View Full Version : CD Transport upgrade - Digital audio still surprises me sometimes.
Been playing around with different connections in my setup, got a really nice surprise this evening. :eek:
A few different things digital audio wise going on here?
For CD playback my Shanling ET3 transport is connected to my Dac directly via i2s.
All things streaming I use a Holo Audio Red streamer, again connected to my Dac, this time via USB.
The Dacs got a fancy USB implementation so for streaming USB was the best sounding input.
The Holo Red streamer has a trick up its sleeve, in that it has two modes:
Its acts as a streamer, Roon Endpoint and all that but also can function as a DDC (digital to digital converter)?
The idea being you plug your electrically noisy laptop or Mac’s USB output into the Holo Red and it filters/re-clocks that noisy USB input and outputs the cleaned up signal via its i2s or coaxial outputs to your Dac.
https://i0.wp.com/goldensound.audio/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-13.png?resize=2048%2C564&ssl=1
Hadnt even thought about it before,
but the Shanling ET3 CD transport also has a couple of tricks up its sleeve as well?
Unusually it has a USB output… as well as being able to upsample 16/44 CD audio.
With the new May dac I was able to upsample it to 24/768 PCM, and DSD 512, both of which I thought were an improvement over 16/44.
I got curious though:
What would CD playback sound like fed through the Holo Red after it does its reclocking/filtering magic? :D
Sadly I cant use the May Dac's fancy USB input with this setup, only i2s and coaxial and since I was using coaxial already - so i2s it was.
The May dac has a pretty special PLL circuit though which basically kills JItter on any input - it makes everything just sounds good, so no big deal.
So CD Transport USB > Holo Red USB input> Holo Red i2s Output > May Dac i2s input.
I was previously using i2s-1 on the May dac for the Shanling, now I'm also using i2s-2 for input from the Holo Red.
So an easy comparison I could switch between using the remote. Cool.
Dug out an old printer USB cable just to see if it would actually work and bloody hell, if it’s not actually a LOT better sounding than i2s directly from the CD Transport to Dac!
I’m using literally a £2 USB cable to connect the Transport to the Holo Red and there’s enough of an improvement to get me curious about trying a better cable to connect.
This was a nice find!
The Holo Red measures incredibly well, zero noise floor
https://goldensound.audio/2023/02/09/holo-red-streamer-ddc-measurements/
so perhaps not a surprise it’s improving things after it reclocks the audio from the CD Transport, but whatever, it’s pretty amazing what I’m hearing.
16/44 CDs played back this way sounds significantly better than upsampled to 24/768 or DSD 512 directly from the Shanling to Dac did.
And thats to a Holo May KTE, over i2s.
Pretty astonished actually.
CD playback seriously upgraded.
Happy Days.
Stranraer
06-08-2025, 21:55
Nice !!
nothing like a free upgrade via Settings :)
That said, I'd be interested to know how things are once you're used to the new sound and maybe switch back to the original set up. I've been surprised before by a change that initially felt like an improvement but turned out to be different.
Better in some respects but worse in others.
I did some messing with speaker placement a while back and though initially delighted with the new soundstage subsequently realised I'd lost a load of bass.
Either way, great to hear you've had a Win.
Enjoy.
Great post Gary and very interesting read. Nice to hear there are still surprises to be found with digital audio and that things can be still improved. You audiophile nature makes you naturally questioning of everything you use and how it’s connected and bingo you have maybe discovered another great tweak.
I have slowed down a little at moment as I have lots other stuff going on but the new nano holo audio fuse is still perplexing me. It’s been a few weeks in the system now and I thought I had forgotten or just accepted the new normal but last night I was listening and the sheer transparency and openness of the sound reminded me again that it was all down to fuse! Astonishing.
Nice !!
nothing like a free upgrade via Settings :)
That said, I'd be interested to know how things are once you're used to the new sound and maybe switch back to the original set up. I've been surprised before by a change that initially felt like an improvement but turned out to be different.
Better in some respects but worse in others.
