You can call me Red.
It’s been a good while since I spent time with a product from HoloAudio, too long perhaps. Their new Red DDC & Network Streamer caught my attention for a few reasons.
The main one, from this point of view, is that AES out, a very nice feature for a network streamer for the Red’s price.
Some might also be tempted by its I2S out (over HDMI) that offers multiple pin-out configurations selected via the DIP switch on the unit’s underbelly (and explained in the manual). Note—the AES, Coax, and Toslink outputs support PCM resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64 (DoP) while I2S ups the ante to 24-bit/768kHz and native DSD512 with USB topping out at PCM 1.536Mhz (!) and DSD1024 according to the manual.
What’s more, the HoloAudio Red can function as Digital to Digital Converter (DDC), converting USB in to any of its digital outputs including AES, I2S, Coax S/PDIF or Toslink. The Red also happens to be roughly the same size and color! as the 1949 Paul Morihien edition of Jean Genet’s Our Lady of the Flowers.
Inside, the Red is built on a Pi Compute Module 4—it only uses the Pi4 as core system. It differs from a standard Raspberry Pi because it does not have all peripheral components on board, but has been developed by HoloAudio, of course optimized for Audio according to the company. In addition to being Roon Ready, Red also supports Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, HQPlayer NAA, UPNP, Squeezelite, and Scream. Full featured!
Red comes with a MicroSD card with the RedOS software pre-installed. I’m a fan of Red’s red aluminum attire that feels nice ‘n solid and sturdy weighing a chunky 4+ lbs. I also like the absence of a screen and the associated cost.
How much does the HoloAudio Red cost? $798. Nice! I look forward to listening through Red.
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)
