Eversolo DMP-A8 Balanced Streamer/DAC Review

[AudioSceptic]

The ultimate possible dealbreaker avoided: it DOES support MQA. Phew!

Surely you jest?

 

[Deleted member 2702]

The laptop will copy files faster, offer a larger screen and more functionality. If you have a quality DAC like the RME ADI-2 and a computer with Audirvana and Qobuz the Eversolo is a downgrade in my opinion.

I also do not at all see the need for a streamer, but obviously many people want to buy them.
I have a mini PC (ultraportable, without a screen) connected to a 75 inch TV.

 

[MZKM]

Really well constructed device.

However, no subwoofer out and uncertain info if it supports AirPlay.

 

[JohnnyNG]

The ultimate possible dealbreaker avoided: it DOES support MQA.

That's a dealbreaker for me.

 

[SuicideSquid]

Very nice, but compression? Just what we need with compression in all the recordings already overdone. Ugh. Also lacking balanced digital out, but I can forgive that as it has become uncommon.

If you use this to stream podcasts I can see compression being extremely useful. Many podcasters unfortunately have no idea how to properly mix and master voice.

 

[amirm]

I have a silent Windows PC in my main system. Frequent updates of Windows means often it is down and I have to remote log into it to start roon, etc. At times i have had very odd issues with Windows firewall security, not allowing Roon to see remote DACs. It lacks a volume control or remote which I consider essential. So I have been using an external pre-amp. I wish DMP-A8 supported Roon core in which case, I would have removed both my desktop and DAC.

 

[evalrat]

I am using a DLNA server on a NAS that needs to replacement (age). If I could use the internal storage in de DMP -A8 as a DLNA server for the other devices in the house rather than only for local use the DMP - A8 would be the perfect hub. Has anyone investigated this as yet. Otherwise the local storage would just be a waste of money.

 

[Graham849]

My understanding is that the A8 uses a modified Android 11 software implementation. Too old. So I voted Fine.

Following Archimagos instructions I have modified my Mele to not update often. JRiver is controlled by my laptop and phone. Two Wiim minis allow me streaming upstairs and downstairs. Budget hifi that works.

If the A8 is supported until 2030 then it is worth the money.

 

[Salt]

Software update is needed for those that stream from internet providers, maybe that may complicate in the future.
I don't own A8, but A6, and use it to stream ripped FLAC from NAS, but primarily from internal SSD.
For me the firmware would work for centuries as is now.

 

[nothingman]

It’s close to finally presenting some competition to the miniDSP SHD, but first it needs Dirac (preferrably w/ bass control) and a couple sub-outs with LPF setting options. Without those it’s just not full-featured enough, even with the better display, hardware, and measurements.

 

[Chuck S]

Nice, Amir. Thanks. Agree you should have a Mac.

 

[nawfal07]

Excellent review as usual @amirm ! And superbly measured device.

But wow, still a lot of nitpicking by some members, such a high standard demand for a $2k device, they want everything perfect.

 

[Blackfriar]

With regard to subwoofer outputs, since the XLR and RCA outs can be controlled separately (from what I read in the manual) can you set a high pass filter for the XLR to go out to the amp and main speakers (LS50 Metas) in my case, and the RCA with a low pass filter for subwoofers?

 

[Acerun]

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

Well the Denon has optical in. I have all the internal amps turned off and use outboard Purifi. But I'm pretty sure I have read that using an outboard DAC won't help because the Denon is still going to process it through its own DAC before outputting for amplification. I think for people using receivers something like a Wiim it's probably about as good as it gets.

 

[Cal_Cobra]

Nice review, and really nice unit. Though somehow I feel that WiiM could build something similar, and retail if for $499

 

[amirm]

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.

 

[amirm]

Nice review, and really nice unit. Though somehow I feel that WiiM could build something similar, and retail if for $499

DMP-A6 exists at much lower cost: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/eversolo-dmp-a6-streamer-review.44198/

 

[Hatto]

WOW! The very definition of ONE-AND-DONE-AUDIO-DEVICE.

If I were to ever spend $2,000 on a single hi-fi equipment, this would be the one.

 

[pseudoid]

I have a silent Windows PC in my main system. Frequent updates of Windows means often it is down

I am not going to ask you to throw the baby out with the bathwater but wouldn't disabling 'automatic updates' in your WindowsPC be the solution that you seek?

 

[nawfal07]

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.

I have RCA outs to my Denon AVR-X4700H and set it to Pure Audio, that will use the DAC from the Eversolo and only use the amplifier section of the Denon. All other modes will have the Denon converts to digital and back to analogue.

Of course, the AV receiver’s amplifier isn’t that transparent but if you want to use it you just have to accept that. That’s why I have a separate stereo amplifier connected via XLR which is how I listen the most, but the Denon isn’t that bad honestly.