After the success of the Eversolo DMP-A6 and DMP-A6 Master Edition, as well as the Eversolo DAC-Z6, the Asian manufacturer continues to push boundaries with the new Eversolo DMP-A8. This next-gen streamer offers even more possibilities with its powerful built-in audio DAC and HDMI ARC input, balanced preamplifier and countless network features. Sold for €1,990, this new model promises to be the ultimate all-in-one device.
For this review we used the demo model of the Eversolo DMP-A8 from the Paris Est Son-Vidéo.com store. Reserved for exhibitions and trade shows, this model is characterized by its glass top panel, revealing the internal layout and components. Sales versions feature a solid metal top panel for a more discreet finish.
Included accessories
The Eversolo DMP-A8 network player comes with a power cable and a quick start guide. There’s also a screwdriver in case you want to install an SSD disk in the dedicated rack. Unlike the DMP-A6 and DMP-A6 Master Edition, this model has the advantage of being supplied with a Bluetooth remote control. The latter features all the basic controls to manage music playback, sources and volume.
Presentation
Design
The Eversolo DMP-A8 streamer shares many design elements with the Eversolo DMP-A6 in a larger format. With a length of 38cm, it has a standard hi-fi design, allowing it to be harmoniously integrated alongside the other electronics in the living room. Its all-aluminum chassis conveys a sense of quality. Its striated sides, reminiscent of heat sinks (it doesn’t heat up much), are complemented by a minimalist top panel, bearing only the brand name and the Hi-Res Audio logo. Everything fits together perfectly, with no visible traces of assembly.
The Eversolo DMP-A8 streamer’s front panel still features the infinite rotation knob and the large 6-inch (15.2cm) color touchscreen. Like the previous models, this screen is a real asset, offering countless customization possibilities. It makes it easier to navigate through the various apps, adjust the settings and select sources. It is very responsive and has a soft, smooth feel, similar to the latest smartphones.
During playback, the EverSolo DMP-A8’s screen comes to life, displaying the album cover, the song title and the resolution, or a VU meter for a touch of nostalgia. There are different styles, from a vintage design with yellow backlighting to a futuristic circular model to suit all tastes. What’s more, the latest software update enriches the experience by introducing a dynamic audio visualizer that is available in a range of colors.
Audiophile architecture
With a signal-to-noise ratio of 128 dB and a distortion of 0.00009%, the EverSolo DMP-A8 streamer’s specs put many more expensive models to shame. To reach this level of performance, the DMP-A8 features very high-quality components mounted in a balanced architecture. In particular, it is equipped with a dual power supply to completely separate the data processing circuits (screen, operating system, etc.) and the audio components. As a result, the analog stages benefit from their own linear power supple with an ultra-low noise toroidal transformer, while a second switched-mode power supply is dedicated to the screen and data processing systems.
The EverSolo DMP-A8 network player’s analog preamplification stage also has a balanced architecture. It differs from the DMP-A6 models with its higher-quality components and R2R volume control. This controller uses a set of balanced resistors and relays to adjust the output volume entirely passively. This approach maximizes transparency and the signal-to-noise ratio, preserving the finest details of recordings. On the downside, the relays produce a slight clicking noise every time the volume is adjusted by a level. However, it is very faint and can only be heard right next to the device, with no impact on the speakers.
Proprietary operating system
Unlike the EverSolo DMP-A6 models, which use Android, the EverSolo DMP-A8 audio streamer has a proprietary operating system. It offers the same functionalities, with native support for the majority of streaming services, including Qobuz, Tidal, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer and Spotify to name a few. To this end, EverSolo offers its own catalog of apps. The latter have been developed very thoroughly and offer an experience similar to that of mobile apps. Access to thousands of podcasts and web radios is also possible, notably from TuneIn.
Furthermore, music can be streamed to the EverSolo DMP-A8 player from an Apple device via AirPlay 2. There’s also a Bluetooth 5.0 receiver to bypass the local network. The receiver is compatible with the aptX HD and LDAC codecs to preserve audio details, but also the aptX LL codec to reduce latency and avoid any delay between the sound and the image when the player is used with a TV, for example.
Intuitive interface
While the EverSolo DMP-A8 network player now uses its own operating system, the interface is very similar to that of the previous models. The user experience emulates that of a modern smartphone, with smooth, intuitive navigation through the various apps. Responsiveness is optimal, to ensure that tracks and the various services offered by this streamer load instantly.
