Eversolo DMP-A8 Balanced Streamer/DAC Review

[amirm]

Very nice, but compression? Just what we need with compression in all the recordings already overdone.

Compression is useful with DSP. Instead of setting headroom to worst case situation, you can set it for for most content and let compression to deal with the outliers.

 

[amirm]

I wish someone would post results of double-blind listener testing to show that someone can hear the difference between a system like this with near-perfect measured performance and a DAC with merely good performance like the Schiit Modi 2. Can anyone hear the difference in performance? If not, then what's the point of product designers and manufacturers chasing these numbers?

This is multi-function device. You are not going to get these features in stand-alone DACs. The fact that it brings no compromise compared to separates, is a plus.

 

[amirm]

Please make one with PEQ and base management to make it a true endgame product.

It has PEQ.

 

[amirm]

Regarding the analog volume control measurements, isn't it just a passive stepped attenuator, hence such good results? Otherwise it looks even better, if it's an active stage.

It has amplification so I am assuming it is not passive.

 

[amirm]

Is there any chance we will experience app problems in future because android becomes outdated?

The built-in apps are plenty as to not need to download anything else. Now, security fixes may be an issue.

 

[amirm]

View attachment 381776View attachment 381775
I think it does have a hard remote.

Oh, have to look in the box in the morning. Going to sleep now.

 

[amirm]

Oh, eversolo confirmed in email that it does come with a remote. I will edit the review.

 

[sealpin]

Looks like my next Audio gear. Thanks Amir for testing.

 

[jorgemg1984]

Hi, Amir - any idea or performance with intersample overs? I was looking in your measurements and didn't find it. Thanks!

 

[Purité Audio]

It does have DSP capability both on inputs and outputs and the analogue preamp ( which is analogue end to end) has +10dB gain.
Keith

 

[TheWalkman]

Good performance but $2k is a lot more than I’ll pay to replace my Topping and Raspberry Pi combo. “If it ain’t broken…”

 

[Sokel]

It does have DSP capability both on inputs and outputs and the analogue preamp ( which is analogue end to end) has +10dB gain.
Keith

Do RCA and XLR output work simultaneously and at what levels?

Edit:forget the levels,I saw Amir's dashboards.

 

[Purité Audio]

Yes they do, at their individual levels 2.6 and 5.1v I think?
Keith

 

[Purité Audio]

Good performance but $2k is a lot more than I’ll pay to replace my Topping and Raspberry Pi combo. “If it ain’t broken…”

Yes the A-8 is useful if you also have analogue sources.
Keith

 

[PO3c]

The built-in apps are plenty as to not need to download anything else. Now, security fixes may be an issue.

Historically Chinese multimedia devices have made use of very dated revision of Android. Are version known for this device? And are there a upgrade path planned so the device doesn't get outdated when streaming companies later on might demand minimum Android revision to function?

While my 200 USD smart speakers where Spotify no longer function due to vendor no longer updating firmware makes me sad. A 2000$ device stop function for the same reason a few years from now would make me angry.

 

[Paffi]

What a nice product. Hopefully their next product includes at least 2 independent subouts with delayoptions and the possibility for digitazing the analog inputs for room Correction.

 

[JeremyFife]

Thanks for the review, a nice one to read.

Looks nice, measures well. It is a shame that the analogue input isn't digitised, and it's not cheap ... that's really nit-picking though.

Lovely piece of kit

 

[Haskil]

amazing ! There will always be audiopaths who pout despite the high price of this device which competes with the most expensive streamers on the market and immediately crushes them...
Yes, certain major manufacturers of very expensive hi-fi systems which only have their luxurious presentation going for them have problems to worry about.
That being said: I would never buy a device of this price that does not have customer service up to par... Something that is increasingly rare: in fact when you buy an Accuphase or McIntosh device you are buying two things: a assured resale price and the guarantee that the device can be repaired in an approved technical station... I am not saying that this Eversolo will break down, at all, but it is a possibility that cannot be ruled out ...

 

[Purité Audio]

Equipment does have a resale value, which is whatever someone will pay for it, no fixed assurance .
Keith

 

[Koeitje]

I wish someone would post results of double-blind listener testing to show that someone can hear the difference between a system like this with near-perfect measured performance and a DAC with merely good performance like the Schiit Modi 2. Can anyone hear the difference in performance? If not, then what's the point of product designers and manufacturers chasing these numbers?

This is not just a DAC. But regardless of that it just shows that a manufacturer takes a certain pride in their work and cares about more than just dumping a product on the market.