Eversolo

DMP-A8

Networked Audio Streamer

£1,890 RRP

You may not have heard of Eversolo, but you probably have heard of its parent company, Zidoo Technology. Its media players and audio equipment are popular worldwide and renowned for comprehensive features and affordable pricing. Eversolo's first streamer – the DMP-A6 – was a great success and was followed closely by a 'Master Edition', which brought upgraded op-amps and dual femto clocks into the picture. Today's review subject is the DMP-A8, the new flagship model in the company's line-up.

UP CLOSE

Visually, the DMP-A8 looks like a prosperous version of the A6 with the same styling cues but larger dimensions. It measures 388x248x90mm and weighs 7kg. Build quality is outstanding at its price point, with high-quality fit and finish and reassuring tactility.

Under the hood, the Eversolo features an upgraded hybrid power supply design that combines a switched-mode power supply for the digital sections and a linear power supply for the audio circuit. Interestingly, the company chose the flagship AK4499EX and AK4191EQ two-chip DAC solution from Asahi Kasei, marking a departure from the ESS ES9038Q2M chip used in the DMP-A6.

The preamp section offers up to 10dB of gain for the analogue inputs and includes a relay-controlled discrete resistor network for volume control. Such solutions are usually only seen in high-end preamps due to their cost and complexity. However, the result is superior channel balance and higher transparency over traditional carbon or film potentiometers.

A 6-inch touchscreen and multi-function knob on the front panel are the only physical controls. Alternatively, you can use the Eversolo App or the supplied remote control, which covers basic functions. The remote control can operate via IR or Bluetooth, the latter usefully not requiring line-of-sight.

The busy rear panel covers close to every input and output imaginable. There are two line-level analogue inputs (RCA and XLR), six digital inputs (two coaxial, two optical, USB-B and HDMI ARC/eARC) and a Bluetooth input (which supports SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX LL/aptX HD and LDAC codecs). Four digital outputs are supported (USB-A, I2S (HDMI), optical and coaxial). As the HDMI output is dedicated to I2S output, the DMP-A8 omits the multichannel output capability of the DMP-A6. Preamp output is via a pair of RCA or XLR sockets. The menu lets you choose for either or both outputs to be active.

A second USB-A socket allows you to hook up external storage or to connect the unit directly to your PC for file-transfer purposes. Network connectivity is via the Gigabit LAN port or dual-band Wi-Fi. I tried both connections, and the Wi-Fi connection was stable without any glitches or drop-outs. A 12V trigger socket is also provided. The DMP-A8 plays all major file formats while supporting sampling rates of up to 768kHz for PCM and up to DSD512 and also decodes MQA.

IN USE

Getting started couldn't be easier. The DMP-A8 connects to your favourite streaming services, such as TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer or Amazon Music. Alternatively, you can play files from your Roon or DLNA music server. Otherwise, you can install an SSD drive (not supplied) of up to 4TB via a panel underneath the unit (it takes less than two minutes to do this) or play music stored on a thumb drive plugged into the rear USB-A socket. While the DMP-A8 cannot install apps from the Google Play store, side-loading apps is possible. Eversolo has been diligent with regular firmware updates, so you could also wait for the company to include other third-party apps with future releases.

Operating the DMP-A8 is a slick experience with a responsive and bright touchscreen. The well-thought-out app is intuitive and stable. Kudos to Eversolo, as many streamers are let down by a poor user interface. My only complaint is that playlists cannot span music libraries, e.g. you cannot mix music from the internal SSD with tracks from TIDAL.

The menu includes an impressive array of options, including pretty VU meters and spectrum displays, six digital filters, and brightness of the screen and knob. Furthermore, a DSP function offers a 10-band parametric equaliser and a Finite Impulse Response filter, which lets you import room correction filters from software such as REW. Other functions include gain, channel delay, loudness and high- and low-pass filters. There's a whole separate manual for the DSP function to explain how these work. Note that the DSP module operates internally at a 48kHz sampling rate, with all sampling rates up to 192kHz converted before processing. PCM beyond 192kHz and DSD streams cannot be processed. The analogue inputs and music streaming services are left untouched by the DSP module.

