[Baten]

but the polite and velvety nature of the AKM chips bugged me and right now I'm using Schiit Modi 3 and Vali 2 whilst I save up for a bigger DAC, the small Schiit set is simply more fun to listen to then the RME.

But... modi3 = also velvet sound AKM :/

 

[wantan]

Modi 3 is just 120 euro and in my book that is fine for what is delivers, even with velvet sound. I would not pay 800 euro more for the technically (slightly) better sound of the RME.

 

[alota]

someone knows if exist some upgrade for cyan similar to what happens for spring dac? thank you

 

[Baten]

someone knows if exist some upgrade for cyan similar to what happens for spring dac? thank you

I believe there exists Cyan Wildism edition (HK upgrade).

 

[wantan]

I'd probably go for a spring dac as upgrade to cyan as a DAC. Or a better headphone amp as upgrade for the cyan as aio.

BTW I've offered my cyan dac in the sale section...

 

[DecentLevi]

Hey guys this thread has been inactive for quite a while and I see this DAC was from around 2017. Is the Holo Audio Cyan not future proof enough against newer DAC offerings? I'm looking for a good DAC under $1k so let me know any recommendations, thanks!

 

[Baten]

Hey guys this thread has been inactive for quite a while and I see this DAC was from around 2017. Is the Holo Audio Cyan not future proof enough against newer DAC offerings? I'm looking for a good DAC under $1k so let me know any recommendations, thanks!

how about a used holo spring?

 

[DecentLevi]

how about a used holo spring?

Sure I would be interested in a used Holo Spring. I've tried level 3 before and was impressed. Which version is it and what is the price, or where to find it?

 

[Baten]

Sure I would be interested in a used Holo Spring. I've tried level 3 before and was impressed. Which version is it and what is the price, or where to find it?

this is a start: https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=holo+spring
version 1 used can go under $1000. Spring 2 is much more expensive.

 

[hikaru12]

The Cyan sounds similar to Spring but I felt like the Spring is more resolving and had more presence/texture/body.

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread but could you elaborate a little more? I would only be using an external amp over balanced - do you think it had more slam? Is that what you mean by body? Additionally, by resolving do you mean in terms of detail or was there other noticeable features like soundstage that stood out to you? I'm deciding between that or a Level 1 in the next few weeks. Thanks.

 

[Level5]

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread but could you elaborate a little more? I would only be using an external amp over balanced - do you think it had more slam? Is that what you mean by body? Additionally, by resolving do you mean in terms of detail or was there other noticeable features like soundstage that stood out to you? I'm deciding between that or a Level 1 in the next few weeks. Thanks.

Sorry its been so long and I don't trust my audio memory, but I do recall the Spring having more definition and slightly resolving. Both of them have decent slam, but I wasn't too impressed by it compared to other dacs (Sabre based, AK4499, 1541) which slam better IMO. Detail retrieval is slightly better on the Spring, but overall they're not the the dacs to go for if you care about absolute technicality, transparency and neutrality.

Hope this helps.

 

[Baten]

Holo spring < holo spring 2 < holo May

So spring 2 and May do offer better technicalities though

 

[hikaru12]

Holo spring < holo spring 2 < holo May

So spring 2 and May do offer better technicalities though

Hmm so a Spring 1 Level 3 is probably equivalent to Spring 2 Level 1/2 so it’s no longer a good deal value wise. I might just get a Cyan or Level 1 for now until I can afford the May. I’d love to see more reviews on it though and how it compares to the Metrum Pavane. You have a lot of competition at that price point.

Sorry its been so long and I don't trust my audio memory, but I do recall the Spring having more definition and slightly resolving. Both of them have decent slam, but I wasn't too impressed by it compared to other dacs (Sabre based, AK4499, 1541) which slam better IMO. Detail retrieval is slightly better on the Spring, but overall they're not the the dacs to go for if you care about absolute technicality, transparency and neutrality.

Hope this helps.

Yes, definitely helpful. I know NOS excels better at tonality. I’m trying to find that balance of tonality and detail. I remember people comparing the Level 3 Spring 1 to the Yggy and people really liking it in comparison even when comparing straight technicalities. I love the Springs tonality - I’m just trying to find the right version that would be as detailed as the Gumby. Seems like the Cyan wouldn’t fit that bill.

 

[llamaluv]

Hmm, not sure if any really visits this thread but let me throw out this question anyway...

I'm thinking of getting a Cyan/PCM to connect to a Windows PC to use for casual music production (and also for conventional music listening on the side). Anyway, for music creation use, low latency is of course paramount. Does anyone know if I'd have any latency issues for this use case? I would be connecting via USB, or could also use TOSLINK coming out of the motherboard as well.

 

[Baten]

Hmm, not sure if any really visits this thread but let me throw out this question anyway...

I'm thinking of getting a Cyan/PCM to connect to a Windows PC to use for casual music production (and also for conventional music listening on the side). Anyway, for music creation use, low latency is of course paramount. Does anyone know if I'd have any latency issues for this use case? I would be connecting via USB, or could also use TOSLINK coming out of the motherboard as well.

The Holo drivers have very low latency. I see no problem