The Cyan is a product we have been waiting for since we started our relationship with Holo. A part of Holo's value proposition for me, when I looked at a dedicated and specialist Dac, was a well-structured product line across various price points. The Spring 2 was the DAC that piqued my interest when I first took notice of the brand by reading about it in Stereophile. As my curiosity was all about resistor ladder dacs and especially NOS dacs, the positive reviews of the Spring caught my eye. When I also learned that Holo has a baby DAC, I was convinced that the Holo range would be an excellent addition to the SA Market. Ironically, the Cyan, specifically the PCM version, was pulled from the available range, and only the DSD version was available on order. We had to wait more than 4 years for the news that the Cyan 2 would be available in 2024. However, I can't say precisely when I have already placed an order for this entry-level DAC from Holo. The RRP would probably be just over R30K, and given the reputation of the Spring 2 and 3, the May and all the subsequent products, such as the RED streamer, Serene Preamp and Bliss HPA, I am confident that the wait for the new Holo would be worthwhile. Jeff Zue takes his time with R&D and doesn't take shortcuts - as can also be seen from the photographs below.
Cyan 2, A new generation DAC of fully discrete resistor network (commonly known as R2R). Relative to its predecessor the Cyan , the Cyan 2 has the following improvements:
• Equipped with R2R network and vector step resistor network at the same time. The R2R network is used for primary digital-to-analog conversion of the PCM stream, and the vector step resistor network is used for primary digital-to-analog conversion of the DSD stream.
• The new generation of de-glitch technology can provide full-amplitude de-glitch without increasing the noise floor and other adverse effects.
• Based on this new generation of technology, Cyan 2 Can provide >106db SINAD and >127db dynamic range.
• USB supports sampling rates up to DSD1024 and PCM 1.536M.
• The USB interface uses proprietary firmware with ultra-low latency, highly reliable data transmission, and ideal USB eye pattern measurements that contribute to 2-4 times higher performance than official firmware.
note: i2s pin out is HoloAudio spec. Similar to PSaudio however left and right channel is swapped for DSD content.
CYAN 2 DSD SUPPORT
Cyan 2, A new generation DAC of fully discrete resistor network (commonly known as R2R). Relative to its predecessor the Cyan , the Cyan 2 has the following improvements:
• Equipped with R2R network and vector step resistor network at the same time. The R2R network is used for primary digital-to-analog conversion of the PCM stream, and the vector step resistor network is used for primary digital-to-analog conversion of the DSD stream.
• The new generation of de-glitch technology can provide full-amplitude de-glitch without increasing the noise floor and other adverse effects.
• Based on this new generation of technology, Cyan 2 Can provide >106db SINAD and >127db dynamic range.
• USB supports sampling rates up to DSD1024 and PCM 1.536M.
• The USB interface uses proprietary firmware with ultra-low latency, highly reliable data transmission, and ideal USB eye pattern measurements that contribute to 2-4 times higher performance than official firmware.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| DAC Type | R2R (Discrete ladder) |
| Model | Cyan2 |
| Digital input | |
| COAXIAL, OPTICAL, AES | PCM 44.1-192K (24bit) |
| DSD 64X （DOP) | |
| USB (galvanically isolated) | PCM 44.1-1.536M (32bit) |
| DSD 64-512X （DOP) | |
| DSD 64-1024X （Native) | |
| I2S (HDMI) | PCM 44.1-1.536M (32bit) |
| DSD 64-1024X | |
| Auto input selection | LED indicator lights for each sample rate type as well as for input selection.. |
| Analog Output | |
| Both outputs can be used simultaneously | |
| PCM 48K NOS | THD+N 0.0005% @1K (-106dB) |
| DNR -127dB | |
| Voltage Output 2.5Vrms(RCA), 5.0Vrms(XLR) | |
| DSD 128X | THD+N 0.0002% @1K (-114dB) |
| DNR -115dB | |
| Voltage Output 1.25Vrms(RCA), 2.50Vrms(XLR) | |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Dimensions (chassis) | 300x200x48mm / 11.8″ x 7.9″ x 1.9″ (WxLxH Dimensions do no include protruding parts) |
| Weight | 3.5kg / 7.72lbs |
| Power Specifications | |
| Power input (configurable) | 220-230V 50/60Hz – Fuse spec : 2A SB 5x20mm |
| 110-115V 50/60Hz – Fuse spec : 4A SB 5x20mm | |
| Power Consumption | 20W |
| Accessories | |
| Other included items | Power Cable (EU / U ONLY) x1 |
| USB Cable x1 | |
| No remote control is available |
HDMI I2S INPUT
note: i2s is NOT the same as HDMI Audio/Video. NEVER plug HDMI devices into the i2s products like HoloAudio Cyan2. Be sure it’s i2s or IIS compliant with compatible pin out configuration.note: i2s pin out is HoloAudio spec. Similar to PSaudio however left and right channel is swapped for DSD content.
CYAN 2 DSD SUPPORT
