Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Improved dynamic attack, texture, body, and detail reproduction compared to previous generations
- Significantly more dynamic than the Ares 2 and many modern DACs, including Delta Sigma DACs
- Stereo image is nice and precise, especially for the price point, with good reproduction of vocals and instruments
- Has a shadow of tube sound, where the mid-range sounds full and thick and sounds more analog than many other DACs
- Bass quality is fantastic with lots of information in the bass area
Product Considerations
- Clarity in the upper mid-range area could be improved
- Not a neutral DAC; it is slightly colored
- Has no volume control, so it cannot be used as a preamp
- When paired with a tube amp it sounded a little blurry and loose in bass region, as well as mid bands and mid-range area
- May not be ideal for systems that already have a lot of mid-range thickness
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Denafrips Ares 2: The difference between NOS and OS modes is more distinct, and the Ares 15 is significantly more dynamic
- Vs Gustard MK3/Gustard 26: The Ares 15 has some coloration compared to these newer—more neutral—DACs
Takeaway: The Denafrips Ares 15 is a good DAC that offers a dynamic and musical sound with an analog flavor. It could be a worthwhile upgrade, especially if wanting to add body to the mid-range of a system or are looking for R2R sound.
All
Ares 15th
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Images
No items found.
Manufacturer's details
Features
Specifications
- Inputs: USB, optical, and coaxial
- Power Supply: Linear Power Supply with capacitors bank
- Regulators: Eight multi-stage LDO Linear Regulators
- Transformer: Hand-wound oversized O-Core transformer
- Size: 2.4 to 2.5-liter
Manufacturer product description (from their site)
The ARES15th redefines the DAC standard with its remarkable performance enhancement. The ARES15th utilizes cutting-edge audio technology and precision craftsmanship to achieve a level of audio quality that far surpasses its peers. Whether it's the deep, powerful bass, the smooth and detailed mids, or the clear and transparent highs, every audio detail is perfectly reproduced, delivering an unforgettable listening experience.
Overall product release timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
We analyzed reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—and what stands out most is the following:
Select products
Product lineup breakdown
Every DAC here uses a true balanced R-2R ladder, which keeps the background dark and quiet. The Enyo 15th is the entry, with four R-2R networks per channel for a small system. The Pontus 15th adds a power supply box inside the case, so mains noise stays away from the converter. The Terminator Plus 15th, the flagship, adds a clock output to share one clock with gear that accepts one. Amplifiers from Hyperion to Apollo mostly add power, and preamps and streamers complete a system.
- Start here. The Enyo 15th suits a first R-2R buyer with a small system who wants the low-noise ladder design for under $1,000.
- Sweet spot. The Pontus 15th gives a listener the isolated power supply and dual O-Core transformers for the digital and analog sections, so the converter gets cleaner power than the cheaper models offer.
- All in. The Terminator Plus 15th is a step priced well above the Terminator 15th, and its clock output lets a system with an external clock input run one synchronized clock for steadier timing.
All products from this brand
Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
43
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
296
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
17
Founding Year
2012
Our take on the brand
Denafrips is a Chinese DAC maker, founded in 2012, at the forefront of the current interest in R-2R ladder DACs, which convert with arrays of hand-picked precision resistors. The higher models add low-phase-noise clocks, box-in-box power supplies and stronger jitter suppression. The sound is described as smooth and organic, and the DACs compete with converters costing several times more. The range climbs from the Erato and Enyo through the Ares and Pontus to the Terminator, and Holo Audio is the usual comparison.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
Our DACs feature a true balanced R-2R ladder network array design, with each channel equipped with an independent high-speed CPLD. Multiple sets of precision R-2R resistor networks decode digital signals, ensuring exceptionally low distortion and noise. Additionally, our FIFO buffer and reclocking technology delivers outstanding jitter suppression, significantly reducing reliance on the source device’s clock quality and further enhancing overall sound performance.
What's your approach to customer support?