The “Settings” app, directly accessible from the homepage, provides countless customization parameters, notably for the display. You can easily adjust the brightness of the screen, change the size of the album art, or add a clock to the standby mode. It’s also possible to link different peripherals and servers that host a music collection. The Eversolo DMP-A8 excels at indexing this content, offering the possibility of categorizing tracks and assigning album covers if present within the metadata. The search engine is also highly efficient, making it easy to find any track, album or artist.
To select the input, you have to go into the “Source” app. The latter lets you switch between the internal player (streaming services, DLNA, AirPlay, etc.), Bluetooth, the USB-C input, optical input, coaxial input or HDMI ARC. You can also select the output: RCA, XLR, RCA and XLR. For each output, the EverSolo DMP-A8 allows you to modify the level and sample rate, activate one of six digital filters and set up a DSP.
These fully customizable DSP filters are exclusive to the DMP-A8. In addition to parametric and graphic equalization, they can modify a wide range of parameters, including cutoff frequency, impulse response, loudness, delay and more. Each DSP can be activated, deactivated or adjusted directly from the touchscreen or app, thanks to a dedicated icon on the music player window. This makes it easy to switch between several filters to quickly tailor the musical reproduction to suit specific music genres or user profiles.
USB, DLNA and integrated playback
The Eversolo DMP-A8 network player is designed to handle all types of digital music files. Whether they’re stored on a NAS (DLNA and Roon compatible) or a storage device connected to one of the two USB-A ports, this player is up to the task. The Eversolo DMP-A8 can also store your music library thanks to the rack built into the bootom of the chassis (screws etc. are included). The latter can hold an SSD disk with a maximum capacity of 4TB. For even greater ease of use, the USB ports can be connected to a CD player such as the Rose RSA780, to rip your favorite discs and save them to the internal memory.
AKM converter
The Eversolo DMP-A8 streamer has replaced the ESS chip of its predecessors with an AKM AK4499EX converter. The latter is paired with its own AK4191EQ control module to ensure correct data addressing and reduce jitter. This capability is further enhanced by the use of two Accusilicon ultra-low phase noise femtosecond clocks of 45.1584MHz and 49.152MHz. The system benefits from Velvet Sound technology, which promises to accurately recreate the original recording, preserving all the harmonic richness and fine detail of music.
Thanks to this design, the Eversolo DMP-A8 network plate ensures optimal playback for the vast majority of audio formats up to a very high resolution of 32-bit/768kHz. It can also play MQA and DSD tracks up to DSD512 from DSD, DXD, DFF, ISO and DST files. Unlike the DMP-A6 and DMP-A6 Master Edition, however, multichannel file playback isn’t possible.
Extensive set of connectors
Designed as a preamplifier in its own right, the EverSolo DMP-A8 boasts even more extensive connectivity than its predecessors, allowing you to easily centralize all your sources. It has no fewer than eight digital inputs, with two USB-A, one USB-B, one HDMI eARC, two optical and two coaxial. These are complemented by two analog XLR and RCA inputs. As a result, it’s possible to connect a wide range of sources, such as a CD player, a pre-amplified turntable, a computer or a TV, for example. Connection of the latter is simplified by the addition of an HDMI eARC port, enabling the player to be controlled directly from the TV’s remote control.
The EverSolo DMP-A8 provides optical, coaxial, USB-A and HDMI i2S outputs, as well as two analog outputs: one balanced XLR port and one unbalanced RCA port. Their level can be variable or fixed, allowing the EverSolo DMP-A8 to be used as a preamplifier by connecting it to a power amp, or as a source with any hi-fi amp. However, it’s a shame that the manufacturer hasn’t included a headphone output.
Control app
The EverSolo DMP-A8 is controlled remotely using the excellent Eversolo mobile app, shared by all the brand’s streamers. The interface is very similar to that displayed on the player’s touchscreen, with source, music, file and settings applications, as well as the many streaming services. The comprehensive control interface makes it easy to manage all the player’s features, as well as the content displayed on the screen (VU meters, audio visualizers, current track, etc.). The app’s responsiveness is perfect, ensuring smooth, pleasant navigation through each service. Finally, a “cast” function enables content displayed on the EverSolo DMP-A8 player screen to be cast to the smartphone.
Key specifications
- 32-bit/768kHz and DSD 512
- Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music, etc.