For auditioning purposes, the Eversolo was hooked up to an EAR 912 preamp and Apollon Purifi 1ET400A power amp, which was paired with SB Acoustics Ara BE speakers. Most of my listening was performed by playing files copied to the internal SSD drive. Roon worked fine, but quality was limited to Airplay, as the DMP-A8 still needs to be certified by Roon.

THE LISTENING

Eversolo's DMP-A8 is a highly impressive all-around performer with a rich and fulsome bottom end plus a smooth midband and treble presentation. Indeed, it boasts a distinctive feeling of refinement and composure, thanks to its silky high frequencies. That deep and powerful bass certainly helps in dynamic tracks like Darkstar from Top Gun Maverick (OST). The music had a mix of suspense and grandeur, with suitable scale and authority that conveyed the raw emotion of the scene.

Keith Don't Go by Nils Lofgren is a bright-sounding track with a steely edge to the guitar playing. The Eversolo did well with this, making the track sweeter and less raw. The incisive edge of the guitar strings was noticeably softened, and the vocals sounded chestier than usual. This would be a plus point for you if you are sensitive to brightness or sibilance.

Listening to These Boots Are Made For Walking (Live in Tokyo) by Emilie-Claire Barlow, the double bass bounced along rhythmically, sounding deep and detailed. Cymbals had suitable shimmer, but the sense of air and decay was conveyed subtly. The soundstage created was deep, with Emilie-Claire placed far back in the presentation. However, the width could have been more impressive, with the soundstage not extending far beyond the loudspeakers.

Cueing up Giorgio by Moroder (Drumless Edition) by Daft Punk, and I got good resolution and separation between instruments. At the track's opening, the monologue could be heard clearly over the sound of diners in the restaurant. As the track gets busy, there is good control over the mix, allowing one to hear lots of detail, such as the overload on the synthesiser track. I also did some listening tests via the Bluetooth input (connected to my Google Pixel 7 Pro and using LDAC) and was suitably impressed by the sound. Latency was not an issue, with video sources showing no lip-sync issues.

This new streamer is very good, but should DMP-A6 owners upgrade? The sonic signature of the DMP-A8 is different, with rich and weighty low frequencies and a creamy smooth midrange. As cliched as it sounds, the A8 sounded more 'analogue', with music coming across as more fluid and dynamic. The DMP-A6 sounded much brighter, with a lighter and more dry bass presentation. The A8 also had the A6 licked in resolution and refinement, with the latter sounding a bit messy and sibilant in comparison.

Used as a dedicated streamer, the DMP-A8 comfortably outperforms the DMP-A6 too. Hooking up both streamers to a Geshelli Labs J2S AK4499 DAC with Sparkos op-amps via a coaxial connection, the A8 sounded more confident, with better separation between instruments and firmer bass. Although it and Geshelli Labs share the same DAC chip, I found that the external DAC noticeably improved the sound, which means that A8 owners have another upgrade path open to them should they feel so inclined. However, if you are using any of the digital inputs, then only the I2S digital output will be active, so you will need to hook up your other digital sources directly to your external DAC.

I also tried bypassing my EAR preamp and connected the DMP-A8 directly to my Apollon power amp. I am happy to report that the Eversolo is a cracking preamp. While losing some euphonic glow and dynamic drive from the EAR, the music took on a lighter but equally resolving presentation, which may be preferred by some listeners.

THE VERDICT

To these ears at least, the new Eversolo DMP-A8 is destined for the halls of greatness. Attractive and well-built, it delivers a highly musical presentation at an affordable price. The packed feature list offers great setup flexibility and customisation of the sound to suit your taste. The remarkable performance of the preamp section is simply the cherry on top of the cake.

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