Eversolo DMP-A6 Streamer Review

[glc650]

FLAC is lossless compressed PCM

FLAC is a container for PCM, yes, but as soon as it is decoded it is no longer FLAC, just PCM. The whole point here is that the A6 is doing the decoding and thus passing on PCM to the AVR. How the PCM was originally stored at the start of playback is irrelevant because the signal is now just PCM.

 

[Highvolt60]

It has been said many times here the device does not do any type of Atmos. I don't even own the device yet and it is very clear to me

Yes, it only does multi channel PCM or DSD.
Not that I give a Rats Arse about any surround sound but Atmos is a type of dolby digital bitstream which is generally not compatible with most stand alone DAC's.

 

[multisport4me]

Yes, it only does multi channel PCM or DSD.
Not that I give a Rats Arse about any surround sound but Atmos is a type of dolby digital bitstream which is generally not compatible with most stand alone DAC's.

I don't think anybody is expecting the DAC in the A6 to decode Atmos. It's a 2-channel DAC. We're talking about passing through the bitstream through to the digital outputs from internal player (or Roon).

 

[CJW]

I don't think anybody is expecting the DAC in the A6 to decode Atmos. It's a 2-channel DAC. We're talking about passing through the bitstream through to the digital outputs from internal player (or Roon).

You would be surprised what people what from the Eversolo. Atmos, more inputs, phono stage, fix their marriage…

 

[Michou]

What's your basis for saying it worked terribly ?

Lost in translation perhaps. I believe the poster meant terrific, not terribly, I assume.

 

[jmtocali]

For those looking for Atmos music, right now the options are: Apple TV 4K (supports Apple Music and Tidal) or Fire TV Cube or Stick 4K (supports Amazon Music and Tidal). Nvidia Shield TV only supports Tidal but can play Amazon Atmos trough Chromecast. Also the Zidoo video players from the same makers of the Eversolo should support Tidal.

 

[Werther44210]

I confirm, excellent summary, to have ATMOS, having a Shield pro box, Amazon Atmos possible by Chromecast and had Tidal possible directly, limited to 16/44 what the Box can do at most, see if Apple box can play music on higher resolutions such as 24/96, otherwise outside Atmos the DMP A6 allows classic multichannel play via HDMI up to 24/192 or DSD 64. Recordings in ATMOS are rare, on the Native DSD site, a specialist in DSD, two available and more in AURO 3D more than seventy.

 

[Werther44210]

I confirm, excellent summary, to have ATMOS, having a Shield pro box, Amazon Atmos possible by Chromecast and had Tidal possible directly, limited to 16/44 what the Box can do at most, see if Apple box can play music on higher resolutions such as 24/96, otherwise outside Atmos the DMP A6 allows classic multichannel play via HDMI up to 24/192 or DSD 64. Recordings in ATMOS are rare, on the Native DSD site, a specialist in DSD, two available and more in AURO 3D more than seventy.

Very few Dac network players are capable of broadcasting DSD or PCM in multi-channels, the DMP A6 is one of them, it manages 5.1., only the Exasound on the high end at 7000 euros manages 7.1 which is currently the maximum of channels available for example on the Native site, to be exact it is 7.1.4 which will be read in number of channels depending on the performance of the device. So for its price, the DMP does something already rare.
Link to Exasound model:

exaSound s88 Mk II 8-Channel Streaming DAC [black] – NativeDSD Gear

gear.nativedsd.com

 

[multisport4me]

I’ve done some testing of late that I thought might be of interest. No, it doesn’t involve an AP analyzer nor any REW measurements. If that bothers you, please stop reading.

