Eversolo DMP-A8 Balanced Streamer/DAC Review

[DearSX]

Thank you Amirm! This site is a god send!

 

[AdamG]

Thanks for another stupendous and detailed Review Amir. I like the clean looks and the data display location/layout. We are nearing/arrived at end game Streaming Music Server with more than competent built in DAC. The Ring to Rule them All? Maybe.

 

[rocksteady]

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 And are there a upgrade path planned so the device doesn't get outdated when streaming companies later on might demand minimum Android revision to function?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.

IS the Version known...?

 

[Frank Dernie]

Great performance!

It's a shame almost nobody make multichannel devices with such features and level of performance at a realistic price.

Presumably the only economy would be in the casework, the electronics would have to multiply the cost by the increase in number of channels and maybe smaller production batches increasing production costs again anyway.
I don't see why a 7 channel system with identical performance should be expected to be much less than 7/2 times more than this, ie about $7k

 

[MCH]

Presumably the only economy would be in the casework, the electronics would have to multiply the cost by the increase in number of channels and maybe smaller production batches increasing production costs again anyway.
I don't see why a 7 channel system with identical performance should be expected to be much less than 7/2 times more than this, ie about $7k

Why so? You don't need 3.5 power supplies, 3.5 usb bridges, 3.5 MCUs, 3.5 apps and so on...

 

[mash]

Really nice product....soooo close to perfect for me but no DSP on the analog input is a big miss. At this price, it would have been nice to have 2 analog inputs (one without and one with DSP).

note - I'm assuming that I can have 2 different EQ setups for the RCA and Balanced outs, so that I can set them up as a crossover for a 2.2 system.

 

[Zwepp]

It has PEQ.

That leaves us with just the base management! Almost there

 

[AudioSceptic]

Android security is problematic. Google releases monthly security patches to address vulnerabilities in the Android operating system. The update schedule for other Android devices like the DMP-A8 can vary depending on the manufacturer resources devoted to keeping customers safe. This inconsistency in update practices leaves devices vulnerable for long periods. In addition, some pre-installed Android apps have been found to contain security vulnerabilities, which can be exploited by attackers. This highlights the importance of manufacturers ensuring the security of pre-installed software.

If you use DMP-A8 leave it turned off when not in use and locate it behind a serious firewall. Android security is typically the weakest cyber security link in your home and it only gets worse overtime. If Eversolo is not releasing regular security updates or stops I would be cautious using this device on your network.

I also wonder why Eversolo includes an NVMe slot but fails to offer a design that properly accommodate the speed these drives offer. It's as if they didn't realize how to do so? Crazy to pay for high speed device and slow it down to USB speed.

When would that speed matter? If it's when copying files, where are they coming from and how? USB-3 is OK compared with Wi-Fi or ethernet.

 

[AudioSceptic]

Excellet performance and seems to be a great value for money. All we need now is for Golden Sound to say its dull and lacks edge.

Nah, it's cold, harsh and bright! ;-)

 

[Frank Dernie]

Why so? You don't need 3.5 power supplies, 3.5 usb bridges, 3.5 MCUs, 3.5 apps and so on...

No but you do need a 3.5 times bigger power supply and 3.5 times more connectors and cabling and the bigger casing required to carry them. Probably also a custom app suited to the various multi-channel types, the work on which needs amortising over (probably) a far smaller number of units.

Edit and maybe some licensing fees and more computing power for the surround algorithms.

 

[Acerun]

There would be no reason to run this device into a Denon x8500h right? I believe the Denon would run the signal again through its own DAC correct? I use a Wiim pro now for bit perfect streaming and get bass management and room correction via multieq-x.

 

[Robbo99999]

I'm sometimes confused about these types of products, in terms of usage. Would it not be just the same or even better using an old laptop connected to a relatively good value DAC of choice? Would it offer functionality above & beyond an old laptop connected to a good value DAC?

 

[Purité Audio]

In terms of the A-8 probably only the analogue inputs, EQ is useful and it is quite convenient to have a box which is always on rather than opening the laptop, I use mine with Roon which makes multi room very convenient for the whole family.
Keith

 

[Purité Audio]

I always used my macbook and dac as reference, and they work really well, streamers are convenient,I just hand the ipad to customers and let them choose music in any room, measurements are sota.
Keith

 

[hat28]

As well as the review, the comments here are so far universally singing its praises. Whilst clearly well engineered, the lack of digital out is a significant gap for some people's needs. Those Wiim boxes cover digital out for a fraction of the price.

 

[charlielaub]

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!

 

[Purité Audio]

As well as the review, the comments here are so far universally singing its praises. Whilst clearly well engineered, the lack of digital out is a significant gap for some people's needs. Those Wiim boxes cover digital out for a fraction of the price.

It has three digital ‘outs’.
Keith

 

[BrooklynNick]

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

I don't think that is the full story, because streaming services sometimes require app updates to continue working. For example, I have a HiBy R6 Pro DAP that runs Android. Tidal no longer works on it because the version of Android is too old to run a newer version of Tidal and the old version Tidal is no longer functional. HiBy can't fix it because the hardware is also not compatible with newer versions of Android. This is the eventual fate of all Android devices that depend on 3rd party apps.

 

[AudioSceptic]

Eversolo supports USB 2.0 speeds. You will wait for a long time for transfers if you use that interface. USB 3.0 Thumb drives can reach over 100MB/s and USB 3.1 much higher. The Eversolo DMP-A8 bus is amazingly slow. It's a poor design by any measure. The other point is if it's going to offer a dog slow interface why bother with a NVMe slot? It may turn out the Wiim Ultra at $329 will actually have a superior USB interface to the Eversolo at 1/6 the price.

I assumed USB-3 and that seems to be the case <https://www.eversolo.com/Product/spec/model/DMP-A8/target/uXoirEESmeVKKmVViAFMcQ==.html>

But yes, SD/µSD would make more sense.

 

[AudioSceptic]

There would be no reason to run this device into a Denon x8500h right? I believe the Denon would run the signal again through its own DAC correct? I use a Wiim pro now for bit perfect streaming and get bass management and room correction via multieq-x.

Does the Denon have line level directly into the power section? That would give you the best performance.