use Intona 3.0 instead 2.0. There are virtually no differences between them, sonically speaking.
And any powered device after Red will add unnecessary noise and distortion.

Will it, really? Maybe so indeed. Im interested in this investigation.. maybe take a look at the Innuos Phoenix thread? For those who dont know, it is another, “more complex” and way more expensive USB cleaner, which appears to have good to great effect even of used after a usb streamer like Red

 

[Clemmaster]

Will it, really? Maybe so indeed. Im interested in this investigation.. maybe take a look at the Innuos Phoenix thread? For those who dont know, it is another, “more complex” and way more expensive USB cleaner, which appears to have good to great effect even of used after a usb streamer like Red

The 7055-C (3.0) has less noise than 7055-B (2.0). The manufacturer posted some measurements. I’ll find them later.
Their isolation rating is also different (1kV DC vs 5kV AC).