Eversolo DMP-A8 Balanced Streamer/DAC Review

[Milanraf]

Android means Obsolescence Guaranteed.
My belief is that streamer and DAC should always be separates, in order to avoid throwing away a good DAC when streamer is obsolete/no-more-supported.
This is a great product but not my cup of tea.

 

[Miguelón]

It looks phenomenal, so the price...

As an all in one device, I will prefer the WiiM ultra and save money for two Neumann KH 120 ii (a little accesory one can add to the streamer )

 

[CT Man]

When using a digital source, the A8 can only output digital audio through IIS. What possible reason would there be for this limitation in such a feature-rich device? In this regard WiiM devices are more capable.
(attached image from user manual below)

 

[Miguelón]

When using a digital source, the A8 can only output digital audio through IIS. What possible reason would there be for this limitation in such a feature-rich device? In this regard WiiM devices are more capable.
(attached image from user manual below)

It would be too expensive to install audio usb c output or SPDIF: the device will cost $3.000…

 

[OldTimer]

Wifi 6E and 2.5GbE are missing.

 

[JustJones]

I voted fine since it doesn't vacuum, wash windows and walk the dog. I find it amusing all the things people want a single component to do. This really does more than I would need the A6 would be sufficient if I was looking for a streamer. Why would I buy this for digital in > digital out?

 

[Purité Audio]

When using a digital source, the A8 can only output digital audio through IIS. What possible reason would there be for this limitation in such a feature-rich device? In this regard WiiM devices are more capable.
(attached image from user manual below)

‘Internal player’ allows you to output to coax and usb dac as well as IIS
Keith

 

[DearSX]

I'm still not sure why this is worth its price over a WiiM Ultra or Pro Plus?

The WiiMs have EQ, Room Correction, Multiple inputs, Remote, Apps support and measure well. The Ultra should measure even better.

 

[OldTimer]

I voted fine since it doesn't vacuum, wash windows and walk the dog. I find it amusing all the things people want a single component to do. This really does more than I would need the A6 would be sufficient if I was looking for a streamer. Why would I buy this for digital in > digital out?

Digital in is to save to SSD. Digital out is to bring it for scalability.

 

[Miguelón]

I'm still not sure why this is worth its price over a WiiM Ultra or Pro Plus?

The WiiMs have EQ, Room Correction, Multiple inputs, Remote, Apps support and measure well. The Ultra should measure even better.

Is precisely my option: Ultra and Pro Plus models have good DAC section, A8 could improve them but will not be distinguishable. Only XLR balanced outputs may have a (little) audible impact

 

[CT Man]

It would be too expensive to install audio usb c output or SPDIF: the device will cost $3.000…

I don't understand your reply. At much lower price-points WiiM Pro, Pro Plus and Ultra can send analog and digital sources to their RCA, coax or optical outputs. Also, unlike the A8 WiiM devices can apply PEQ to both analog and digital sources. These WiiM devices start at less than 1/10th the price.

For me, the major reason to consider the A8 is the additional input/output possibilities, but then then functionality is severely limited.

For $150 (not an extra $1K) you could connect a WiiM Pro to an A8 and not have these analog/digital limitations. But that complicates everything and defeats the all-in-one streaming and network solution of the A8.

 

[Miguelón]

I don't understand your reply. At much lower price-points WiiM Pro, Pro Plus and Ultra can send analog and digital sources to their RCA, coax or optical outputs. Also, unlike the A8 WiiM devices can apply PEQ to both analog and digital sources. These WiiM devices start at less than 1/10th the price.

For me, the major reason to consider the A8 is the additional input/output possibilities, but then then functionality is severely limited.

For $150 (not an extra $1K) you could connect a WiiM Pro to an A8 and not have these analog/digital limitations. But that complicates everything and defeats the all-in-one streaming and network solution of the A8.

Was a joke, sarcasm: by convention we put the smiley on phrases that could suggest the opposite of the author's intention. Totally agree with you, in fact I purchased the Ultra in pre-order

 

[mags65]

I'm still not sure why this is worth its price over a WiiM Ultra or Pro Plus?

The WiiMs have EQ, Room Correction, Multiple inputs, Remote, Apps support and measure well. The Ultra should measure even better.

Actual playback user interface/topology is magnitudes better on Eversolo than Wiim. Much closer to how Roon works (but not quite there yet), a lot of development effort has been put in over the last 8-10 months.

 

[CT Man]

‘Internal player’ allows you to output to coax and usb dac as well as IIS
Keith

That's not how I read the user manual. Wouldn't the internal player be included in "all digital inputs"? That's how it works with DSP. See attached image.

 

[OldTimer]

I don't understand your reply. At much lower price-points WiiM Pro, Pro Plus and Ultra can send analog and digital sources to their RCA, coax or optical outputs. Also, unlike the A8 WiiM devices can apply PEQ to both analog and digital sources. These WiiM devices start at less than 1/10th the price.

For me, the major reason to consider the A8 is the additional input/output possibilities, but then then functionality is severely limited.

For $150 (not an extra $1K) you could connect a WiiM Pro to an A8 and not have these analog/digital limitations. But that complicates everything and defeats the all-in-one streaming and network solution of the A8.

I don’t think the Wiim has an internal storage (4TB SSD).

 

[Purité Audio]

I actually have the machine in use right now.
Eversolo really should update the manual if they haven’t.

Keith

 

[CT Man]

Was a joke, sarcasm: by convention we put the smiley on phrases that could suggest the opposite of the author's intention. Totally agree with you, in fact I purchased the Ultra in pre-order

Sorry, missed seeing your wink.

 

[OldTimer]

The moment you get into streaming, you are signing up to have an OS. Here, it is advertised. But in others when it is not Android, it is not. Those OS platforms could very well be attacked and in many instances come with no update to the OS.

Device vulnerability can also be secured at the router firewall if there are no more security update from the manufacturer.

 

[Jefrpol]

I've been following this thread with much interest. I've been trying to narrow down my options before making a purchase to replace my now no-longer function dac/pre-amp. I had posted a thread with the following:

There aren't many features I need but I do want xlr ins-and-outs for the preamp, would prefer to have the dac and preamp as separate units and to keep the total pre-tax cost under $2k or so. After considering a number of options I've somewhat narrowed it down to either a Schiit Kara/Eversolo A6 combo (I only need two digital inputs for a dac and two xlr inputs on the preamp side) or an Eversolo A8. I had considered the Topping Pre90 but I have general concerns about Topping reliability specific concerns with reported remote control issues. Other than the additional digital inputs, is there any real advantage (space is not an issue) to the A8 over the Kara/A6 combo? Is there something else I should be looking at?

My question remains, what if any benefit is there to the A8 over an A6/Kara combo.

 

[Jasperous]

I have to say this again in this review thread: a $300 laptop running your choice of OS plus a $150 DAC of decent quality can do the same as this product but has a much better and more versatile "viewscreen". Why people are adverse to a "computer" as part of their audio system but would buy this sort of component for much more that is, essentially, just a computer with a really small screen really mystifies me!

Because men (and other folks) of a certain age are afraid to learn new skills and tinker with an OS