I did some messing with speaker placement a while back and though initially delighted with the new soundstage subsequently realised I'd lost a load of bass.
Either way, great to hear you've had a Win.
Enjoy.
Oh 100%, though I DID have to buy the Holo Red in the first place though https://theartofsound.net/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
It literally just popped into my head to try using it as a DDC not a Streamer and BOOF, CDs have stepped up.
Have maybe 3 hours on the Red from new playing Roon before I hooked the CD Transport up to it, Roon is such a pain in the hoop to play from (seperate computer needed in another room) so tended to just to play CDs and music from AppleTv.
The Holo Red is still fresh out the packet so will let it be for a while and "versus it" against the way the CD Transport was hooked up before... after its had a time to run in.
Always try that as a good way to sanity-check any change, and good shout on recommending it.
Yup,
definately a win.
Ali Tait
07-08-2025, 16:22
Good stuff mate, glad it's hitting the spot.
Great post Gary and very interesting read. Nice to hear there are still surprises to be found with digital audio and that things can be still improved. You audiophile nature makes you naturally questioning of everything you use and how it’s connected and bingo you have maybe discovered another great tweak.
I have slowed down a little at moment as I have lots other stuff going on but the new nano holo audio fuse is still perplexing me. It’s been a few weeks in the system now and I thought I had forgotten or just accepted the new normal but last night I was listening and the sheer transparency and openness of the sound reminded me again that it was all down to fuse! Astonishing.
Cheers Jim,
I'm one for tweaking and modifying yeah,
so dont know why I hadn't connected the dots on this one to try before now!
The new setup is improved feeding the Transport to the Holo Red with just with a bog-standard printer USB, so my Audiophile Noggin's curiosity has kicked in again and will have a play with some different UBS cables and hear for myself what (if any) difference they make.
The Holo May came with a Holo branded USB cable, looks great quality, so connecting the Red to the May with that.
Fuses?
Maybe you need to rejig your thinking a bit?
https://theartofsound.net/images/smilies/8839.gif
Nothing like your own experience vs Internet "wisdom" in your own System eh?
Really happy James the Holo Nano fuse is working out for you, your Cyan dac is fantastic and Holo Audio I think really know there stuff when it comes to digital design.
As if by magic (Mr Benn reference)
theres a video from "Uncle Paul" touching on this exact subject.
https://youtu.be/9Ec27_rLHmw?si=X35PYOQRpSBVZadF
As I've been banging on about for what feels a LONG time now... its all about the QUALITY of the power.
https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/12/19/fashion/19TITANIC-ANNIVERSARY-top/19TITANIC-ANNIVERSARY-top-videoSixteenByNineJumbo1600.jpg
In other news...
I'll need to get postage costs for that PS Audio mains cable for you to try with your Cyan, as its a heavy beastie.
Seriously, its the thick end of Indiana Jones' whip.
I think it'll improve things again by quite a bit - especially if your just using a Kettle lead?
Bear in mind theres a crap fuse in your Kettle Lead too...
Thanks for the video link, will watch this one later. I must say having an open mind and willing to try anything often brings about unexpected benefits. The maxim "everything matters" is certainly true.
Thanks for the video link, will watch this one later. I must say having an open mind and willing to try anything often brings about unexpected benefits. The maxim "everything matters" is certainly true.
100%
As Confucias said...
"Your Systems only as stong as its weakest link.
Hear for yourself, and dont ever read ASR"
Good stuff mate, glad it's hitting the spot.
Yeah Ali,
this is next level stuff Man, enjoying it.
Thanks for the video link, will watch this one later. I must say having an open mind and willing to try anything often brings about unexpected benefits. The maxim "everything matters" is certainly true.
Did you check if the fuse is directional?
Did you check if the fuse is directional?
It is.
Even has a helpful arrow on it to help out. :)
Even has a helpful arrow on it to help out. :)
And you believe them?
And you believe them?
And you don't?
