Eversolo Play questions

[zazzko]

Dear members,
Since this is my first post for this year I wish you wonderful and high-fidelity 2026.

Currently I have SMSL SU-6 connected to SMSL A300 powering two Polk ES15. The main source is RPi streamer attached to COAX input of SU-6. I have also turntable connected to the second A300 input and HDMI ARC extractor connected via Optical input of SU-6. So far so good, the system is not great but works well for me except that it is not very convenient. If I need to switch from listening from the TV to the turntable I have to switch the amp from IN2 to IN1. Things are even more complicated if I was listening TV before (movie), but I need to switch from turntable to the streamer. Then I have to switch to IN2, then from SU-6 switch from Optical to COAX (and turn off the extractor, because if I leave it, the TV still streams to it).

This is a long introduction to the main topic - I'm planning to replace all these separates with Eversolo Play. For this I need some help, since the Internet research is not very clear. First of all should I expect a significant drop of the sound quality knowing that A300 is also not great amp. Also not sure about the power difference - A300 is more powerful, but normally my listening levels rarely exceeds 35 (out of 60) of the SMSL A300 volume.

Two more questions:
1. Based on some Internet research I see that Eversolo is not releasing the HDMI ARC if it is switched to another input. In order to release the HDMI, it should be powered cycled. Until that the TV will keep routine the signal to the HDMI receiver. Can someone who has Eversolo Play or DMP-A6 confirms that?
2. Trigger - I see the streamer has only trigger in which makes not too much sense if the amp can be bypassed. Is it possible trigger behavior to be switched to trigger out from the app?

 

[aldoxzx]

Have you looked at the Wiim amp ultra? Has the inputs you need and it's also a little more powerful (and cheaper) than the play.

 

[zazzko]

Have you looked at the Wiim amp ultra? Has the inputs you need and it's also a little more powerful (and cheaper) than the play.

Yes I did, this was my first choice actually and I found Eversolo Play during my research of Wiim Amp Ultra. What I like more in Play is the option to stream from Apple Music which is my main streaming service, the bigger screen and the option to route audio to the digital outputs. The last will allow me to keep Play just as a streamer if I decide to switch to another amplifier later.

Unfortunately, yesterday I noticed that Play cannot route the analog (RCA) input to the digital out. Which, if it is true, most probably will be the deal breaker for me. Then I will go with Wiim Ultra attached to my existing amp.

 

[redjr]

I'm looking at the Eversolo Play too. With many of these all-in-one devices that include an amp, they very seldom ever include a pre-out port. Sure, I get that many people will use the built-in amp. But a couple more RCA jacks labeled PRE-Out, completes the device and makes it a more versatile solution. Some of us would rather pair it with an external amp given a particular use case. I can't imagine two more RCA jacks (or 3.5mm) would cost that much to add off the pre output stage. Maybe, and option in the software to set the device to PRE-Out in the software that would power off the amp in the Play. As it stands, we have to 'like' the sound of the integrated amp and have no way to connect it an external amp.

@eversolo just a suggestion. Seems it might have a few customers that would appreciate the PRE-Out option.

 

[Ruediger]

Unfortunately, yesterday I noticed that Play cannot route the analog (RCA) input to the digital out. Which, if it is true, most probably will be the deal breaker for me. Then I will go with Wiim Ultra attached to my existing amp.

I think the WiiM Ultra closes all the gaps you mentioned. About the HDMI ARC focus case I am not certain as I don't use that, just read it is handled properly.

 

[roddo]

Can the amp feature be switched off/on? ie, so that just the DAC function is active. I have a vintage receiver I like to use, but not all the time.

 

[redjr]

Unfortunately, yesterday I noticed that Play cannot route the analog (RCA) input to the digital out. Which, if it is true, most probably will be the deal breaker for me. Then I will go with Wiim Ultra attached to my existing amp.

Why would you want to do that? Digitize LPs? That would involve the conversion of the analog signal first using an ADC to get the signal to the digital domain, and onto the digital out ports. I don't have a Play, but ideally, for analog sources, the Eversolo software may have a 'Pure Direct' mode or similar name. This passes the analog signal directly to the amp without any unnecessary digital conversion taking place. Plus it typically sound better too. IMHO.

FWIW, I have a WiiM Vibelink amp that offers that exact mode when using the RCA input. It was the primary reason I bought the Vibe. I trust the output stage of my external DAC, hence the reason for the RCA inputs. Sure, it doesn't have all the connectivity the Play has (but then it wasn't intended to), but it was exactly what I needed and specifically why I bought the Vibe last yr. Plus the Vibe has a beefier amp as well.