The Holo Audio Spring DAC has proved something of an upset in my auditioning process. I was intrigued by it's implementation of "Linear Compensation" (you'll need to see my full review for a proper discussion of that), and that turned out to lead me into a wonderfully musical and emotional experience.
While I'm not quite ready to say that I think the Spring DAC completely, technically, bests Yggdrasil, Metrum Pavane or Chord DAVE (the latter two being statements that really deserve a proper back-to-back comparison), I am finding that I'm at a suitable end-point for the process I started here. What I WILL say, quite happily, is that based on my reactions/emotional responses, to these units, that I prefer the Spring DAC over DAVE, the Pavane, and the Direct Stream Junior (and possibly non-junior).
With everything I've heard, and commented on, so far, this year, I am finding that it is an easy choice to opt for the combination of Schiit Yggdrasil and Holo Audio Spring DAC. They are both excellent performers, delivering very high-value, and yet are sufficiently different in their signature and capabilities that I find no conflict in wanting both of them. As I said, I wouldn't trade one for the other, but they are both SOTA/TOTL level performers and great complements to one another.
That means, at this point, and least for the remainder of this year, I am DONE in my search for an additional DAC.
If I elect to look further next year then the competition will restart with the DACs on my list that I've not so far gotten to listen to properly, but they will now be compared to the pairing of Yggdrasil and Spring DAC. And that process will start with a back-to-back elimination of my currently indicated short-list.
I am going to spend a nice long while immersing myself in the music that Yggdrasil and the Spring DAC render so convincingly. I am also going to spend the difference between the price I had anticipated potentially dropping on a new DAC into my vinyl system instead. And we'll see where things go next year.
For now, if you're looking for a new DAC, and have a budget that intersects the units in my shortlist, you need to make sure you audition both Yggdrasil and the Spring DAC. Even at several times their respective, similar, price-points, the difference between them and the "front-runner" are small and, often, a matter of taste.
To end ...
As of my formal evaluations, DAVE remained at the top of my list in terms of raw technical performance, while retaining excellent musicality. Still ... I'd, personally, rather have the combination of Yggdrasil and the Holo Audio Spring, regardless of price.
And just to whet your whistle, seed some anticipation, stir the pot and, of course, put the cat among the pigeons, I recently got to hear a unit that, while not in back-to-back comparison, and not strictly just a DAC, manages to redefine my expectations from digital audio. It's not cheap (several times the combined price of Yggdrasil and Spring, and indeed nudging a doubling of the price of DAVE) and not conventional, but it is going to cause quite the stir among the well-heeled when it makes a proper public appearance ...
Thanks for reading ... enjoy the music!
