Awesome 2 box Holo Audio May KTE Kitsune Edition DAC in excellent condition , factory boxes, remote and manual.
Just have an opportunity to upgrade so this is up for sale.
KEYS
The King is Crowned!
Ultimate endgame DAC
Natural, analog sound with no compromise
Full DUAL mono with dedicated DAC module and O-Type Transfromer for each channel
Best measurements of any NOS R2R DAC
Up to DSD1024 and PCM1.536MHz
REVIEWS
With the Holo Audio KTE May DAC we have a digital to analog converter that pulls off that rare feat of turning data into music without imposing the fingerprints of the process, which is all too commonly found with most DACs. That it does so at this level of sophistication at its price is remarkable.
Michael Lavorgna on TwitteringMachines.com
As the digital anchor in my ever-changing audio systems, the HoloAudio May DAC (Level 3 KTE) exhibits a force and gravity. It demonstrats a natural quietness that exceeded my former reference. The May's true-to-life demeanor made recorded music seem infinite and beautiful. Best of all, it made me feel good about our collective digital future.
Herb Reichert on Stereophile.com
The HoloAudio May (Level 3) is one of the best-sounding D/A processors I have tried.
John Atkinson on Stereophile.com
DESCRIPTION
This new DAC “May” is the design of a new generation, it’s HoloAudio’s finest technology all designed by Jeff Zhu, the engineer behind these great products. It’s a full discrete R2R type of audio decoder and does not have off the shelf-DAC chip! This is a bespoke custom-designed core DUAL MONO DAC modules that are truly a breakthrough with technology for any DAC chip today. The May is here to achieve new heights, new dynamics and simply a full spectrum of audio to please the aural senses.
IN THE BOX
DAC chassis
Power Supply chassis + umbilical chord
Remote control RMT-1 (for Levels 2 and 3 only. Note: no volume as May DAC is not a preamp)
Manual
Note: no mains power cable is included
3 years warranty for both parts and labor
SHIPPING
Free shipping
SPECS
DAC Type
Full discrete R2R
Conversion Modes
NOS (Non-Oversampling)
OS (Oversampling)
Input Sample Rates
PCM: 44.1kHz up to 1,536kHz
DSD: up to DSD1024
Digital Inputs
2x I2S (each with configurable pins for maximum input compatability)
USB
Optical
SPDIF RCA
SPDIF BNC
Analogue Outputs
Balanced XLR (5.8V)
Single Ended RCA (2.9V)
Weight 19kg
Fuse Shurter Gold fuse type (2A SB 5x20mm for 220v)
MODEL COMPARISON
Transformers
All Models: 100VA DUAL O-type(not Toroid) FLATWIRE (NOT roundwire) 6N Copper custom hand made audio transformers
Wiring
Level 1: copper
Level 2: copper
Level 3 KTE: 1.5mm pure OCC silver wire
DAC Modules
Level 1: standard
Level 2: standard
Level 3 KTE: hand selected DAC modules for best measurements and dynamic range
DAC Module Covers
Level 1: none
Level 2: none
Level 3 KTE: copper shield covers
IEC Faston Connectors
Level 1: standard
Level 2: standard
Level 3 KTE: pure silver/rhodium plated faston connectors
Fuse
Level 1: Shurter Gold fuse
Level 2: Shurter Gold fuse
Level 3 KTE: Red Nano brand fuse with graphene and quartz filtering materials and gold-over-silver contacts
Capacitors Type A
Level 1: Vishay
Level 2: Vishay
Level 3 KTE: upgraded KTE capacitors (provide intoxicating voicing and are beyond subtle improvements over L1/L2)
Capacitors Type B
Level 1: Mundorf EVO silver/gold caps
Level 2: custom made HoloAudio 1000V 1uF caps
Level 3 KTE: custom made HoloAudio 1000V 1uF caps
USB Module
Level 1: XMOS xu208
Level 2: enhanced XMOS xu208 with Holo Audio Titanis 2.0 circuit
Level 3 KTE: enhanced XMOS xu208 with Holo Audio Titanis 2.0 circuit
Remote Control
Level 1: no
Level 2: yes
Level 3 KTE: yes
Chassis Decals
Level 1: standard
Level 2: standard
Level 3 KTE: special Kitsune Tuned Edition branding inside and out (pure copper Kitsune fox emblem on top panel)
Includes:
unit x2, power supply cable, remote manual and factory double boxed.
