Forums - Print Page

Forums
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl
AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Is there a cure?
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1739674539

Message started by Bottlehead on 02/16/25 at 02:55:39

Title: Is there a cure?
Post by Bottlehead on 02/16/25 at 02:55:39

I have a love/hate relationship with this disease that I have. Let me explain:

I have wanted to upgrade my dac for some time now. I’ve researched several, and my top pick was the Holo Audio May for all the positive reviews, including Steve’s. They don’t come up often on the used market, and when they do, they don’t last long. One came up last week in excellent condition for $4K, so I grabbed it. In talking to the seller, he suggested that I might want to look at the Holo Audio Serene preamp, which was designed to work with the May, and which he was also selling. I need another preamp like I need another leg, but like a fool, I dug into it, and long story short, the May and the Serene are currently singing their hearts out in the other room. I can already tell, without listening critically, that the sound is a lot fuller, and makes much better use of my Omega Alnico High Output speakers. I have loved the musicality of my Border Patrol SE dac for years, but I can already say that the May/Serene combo is just as musical, if not moreso, and much more detailed. So I can’t say that I’m sorry that I abused my credit card so cruelly (once again), but I also can’t say that I wouldn’t take a cure for my audio nervosa if one became available.

Randy

Title: Re: Is there a cure?
Post by CAJames on 02/16/25 at 03:43:48

Is there a cure?

No. Pass the candle.

Title: Re: Is there a cure?
Post by JOMAN on 02/16/25 at 11:53:29

Forget about a cure ever being available! Why? because this "virus" like any other virus mutates into a "better" version that the previous "cure" is inefective against 😱.

On another comment that you made:
Quote:

I can already tell, without listening critically, that the sound is a lot fuller, and makes much better use of my Omega Alnico High Output speakers.

I was told that the source is a critical component in a system a long time ago. It's only in recent years that I have explored this and it is now my opinion, FWIW, that once you have a decent system, before doing any upgrades, save the money and put it in a better source. It can actually save your CC.

Title: Re: Is there a cure?
Post by will on 02/16/25 at 14:47:14

Nice Bottlehead! Glad the new source is singing sweetly! I guess we just can't help it...as it gets more resolved, we can hear more things that could be better! Endless so far for me.

Title: Re: Is there a cure?
Post by MikeinMontana on 02/16/25 at 20:12:33

I have no idea what dac is inside an Oppo 103d, but whatever it is it sounds wonderful to us in front of the zen amp. All good!! And relatively inexpensive too. Older gear~
[smiley=icqlite20.png]

Title: Re: Is there a cure?
Post by Bottlehead on 02/18/25 at 00:59:50

Thanks for the responses, guys - even the razzes. I appreciate them all.

Joman, at this point I’m just using my Apple Macbook Pro as my source, but when I’m ready for critical listening, I’ll hook up my Aurender music server. Then things will take another step up. And I do agree - if your source is not high quality, your system will never be what you would want it to be.

Randy

Title: Re: Is there a cure?
Post by Markfisher702 on 03/01/25 at 23:03:00

Is there a cure? Don’t think so but misery loves company. We’ll be ok.

Title: Re: Is there a cure?
Post by 1stwattlife on 03/06/25 at 21:34:32

HAHAHA!

I think any "cure" would be worse than the illness.

If I had to revert to my pre-Decware exposure at this point I would surely dry out and be turned to dust to be blown away in the breeze...

cheers ;)