HiFi Bargains: HoloAudio Red DDC & Network Streamer

Sometimes it’s nice to come across a hifi product that does what it’s supposed to do without trying to do extra, and it’s even nicer when that hifi product is a genuine HiFi Bargain.

Such is the case with the HoloAudio Red that takes in audio over your network via Ethernet from stored or streamed files and sends out digital audio to your DAC of choice. And unlike many network streamers in and around the Red’s price, it offers AES and I2S outputs in addition to the usual suspects including USB, Coax, and Toslink/Optical.

And all that tech resides in a lovely small aluminum chassis the size of a good book.

that’s artist Alfonso Ossorio’s signed copy of Jean Genet’s Our Lady of the Flowers

For a down & dirty budget streaming option you can run with Tidal Connect that requires a Tidal subscription ($10.99/mo.) and of course you’ll need to connect the Red’s digital output to a DAC, whether that’s stand alone or part of a preamp or integrated amp. Then all you need do is pick one of a few million albums to play. sit back, and enjoy progress.

From my review:

…it holds its own when it to comes to sitting down and enjoying the rich wide wonderful world of streaming even when paired with much more costly DACs.

In these terms, the HoloAudio Red DDC & Network Streamer is the very best option I’ve reviewed anywhere near its very reasonable asking price. Bravo!

All that for $798. Bravo, indeed.


HoloAudio Red DDC & Network Streamer
Price: $798
US Distributor Website: Kitsune HiFi

Specifications

Product type: Network Streamer & DDC (Digital to Digital Converter)
Ethernet: Ethernet RJ45, GigE 1000Mbps
Digital inputs: USB 2.0
Digital outputs:

1x I2S HDMI (Holo Audio compatible)
1x Coaxial S/PDIF RCA
1x Coaxial S/PDIF BNC
1x AES/EBU XLR
1x Optical Toslink
1x USB-A 2.0 (USB Host) (only when in streaming mode)

Supported file formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, ALAC, FLAC, OPUS, WAV, AIFF
CPU: Quad core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz
Native sampling rates: 16-24bit 44.1-768kHz – Native DSD64 – 512 Note: Future release will support up to DSD1024 / 1.5Mhz
Compatible OS:

iOS
Android
Windows
Mac OS

Streaming services: Deezer, Spotify, Qobuz, Roon, Tidal, Web radios
Others services

Airplay 2
Spotify Connect
Tidal Connect
HQPlayer NAA
UPNP
Squeezelite
Scream
RoonReady

GENERAL

Power supply: 100-240VAC (cable included)
Dimensions: 220 x 146 x 46mm
Weight: 2 kg
Package:

1x HoloAudio Red
1x Power cable
1x MicroSD card (RedOS software pre-installed) (must be inserted before powering up)