As both our official channels and distributor network sell directly to end users, we encourage customers to first contact the dealer or seller from whom they purchased the product should any issues arise. This ensures the quickest frontline support. Of course, our official customer service team is also readily available via email and official platforms, typically responding within 24-48 hours. We strive to provide lifetime after-sales support wherever possible, even beyond the warranty period.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
Our acoustic engineers typically evaluate the sonic performance of our products using a wide range of string music, vocal recordings, and orchestral pieces. Commonly selected test tracks include:
- Vivaldi – The Four Seasons
- Céline Dion – I’m Alive
- Eagles – Hotel California
These tracks allow us to comprehensively assess dynamic range, vocal clarity, soundstage, and resolution.
What other products pair best with yours?
Our product line covers everything from digital sources to speakers and cables. In our internal evaluations, we exclusively use products from our own line. However, based on extensive customer feedback, our products have been shown to pair extremely well with a wide range of other brands available in the market.
From our interview with
Alfred Zaoh
.
Brand page
Used
Denafrips
All the brand's used products, not just this one
What if you spend more?
LAiV
Harmony DAC
2700
2700
/
11
Reviews
LAiV is a Singapore maker of desktop hifi components, founded in 2023, with every product engineered in-house. The Harmony DAC and Harmony µDAC use discrete R2R resistor-ladder conversion. The Harmony µDAC won the EISA Best Value DAC award for 2026-2027. The Harmony µDDC reclocks digital audio with a femto clock and FIFO buffer before sending it out over galvanically isolated I²S. The Harmony HP2A is a balanced Class A preamplifier and headphone amplifier, and the Harmony LExt adds inputs to it. The modular design lets owners repair or upgrade a unit instead of replacing it.
Expand Details
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exemplary build quality, with a chassis milled from a single block of aluminum and high-quality components.
- Delivers a large soundstage with very good imaging and detail.
- Produces a harmonically rich presentation that R2R enthusiasts seek.
- The unboxing experience is premium, with a metal certificate of authenticity and a remote control made from solid metal.
Product Considerations
- The high output impedance (1200 ohms on XLR) might cause issues when pairing with amplifiers that have unusually low input impedance.
- Optical and coaxial inputs might not deliver the same performance as USB and I2S inputs.
- It is DAC-only unit, so it does not have preamp functionality or volume control.
- Spiked feet could scratch surfaces.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Denafrips Ares II: The Harmony DAC has more instrument separation and a little bit more detail through USB or I2S.
- Vs Gustard R26: The Harmony DAC is fuller in the bass and lower mid-range with a warmer presentation and wider soundstage through USB or I2S.
- Vs Denafrips Venus II: The Venus sounds bigger with more tangibility to where performers reside and more space between them.
- Vs Denafrips Pontus II: The Harmony DAC shares similarities but is slightly more resolving and realistic.
- Vs SMSL Raw Pro: The Harmony DAC is more enjoyable to listen to overall, although the Raw Pro is more detailed.
- Vs HIFIMAN EF400 and EF500: The Harmony DAC is an upgrade in detail retrieval, staging, and treble quality.
Takeaway: The Harmony DAC stands out with its build, engaging sound, and focus on providing a high-quality digital-to-analog conversion. Its ability to create a large soundstage and deliver rich detail makes it a solid option for audiophiles looking for an immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
LAiV is a Singapore maker of desktop hifi components, founded in 2023, with every product engineered in-house. The Harmony DAC and Harmony µDAC use discrete R2R resistor-ladder conversion. The Harmony µDAC won the EISA Best Value DAC award for 2026-2027. The Harmony µDDC reclocks digital audio with a femto clock and FIFO buffer before sending it out over galvanically isolated I²S. The Harmony HP2A is a balanced Class A preamplifier and headphone amplifier, and the Harmony LExt adds inputs to it. The modular design lets owners repair or upgrade a unit instead of replacing it.
