Eversolo DMP-A8 Music Streamer DAC Review
Streaming is the big topic. As a result, there’s a flood of network players. Choosing the right one is key. The DMP-A8 from Eversolo presents itself as an all-around outstanding option at a reasonable price.
The DMP-A6 Master Edition already performed very well in tests. For $740 more, Eversolo offers the DMP-A8, which notably improves the sound quality, placing it in a significantly higher league. However, the concept of the two Korean devices is very similar: a streaming preamplifier with extremely well-designed hardware and software, even including a dedicated app.
From the front, the two devices differ only in width. The DMP-A8 is 12 centimeters wider than its smaller sibling, measuring 39 centimeters, but still doesn’t reach the HiFi standard width. The back view, however, shows that the A8 has more inputs, especially in the input section. Both models feature 15-centimeter touchscreens on the front panels, responsible for operation along with the power button and volume knob.
The design exudes simple elegance, complemented by the precise workmanship of the case. The manufacturer specifies an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy for the material, which, due to its special hardness, enables sharp edges and extremely smooth surfaces. The production of such high-quality cases is done with computer-controlled milling machines (CNC).
Streamer Quick Check
- LAN: ✔️
- WLAN: ✔️
- DLNA: ✔️
- AirPlay: ✔️
- Roon Ready: ✔️
- Bluetooth Send: ❌ (Not supported)
- Tidal Connect: ✔️
- Spotify Connect: ✔️
Other Supported Streaming Services:
- Qobuz
- Tidal
- Deezer
- Apple Music
Very user-friendly operation
The clean design of the DMP-A8 continues with its user-friendly operation. In addition to on-device controls, the unit can be operated via the included Bluetooth remote control, with the display used for feedback. The display can be switched to a large font (without cover art), which improves readability, and also offers six different display styles. While the functionality is limited when using the remote, Eversolo offers an excellent dedicated app for download. The app is available for iOS and Android, each in versions optimized for smartphones and tablets. The app works perfectly with the software and display of the A8, showcasing exemplary development.
APP REVIEW
Rarely has a streaming app impressed me as much as Eversolo Control. It offers very logically organized access to all the features of the DMP-A8, starting with the selection of functional areas (on the left) and leading, for example, to input and output sections. Volume control works great, even via the device buttons on your smartphone or tablet, and adjusts in 0.5 dB steps!
Two HiFi devices in one
There is an increasing trend in streaming components towards combination devices consisting of the streamer/network player and a preamplifier.
If needed, you can also connect conventional sources, allowing you to upgrade your HiFi system to a new, streamlined, and space-saving setup with top-notch convenience. This makes it possible to control active speakers, power amps, or integrated amps used as power amps.
Eversolo pursues this concept with determination and care.
Starting with the streaming section, the DMP-A8 can typically access UPnP/DLNA servers in the home network, with music available from NAS, PC, or a router (such as Fritzbox) with attached storage.
The DMP-A8 offers a combination of streamer and preamplifier. Its features, ease of use, and sound quality are excellent.
The streamer functions as a UPnP player, operated via the Eversolo app, or as a UPnP renderer, controlled via apps like BubbleUPnP or mconnect. Importantly, the DMP-A8 is fully Roon-certified, which is vital for streaming music from the home network.
The streamer does not offer UPnP server functionality, which would make sense given the ease of installing an M2 SSD with up to 4 TB in the bottom of the case. Such storage is sufficient for 10,500 hours of FLAC in CD quality or 3,200 hours of HiRes at 24-bit/96 kHz.
The SSD can be loaded by ripping CDs via an external USB optical drive (which also plays CDs) or over the network using the SMB protocol. Both Windows and Apple computers understand this, allowing the A8 to appear as a storage drive on a PC, where it can be loaded with music like an internal hard drive. Files can also be easily moved using Eversolo’s file manager, and a personal music library can be generated.
Setting up the SMB network connection is somewhat tricky for beginners, so assistance may be needed, but the operation is very simple once set up. Alternatively, you can store your music on a USB SSD, also up to 4 TB. A nice and rare feature is the WoL function (Wake on LAN), which allows the A8 to be turned on from standby via the app.
