Description
Product Description:
The newest HoloAudio offering is the Cyan 2 DAC. We are quite proud of the Cyan 2 and confident in saying we think you will find it most impressive as well. It’s a true balanced discrete resistor ladder DAC with both PCM and DSD support packed into a smaller footprint of desktop space. The Cyan 2 has several “trickle down” technologies from it’s bigger brothers and we are excited to introduce this product at a more affordable price.
Overview
Cyan 2 “青2”, A new generation DAC of fully discrete resistor network (commonly known as R2R). Relative to its predecessor the Cyan “青”, the Cyan 2 “青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 “青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, a highly reliable data transmission, ideal USB eye pattern measurements that contributes to 2-4 times higher performance than official firmware.
| 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 | PCM 44.1-1.536M (32bit) |
| DSD 64-1024X | |
| Analog Output | |
| 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, Based on label on bottom of chassis) | 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 (USA ONLY) x1 |
| USB Cable x1 |
Other Notes:
• Functions include: Auto Input Selection* (devices not in use must be powered down*) – LED indicator lights for each sample rate type as well as for input selection.
• Cyan 2 does not have buttons or remote control.
note: This is special order item (will show “in stock” if able to order, this means we have the parts available for this DAC and the order can be placed), with a typical 6+ week build time and 4-6day shipping time to USA customers. This is the current estimate for production and shipping. Please do not order if you do not to accept the terms to wait for the production/shipping times. Once order has been placed, We will add your order to our production list. The order is considered a special order item and there will be no cancellations or refunds. The product is guaranteed not to be DOA and has multiple levels of quality control testing before it’s shipped out to you. We are confident you’ll be happy with your purchase.
note: Cyan 2 will ship approx 5-6 weeks from time the order is placed. Holiday Delays may occur and out of our control.
Please read more about NOS vs OS (MUST READ article to explain why we recommend NOS)
Note: KitsuneHiFi is the only source to buy 110V versions of HoloAudio products, all other sources are 220V only! We can sell model to support any Voltage 100/110/220/230/240v 50/60hz etc.
WARRANTY – 3 years warranty, both parts and labor, cover one way shipping (return shipping once product is confirmed a warranty claim). Be sure to buy directly from HoloAudio or HoloAudioUSA<– this is KitsuneHiFi 😉
Download Windows System Icons HERE (image of kitsunetunededition logo)
Cyan 2 User Manual (ENGLISH) HERE
Newest Driver: HoloAudio Drivers – Win 10 and Win11 ONLY – v5.72.0_2024-11-13 (driver works for Gen2.0 or Gen2.1 – no firmware)
Previous Driver: HoloAudio Drivers – Win 10 and Win11 ONLY – v5.68.0_2024-02-13 (driver works for Gen2.0 or Gen2.1 – no firmware)
Shipping estimation for USA/CA locations are 150usd.
NON USA customers please contact the appropriate HoloAudio Dealer in your area.
if you are in Europe and potential other areas nearby, please contact our European Authorized HoloAudio Dealer for the best service and support in your area, Magnahifi.com
If you are in UK area please contact our dealer Eliseaudio for the best support in UK area specifically.
If you are in South Korea, please contact our dealer in South Korea – SonorisAudio
If you are in HongKong, please contact our dealer WildismAudio – WildismAudioHK
If you are in Australia, please contact IndiHifi.com.au, your source for HoloAudio in Australia
CE Certified for the European Market
note: i2s pin out is HoloAudio spec. Similar to PSaudio however left and right channel is swapped for DSD content.
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 is not hot swappable, so never plug or unplug i2s cables when the devices are powered on. Always turn off both devices before plug/unplug of cable. And Ideal length for i2s HDMI cable is approx 0.3-0.6M or common size is 0.5M. Generally speaking the flatwire type cables are more ideal than round wire type cables for i2s protocol applications.
Please watch online reviews below (more coming soon)
Written Reviews:
Richard Barclay @ the-ear.net – Click here
Frederic Beudot @ 6moons.com – Click here
Tim & Dawn Connor – HoloAudioUSA and KitsuneHiFi
We operate under strict business ethics and values. Our company motto we are always proud to mention to our customers, “Time will tell…” and this means that our products will earn the respect in a matter of time once people get their chance to test it themselves. Many companies need fancy buzz words and marketing to sell their products, we truly only need our customers to try our products and share their experience with others. Word of mouth is how our business thrives and we have many happy customers! We encourage others to try all the competition in the market and directly compare and see what type of value you are receiving. We are confident in our products and know that in time, our products will sell themselves once people get a chance to try them. We offer tremendous value and quality without sacrificing on performance.
