The second generation of the undisputed best-selling audio player under €1,000, the EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 pushes the boundaries even further with a complete upgrade. Its ultra-low-noise linear power supply, reinforced chassis and optimized audio processing promise enhanced performance. Equally rich in networking features and connectors, it now includes an HDMI eARC port for perfect synergy with the TV. Do these developments mark a genuine step forward in quality compared with the previous generation?
Presentation
Design
Few brands have managed to dominate a market as quickly as EverSolo. In just over two years, the young Asian company has established itself in the world of audio streamers with its flagship EverSolo DMP-A6 and DMP-A6 Master Edition models, which revolutionized the genre with their large touchscreen. After releasing the high-end EverSolo DMP-A8 and DMP-A10 models, the brand is returning to its first success stories with the second generation of its bestsellers: the EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 and DMP-A6 Master Edition Gen 2.
The new EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 network player retains the modern design of its predecessor, measuring 18cm wide, 9cm thick and 27cm deep. While the aesthetics appear identical, the chassis has received a facelift, with an aerospace-grade aluminum design replacing the anodized aluminum structure of the first generation. This change promises greater mechanical stability and more effective blocking of external interference.
The front panel of the EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 network player retains the brand’s signature 6-inch (15.2cm) color touchscreen and metal continuous rotation volume knob. Like its predecessor, this screen offers countless customization possibilities. It makes it easy to navigate through the various Android system apps, adjust settings and select sources. Its responsiveness is as excellent as ever, with a smooth, fluid feel that’s on a par with the latest smartphones.
During playback, the EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2’s screen comes to life, displaying either the album art, track title and resolution, or a VU meter for a retro touch. Several styles are available, from a vintage design with yellow or blue backlighting to a futuristic-looking circular version, to suit all preferences. Several spectrometers in a variety of colors are also available for a dynamic graphic display.
New linear power supply
Many users of the first-generation DMP-A6 turned to unofficial optional power supplies in an attempt to improve their streamer’s performance. Aware of this craze, and of the importance of the power supply in the operation of digital circuits, EverSolo has integrated an all-new ultra-low-noise linear power supply as standard in this second generation. This breakthrough reduces residual noise levels to less than 40 μV, ensuring a significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio and enhanced transparency. By supplying cleaner, more stable current to audio circuits, EverSolo takes full advantage of the potential of each component, promising even more precise and detailed sound reproduction.
Dual ESS Sabre DAC
The conversion stage remains entrusted to the dual ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC, which processes the left and right channels separately to limit interference, reduce distortion and ensure better separation. This balanced architecture is maintained all the way to the audio outputs to preserve every last bit of signal information. Two precision clock oscillators, rated at 45.1584 and 49.152MHz, are combined with optimized algorithms to guarantee correct data addressing and minimize jitter. This combination ensures that the EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 streamer supports the majority of audio formats up to 32-bit/768kHz, as well as MQA and DSD files in stereo or multichannel (up to 5.1 channels).
Android and streaming
Like its predecessor, the EverSolo DMP-A6 MKII network player uses an optimized version of Android specifically designed for music playback. Although it lacks the Google Play Store, it still allows you to install the main streaming apps, such as Qobuz, Tidal, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer and Spotify. To simplify this process, EverSolo provides a richly-stocked alternative store. In addition, access to thousands of podcasts and web radios is provided via platforms such as TuneIn and Vtuner. Last but not least, streaming can also be done via Bluetooth from a smartphone, tablet or computer. We regret, however, the absence of HD codecs such as aptX HD and LDAC, and the removal of AirPlay 2, probably due to licensing issues.
The EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 network player is designed to effortlessly manage all your digital music. Whether you keep your tracks on a DLNA and Roon-compatible NAS server, or on a storage device connected via the USB-A port, it ensures smooth, optimal playback. It also incorporates a rack under its chassis (screws included), allowing you to add an SSD drive of up to 4TB for direct storage of your music library. What’s more, its USB ports support the connection of a CD ripper, offering the possibility of extracting and archiving your favorite albums on its internal memory.
Interface and app
Thanks to its large touchscreen, the EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 brings interactivity and user-friendliness to digital music. It’s a pleasure to control, with a simplicity that will be familiar to Android users. Navigation through the various apps is intuitive and natural. Tracks load in the blink of an eye, as do the apps.
From the “Settings” menu, accessible from the EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2’s home menu, a multitude of parameters can be customized, including the display. For example, you can adjust screen brightness, change the size of album covers or display a clock in standby mode. The device also facilitates the management of music sources by allowing you to associate peripherals and servers containing your audio files. Once indexed, these files are automatically organized and illustrated with their album art. A powerful search engine makes finding a track, album or artist easy.
The EverSolo DMP-A6 MKII offers advanced control over each audio output, allowing you to adjust the level, the sample rate and activate one of six available digital filters, as well as configure your own DSP. In addition to parametric and graphic equalization, these filters act on numerous parameters, such as the cutoff frequency, impulse response, Loudness and delay. Each DSP can be easily activated, deactivated or adjusted from the touchscreen or app, thanks to a dedicated built-in icon.
The success of the brand’s previous streamers is also due to the EverSolo mobile app, one of the most advanced on the market. Its interface, based on that of the player’s large touchscreen, brings together all the essential functions: source management, music file navigation, settings and access to the many streaming services. The app provides complete control of the player, including display of VU meters and current playback information. Incredibly responsive, it guarantees fast, smooth navigation between the various options. What’s more, a “cast” feature enables the player’s display to be duplicated in real time on the screen of your smartphone.