Top streaming from Tidal & Co
The DMP-A8 also excels in music streaming services. Access to all services is well integrated into the Eversolo app and easy to use. However, it’s not as feature-rich in the finer details as the original apps. For example, playlists created directly in Tidal are not displayed in the DMP-A8 app, but they are visible when using Roon. Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect are implemented, allowing full functionality for Tidal and Spotify, although Spotify still only offers compressed music. Tidal, for only $11 per month, often offers CD quality, HiRes up to 24-bit/192 kHz, and even some in Dolby Atmos.
The streamer’s operating system is based on Android 11. While there is no access to the Play Store, apps can be installed easily via APK files. A special feature is EOS (Eversolo Original Sampling-rate Audio Engine), which bypasses the Android audio path, allowing Apple Music streaming in HiRes quality! With most streamers, this is only possible in CD quality.
Excellent use as a preamp
For use as a preamplifier, several criteria must be met. In terms of inputs, everything except phono is available (see photo on the previous page). The DMP-A8 also accepts Bluetooth signals with excellent codec support.
More important would be the ability to send BT signals, for example, to headphones, but unfortunately, the DMP-A8 lacks a wired headphone jack. This is the only downside, as the output section, thanks to the XLR connections and good connection values, can easily drive power amps or active speakers.
The A8 deserves high praise for its state-of-the-art volume control with switched precision resistors (R2R). While a faint click is audible only during adjustment, the volume can be adjusted across the entire range in 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 dB steps! Roon and Tidal apps, as well as UPnP apps, allow 1 dB steps without reducing signal-to-noise ratio. The discrete R2R volume control also works on the fully analog and balanced signal path for analog sources.
The D/A conversion is handled by the current top combination of AKM’s AK4499EX and AK4191EQ, which deliver nearly unbelievable dynamic range values. Given this, the necessity of the I²S output via HDMI is questionable. For extremely low-jitter operation, the clocking is handled by two high-precision Femto clocks from Accusilicon. High-quality op-amps from Texas Instruments, the best capacitors from Germany and Japan for each application, and very meticulous tuning ensure top-tier performance throughout the signal processing path.
Sonically a revelation
The significantly higher effort in the sound-determining components compared to the DMP-A6 Master Edition makes the listening test with the bigger brother a true highlight. The precision in all criteria – such as imaging, spatiality, and depth – is fully convincing, bringing out the finest details with a wonderfully smooth, analog-like feel. All types of bass come through powerfully, instruments stand out sharply in the space, and voices spread out warmly and rounded. Fantastic!
Performance Measurement
Eversolo DMP-A8 Tech Specs
- Distributor: audioNEXT, Essen
- Website: www.audionext.de
- Warranty: 2 years
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 38.8 cm x 9.2 cm x 28 cm
- Weight: 4.7 kg
Connections
- Drive/CD Input: USB / RCA, XLR, AES/SPDIF, ARC
- Storage: USB / SD slot (up to 1 TB) / M2 SSD slot (up to 4 TB)
- Analog Out / Headphones: RCA / XLR / I²S
- Digital Output: Optical / Coaxial / USB / ARC / I²S
- Network: LAN / WLAN
Functions
- Display: 6-inch color touchscreen
- Bluetooth: Send / Receive (AAC, aptX, LDAC, LL/HD, LDAC)
- Network Protocols: Tidal Connect, Roon, DLNA, AirPlay, Spotify Connect
- Intermediary Services: Tidal, Qobuz, Radio Paradise, etc.
- Supported Streaming Services: Tidal, Qobuz, HiRes Audio, Deezer, Podcasts
- Audio Formats: FLAC, ALAC, DSD512, MQA
- Library/Storage: Up to 4 TB SSD or 1 TB USB
- Display Styles/Cover Art: 6 different display styles
- Streaming/Multiform: Multiroom possible (e.g. via Roon)
- Extras: Wake on LAN, file manager, podcasts
Verdict
Test Results
- Sound: 138 points
- Features: Outstanding
- Ease of use: Very good
- Processing: Very good
- Value for Money: Outstanding
Audio Benchmark
- Overall Score: 138 points
- Price/Performance: Outstanding
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Eversolo's DMP-A8 is pure AUDIOPHILE CATNIP!
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