I recently wired up my system to allow for any of the following:

• DP59L->Puffin->24/96 SPDIF->Inday 1-4 coax SPDIF distribution box->
• 1. Direct into my Marantz AV10 Coax SPDIF input, or
• 2. Direct SPDIF into a Topping D70 Pro Sabre DAC
• 3. Direct SPDIF into the DMP-A6 Master
• Analog XLR from either DAC into the XLR input of the AV10->AMP10, or direct into the AMP10 (using the D70 or DMP-A6 in preamp mode). I’m using two different Nobsound XLR switchers that were reviewed up here and are passive with no signal degradation.
• I can also easily compare the DMP-A6 DAC vs. using the D70 Pro as an outboard DAC to the A6.

If it sounds confusing, it sort of was - I had to diagram it out to make sure I wired it all up correctly. But it works beautifully and really provides tons of flexibility in comparing DACs in the AV10 or external DACs.

So here is the disappointing part for most. My testing wasn’t blind so it would have been very easy for me to favor one over the other but I’m telling you the differences were indistinguishable. I found the D70 Pro to have very slightly lower output using the 4V vs. 5V setting but otherwise, I could literally switch between the A6 and D70 and you don’t even hear a click, let alone differences in sound quality or levels.

SPDIF direct into the AV10 was also very good. I perceived it to be slightly clearer but of course, it may just be a very slightly cleaner signal since the signal path goes direct into the AV10 vs. into the XLR input of AV10 (whereby its put through ADC). Pure Direct vs. processed using Dirac mattered very little with the exception of bass is more pronounced when using up mixers and RC in the AV10.

I am 100% convinced that I can sell the D70 Pro and the A6 would be perfectly fine in my setup. So why keep the complicated setup? Well for one thing, I like the FFT on the D70 and VU meters on the A6. With the Inday box, I can see both since both are receiving the same SPDIF signal at the same time. I recently tried to sell the D70 Pro Sabre and couldn’t even sell it for $425…so I’m just going to keep it. If for no other reason than the entertainment value of the FFT spectrum analyzer. But likely I will set it up as preamp to the AMP10 and use it exclusively when listening to vinyl on my turntable for a true 2-channel experience.

I wish I had the experience and tools to measure each signal path more critically, but I do not. I just found it fun comparing the various DACs and signal paths and thought I’d share the really good news – that we’ve survived the bleakness of the pandemic and supply chain shutdowns and are entering a bit of a renaissance in hi-fi in my opinion. There are so many good options available, and they do not need to cost $30,000 to get you into the game. The DMP-A6 is one great example of the tremendous value in
hi-fi right now that absolutely would have cost you 4x or more just one year ago. Enjoy the music ladies and gentlemen and stop bickering about 5dB differences in SINAD.

 

[Werther44210]

I’ve done some testing of late that I thought might be of interest. No, it doesn’t involve an AP analyzer nor any REW measurements. If that bothers you, please stop reading.

I recently wired up my system to allow for any of the following:

• DP59L->Puffin->24/96 SPDIF->Inday 1-4 coax SPDIF distribution box->
• 1. Direct into my Marantz AV10 Coax SPDIF input, or
• 2. Direct SPDIF into a Topping D70 Pro Sabre DAC
• 3. Direct SPDIF into the DMP-A6 Master
• Analog XLR from either DAC into the XLR input of the AV10->AMP10, or direct into the AMP10 (using the D70 or DMP-A6 in preamp mode). I’m using two different Nobsound XLR switchers that were reviewed up here and are passive with no signal degradation.
• I can also easily compare the DMP-A6 DAC vs. using the D70 Pro as an outboard DAC to the A6.

If it sounds confusing, it sort of was - I had to diagram it out to make sure I wired it all up correctly. But it works beautifully and really provides tons of flexibility in comparing DACs in the AV10 or external DACs.

So here is the disappointing part for most. My testing wasn’t blind so it would have been very easy for me to favor one over the other but I’m telling you the differences were indistinguishable. I found the D70 Pro to have very slightly lower output using the 4V vs. 5V setting but otherwise, I could literally switch between the A6 and D70 and you don’t even hear a click, let alone differences in sound quality or levels.