Lawrence001
10-08-2025, 14:31
What you need is a mate to come round and switch the fuse round for you in a double blind A/B test or whatever it's called. I think if it's not going to be totally discounted in the relevant forums you need Norris McWhirter in attendance to record that everything is done in line with accepted scientific principles.
Sent from my PCT-L29 using Tapatalk
I would do what Lawrence has suggested. I would also want to know if the person who made the fuse was left handed or right handed.
Everything makes a difference.
I would do what Lawrence has suggested. I would also want to know if the person who made the fuse was left handed or right handed.
Everything makes a difference.
Naa. That’s plain daft.
Naa. That’s plain daft.
:lol:
UPDATE:
Bought a smanchey USB cable to try between the CD Transport and the Holo Red DDC?
Terrific upgrade hooking the Transports USB out to the Red (in DDC Mode) vs i2s direct to the Holo May KTE Dac - and that’s with a 2 quid printer USB cable
From Poundland… ironically.
Wondering if any room for improvement with a better cable though?
Shanling say the Transports i2s is its best output, but that’s already beaten by its USB output into the Holo Red as DDC - and thats with a throwaway USB cable.
Digital audios a funny bugger, so wondering what a better USB cable might or might not bring to the table here?
Need to at least find out.
The receiving equipment’s clock quality vs incoming jitter handling is the thing here?
All about the quality of the receiving equipments clock in terms of phase noise.
Perhaps USB cable quality can make a difference here?
I’ve read that different USB cables don’t make a difference directly into the May KTE Dac, it’s bespoke USB input is, as Rolls Royce say… ‘Adequate” - so happy to stick with Holo Audios supplied USB cable for Holo Red to Dac, but CD Transport to the Holo Red is fair game.
Will of course try the cable directly into the May as well though, cos… who knows until you try? :)
What you need is a mate to come round and switch the fuse round for you in a double blind A/B test or whatever it's called. I think if it's not going to be totally discounted in the relevant forums you need Norris McWhirter in attendance to record that everything is done in line with accepted scientific principles.
Sent from my PCT-L29 using Tapatalk
Hear Ya
Man…
with my earlier Mr Benn reference, and now this… I miss my Childhood!
https://i.imgur.com/neKB7PA_d.webp?maxwidth=760&fidelity=grand
Mr Roy Castle .. that smiling face takes me back
Mr Roy Castle .. that smiling face takes me back
Oh 100%
Loved Record Breakers
That and Screen Test (The school Film Quiz show?) were in my top 10 as a kid.
UPDATE:
Bought a smanchey USB cable to try between the CD Transport and the Holo Red DDC?
Terrific upgrade hooking the Transports USB out to the Red (in DDC Mode) vs i2s direct to the Holo May KTE Dac - and that’s with a 2 quid printer USB cable
From Poundland… ironically.
Wondering if any room for improvement with a better cable though?
Shanling say the Transports i2s is its best output, but that’s already beaten by its USB output into the Holo Red as DDC - and thats with a throwaway USB cable.
Digital audios a funny bugger, so wondering what a better USB cable might or might not bring to the table here?
Need to at least find out.
The receiving equipment’s clock quality vs incoming jitter handling is the thing here?
All about the quality of the receiving equipments clock in terms of phase noise.
Perhaps USB cable quality can make a difference here?
I’ve read that different USB cables don’t make a difference directly into the May KTE Dac, it’s bespoke USB input is, as Rolls Royce say… ‘Adequate” - so happy to stick with Holo Audios supplied USB cable for Holo Red to Dac, but CD Transport to the Holo Red is fair game.
Will of course try the cable directly into the May as well though, cos… who knows until you try? :)
So…
Seems USB cables CAN sound different… interesting.
Postie dropped this off today.
https://i.imgur.com/eVGKVuP.jpeg
https://imgur.com/a/HPieqGu#eVGKVuP
https://i.imgur.com/eEhFcrb.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/xNlG8Tf.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/CYiS1h0.jpeg
Really well constructed cable this, connectors are solid and shielding looks good.