Product Page
Product Page
Sonnet
Morpheus
3237
3237
/
6
Reviews
Sonnet Digital Audio is a Dutch electronics company led by Lion Kwaaijtaal and Cees Ruijtenberg, known mainly for research into digital-to-analog conversion. Its DACs can set volume by adjusting the reference voltage instead of by digital attenuation, so the signal stays bit-perfect. That lets the Morpheus work as a digital preamplifier, and it pairs especially well with sensitive tube amplifiers. The Pasithea uses eight DACs and has a very low noise floor. The Hermes is a Roon-certified streaming bridge, and the Kratos is a monoblock amplifier built on high-voltage FET transistors.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Musical and natural sound, avoiding harshness or fatigue
- High linearity and a realistic 24-bit dynamic range
- Bit-perfect volume control by varying reference voltage directly from the DAC chips
- Roon Ready, easy to set up and use
Product Considerations
- Does not support DSD playback
- The I2S input uses an RJ45 connector, not the more common HDMI, limiting cable compatibility
- Some reviewers would like a sample rate/bit depth display on the front panel
- Direct-to-amp usage might not sound as good as using a separate preamplifier, depending on the system
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Morpheus offers performance equal to Metrum Acoustics Adagio/Pavane without the heavy casing
- Morpheus is better than Metrum Acoustics Onyx or Jade, with more options, expansions, and better build
- Morpheus offers greater apparent resolution and a broader dynamic range than Totaldac d1-tube DAC/Streamer
- Morpheus is better than Denafrips Pontus with soundstage, timbre, tones, and attack, and no listening fatigue on the Sonnet
- Hermes and I2S was simply much better in every way than Primare Prisma NP5 Network Player, where music sounded paler, softer, and less exciting
Takeaway: The Morpheus DAC is a great option for audiophiles seeking accurate, natural, and musically pleasing sound. Sonnet designs deliver high quality sound and could convert even the most stubborn digital skeptics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonnet Digital Audio is a Dutch electronics company led by Lion Kwaaijtaal and Cees Ruijtenberg, known mainly for research into digital-to-analog conversion. Its DACs can set volume by adjusting the reference voltage instead of by digital attenuation, so the signal stays bit-perfect. That lets the Morpheus work as a digital preamplifier, and it pairs especially well with sensitive tube amplifiers. The Pasithea uses eight DACs and has a very low noise floor. The Hermes is a Roon-certified streaming bridge, and the Kratos is a monoblock amplifier built on high-voltage FET transistors.
Product Page
Product Page
Linear Tube Audio
Aero
3950
3950
/
6
Reviews
Linear Tube Audio is an American tube amplifier maker, founded in 2015. Its amplifiers are hand-built in Takoma Park, Maryland, around David Berning's patented ZOTL circuit, which drives the load without output transformers. The tubes are auto-biased, and the company says they last two to three times longer and run cooler than in traditional tube amplifiers. Fern & Roby designs the low-resonance aluminum chassis. The Z10e drives electrostatic, planar and dynamic headphones and also powers speakers at 12 watts per channel. The Z40+ is the most powerful model, able to drive almost any speaker.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Natural and engaging sound, praised for its 'non-digital digital sound' and ability to connect the listener to the music's emotive power
- Richness and fullness to the sound, achieving a balance between not being overly warm or rich nor clinical or sterile, offering a natural tonality
- Wide and deep soundstage with precise instrument placement, creating spatial dimensions comparable to higher-priced DACs
- Dynamically lively and snappy, handling complex musical passages without sounding overwhelmed
- High-quality internal parts, robust build quality, and elegant appearance
Product Considerations
- Lacks some of the detail retrieval and resolution compared to other DACs, meaning it may not deliver the same level of micro-textures
- PCM only up to 192k sampling rate, so there is no DSD support
- Some reviewers wished for I squared S and also AESEBU, the XLR input
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Mola Mola Tembaki, the Tembaki gave more high-frequency air, clarity and better portrayed the acoustics of the recording venue, but the Aero sounded more humid, with more weight and richness
- Vs Border Patrol DAC, the Aero is more transparent and pure
- Vs Laiv Harmony DAC, the Aero slots in between with a more pleasing and engaging balance between color and resolution
Takeaway: The Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC offers a natural, engaging, and enjoyable listening experience with great soundstage. It brings musical enjoyment for those who prioritize tonality and timbrel accuracy.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Linear Tube Audio is an American tube amplifier maker, founded in 2015. Its amplifiers are hand-built in Takoma Park, Maryland, around David Berning's patented ZOTL circuit, which drives the load without output transformers. The tubes are auto-biased, and the company says they last two to three times longer and run cooler than in traditional tube amplifiers. Fern & Roby designs the low-resonance aluminum chassis. The Z10e drives electrostatic, planar and dynamic headphones and also powers speakers at 12 watts per channel. The Z40+ is the most powerful model, able to drive almost any speaker.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Denafrips
Pontus 15th
2019
/
Released
Pontus 15TH has achieved an unprecedented breakthrough in audio quality. Employing advanced audio enhancement technologies, it delivers sound that is even more nuanced, profound, and layered. This is not merely a simple upgrade; it represents a profound challenge and transcendence of traditional audio perceptions, offering audio enthusiasts an unparalleled auditory feast.
