Holo Audio Spring - Kitsuné Tuned Edition Level 3

The KTE edition represents the ultimate expression of the Spring3. Hand-selected DAC modules ensure the best measurements, paired with premium upgrades such as OCC silver wiring, HoloAudio capacitors, Titanis 2.0 USB circuitry, and a custom O-type transformer. Enhanced connectors, Red Nano fuse, and exclusive Kitsune branding complete a DAC that is not only refined in performance but also in craftsmanship. The KTE Spring3 is the top model, designed for those who demand nothing less than reference-level sound.

Key Highlights of the Spring 3 DAC
The HoloAudio Spring 3 carries forward a tradition of innovation begun in 2016, offering a fully discrete R-2R DAC built without reliance on off-the-shelf chips. Designed by Jeff Zhu, it incorporates a custom DAC core and trickle-down technologies from the flagship May DAC. With independent modules for PCM and DSD, true native playback, and a carefully optimized architecture, the Spring 3 delivers exceptional dynamics, detail, and a natural, lifelike sound that redefines digital performance.

As an advanced NOS DAC, the Spring 3 introduces a new generation of linear compensation technology, addressing resistance and accuracy errors caused by switching components and PCB tolerances. After compensation, its equivalent accuracy reaches an astonishing 0.00005%, ensuring unmatched precision. The integration of ultimate PLL+FIFO technology provides a 0.1 Hz third-order low-pass filter for jitter suppression, while a high-performance femtosecond VCXO serves as the PLL clock source. This means the Spring 3 remains virtually immune to front-end jitter, even locking onto signals with jitter up to 1.5–2 μs @ 1 kHz without compromise.

Adding to its strengths, the proprietary USB interface runs custom firmware designed for ultra-low latency, highly stable data transmission, and ideal USB eye pattern measurements. The result is 2–4 times higher performance compared to standard firmware, making the Spring 3 not just an upgrade, but a breakthrough in precision digital audio reproduction.

One of the strong points of the spring is the spatial sounds stage presentation. It’s very wide and precise. It never sounds congested like many DACs. The high end is very detailed and never harsh sounding. It has the R2R goodness that many have come to know and love. R2R has almost a cult like following and this DAC will surely become a sought after DAC. Everything comes effortlessly for this DAC. Bass is layered and textures, quite full and present without ever masking over the sweet mid tones that are produced. One special thing about the Spring is its amazing voltage regulation circuitry that better than 0.2uV output noise! This along with the O-core transformer helps regulate the purest power which translates to audio clarity and accurate reproduction. It must be heard to appreciate and come to love its sound.



Spring model, the Kitsuné Tuned Edition Level 3, in which all copper wiring and circuit-board plugs are replaced with 1.5mm wires of pure silver soldered directly to the boards.
The IEC inlet capacitor is replaced with a Mundorf silver-foil/oil cap, and the standard fuse with an Audio Horizon Platinum Reference.
The Kitsuné Tuned Edition's "Green Label," "O-Type" power transformer is hand-wound with 99.99%-pure silver wire.

STEREOPHILE review - https://www.stereophile.com/content/holoaudio-spring-kitsun%C3%A9-tuned-edition-level-3-da-processor

Stereophile Class A Recommended Component - 2019