Silver in there too, I’ve found that’s always good for digital cables.
Not so keen on the ‘bling’ look of the connectors, construction is bomb-proof and I won’t see em anyway, so who cares.
Improvement over the Poundland printer cable, be surprised if there wasn’t at least a difference.
Obviously more detail coming through, sounds cleaner, more dynamic.
Zeppelin’s Physical Grafitti is playing away and the drums are really crashing, with real weight and impact. Cool.
Top ends a bit ‘hot’ though?
Will leave a CD playing 24/7 for a while, get some time on it and see if it settles down.
Really enjoying the better transparency though, hearing more of what the gear can do I think.
This cable gets really good write ups and isn’t stupidly priced, so see how it goes over the next couple of weeks.
Good review from a good YouTuber here:
https://youtu.be/vNxUUvPyLvw?si=9GFYrD_XEcaFK3oT
This lets me "test the water" with USB connections, especially now I've got a DDC in the chain. New for me.
I liken it to rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, lets the machine do a better job?
Lots of folks use the May Dac with upsampled audio from HQPlayer.
Not sure I'll go down that route (more boxes in the mix) but point is the Dac lights up the better the quality of digital signal that its fed.
So,
with the Shanling ET3/Holo red combo (with now improved USB cable), CD and file based playback from the Shanling are "pre-rinsed" for better sound quality into the Dac.
Just a shame the Holo Red only has the one DDC input, would be great to try the Oppo 203 ? AppleTV output through it as well.
Theres other DDC's that do this, the Liav uDDC would be my choice, but this is a whole new rabbit-hole to go down.
It even has the ability to slace it to an external 10MHz clock, which from the days with my Logitech Transporter know can improve things a lot.
All depends on which unit has the best clock, and work from that.
https://6moons.com/wp-content/uploads/audioreviews3/laiv.uddc/10.jpg
.
https://imgur.com/gallery/HPieqGu#QDf2cNJ
I have seen some great reviews of this cable on a number of forums and was tempted to buy myself.
Oh 100%
Loved Record Breakers
That and Screen Test (The school Film Quiz show?) we’re in my top 10 as a kid.
I bet you got a Blue Peter badge as well. :)
I bet you got a Blue Peter badge as well. :)
Ooft!
Lesley Judd "back in the Day..." :eek:
Damn you childhood nostalga!
Second only to Diane Rigg in the Avengers.
RIP John Noaks, the Blue Peter GOAT.
What a great photo!
https://c7.alamy.com/comp/PWJCMT/peter-purves-and-lesley-judd-attend-blue-peters-big-birthday-celebrating-the-shows-60th-anniversary-at-the-bbc-philharmonic-studio-at-media-city-uk-salford-PWJCMT.jpg
Fun fact?
Ronald Regan's Son was the "American correspondent" on Record Breakers in the mid 80's.
Damn you Getting Older, damn you to Hell.
https://d2thvodm3xyo6j.cloudfront.net/media/2022/11/5e35a521602bbf8f-600x338.jpg
Ali Tait
15-08-2025, 17:13
Well, consider the alternative. :-)
Well, consider the alternative. :-)
Any day above ground is a good Day. :)
Ali Tait
15-08-2025, 18:16
Sure is!
I got into i2s early on, but was disappointed as every device I used sounded better through one of its other inputs/outputs.
This included two CD Transports (Stello and NuPrime) into PS Audio, NAD and Topping DAC's.
I've had best results from three CD Transport/DAC combinations using SPDIF coax through 75ohm BNC connectors and proper 75ohm cable.
Neutrik connectors and Van Damme video cable, as pictured below.
https://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Cables/Pics/Cab_06.jpg
Its cheap and very effective.
Ask yourself, why does every (the ones I've seen) external clocking device or Hi End Transport use 75ohm/BNC ?
I converted my Eversolo A6 Streamer/DAC SPDIF coax from RCA to 75ohm/BNC.
If you have the BNC connections give it a try, you might be surprised.
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