This is the Music Streamer that YOU WANT! The DMP-A8 by Eversolo.
By Steve Huff
Earlier in 2023 I reviewed the ever so popular Eversolo DMP-A6 streamer and DAC. My video review has racked up over half a million views of that little box. With all of the other reviewers at YouTube making videos for the A6, this streamer did VERY well for Eversolo, I would guess that it was their most popular seller ever and for good reason. It offered up so much for under $900 and is still a top seller on Amazon.
My video review of the Eversolo DMP-A8
The A8 also comes with a remote control, allows one to add a SSD drive underneath for serving files and also serves as a pretty sweet preamp with an R2R volume control.
When the Eversolo A8 came in I had just purchased, with my own cold hard cash, the HiFi Rose RS130 Streamer. The RS130 is a $5200 box that only does one thing, streams and serves music. It does not have a DAC nor a preamp and even though it is limited in what it does, the one thing it does do it does so well that I have not heard better within my lifetime. Not yet anyway.
With the A8 in place I was a bit worried that I just wasted thousands the RS130 as right out of the gate I could tell that the A8 meant business.
While not as large or well made as the Rose I can tell that Eversolo is on a mission to deliver quality products for less cash outlay and that is the thing most of us are looking for these days. Less cash outlay. Who wants to spend $5-$15k on a music streamer when one such as the A6 and A8 can do this for so much less?
Well, first things first.
There are many music streamers one can buy for much less than any offering from HiFi Rose. We can buy streamers for under $100, Just do not expect quality in build, design or sound. I have tried many streamers that ranged in price from $99 to $15k and the ones in the $99-$300 range were OK for those who just want to jam some party tunes. For critical listening they fall seriously flat as that is how most of these budget boxes sound in comparison to the more costly cousins. But how much better is the A8?
This is what I wanted to find out. Can the Eversolo deliver the AUDIOPHILE goods or will it sound like another off the shelf digital streamer?
Before I get into the sound of the Eversolo DMP A8 (and yes the internal DAC is vastly improved here vs the A6) let us take a look at the features that it brings so we can get a grip on what this will do within your system.
PREAMP
The Everoslo DMPA8 is a fully featured PRE AMP. This means you can attach it to any power amp and use it to control your sources and volume of sources. The A8 has many digital inputs as well as one analog (image showing connections below), meaning you can even attach an analog source such as your turntable (though you will still need a phono preamp as the A8 does not include this). You can add a CD player or even hook up your TV (HDMI ARC) to this all in one wonder box.
I tested the A8 as a preamp into a Pass Labs X250.8 amp and it sounded great. There is a loud clicking that occurs as you turn the volume up and down but this is part of the design. The volume control here is top notch and the remote allows you to control everything from your listening seat. So yes, this functions as a preamp and does so very well.
DAC
The Eversolo DMP-A8 is also a top tier DAC and now includes a flagship DAC from AKM that also uses “Velvet Sound” tech. Does this make the sound velvet like, lol? Well, sort of. The sound of the AKM DAC is fuller, more fleshed out and a bit warmer than the SABRE DAC in the smaller and less pricey A6. This upgrade alone makes the A8 worth the upgrade for me. The DAC here is excellent, especially for a built in. These kind of DACs we usually find in all in one devices normal are lacking. This one is great and IMO competes with DAC’s in the $1500 range.
While listening to music, any genre, this DAC presents a wide stage, depth and even allows us to hear the layering in the music. I have heard better with more detail and pop but this DAC presents music in a natural smooth and big way. I really enjoyed listening to the DAC and comparing it to my Daniel Hertz Maria Mighty Cat processing. While it didn’t best the Daniel Hertz Maria DAC, it wasn’t really any worse, just different. A touch warmer and richer while at the same time not as refined or composed as the much more pricey Maria. It was musical as all get out though and 100% non fatiguing while providing as much detail as I could ask for.
The DAC here can handle anything you throw at it from high res, DSD to MQA processing.
STREAMER and SERVER
The DMP-A8 is also a fully functioning streamer and server. An SSD drive loaded with your own music filescan be added to the bottom within minutes and you can serve this music direct from the Eversolo App, which by the way is superb. The Eversolo control app bests the HiFi Rose app for me, with ease. It’s glitch free, easy to understand and done in a simple graphical way. When using the DMP-A8 as a streamer one can connect to Spotify using Connect, direct from the Spotify app. You can also use Tidal connect, using the Tidal app direct to the A8 without any loss of quality. If you use Qobuz or Roon you can set that all up easily with the ROON app and just by entering your Qobuz credentials into the Eversolo App.
In this way the Eversolo bests the $5200 Rose 130 flagship as the Rose will never be able to use Tidal connect and as of this writing, November 25th 2023 the big money Rose still has not been certified by Roon.
The one con I found with the Eversolo when used as a streamer is that when I use Spotify connect there is a serous lag in the song switching. If I skip a song it can take 10 seconds to actually switch, but only sometimes. Sometimes it just freezes up (the Spotify app) and I have to restart the app. Sometimes it works as it should. This is with the Eversolo connected to my 1GB ethernet so it is not a bandwidth issue.