Denafrips is a Chinese DAC maker, founded in 2012, at the forefront of the current interest in R-2R ladder DACs, which convert with arrays of hand-picked precision resistors. The higher models add low-phase-noise clocks, box-in-box power supplies and stronger jitter suppression. The sound is described as smooth and organic, and the DACs compete with converters costing several times more. The range climbs from the Erato and Enyo through the Ares and Pontus to the Terminator, and Holo Audio is the usual comparison.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Flawless build quality and built like a tank with an all-metal body and tactile buttons
- Delivers a linear presentation and keeps the soul of the music intact, sounds inviting, smooth, and transparent
- Provides an open, deep, and wide soundstage
- Excels in micro detail and nuanced sound and airiness with excellent clear vocals
- Is an upgrade from the original Pontus and provides better layering
- Offers great connectivity with all the digital inputs needed, including I2S
Product Considerations
- Denafrips makes incremental changes, which can be annoying if a newer version is released soon after purchase
- Does not include a remote, and one must be purchased separately
- May be a little bright for a lean or bright sound system, it is best in a neutral to warm system
- There is no middleman/distributor anymore, which may mean loss of personal touch from customer to the company—especially with warranty issues
Takeaway: The Pontus 15th Anniversary Edition is a well-built DAC that delivers a refined and detailed sound with a wide soundstage, making it a great choice if you have a warm or neutral system that needs some sparkle. It has excellent connectivity options.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Denafrips is a Chinese DAC maker, founded in 2012, at the forefront of the current interest in R-2R ladder DACs, which convert with arrays of hand-picked precision resistors. The higher models add low-phase-noise clocks, box-in-box power supplies and stronger jitter suppression. The sound is described as smooth and organic, and the DACs compete with converters costing several times more. The range climbs from the Erato and Enyo through the Ares and Pontus to the Terminator, and Holo Audio is the usual comparison.
Product Page
Product Page
AURALiC
Altair G2.1
2439
/
Released
2021
ALTAIR G2.1, an all-encompassing digital and analog source component, provides abundant capabilities to the performance-oriented G2.1 Series. Combining every function available from AURALiC into the ultra-quiet G2.1 chassis, ALTAIR G2.1 is perfect for the most demanding music lover. Whether it's a high-res title from an online streaming service, a file on a NAS drive, or an LP on a turntable, ALTAIR G2.1 will deliver exquisitely rendered, dynamic music, from almost any source.
AURALiC makes network streamers and DACs, all controlled with its own Lightning DS app. Its DACs use the company's Fusion technology, which adds custom clocking, filtering and oversampling to ESS chips, and many models use dual chassis, copper shielding and careful power supply design to keep noise down. The Aries streamers feed a DAC the owner already has, the Vega DACs add ORFEO Class A output modules, and the Altair combines streaming and a DAC in one box for owners new to network audio. The Aries S1 is on our Best Music Streamers list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solid digital sound, good authority, solid bass, and a weighty sound with good scale
- Excellent clarity, very good timing, and a very good soundstage
- Outstanding build quality—solidly made and near indestructible
- Versatile unit that can become the hub of the digital audio world
- Clean and effortless digital processing
- Connectivity options
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only available for iOS
- The 4-inch non-touch screen is adequate, but not exceptional
- When written instructions feature on the screen, the words can be small and difficult to see
- The alphabetical order of the albums is not followed when used with an external hard drive
- Some reviewers felt a need for a high-end turntable setup, as the analog input feeds directly to the analog output stage—bypassing the digital stage altogether
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NAD M10 V2: The Altair offers a step up in sound quality
- Vs AURALiC Aries G1: The Altair G2.1 chassis is a significant upgrade with an internal copper sub-chassis, tuned feet, and a solid steel base
Takeaway: The AURALiC Altair G2.1 is a versatile and well-built streaming DAC preamplifier that offers a clean and detailed sound. Comprehensive features and excellent sound quality make it a great choice for audiophiles looking for an all-in-one solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC makes network streamers and DACs, all controlled with its own Lightning DS app. Its DACs use the company's Fusion technology, which adds custom clocking, filtering and oversampling to ESS chips, and many models use dual chassis, copper shielding and careful power supply design to keep noise down. The Aries streamers feed a DAC the owner already has, the Vega DACs add ORFEO Class A output modules, and the Altair combines streaming and a DAC in one box for owners new to network audio. The Aries S1 is on our Best Music Streamers list.
