Description
HoloAudio “RED” is a Network Streamer with I2S HDMI output supporting DSD up to 1024 and it can be used as DDC (USB to I2S or SPDIF converter)
This audio device is using 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. The advantage is that it can be used with a lot of software and is therefore versatile.
Supports Tidal (Connect), Qobuz, Roon Ready, Spotify (Connect) and AirpIay.
HoloAudio Red Network Streamer & DDC
HoloAudio “RED” is a Network Streamer with I2S HDMI output supporting DSD up to 512 and it can be used as DDC (USB to I2S or SPDIF converter). To activate the DDC function the Red must be turned off/on while the USB source is connected. to re-enable the Streaming function, disconnect the USB source and turn the Red off/on again.
This audio device is using 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 Holo Audio itself, of course optimized for Audio. The advantage is that it can be used with a lot of software and is therefore versatile.
- Featuring digital input and output options
- Simple setup user-friendly software setup
- Stream Internet radio stations, streaming music services and your own local music library.
- Control music wirelessly with a controller app
- AirpIay 2 lets you play music from your wireless device
- DDC – Digital (USB) to Digital (I2S HDMI, Coax BNC, RCA, Optical, AES/EBU) Converter
SOFTWARE
Supporting audio services:
-
- NAA HQPlayer
- UPnP
- AirpIay
- Squeezelite
- Scream*
- Spotify
- Roon Ready
- Tidal Connect
– Easy to activate in the main menu.
– All services can be activated simultaneously*
– Output UAC2 Gen2.0 DSD DoP / DSD Native
* Scream (Virtual network sound card for Microsoft Windows) can only be activated in standalone mode
Important notes for those who just received their Red:
note: RedOS is preloaded on the include TF card included!!! do not lose this! The TF card will have RedOS pre configured and can be updated when connected to Ethernet and updates can be downloaded directly to TF card. DO NOT remove or insert TF card when unit is powered on, damage could occur to the card. Be sure unit is always powered off/unplugged when inserting or ejecting card. We do not ship the Red with the TF card pre installed because they can possibly eject during shipping. The Red manual has instructions on how to create a new TF card incase you damage or lose the one included.
Download the HoloAudio Red User Guide 05/09/2024 HERE
Download the HoloAudio USB Driver (v5.72.0) for use in DDC mode 11/13/2024 HERE
Download RedOS version 2024.03.02 – (7z compression file) HERE
Download RedOS version 2024.04.21 – (7z compression file) HERE
Below is the newest RedOS which is Roon Ready certified and in 7z formatted compressed file. please use manual (link above) for instructions on how to properly install RedOS on a TF card. (Balena Etcher PORTABLE is required- note: during installation of img file, you may see a message popup asking if you would like to reformat the TF card and you must not do this! otherwise will wipe the img that balena etcher just installed to the TF)
DSD Native Support notice: Red can support up to DSD512 and PCM768K by I2S. USB is limited by linux kernel and also support DSD512 and PCM768K right now we are working on a new kernel that should support DSD1024 and PCM1536K in future release. It actually does work very well on most setups now, it’s just being improved in future releases. Works well with RedOS, and also RopieeeXL.
SPECIFICATIONS
| 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 | AirpIay 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) |
note: Red does not have wifi ethernet connection, however you can easily add wifi ethernet if you need this, something like this product may work:
IMPORTANT NOTES to read before ordering:
This is a special order item (will show “in stock” if able to order, this means we have the parts available for this product and the order can be placed)
Estimated time before shipping: typically about a 6+ week production time and about 4-6day ship time via DHL international.
thanks for your patience. PLEASE, do not order if you are not able to wait for this product. Our estimates are just that, an estimate. however are mostly accurate. And please be patient and do not email us for updates during the production period.
You will receive a dhl waybill once your order ships. Do not expect any updates until after production period has ended. We just ask for your patience. we are producing and shipping these in the order received. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before checkout. We have been getting many emails for updates but hope people will read this and understand why there are delays on this product. thank you for your patience and understanding.
(holidays/notes for certain times of year) If order is not in before about Jan 5th, it’s possible it will be delayed to ship til after CNY “chinese new year” and this is out of our control. we will do our best to ship as many orders as we are able before CNY. this can be ignored unless you are ordering towards end of year/beginning of year. chinese new year is the one exception that can create more delay as mentioned.