I see this with other affordable streamers such as the Bluesound Node, WIIM Pro + and even the A6. The only streamer that I have found that doesn’t have this Spotify connect lag is the HiFi Rose RS130. Somehow it is instantaneous, most likely due to the SSD Caching drive it has installed.
Other than this Spotify connect lag, I see no issues with the streamer function of the A8. It performs in this area just as the smaller A6 does.
The smaller DMP-A6
BUILD and SOUND
Here is where I was super curious. What will the Eversolo DMP A8 sound like as a streamer only vs my HiFi Rose RS130 and even the smaller A6? What will it sound like with its DAC running as well?
Well, I will first state that as a streamer only into my Maria amp/DAC the Eversolo DMP-A8 sounds wonderful though does not get close to besting the HiFi Rose RS130 in sound quality. The HiFi Rose RS130 has bested any streamer I have tried in the past, even those that cost $13k+. With that said, it’s about 3X the cost of the Eversolo, so I would not expect it to match the big flagship Rose for sound. If I never heard the Rose RS130 I would not have known how good streaming can get and would have said the A8 is as good as some that cost more! The truth is that the A8, as a streamer only into your own DAC, sounds a little better than the Node or the A6 when streaming. This means it is quite good. About the same as a Lumin U2 Mini but not quite up there with a Lumin U2 or Rose RS130.
Where I see the most sound quality gains with the A8 is when I use it with the built in DAC. This is how most who buy this will use it and this is why many will be thrilled with the A8 vs the A6. The DAC is IMO leagues better than the one in the A6 as the music sounds more human, more tangible and it has some magic dust sprinkled on as well. Not all systems can raise the goosebumps on me but I did experience this once with the A8 in play when using the internal DAC. That told me right there that this DAC is fantastic for what this box costs.
BTW I had this hooked up to my Daniel Hertz Amber system during most of the evaluation. I also pulled out the CHoco Sound EMEI and Alexandria Audio Speakers. Also tried it with amazing results with the Bichardt Audio Anniversary 10 speakers and Platin Hub.
So I give the sound quality as a streamer only a 7 out of 10. I give it an 8 out of 10 for streamer and DAC use. This is excellent for what this guy costs, just under $2k at $1980.
So while the A8 is no giant slayer in the sound dept (meaning it will not best $5-$10k pieces) it does very well for the cost (and even up to $3k) and is just about perfect as a package. The DAC surprised me with this one. Very good.
As for build quality it is about the same as the DMP A6 which is superb. Eversolo uses hand picked parts here and the build inside is clean as a whistle, looking like many higher end pieces inside (see below).
It seems to me that Eversolo is taking on HiFi Rose and trying to bring similar qualities for less. I see similarities but that is about as far as it goes. I do not see the Eversolo as a copy of Rose, as it is its own thing. The Rose pieces are more refined in design, use larger screens and more luxurious materials in build, which raises the price. Eversolo is looking to offer a similar experience for thousands less in some cases.
Who is the DMP-A8 For?
This is a box for those who want their digital front end to be of great quality while all being contained in one easy to use box.
This one serves as a preamp (if you choose to use it as one), a Streamer and with an excellent included DAC. This serves as a digital control center, an audio hub so to speak. It is where you will control your music going into your system, even if that system includes a turntable.
If you just want a DAC, buy a DAC only as you can get a very nice one for less than $2k in something like a Denafrips Pontus II. If you want just a streamer and are not super picky about quality, a WIIM pro + can get you there. The Eversolo DMP-A8 does pre, DAC and steam duties very well though you can get better sound if you spend quite a bit more.
At the current price of $1,980 I am not sure you can get better for the money if you are looking for all of what the A8 does. It also uses a very solid and glitch free app, which is a rarity it seems. It bests any streamers app I have used before it and I even prefer it to the Bluseound top rated app. It easily bests the apps by Lumin, Rose and others so this is something to take note of. The experience of the A8 is frustration free and the sound is fantastic.
With Buchardt A10’s
One area where this Eversolo really surprised me was when I used it with the Buchardt Anniversary 10 powered speakers. These are some of the finest bookshelf speakers I have ever experienced and I still have a set here many months after my review. These are special and while I have been streaming to them from the included Platin hub they shipped with, they sound leagues better with the Eversolo DMP-A8 streaming into the Platin hubs digital in. OMG!
The sound opened up dramatically, had more air and was just so stunning. This also proves yet again that not all streamers are created equal. While I enjoyed streaming to the A10’s via the Platin hub, the sound is night and day better when using the A8 with this system. I listened to the A8 in this way for many many nights.