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
### Sound Quality
Users consistently praise its warm, full-bodied, and analog-like sound with smooth highs, rich mids, controlled and deep bass, black backgrounds, and expansive 3D soundstaging.
- It excels in realism, detail retrieval, instrumental separation, and spaciousness, outperforming comparators like the Holo Spring 3 KTE or Denafrips Terminator in quietness, extension, and engagement.
- Preferred modes include NOS for natural tonality; break-in (250-500+ hours) enhances performance, with 24/7 operation recommended for optimal warmth and flow.
- A minor PLL (phase-locked loop) issue can cause delays in some setups, resolvable via HQ Player/Roon or USB.
### Build Quality
Reviewers highlight its premium, hefty dual-chassis design (31 pounds, copper-shielded, separate PSU for channels) using hand-selected DAC modules, silver wiring, custom KTE capacitors, and Titanis 2.0 USB for superior jitter immunity and low latency.
- Dead silent operation (no hum/buzz/noise) and high-end connectors ooze quality, rivaling pricier DACs.
- Runs warm but not hot; some debate KTE parts selection superiority over Level 2, though most affirm upgrades like tighter tolerance modules.
### Reliability
Generally reliable with a 3-year warranty, but China manufacturing raises concerns about repair times (weeks/months).
- One user reports over a year of trouble-free use; no widespread failure reports in discussions.
### Strengths
- Analog vibe and musicality: Warm, smooth, dimensional sound ideal for high-res systems.
- Versatility: Supports DSD1024/PCM 1.536MHz via USB/I2S; multiple tuning levels.
- Value: Performs like/above DACs 2x the price.
### Weaknesses
- PLL glitch: Fixable but noted as an annoyance.
- Repair logistics: Potential delays due to origin.
- Size/heat: Large, two-box setup; requires constant power.
### Overall Reputation
Esteemed as a top-tier R2R DAC for its beguiling, non-fatiguing sound and engineering, with most owners and reviewers calling it "the best" in their experience—warm yet resolving, a "breath of fresh air" against analytical digital. Community consensus favors the KTE for max performance, though it's best for analog enthusiasts with quality upstream gear.
- Typical price range:
| Condition | AUD Range | Key Notes |
|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| New | 7,500–8,500 | Based on 2025–2026 listings from authorized sellers like Kitsune HiFi ($4,698+ base May, KTE upgrades to ~$5,600 USD) and Elise Audio ($4,563 USD for KTE). |
| Used | 6,000–7,500 | 10–20% discount common for lightly used units in excellent condition, per audiophile forum trends; rarer due to high demand for this flagship R2R model. |
Key factors affecting value:
- Upgrades in KTE: Hand-selected DAC modules, 1.5mm pure silver wiring, KTE capacitors, rhodium-plated connectors, and custom shielding justify ~20–30% premium over base May (~$3,800 USD / 5,700 AUD).
- Condition and accessories: Full kit (remote, cables, original packaging) commands top end; missing items or wear reduce by 10–15%.
- Seller and location: Direct from Kitsune HiFi or authorized dealers (e.g., Magna HiFi) holds value best; Australian imports add 10–15% GST/duties.
- Market demand: Strong hype for its NOS R2R performance (DSD1024/PCM 1.536MHz) keeps resale firm, with low cost-performance critiques offset by subjective sound praise.
- Currency/availability: USD strength and limited stock (Kitsune exclusive mod) push prices up; no major 2026 price drops noted.
Prices are conservative estimates grounded in listed data; actual sales may vary by negotiation or promotions. Monitor local sites like Audiogon or Australian HiFi Marketplace for real-time used listings.
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