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(We ship to most items to areas in the world except HoloAudio products we do not ship to EUROPE/UK/MIDDLEEAST/RUSSIA/AFRICA/INDIA/SA etc etc… Primarily we only ship HoloAudio products to North America and JAPAN but you can inquire if you do not have a dealer near you. (Below is a list of our dealers, please contact them if you are in the country they are located in)
To place an international order with us, USE our contact form… and then please provide the following information: Full Name, Phone Number, Shipping Address, Email Address to send Paypal Invoice to, and detailed list of products you would like to order and voltage requirement if applicable. But if you are in North America, just use our website and add item to your cart and checkout as normal. Other Areas must contact your local dealer.
If you are in Europe or other areas nearby, please contact our European Authorized HoloAudio Dealer for the best service and support in your area, Magnahifi.com
If you are located in the UK, please contact EliseAudio
If you are in South Korea, please contact our dealer in South Korea – SonorisAudio
If you are in India , please contact Vividhifi, your source for HoloAudio in India.
If you are in Australia, please contact IndiHifi.com.au, your source for HoloAudio in Australia
Note: Red requires a small amount of general computer knowledge to setup and understand your local router and ethernet settings. It’s like most any PI4 streamer and if you have set one of these up before this one will be easy too. There will be limited support for the device only, not your personal computer or networking setup.
J M (verified owner) –
My setup: Roon server > ethernet > Red > I2S > Spring 3 Dac.
Red is not plug and play, but is relatively easy to setup and bug free. Red is now Roon certified. You need to find the ip address of Red, open a browser window, update firmware, and choose Roon settings.
The streaming is flawless most of the time.
The device is solid, well built, easy to connect wires.
Sound with Spring 3 is smoother and a bit more details than my Oppo UDP-205
Overall, I am satisfied the Red
Adam (verified owner) –
Incredible streamer. I use it with a Holo Spring 3 and a Holo Bliss, and mostly ZMF headphones. I stream from Tidal and Roon and HQPlayer. Once it is set up, you never have to think about it. It never fails on me or stutters or has any problems whatsoever. The Holo Red is connected to my internet router via an Ethernet cable, and all music from my Macbook or iPhone streams completely wireless through the Holo Red. It is especially great if you use HQPlayer or have other Holo products (DAC/Amp), since it is the only streamer optimized for them. The reviewers all say it is the best streamer you can get, and I agree. I haven’t used it as a DDC, but I hear it is great as a DDC as well. The software even gets frequent updates, like a recent update that made it Roon Ready. It is flawless, and the sound is better than it was when I had a direct USB connection from my Macbook to my DAC. Highly recommended.
Bailey (verified owner) –
I use this as a DDC. Works quite well, I have it converting a network streamer (in my case an ipad pro USB out) to I2S and it outputs a quiet and jitter free signal to my DAC. Sounding great. As a bonus, it outputs simultaneously to coax out to supply digital audio to my active speakers as needed. A great DDC and SPDIF converter, in my case.
robertD (verified owner) –
I’m using my Red with piCorePlayer (pCP) as a SqueezeLite endpoint for my LMS setup. Works great and sounds great, it is fully compatible with pCP. Using SqueezeLite in RedOS also sounds great but lacks any settings for SqueezeLite. It would be great to have access to the command line configurable settings for SqueezeLite.
Darren Walker (verified owner) –
I received my Holo Red as scheduled, along with I2S HDMI cable, and the results thus far have been amazing. Right out of the box, the difference to my listening experience was noticeable. Details, clarity, sound stage, and the bass response have all been enhanced. It is like reading a book, then putting on reading glasses, and the words jump off of the page. Nuances in the music are being projected that I never paid attention to before. Listening to my library over again. Mr. Tim was more than accommodating, and responded to every email question I had. His responses were exact and helped with every problem i had. I would highly recommend Kitsune Hifi, and the Holo Red. I am currently using it as a DDC, Ipad 12 pro>Red DDC> I2S cable from Kitsune>Rockna Wavelight DAC>Hagel P20 Preamp>Parasound A21+ amp>Martin Logan 60XTi speakers.