Jeff Zhu – HoloAudio – founder/engineer
Jeff Zhu is the man behind this engineering achievement. Below are some comments that have been shared by Jeff to better explain this DAC in his own words. HoloAudio is founded by Jeff Zhu and the USA division was a partnership formed with Tim Connor and his wife, Dawn Connor.
jeffreyglotzer (verified owner) –
I’ve owned and listened to the Cyan 2 DAC for about 2 months now and I am utterly happy. I’ll keep it brief, but from the parts quality to the connectors to the copper chassis, the Cyan 2 is just impressive in every way. It supports higher resolution data rates for both PCM and DSD over other brands on the market, but it’s really the sound that stuns.
The sound is wider, deeper, more transparent and with greater bandwidth and dynamics. Importantly, there is much greater sense of less jitter and noise confusing the music and their images created.
But it’s the images themselves stand out with far greater relief/presence that my last DAC. With every cable change to a more expensive or more accomplished one, the DAC keeps pace with the changes and shows greater transparency with each change. Its refinement is stunning.
Now with my latest USB cable in place (AudioQuest Diamond), this humble DAC competes with my $8000 turntable / analog system. I will have to upgrade my turntable’s cabling to AQ Angel DIN to compete with the Cyan 2!
I will definitely be purchasing the Serene preamplifier as soon as I can sell my Benchmark HPA-4. I am at complete HoloAudio convert!
My System-
Analog- VPI HW-19 Mk4, Jelco SA-750, Hana ML, AQ Colorado. PS Audio Stellar Phono, AQ Colorado.
Digital- HoloAudio Cyan 2, AQ Diamond USB, AQ Columbia. Rega Planet CD, AQ Carbon.
Amps-Benchmark HPA-4 preamp/headphone amp, AQ Colorado. Belles 150a Hot Rod- heavily modified, new SS chips.
Speakers- Magnepan 1.7i modified, Shunyata Research Venom, REL T-7x subs in stereo.
Erick Muller –
The only thing that I can say regarding this DAC is that this pretty much disproves the whole crowd that says that all DACs sound the same and don’t make any difference or if there’s a difference is only marginal.
Straight NOS, no upsampling of any kind, this DAC just improves the sound quality of my music by just bringing and very natural and smooth rendition of the music, all the details are still there like any good D/S DAC, but there not push to your face.
This DAC is neither warm or bright, is neutral-natural sounding, this decoder works either with super fast and intense EDM music through jazz and blues and everything in between.
But where this DAC really shines is with upsampling via HQPlayer, specially to DSD, then this takes it to a whole new level, that I honestly think that for many people this DAC could be their last one.
My chain consist of my PC plugged directly into the Cyan 2 via it’s excellent USB connection and implementation, into either balanced to my Aune S17 for(mostly) my planar headphones or single ended into my xDuoo TA-84 OTL tube amp for my DD cans. I think at this point the bottleneck in my system are my amps if I’m being honest, I still haven’t squeeze out all the performance from my system, but at this point I’m no longer worry that the DAC is holding me back.
Bobby Bass (verified owner) –
I just received and setup my Cyan2 and it’s already an upgrade from the current DAC. Cymbals sound more real and linger in the air. It’s like a veil was lifted off of some of the songs I stream with Qobuz which is why I upgraded. Streaming from a Bluesound Node N130 using the supplied USB cable. It should sound better as I burn in the new equipment. Ordered the Red which I will use as the streamer using an I2S cable. I’ve auditioned other DACs but decided I didn’t need a screen I couldn’t see from my listening seat and I didn’t need another preamp. Just a DAC and soon a new streamer. So far so good.
Alex Dydula –
Waiting and waiting and waiting…but OMG its very much worth the wait. This is an exceptional dac. Having gone thru many good dacs, the Cyan 2 is right on top of most of them.
Truly a real NOS dac that is simple to use. No frills except it does what a dac should do excellently. Its a dac that I just find myself listening to the music…and not being critical of the reproduction. No digital re-construction filters, just what’s in the recording. So neutral and transparent.
The sound is squeeky clean, wonderful air and tonality. Most of my source is PCM 44.1Khz, but over-sampling is reproduced very well. Totally happy with NOS and the native resolution of my music.
The unit is built VERY well, shipped, boxed very well. LEDs are bright, I used transparent grey tape 1/4″ wide to cover. Works great.
I honestly do not see any reason to “upgrade” from this dac. Its that good. Really that good. HIGHLY recommended. The designer is a real wizard for sure.