Eversolo DMP-A8 Balanced Streamer/DAC Review

[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.

 

[Pritaudio]

Wiim pro (or ultra) and rme adi2 dac is more versatile and cheaper.
The eversolo would need extensive room correction or eq options.

 

[Chrispy]

I can't see buying something like this for a variety of reasons, especially at the price. The A6 looks more reasonable.

 

[Acerun]

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.

I don't believe that's how it works. @peng would you be kind enough to weigh in?

The X8500H with internal amps turned off has a SINAD of 104 which isn't too shabby. But I'm pretty sure the signal in your situation is still going through the 4700's DAC. That is how amir tested the Denon DAC, on Pure Audio.

I'm of the understanding that I could feed the Denon with a 130 SINAD signal and it will go through the DAC to be reprocessed and come out 104. Anyone please correct me if I am wrong (I hope I am wrong)

I believe Pure Audio simply bypasses DSP, but still uses the internal Denon DAC

 

[Spyerx]

Been using one of these for about 6 months now, it’s a really great device. Right now I’m streaming high-resolution lossless off Apple Music. I mostly use it as a streamer + local storage for my entire ripped music library. This replaced my Dac/computer. I love the ease of use and interface via an iPad.
Nice to see it measure well. I never had any complaints about its sound. its now the heart my my digital system… yes i do still have analog too… vinyl.

 

[Chrispy]

I don't believe that's how it works. @peng would you be kind enough to weigh in?

The X8500H with internal amps turned off has a SINAD of 104 which isn't too shabby. But I'm pretty sure the signal in your situation is still going through the 4700's DAC. That is how amir tested the Denon DAC, on Pure Audio.

I'm of the understanding that I could feed the Denon with a 130 SINAD signal and it will go through the DAC to be reprocessed and come out 104. Anyone please correct me if I am wrong (I hope I am wrong)

The Denons mostly don't have the old "ext.in" analog inputs that would bypass processing, but I'd think even using other analog inputs on the 4700 in direct/pure direct you're still bypassing the dac in the Denon. Can't imagine that's particularly worth doing, but....

 

[Jimster480]

Looks pretty good and it has nice performance! I guess this isn't a bad device for those who have a use for it.

 

[Acerun]

The Denons mostly don't have the old "ext.in" analog inputs that would bypass processing, but I'd think even using other analog inputs on the 4700 in direct/pure direct you're still bypassing the dac in the Denon. Can't imagine that's particularly worth doing, but....

I would be very interested in that getting confirmed I'm on my mobile so hard to do searches efficiently but I know there was a whole thread on this when I was playing with my RME as a potential DAC source. Obviously you will also lose any room correction and subwoofer management from the Denon if you go that route.

 

[Chrispy]

I would be very interested in that getting confirmed I'm on my mobile so hard to do searches efficiently but I know there was a whole thread on this when I was playing with my RME as a potential DAC source. Obviously you will also lose any room correction and subwoofer management from the Denon if you go that route.

Yes the latter part of your response is largely why I wouldn't find it particularly useful. The worrying about a dac in this instance I think is way overblown.

 

[Acerun]

Yes the latter part of your response is largely why I wouldn't find it particularly useful. The worrying about a dac in this instance I think is way overblown.

What I'd really like is one device that gives me bit perfect audio and I can easily toggle between Apple TV and my audio streamer. None of these devices integrate with HTML correct? On the other hand I do still have a Harmony and I can switch with the push of a button... Maybe there's no problem to solve for.

 

[MadRiver]

Purchased a few months ago after selling an overhyped DAC (that Amir was kind enough to test)
I am using it with a balanced phone stage and Neumann kh310s never been so satisfied with the quality and my investment. If I could ask for anything more, it would be

1. room correction with mic calibration. A kh310 sub could take care of that but I am holding out for Eversolo to add it as an app.
2. a web-based application or windows app
3. annoying that the input source has to be changed each time on the panel when going from analog sources to streaming, but not on the phone app.

 

[Chrispy]

What I'd really like is one device that gives me bit perfect audio and I can easily toggle between Apple TV and my audio streamer. None of these devices integrate with HTML correct? On the other hand I do still have a Harmony and I can switch with the push of a button... Maybe there's no problem to solve for.

Bit perfect audio abounds. I don't use an ATV and stream a variety of ways. I have no idea what integrating with html even means! I have a variety of Harmony remotes and that does have options and customization if needed. Still not sure of the goal/reasoning here.....

 

[nawfal07]

I don't believe that's how it works. @peng would you be kind enough to weigh in?

The X8500H with internal amps turned off has a SINAD of 104 which isn't too shabby. But I'm pretty sure the signal in your situation is still going through the 4700's DAC. That is how amir tested the Denon DAC, on Pure Audio.

I'm of the understanding that I could feed the Denon with a 130 SINAD signal and it will go through the DAC to be reprocessed and come out 104. Anyone please correct me if I am wrong (I hope I am wrong)

I believe Pure Audio simply bypasses DSP, but still uses the internal Denon DAC

That’s what Denon rep told me, but still if you can find a definitive answer from actual real world investigation I would appreciate it also.

But I can tell you it sounds much better in Pure Audio than any other modes with or without Audyssey (even with A1 Evo v3x preset).

 

[nawfal07]

Bit perfect audio abounds. I don't use an ATV and stream a variety of ways. I have no idea what integrating with html even means! I have a variety of Harmony remotes and that does have options and customization if needed. Still not sure of the goal/reasoning here.....

ATV is lossless but not bit-perfect, it resamples all songs to 48 kHz which is why I bought the Eversolo. But the ATV can do Dolby Atmos.

 

[Acerun]

Bit perfect audio abounds. I don't use an ATV and stream a variety of ways. I have no idea what integrating with html even means! I have a variety of Harmony remotes and that does have options and customization if needed. Still not sure of the goal/reasoning here.....

Oops. HDMI. Goal would be reducing devices and highest audio quality across the sources.

 

[EJ3]

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.

For these things I WOULD BE WILLING TO PAY A BIT MORE. (I think that it is a great deal as it is but still would not buy it). If it had 2 (or 4) independent sub outs with the delay options AND analog digitization with DSP/PEQ available, My MIND would FORCE me to buy it.

 

[dzerig]

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

If human hearing under the best circumstances cannot hear better than 115 db I fail to see how one is better than the other. Certainly no human being would be able to hear the difference ever.