Product Page
Product Page
Gustard
DAC-R26
1649
/
Released
2022
Gustard is a Chinese DAC maker based in Shenzhen that also builds amplifiers, preamplifiers, clocks and music streamers. Its converters put a lot of work into clocking, with femtosecond clocks and custom clock synthesizers to reduce jitter. Gustard uses its own digital filtering on models such as the X26III, and reviewers describe the house sound as smooth and natural. The DAC-X30 uses four ES9039SPRO chips in a quad-mono layout and has network streaming built in, so it needs no separate streamer. The DAC-R26 converts through a discrete R-2R ladder.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Natural and organic timbre with rich and vibrant overtones, offering a remarkable sense of realism
- Stands out as a highly musical DAC within its category, while maintaining an impressively competitive level of technical performance
- Exceptional build quality, made of thick aluminum, ensuring durability and a sleek appearance
- Almost inaudible noise floor, remaining dead silent and free from any hint of distortion
- Wide range of digital inputs, and an integrated streamer, offering versatility and convenience
Product Considerations
- The LCD screen can be difficult to read from a distance greater than 20-30 cm
- The embedded streamer can experience occasional interruptions and buffering issues when streaming high-resolution files
- Some reviewers experienced small hiccups when skipping songs using the internal streamer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Chord Qutest: Has a bigger soundstage, equally sweet highs, much fuller tone timbre and a more muscly bassline—sounding more lifelike
- Vs Ladder Schumann: Gustard R26 hits with more clarity and speed, with a darker background, and an even deeper soundstage
Takeaway: The Gustard DAC-R26 is a musical and technically impressive DAC with excellent build quality and versatile features, including a streamer, making it a great choice for a top-notch audio experience. The natural sound and engaging performance create a lasting impression.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Gustard is a Chinese DAC maker based in Shenzhen that also builds amplifiers, preamplifiers, clocks and music streamers. Its converters put a lot of work into clocking, with femtosecond clocks and custom clock synthesizers to reduce jitter. Gustard uses its own digital filtering on models such as the X26III, and reviewers describe the house sound as smooth and natural. The DAC-X30 uses four ES9039SPRO chips in a quad-mono layout and has network streaming built in, so it needs no separate streamer. The DAC-R26 converts through a discrete R-2R ladder.
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BorderPatrol
DAC Se-i USB
1400
/
Released
Now better than ever, the latest version of the BorderPatrol SE-i DAC features several significant revisions and refinements that further enhance its musicality and listenability. The minimalist, non-oversampling R-2R DAC chip remains, but is now mounted on a new BorderPatrol-designed DAC circuit board that uses through-hole resistors, capacitors, and DAC chip in place of the surface mount parts on the previous board. The tube/solid-state hybrid choke input filter power supply now features a custom-made, oversized, R-core power transformer in place of the previous E-I/toroid transformer arrangement.
