Holo Audio Red Streamer

[GoldenSound]

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).

Worth noting that the isolation for the USB 2.0 portion is actually the same for both.
The difference is in how the USB 3.0 lanes are isolated, which you're not actually connecting when using a DAC.

But yeah the lower noise is the main reason.

Noise measurements:

EDIT: Sorry thought you were meaning 7055-C vs 7055-D. Yeah the B and C are indeed different in isolation, apologies

 

[francesco81rs]

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.

Hi, I use MoOde player too,
and I'm also very interested in using the red with a directly connected HD.
But did you use the USB output for the HD (dedicated to the dac)?
Because for me there was no way to use the USB IN for the HD (and from what I understand it's not really possible)

 

[rocky500]

Hi, I use MoOde player too,
and I'm also very interested in using the red with a directly connected HD.
But did you use the USB output for the HD (dedicated to the dac)?
Because for me there was no way to use the USB IN for the HD (and from what I understand it's not really possible)

I first setup the Red as a DDC with a USB cable from my PC to the Red.
Then i2S to the Holo Dac.

Then just disconnected the USB cable from PC and rebooted the Red. Type B (Red end)
Then it was in Streamer Mode and still outputted to my Dac with i2S.
I had the network cable plugged in the whole time.
Then I could connect a external usb Drive (Samsung t7 I had here) to the USB port (Type A I think) and it was seen in MoOde.
Could then select it and browse the files and play them.

So only ever used i2S output from the Red.

 

[rocky500]

Just plugged the external drive back in and it took a while, maybe a few minutes to show up again.
Heres some screens showing the drive as I select it. Last pic showing the info of the file from the drive playing.

 

[nmcleod]

Anyone tried May with I2s or is the USB just superior?

 

[Greg121986]

I just got a new Schiit Bifrost 2/64 and discovered USB output from RED to the Schiit Unison USB does not like anything beyond 16 bit 44.1 Khz sample rates. SPDIF COAX output from the RED seems fine. Anyone else used RED USB out to a Schiit Unison USB yet? I have not used the USB out from the RED on other sources so I have to investigate further if this is RED or Unison related.

*EDIT* RED USB output to Holo Spring 3 KTE USB input is working OK. So this seems to be a Holo Red USB to Schiit Unison USB issue.

- Qobuz UPnP Stream
- 16/44.1 OK with Schiit Unison USB
- 24/44.1 Instant loud static only
- 24/96 Music will play but high frequency, high volume, clocks and pops can be heard throughout the track at varying intervals.
- Haven’t tried other sample rates
- I can hear the relays clicking in the Bifrost on new sample rate change

 

[OneEyedHito]

That sounds like a Schiit USB Sync issue not a Holo Red issue.

 

[cosminbro]

Because the measurements don’t tell the whole story, after a long comparison, the Stack Audio’s Link II is sonically better than Red, on USB output. I use exactly the same software and settings on both devices, and a high-end system.

 

[mr_derrick]

cosminbro,
Using the Red in what capacity, DDC, NAA.........?
What sampling rates?

 

[cosminbro]

cosminbro,
Using the Red in what capacity, DDC, NAA.........?
What sampling rates?

NAA. Tests includes files in PCM up to 24/192 and DSD 64/128

 

[OneEyedHito]

Because the measurements don’t tell the whole story, after a long comparison, the Stack Audio’s Link II is sonically better than Red, on USB output. I use exactly the same software and settings on both devices, and a high-end system.

Great write-up on the Stack Audio Link II here, note specifically the part about system synergy being a key to its sounding worth the price over a Dell Micro PC as a streamer. Just goes to show how these devices in the digital domain still require work to fit the pieces of the puzzle together. As frustrating as it can be it is a rewarding part of this hobby for sure to find those synergies that sing!

https://darko.audio/2021/11/stack-link-ii-review/

 

[brillo]

Because the measurements don’t tell the whole story, after a long comparison, the Stack Audio’s Link II is sonically better than Red, on USB output. I use exactly the same software and settings on both devices, and a high-end system.

I totally respect your opinion, cosminbro.

I have a Stack Link II, and in my system, both the Holo Red (via USB) and Magna Mano Ultra mkIII (via I2S or AES) are better to my ears.

 

[tobyconrad]

I'm thinking of getting the Red and the Spring 3 KTE. Will the Red give me better SQ than USB from my Windows laptop for Quboz straight to the Spring? Also I'm wondering if I should get the Spring with the preamp. I have an integrated amp today but I might upgrade to a power amp in future. My worry is now I'm effectively running the signal through two preamps until I upgrade my amp. Will this reduce SQ much? Appreciate any advice and ideas.

 

[nmcleod]

@tobyconrad

Typically separating a noisy computer as much as possible from the direct audio stream to the DAC is beneficial to reduce noise. Some DACs handle this better than others though. Is it going to be like putting an upgraded speaker in your system? Probably not.

 

[nmcleod]

Because the measurements don’t tell the whole story, after a long comparison, the Stack Audio’s Link II is sonically better than Red, on USB output. I use exactly the same software and settings on both devices, and a high-end system.

Last I heard from Theo Stack in email is Link II is out of production due to parts sourcing. That was in Dec.