SPDIF direct into the AV10 was also very good. I perceived it to be slightly clearer but of course, it may just be a very slightly cleaner signal since the signal path goes direct into the AV10 vs. into the XLR input of AV10 (whereby its put through ADC). Pure Direct vs. processed using Dirac mattered very little with the exception of bass is more pronounced when using up mixers and RC in the AV10.

I am 100% convinced that I can sell the D70 Pro and the A6 would be perfectly fine in my setup. So why keep the complicated setup? Well for one thing, I like the FFT on the D70 and VU meters on the A6. With the Inday box, I can see both since both are receiving the same SPDIF signal at the same time. I recently tried to sell the D70 Pro Sabre and couldn’t even sell it for $425…so I’m just going to keep it. If for no other reason than the entertainment value of the FFT spectrum analyzer. But likely I will set it up as preamp to the AMP10 and use it exclusively when listening to vinyl on my turntable for a true 2-channel experience.

I wish I had the experience and tools to measure each signal path more critically, but I do not. I just found it fun comparing the various DACs and signal paths and thought I’d share the really good news – that we’ve survived the bleakness of the pandemic and supply chain shutdowns and are entering a bit of a renaissance in hi-fi in my opinion. There are so many good options available, and they do not need to cost $30,000 to get you into the game. The DMP-A6 is one great example of the tremendous value in
hi-fi right now that absolutely would have cost you 4x or more just one year ago. Enjoy the music ladies and gentlemen and stop bickering about 5dB differences in SINAD.

@multisport4me, very interesting what you say about the S/PDIF connection in your Marantz AV10 from the DMP, I noticed that both in the DENON 8500 HA of design close to your Marantz or in Hi-Fi on the DENON PMA 110 , small difference but not very big how Marantz and Denon proceed in the settings to maintain their own sound identity.

I can only share even if I do not know the Toppings at the level of their DACs and what you say the enormous value that the DMP has brought in current Hi-Fi both on the different possible listening modes (analog with its own DAC, S/PDIF, USB or HDMI). Like you, I keep my Rose, resale not very interesting, interesting features (Music videos in Hi-Fi and have a rather soft listening focused on relaxing music with a rather cool presentation of recordings and quite tolerant of poor quality recordings, much less transparent than the DMP.

In conclusion, on the Rose Forum quite a few Rose 250 owners are wondering about the added value of their equipment which has cost them two to three times more than the DMP and the slowness of Rose to to evolve its product compared to Eversolo and the current highly positive comments on the DMP, therefore some quite disappointed.

 

[Purité Audio]

Bit perfect transport identical to bit perfect transport, simply choose the aesthetics and features you require.
Keith

 

[yllanos]

Well after almost a month, I finally received my DMP-A6 here in Colombia.

I have been using it for the last 48 hours and I think I can give my impressions. I'm going to quickly mention I have been using a WiiM Pro + SMSL SU-8s DAC before Eversolo.

PROs:

1. The design and finish is really great, the screen is great, nice contrast.
2. I really like the volume knob has a slight clicky, discrete feeling. I don't enjoy totally smooth/loose volume dials.
3. Connections on the back look very premium
4. After first boot, basic setup and update, I connected the A6 to my Synology NAS (via Wi-Fi) where my music is stored. No issues.
5. I have around 1.8TB music library. It really took it's time to index the whole thing. But it went without issues honestly.
6. I usually add music on batches: I first accumulate content on my PC and then I move to my NAS, usually twice a month or so. I did a test of adding a few albums at a time and indexing was quick in this case.
7. This device does sound lovely. I can clearly distinguish between my previous setup and A6 wins hands down. Not much else to say here.
8. It is very quick no matter what I used. Specifically I tried Radio Paradise, Qobuz, Tidal and local library (with and without Roon). It all loaded instantly, no hiccups.
9. I did not required any sync when setting up my BTR-12 remote. I just put batteries on it and pointed at the A6 and it worked. Also: since it is Bluetooth, it does not require a direct line of sight.
10. I like the rate at which the remote accelerates when you press and hold for volume. Fortunately is not like on Denon/Marantz where the scale just goes too far too fast.
11. The app in general is feature-richer than WiiM Home app. Just having the ability to reorder current queue is a game changer for me. WiiM hasn't been able to deliver in that regard yet (and some others too)