Conveniently, the DMP-A6 Gen 2 incorporates the new WOL (Wake-on-LAN) functionality, enabling automatic wake-up of the streamer directly from the app. Until now, switching on the streamer required a prolonged press on the volume control. However, this function is reserved for wired connections and only works when the streamer is connected to the network via Ethernet.
Wide range of connectors
The EverSolo DMP-A6 MKII streamer retains its predecessor’s already comprehensive range of connectors, while adding an HDMI eARC port for easy association with a TV. A trigger output has also been added to automatically switch on and off of an amplifier or power amp. Finally, there’s an optical and coaxial input, as well as two USB-A ports. These enable the connection of an external storage device, as well as a USB CD player for easy ripping of a record collection. RCA and XLR outputs, configurable as fixed or variable levels, enable the DMP-A6 MKII to be used both as a single source and as a preamplifier. Finally, the optical, coaxial and USB outputs allow you to connect an external DAC. The DMP-A6 MKII’s connectivity is very comprehensive, although the persistent absence of a headphone output may disappoint some users.
Installing the player
Setting up the EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 network player is a simple matter and takes only a few steps. All we have to do is select the interface language, time zone and WiFi password, if required, then associate our various streaming services. For this test, we streamed Hi-Res music from Qobuz, as well as DSD files stored on a NAS server.
Listening impressions
While the difference between the EverSolo DMP-A6 and DMP-A8 marked a clear step up in quality, the transition between the two generations of the DMP-A6 is more subtle. The latter uses the same recipe as the first version, and offered us a listening experience of great finesse, with great clarity and beautiful vocal presence. High-frequency nuances seemed slightly better defined, while the lows retained their exemplary stability and precision.
The reproduction offered by the EverSolo DMP-A6 MKII was very aerial, bringing remarkable amplitude to the soundstage. On Era’s album The 7th Sword, the orchestral arrangements took on a whole new dimension. The space between instruments was grandiose, with each element seeming to float while maintaining perfect coherence. The choruses soared with striking amplitude and an echo that effectively materialized the acoustics of the recording room. The result was a truly holographic sound, with each element coming to life with total freedom.
The DMP-A6 Gen 2 retained the analytical, almost surgical nature of its predecessor. It dissected each recording with remarkable precision, effectively highlighting the tiniest micro-details such as subtle vocal inflections or small variations in instrumental notes, without ever losing coherence. There’s so much information on offer that it may be unsettling during the first few listening sessions, but you soon get used to this opulence. The alchemy between the different ranges was masterful, with each frequency finding its place without overlapping the others. The bass, both powerful and perfectly defined, provided a solid foundation. The midrange was flawlessly clear, revealing incredibly fine textures. Finally, the highs were crystal-clear without becoming too incisive.
EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 vs Bluesound Node Icon
Priced at €1099, the Bluesound Node Icon network player has the advantage of incorporating a high-quality headphone amplifier with THX AAA modules. Support for AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth HD are also real advantages over the EverSolo model. However, the Bluesound streamer’s color screen is not touch-sensitive, and can only be controlled via its control interface or the BluOS mobile app. Modern and uncluttered, the latter offers easy management, but isn’t as good as the more intuitive and user-friendly Eversolo app. The DMP-A6 Gen 2 also offers more settings, thanks to its numerous customizable DSPs.
Who is this second generation streamer for?
Like its predecessor, the EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 network player meets all the requirements of a modern hi-fi installation. It’s as intuitive as ever, thanks to a large touchscreen that turns listening sessions into an interactive, user-friendly experience. The information displayed, such as the album artwork and VU meters, give your music a more personal touch, bringing digital files back to life. The screen allows the player to operate completely autonomously, but it can also be accompanied by the cleverly designed mobile app.
As with any new device, the question arises: is it really necessary to switch to the latest generation? While the DMP-A6 Gen 2 offers a slightly more refined sound reproduction, with a more spacious soundstage and more clarity, particularly on vocals, these improvements remain modest and do not justify an immediate replacement for owners of the first-generation DMP-A6. For the latter, the acquisition of an EverSolo DMP-A6 Master Edition Gen 2, or even a DMP-A8, would offer a much more significant musical leap forward. On the other hand, opting for a DMP-A6 Gen 2 is a good idea for those wishing to integrate their TV with their hi-fi system, thanks to the new HDMI eARC port. The addition of a trigger output, meanwhile, will appeal to those looking for greater convenience and comfort in their installation.
Our verdict
Without revolutionizing the formula, the Asian manufacturer effectively updates its flagship streamer with the new EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2. The addition of HDMI eARC compatibility and a trigger output gives it an extra dimension for those looking to integrate their audio system into a larger setup. The musical performance is as impressive as ever, with airy, transparent and highly nuanced reproduction. A smart choice, then, for audiophiles wishing to take a small step forward while retaining the essence of what has made the series so successful.
We liked:
- The large touchscreen
- The responsive, intuitive interface
- The polished mobile app
- The wide, spacious soundstage
- The clear, transparent sound
We would have liked:
- A headphone output
- A more drastic improvement in musicality
- For the app’s auto wake-up feature to have worked in WiFi mode
- To have kept AirPlay 2