BorderPatrol is a small American maker of DACs and tube amplifiers, designed and built by Gary Dews in Bristow, Virginia. The DACs use a vintage Philips TDA1543 ladder chip with no oversampling, upsampling or digital filter, and both the DACs and the amplifiers use choke-input power supplies with tube rectification, which the company considers central to its sound. The S20 amplifier couples its stages with interstage transformers. Each DAC is built and tested by Dews himself, and the SE DAC comes in a copper chassis.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Border Patrol SE-i DAC brings the music naturally, organically, with great coherence and resolution
- It excels in the midrange
- The soundstage is quite large and can be vast, synergy providing
- There is a natural musicality and an organic quality to the music
- This DAC will give the music lover some of the finest reproduction qualities that may be experienced in a digital-to-analog converter
Product Considerations
- It will not play the various high-resolution formats or DSD or DXD or anything above 24/96kHz
- It only converts PCM (pulse code modulation) digital at sampling frequencies of 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, and 96K
- If one is looking for extreme sonic range, it's best to move on from here
- Synergy with equipment is important to get the best sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audio Note CD3.1x/2: The Border Patrol may be a touch more accurate in its midrange response than Audio Note, but this was also highly dependent on the program sources employed
- Vs Prism Sound Callia: The Border Patrol equals the Callia in every way, but its presentation gives out a touch more softness with a little more naturalness in its fundamental tonality and harmonic presentation
- Vs Wyred 4 Sound's 10th Anniversary DAC: The main differences alongside the Border Patrol would be a touch more upper-frequency lift in comparison, whereas the Border Patrol still exudes a more romantic—slightly smoother—sound presentation
Takeaway: The Border Patrol SE-i DAC is great at making music sound natural and draws the listener into the music. It could be perfect for those who enjoy a natural sound and do not need to play super high-resolution files.
Video review
Our take on the brand
BorderPatrol is a small American maker of DACs and tube amplifiers, designed and built by Gary Dews in Bristow, Virginia. The DACs use a vintage Philips TDA1543 ladder chip with no oversampling, upsampling or digital filter, and both the DACs and the amplifiers use choke-input power supplies with tube rectification, which the company considers central to its sound. The S20 amplifier couples its stages with interstage transformers. Each DAC is built and tested by Dews himself, and the SE DAC comes in a copper chassis.
Product Page
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Holo Audio
Spring 3
2198
/
Released
2021
The Spring3 DAC is a full discrete R2R type of audio decoder that does not use off the shelf-DAC chips. This is a bespoke custom-designed core DAC module and represents a breakthrough in DAC technology, featuring trickle down technology from the Flagship May DAC. The Spring3 achieves new heights, new dynamics and delivers a full spectrum of audio to please the aural senses.
Holo Audio is a Chinese maker of R2R ladder DACs, founded by Jeff Zhu. Its converters use discrete resistor ladders instead of a DAC chip, and owners can switch between NOS and oversampling modes to suit their system. Reviewers point to dual-mono layouts and a separate power supply chassis. Inputs include configurable I2S and Holo's own USB interface. The Cyan 2 is the compact entry DAC and the May is the flagship. The Spring 3 converts both PCM and DSD on its ladder, and the Bliss headphone amplifier can drive the HIFIMAN Susvara.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Drop-dead gorgeous design aesthetic
- Music comes alive, offering a real taste of what reference-quality digital audio can sound like
- Reproduces layers of detail and offers a warm tonal balance, low noise floor, and superb top-to-bottom coherency
- Soundstage is recreated with excellent depth and width, and the imaging is spot on, with musicians and instruments locked firmly in place
- Connected to the Unison Research Triode 25 Integrated Amplifier and Linear Tube Audio MZ3, it was one of the best sounding DAC/amplifier combinations heard in many years, undeniably captivating
Product Considerations
- The display seems half-baked with non-functional bands restricting the functional real estate
- The remote makes a rattling noise, which some may find disconcerting initially, but is by design
- Outputs are extremely hot
- May be overhyped, the sound quality not quite matching up to the hype, or more importantly, matching up to the price tag
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SMSL VMV-D1SE: The Spring 3 has better refinement and more of that airy quality on top
- Vs Denafrips Pontus 2: The Spring 3 was a little cleaner in the mid-range, with better bass definition and control, but the Denafrips had a warmer—more full-bodied—presentation and deeper soundstage
Takeaway: The Spring 3 KTE is a beautiful DAC that can bring listeners closer to their music. It may be worth buying to experience high-quality digital audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Holo Audio is a Chinese maker of R2R ladder DACs, founded by Jeff Zhu. Its converters use discrete resistor ladders instead of a DAC chip, and owners can switch between NOS and oversampling modes to suit their system. Reviewers point to dual-mono layouts and a separate power supply chassis. Inputs include configurable I2S and Holo's own USB interface. The Cyan 2 is the compact entry DAC and the May is the flagship. The Spring 3 converts both PCM and DSD on its ladder, and the Bliss headphone amplifier can drive the HIFIMAN Susvara.
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