@mirror88

CONs:

1. The local Music app requires a bit of work. I created a playlist, then added a few songs on a specific order. But then when I browse to show the contents of that list, they appear in alphabetical order instead of how they are supposed to show. I don't think there is a way to sort in any other way. This needs to be fixed IMO
2. The Music feature doesn't appear to allow mixing local library content with a streaming service. You'll have to use Roon to do that. For example, if I am listening to content from my NAS and then go back to Qobuz/Tidal and browse for content, there is no option to add an item to current queue. I basically had to add the whole Qobuz/Tidal content, which effectively clears any other items on queue.
3. Not sure if this is a con, but when I go into streaming ==> Qobuz and then look for my playlists, it loads the playlist title and then also preloads the first four songs in that playlist. Not sure why is this. I don't like it. This just makes me scroll way down until I find the list I am looking for. I would prefer just to see the playlist name. If I do the same on Tidal, it is shown correctly.
4. When screensaver activates and then I play something, the screensaver remains active. I wish the screensaver could disengage on its own if some content is played and without having to reach out to touch the screen. EDIT: a user on FB pointed out the screensaver can be dismissed by pressing the "Eye" button on remote, but I still believe it should be removed whenever I play some content to it.
5. Search is too sensitive: if you miss a lowercase/uppercase or a special character here and there (in my language we use those a lot of it), search will not give results
6. Music feature also desperately needs a "Recently Added" section

Neutral/Other:

1. I wish for a future iteration with sub out and bass management (or at least a high pass filter for mains). A 12V trigger in+out would be cool too (yes I know I could install a USB to 3.5mm cable as trigger)
2. Inspired by a comment on FB group, I took the device to a local mobile tech shop and had a custom screen protector installed (the same people use for smartphones and tablets). It went great and now I can operate the screen normally without fears of scuffs and scratches.
3. I wish the included feet were 2-3mm taller lol. But this is just me being picky
4. I had a "problem" with my previous setup: whenever my playing content switched to a different frequency, my SMSL DAC made "popping" noises and apart from getting in my nerves, it was starting to get me worried about affecting my equipment somehow. On A6, it is totally silent. This was important to me, as I use Tidal Connect a lot, and content there constantly switches between different qualities/formats.
5. Honestly I don't like the way the volume scale is shown. I wish there was a setting where you could just switch to a reverse scale. Having -100 as no sound and 0 as max volume is very strange to me. I prefer 0 (mute) - 100 (max)
6. I also own Sonos AMP. I connected to my equipment (see below) and that one feels punchier on bass but that's it. A6 is a different thing: way smoother and refined, with better separation. Better sound in any case, but I have to recognize Sonos has a mature app and ecosystem.
7. With a few tweaks and improvements to Music app, I think I will send Roon to oblivion forever

My equipment list:

• Speakers: KEF Q100
• Subwoofer: Rythmik F12-400
• Amp: Audiophonics LPA-S500NC (Hypex Ncore NC502MP)

I'm running XLR to amp and RCA to sub.


EDIT: I also would like this device to have a Web GUI, similar to what Denon/Marantz does on their AVRs. In this way I could operate from my PC.

 

[Redwine]

Adding a separate pre or not?

Some use the Eversolo as pre as well, some use it with fixed volume and go through a separate pre linked to a power amp.
In case you don’t need more connextion options, are the any sound benefits from either or?

 

[Salt]

Have connected the eversolo to amp, and it works fine.
Running it through preamp (need it for TT), it works fine.
No issues.
Running through preamp may give a flavour by some harmonics that may be appreciated.

 

[Werther44210]

Ajouter un pré séparé ou pas ?