- AirPlay 2, DLNA, Bluetooth and Roon Ready
- 6” touchscreen
- R2R volume control
- Dual power supply
- Analog and digital inputs and outputs
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 388 x 90 x 248mm
Listening conditions
The EverSolo DMP-A8 is set up in a few easy steps. Simply select the interface language and time zone, and enter the WiFi password if needed, before adding your various streaming services.
For our review, we connected the EverSolo DMP-A8 network player to the Hegel H390, Rega Elicit MK5 and Yamaha R-N2000A amplifiers. We used the Sonus Faber Lumina V Amator, Focal Aria Evo X N°3 and Dali Epicon 2 speakers. We streamed music from Qobuz and Tidal, as well as through the network via a NAS.
Listening impressions
The EverSolo DMP-A8 network player and preamplifier is a significant step up from the already excellent EverSolo DMP-A6 and DMP-A6 Master Edition. It elevated the listening experience to new heights, refining every sonic detail to achieve perfection. Mastery and accuracy come to mind when describing this streamer, which delivered the audio message without any alteration or distortion. Everything was perfectly timed, correctly delineated and precisely positioned in the soundstage. Transparency was exemplary, with complete silence between musical breaths. The music’s full harmonic richness was delivered with great ease.
The soundstage delivered by the DMP-A8 benefited from remarkable breadth and aeration. The acoustic environment was vast and transparent, allowing each note to be expressed with unequaled precision and lightness. The vocals and instruments stood out with extreme finesse, the smallest details sculpted with artful meticulousness to reveal the texture and color of every note. On Phil Collins’ song Another Day in Paradise, the DMP-A8 revealed the dynamism and clarity of the percussion, brilliantly capturing the energy and subtlety of the musician’s performance. The network player and preamplifier revealed a remarkable ability to enhance every detail of the recordings.
The Eversolo DMP-A8 delivered first-rate spectral balance, with a perfectly coherent reproduction. In the midrange, it unveiled rich, intricate textures, capturing the very essence of each performance with thrilling precision. Highs were delivered with a smoothness and delicacy befitting the best analog electronics, avoiding any form of sibilance while preserving the most delicate nuances and details. The low-end of the spectrum brought a palpable rhythm, with deep, round and incredibly well-defined bass. They provided a solid foundation for the music, without ever impinging on the other frequencies. The harmonious balance between the various registers and the richness of the timbres produced an extremely natural reproduction and fatigue-free listening experience. We took great pleasure in savoring this musicality for hours on end.
EverSolo DMP-A8 vs Atoll ST200 Signature
Sold for €2,090, the Atoll ST200 Signature has long been the benchmark streamer for audiophiles. However, its greater age limits playback to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD files. The LCD screen on its front panel is smaller, has a lower resolution and isn’t tactile. The player is mainly controlled via the mobile app, which has a dated interface and only provides access to Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer and Spotify, as well as DLNA playback. Last but not least, the EverSolo DMP-A8 comes out on top regarding musicality, with a more expansive soundstage, better layering and finer detail.
Who is the EverSolo DMP-A8 for?
The Eversolo DMP-A8 meets the expectations of the most discerning audiophiles looking for a no-compromise listening experience to enhance both digital music and physical sources. It is a true evolution of the highly acclaimed DMP-A6 and DMP-A6 Master Edition, refining every aspect of the sound reproduction while retaining its rich functionality and ease of use. Thanks to its comprehensive user interface and large touchscreen, the Eversolo DMP-A8 facilitates user interaction with music, which comes to life thanks to its numerous display options: VU meters, audio visualizer, album covers, etc. The ideal way to give your hi-fi system a new lease of life!
Conclusion
With the Eversolo DMP-A8, the Asian manufacturer manages to outdo its Eversolo DMP-A6 and DMP-A6 Master Edition bestsellers by creating an all-in-one device offering exceptional performance. With its dual hybrid power supply, new AKM DAC, R2R passive volume control and brand-new components, this streamer completely redefines the hi-fi experience, breathing life and emotion into every note. It honors every musical composition and excels in all areas, from playback of digital music to conversion and pre-amplification of physical sources. Finally, the touchscreen continues to be the real highlight of this model, allowing you to control your music at your fingertips and enjoy a display that adapts to your current preferences.
We liked:
- The large, smooth and responsive touchscreen
- The intuitive control
- The smooth navigation
- The countless possibilities
- The transparent, open soundstage
We would have liked:
- A headphone output
- For the consumer version to also have the transparent panel
