There are a lot of opinions on the Eversolo DMP-A6 versus DMP-A8. My initial thoughts were that I would not hear a big difference if I used them as streamers only going into my Gustard R26 or Weiss 204 DACs. Boy, was I wrong. I’d consider my setup middle of the road but definitely not basic.
My test gear:
Gustard R26 DAC
Weiss 204 DAC
Audio Research SP20 Preamp
Buckeye NC502MP 4-channel amp (only 2 amp channels used)
Mofi Sourcepoint 10 speakers (brighter than neutral sound) and Wharfedale Aura 2 (less bright)
Room treatments: 50-60% of my room is treated with sound panels and wool carpet. I have GIK bass traps in each corner and sound panels at first reflection points as well.
My test setup:
When testing as Streamer only: Streamers into DACs using USB. DACs into Preamp with XLR cables. Preamp into amps with XLR cables.
When testing Streamers as all in one units without external DACs:
Streamers into Preamp with XLR cables (used RCA cables with HFR as it doesn’t have XLR). Preamp into amps with XLR cables.
I always used my preamp, so can’t compare what it would sound like only using the onboard preamp/volume control.
Other testing notes: I started with blind tests and ended with unblind tests because I could clearly hear the difference by that point. I level matched each time. I did tests at 63 dBA, 66 dBA, 70 dBA and 75 dBA. The A6 and A8 were new. I let each break in for 2 weeks before testing. I have owned the HifiRose 250 (original version) for a year, so it was fully broken in.
I can say all three are very good and if you don’t compare, you could easily live with any of them. I think that’s why you see a lot of opinions in the Eversolo Facebook groups where people strongly prefer one, but haven’t necessarily A/B tested versus other ones. I saw so many opinions that I wanted to test for myself to see if there was really any difference, especially using these as streamers only. I figured there would be differences using them as standalones with their internal DACs.
Spoiler, there were audible differences between the three as streamers only. Believe me, that surprised me. I listened to them each for a long time and kept A/Bing to see if I was really hearing a difference.
The hype with the Eversolo devices has been HUGE. I think they are both a great value but the HifiRose is not bad. I was surprised that the HifiRose could hold its own given it has not been hyped nearly as much. The HFR can be had on the used market for around the price of a A6 ME. I did not have a ME, so I could not compare the ME version.
My final ranking in order of best to my ears with my setup in my room:
#1 A8, #2 HFR 250, #3 A6
All were better with the DACs. Each DAC adds its own unique sound signature to the streamers. I prefer the Weiss 204. However, most people will be more than happy with the Gustard R26.
The A8 benefitted the least from the DACs as its internal DAC is very good. In fact, I preferred its internal DAC over the A6 with Gustard/Weiss. That surprised me quite a bit. I altered the dBA level during testing because I thought my ears were deceiving me. Results rarely varied even when making the sound louder or quieter. Results varied slightly by song, but it became clear the A8 was the best overall. My hypothesis is that the DACs can’t fix the deficiencies I hear in the streamers.
I will say, if you have warm speakers or a warm setup, you may very well prefer the HFR 250. It is a little brighter than the A8 but still retains 90% of the great sound of the A8. Some may even prefer the A6 if they have a warm setup but it lacks some of the detail and separation of the HFR and A8. I don’t think many would prefer the A6 with a bright setup like Klipsch or Focal BE speakers. In my room, I could not listen to the A6 very long at 75 dBA. It was just too bright even using it with the external DACs.
Songs that showed the A6 to be too bright/harsh: Let’s Dance, Rosanna, Don’t wanna fight, Willow.
Songs where it was almost too close to call between the three when using them each with an external DAC: Jolene, Margaritaville, Piano Man, Titanium, Kawaski, Hurt, Drum Solo.
With warmer songs, the A6 and HFR benefitted from having a brighter sound signature. However, there was still more detail and separation with the HFR and A8 but it was so close, that it wouldn’t be worth the expense for the more expensive units if you primarily listen to warmer songs.
All three benefitted from the external DACs. The A6 benefitted the most, but it still couldn’t tame the brightness. I thought the DACs could but they could not. The A8 benefitted the least and I did not think the Gustard added much benefit unless you like how it changes the sound of the A8. To me, I would save my money and just use the A8 by itself until you can get a more expensive DAC like the Weiss or at that price range or more. I plan to use it with the Weiss but it may be overkill.
Any of the three can be perfect for YOU depending on your setup. All three will work with a warmer setup. I’d probably go with the HFR with a warmer setup and save the money. Avoid the A6 with a bright setup. It will be too bright for certain songs unless you listen at low volumes.
I plan to run more tests and even compare them against a Wiim Pro Plus and iFi Zen over the next couple of months. I hope this helps those looking to make a decision. I know for some that a $2000 streamer seems expensive, but in high end home audio, the A8 could be considered reasonable. There’s lots of “Amazing” gear for $10K+, so $2K seems like a bargain for a true end game piece of gear in this crazy audiophile world. And it can be used without the need for another DAC.