Certains utilisent également l'Eversolo comme préampli, d'autres l'utilisent avec un volume fixe et passent par un pré séparé relié à un ampli de puissance.
Au cas où vous n'auriez pas besoin de plus d'options de connexion, y a-t-il des avantages sonores de l'un ou l'autre ?

Adding a separate pre or not?

Some use the Eversolo as pre as well, some use it with fixed volume and go through a separate pre linked to a power amp.
In case you don’t need more connextion options, are the any sound benefits from either or?

It all depends on the quality of the pre-amp, I use an integrated Denon PMA 110 with a very good pre-amp (integrated at around 4000 euros, this corresponds to a pre-amp around 2000 euros such as NAD C 658 or Rotel RC 1590 ), it seems better to me from a certain level of hardware, otherwise, for a lot of people the Eversolo pre-amp is sufficient and does not require an additional investment. See other opinions on the matter, since I had a fairly expensive integrated, I use the pre-amp compartment of the latter.

 

[mirror88]

Well after almost a month, I finally received my DMP-A6 here in Colombia.
View attachment 306895
View attachment 306896

I have been using it for the last 48 hours and I think I can give my impressions. I'm going to quickly mention I have been using a WiiM Pro + SMSL SU-8s DAC before Eversolo.

PROs:

1. The design and finish is really great, the screen is great, nice contrast.
2. I really like the volume knob has a slight clicky, discrete feeling. I don't enjoy totally smooth/loose volume dials.
3. Connections on the back look very premium
4. After first boot, basic setup and update, I connected the A6 to my Synology NAS (via Wi-Fi) where my music is stored. No issues.
5. I have around 1.8TB music library. It really took it's time to index the whole thing. But it went without issues honestly.
6. I usually add music on batches: I first accumulate content on my PC and then I move to my NAS, usually twice a month or so. I did a test of adding a few albums at a time and indexing was quick in this case.
7. This device does sound lovely. I can clearly distinguish between my previous setup and A6 wins hands down. Not much else to say here.
8. It is very quick no matter what I used. Specifically I tried Radio Paradise, Qobuz, Tidal and local library (with and without Roon). It all loaded instantly, no hiccups.
9. I did not required any sync when setting up my BTR-12 remote. I just put batteries on it and pointed at the A6 and it worked. Also: since it is Bluetooth, it does not require a direct line of sight.
10. I like the rate at which the remote accelerates when you press and hold for volume. Fortunately is not like on Denon/Marantz where the scale just goes too far too fast.
11. The app in general is feature-richer than WiiM Home app. Just having the ability to reorder current queue is a game changer for me. WiiM hasn't been able to deliver in that regard yet (and some others too)

@mirror88

CONs:

1. The local Music app requires a bit of work. I created a playlist, then added a few songs on a specific order. But then when I browse to show the contents of that list, they appear in alphabetical order instead of how they are supposed to show. I don't think there is a way to sort in any other way. This needs to be fixed IMO
2. The Music feature doesn't appear to allow mixing local library content with a streaming service. You'll have to use Roon to do that. For example, if I am listening to content from my NAS and then go back to Qobuz/Tidal and browse for content, there is no option to add an item to current queue. I basically had to add the whole Qobuz/Tidal content, which effectively clears any other items on queue.
3. Not sure if this is a con, but when I go into streaming ==> Qobuz and then look for my playlists, it loads the playlist title and then also preloads the first four songs in that playlist. Not sure why is this. I don't like it. This just makes me scroll way down until I find the list I am looking for. I would prefer just to see the playlist name. If I do the same on Tidal, it is shown correctly.
4. When screensaver activates and then I play something, the screensaver remains active. I wish the screensaver could disengage on its own if some content is played and without having to reach out to touch the screen.
5. Search is too sensitive: if you miss a lowercase/uppercase of a special character (in my language we use those a lot), search will not give results

Neutral/Other:

1. I wish for a future iteration with sub out and bass management (or at least a high pass filter for mains). A 12V trigger in+out would be cool too (yes I know I could install a USB to 3.5mm cable as trigger)
2. Inspired by a comment on FB group, I took the device to a local mobile tech shop and had a custom screen protector installed (the same people use for smartphones and tablets). It went great and now I can operate the screen normally without fears of scuffs and scratches.
3. I wish the included feet were 2mm taller lol. But this is just me being picky
4. I had a "problem" with my previous setup: whenever my playing content switched to a different frequency, my SMSL DAC made "popping" noises and apart from getting in my nerves, it was starting to get me worried about affecting my equipment somehow. On A6, it is totally silent. This was important to me, as I use Tidal Connect a lot, and content there constantly switches between different qualities/formats.
5. Honestly I don't like the way the volume scale is shown. I wish there was a setting where you could just switch to a reverse scale. Having -100 as no sound and 0 as max volume is very strange to me. I prefer 0 (mute) - 100 (max)
6. I also own Sonos AMP. I connected to my equipment (see below) and that one feels punchier on bass but that's it. A6 is a different thing: way smoother and refined, with better separation. Better sound in any case, but I have to recognize Sonos has a mature app and ecosystem.
7. With a few tweaks and improvements to Music app, I think I will send Roon to oblivion forever

My equipment list:

• Speakers: KEF Q100
• Subwoofer: Rythmik F12-400
• Amp: Audiophonics LPA-S500NC (Hypex Ncore NC502MP)

I'm running XLR to amp and RCA to sub.


EDIT: I also would like this device to have a Web GUI, similar to what Denon/Marantz does on their AVRs. In this way I could operate from my PC.

Thanks for your feedback.
Will check the CONs part.

 

[JonnyG]

Hi All - long time lurker in these forums but have a question re the EverSolo DMP A6 so thought it's time to bite the bullet and become an active community participant.

I like the look of the EverSolo particularly the screen and would like to add one to my setup, however I'm also keen to have a play with room correction via Dirac on a miniDSP device, but am not clear how feasible this is with the DMP A6.

I have a home built Linux box running Roon Core which I'd like to point at the EverSolo ethernet input to use it's Roon Ready internal player and then output DSP audio via the EverSolo USB out to something like a miniDSP flex (Digital Version). There I would do room correction, sub woofer integration in the digital domain before analogue conversion via two downstream dac's on the digital flex's SPDIF outputs. I've seen some comments on this forum about the inability to loop the DSP on the EverSolo digital interfaces and so see the above as the only option to do what I would like to achieve.

I am also worried about the following comment on page 16 of the EverSolo manual "* all digital input connections only support output audio by analogue output, not digital output". I think the inbound ethernet connection classifies as a digital input and so does this mean I cannot utilise digital out via USB to the miniDSP Flex?

Would appreciate if someone could set me straight, 1) Is my proposed setup feasible and 2) Are there other simpler options to achieve what I want?

Thanks for you time and any advice you can offer

 

[dscottj]

I am also worried about the following comment on page 16 of the EverSolo manual "* all digital input connections only support output audio by analogue output, not digital output". I think the inbound ethernet connection classifies as a digital input and so does this mean I cannot utilise digital out via USB to the miniDSP Flex?

I had that same concern, but it's fine. The documentation is confusing here because Eversolo considers the ethernet connection to be part of the internal player. What they mean is that if you're connecting external devices to the box, you have to use the analog outs to hear them.

 

[swenske]

Hi Folks,
Has anyone had success getting SMB v2 or v3 to work? It is mentioned here that these versions are supported: https://www.eversolo.com/Attached/image/20230511/20230511110552_89344.jpg

But I can't and strangely on the support page, they indicate to authorize version 1: https://www.eversolo.com/Support/support_guide/guide_target/6qDj0Hu7Xebeq7k9e[ld]3ulg==/ seek/SMB.html

This version presents big security risks and has been depreciated for several years already...

 

[Salt]

No trouble with SMB v. 2 & 3 here...