VS the HiFi Rose RS130
No contest in sound. The HiFi Rose RS130 is a finer sounding streamer, period. It costs $3200 more and only does one thing, stream. There is no pre or DAC in the ROSE as it is just a digital streaming transport meant to be hooked up to your fave DAC. It is built for this one thing and I can say with confidence it is the finest sound I have ever experienced with digital streaming or files. It’s like Analog on steroids. Rich, smooth, hash and grain free yet very expansive and open with warmth and body, The bass of the Rose is next level as well and just completes the sound from top to bottom. It’s gorgeous in looks and sound.
The Eversolo DMP-A8 (and almost all other streamers I have heard) sound flatter but only in comparison to the Rose, which I feel sounds like a $10 streamer. Not as much life or such a digital free sound when comparing any streamer I have here to the Rose. With that said, the Eversolo sits among some fine pieces and isn’t meant to be compared to a $5200 piece. The Rose RS130 is a rarity for me in digital sound and I paid dearly fr it.
The A8 would be my choice for a streamer if I did not own the RS130 and that is about the highest praise I can give it. I am one of the few who pay more for that extra 15%.
As I sit and think of any other streamer or all in one I would want I can not think of any other I would choose in this price range vs the A8.
The HiFi Rose RS250a is $2700 and is close to the Eversolo in features yet doesn’t have a real fully functioning pre amp like the A8 does. This one also will have a DAC that is IMO not as good as the one in the A8.
The closest competitor is the HiFi Rose 250a (above) but that one comes in at $2695 and doesn’t have true PreAmp capability. It also has a more analytical DAC using a Sabre designed DAC. The SABRE DACs have improved over the years but I much prefer the AKM in the Eversolo, and I feel this is where they will take the lead from even the HiFi Rose RS250.
So here we can see the value of the Eversolo DMP-A8. No, it will not look as fancy as the $2600+ Rose RS250 but will it sound better? Maybe, that is up to your own tastes. If you value richness, warmth and a big soundstage the Eversolo wins. If you prefer analytical detail and shine, an open top end above all else the Rose may work better for you at $700 more.
I’d take the Eversolo.
THE DISPLAY
The display here is the same as the on on the A6, which is a 6″ touchscreen. It is sharp, clear and bright,. The brightness can be turned down or even off with the Eversolo App, This can also be done on the display itself. We can also display one of four VU Meter designs, and yes they do move to the music. This provides a nice show ; )
There are also display options for a spectrum analyzer which I enjoy more than the VU Meters. This reminds me of some of the audio pieces in the 80’s I used to own. There are various colors it can display the analyzer. There are also options and themes you can pick from for the main album art screen.
Overall I prefer the display options better than those that are on my HiFi Rose RS130 which can only do VU meters or album art. The size could have been larger here with the A8 as it’s a larger piece but they kept it the same size, which is more than most streamers have. Some have no display at all!
THE DUAL POWER SUPPLY AND DUAL CLOCKS
One thing that helps this box sound so good is the dual power supply and dual clocks installed. The power supply of a digital source is critical and not all get it right. We want our source components to be noise free first and foremost. Noise robs us of fidelity and when we eliminate as much noise as possible within a piece of source gear it brings great rewards in the form of a more refined sound quality. The power supply is responsible for providing the right voltage as well as reducing ripple and magnetic leakage and providing more purity to the sound.
The A8 has this all covered with the dual power supply.
The A8 also uses dual clocks with keep everything in time. This eliminates the sound quality robbing jitter from the signal and helps to keep the sound solidified and detailed as well as bringing higher dynamic range. Clocks are very important to the digital signal and there are two here in the A8.
CONCLUSION
This page is basically just some ramblings from a guy who loves music and has built systems for over 35 years. These are my thoughts, my opinions and my experience after a month with the Eversolo DMP-A8. It’s another winner from Eversolo and while it costs more than double of what the DMP-A6 costs it’s well worth it if you are serious about your music playback. This is an all in one that clicks all of the right boxes. A high quality pre amp, a high quality DAC and streaming capabilities that allow you to stream from almost any service available. All for the right price.
The app is among the best there is for dedicated streamers and the fact that you can use Tidal and Spotify connect also is remarkable. Add an SSD with your own files within minutes! This is one hell of a box and it’s also beautiful to look at. The build is excellent and function is perfect. Dual clocks, dual power supply, included remote control, velvet sound AKM DAC, beautiful touch screen display…just a few of the great features of the DMP-A8.
I had no bugs or glitches in my time with the A8, it just performed as it was designed to do. This is a lovely piece my friends with no downside. Yes, you can get “better” but if you want that you must spend thousands more to get there.
The A8 is set to ship in December of 2023 for $1,980.00 USD.
Tony, I’m not sure Steve answered adequately.
Streaming is the act of transferring audio and/or video data from the internet to a device. In hifi cires, a streamer is a device that obtains such data and passes it to an AV device of some kind. In essence, all streamers are a type of computer, just streamers tend to be specifically designed for the sole purpose of this data transfer. They are used instead of xompuetrs for a few reasons. They don’t run noisy fans, they have dedicated outputs for audii devices, they focus on the elimination of electrical noise and data timing issues to ensure the data signal is sent to downstream devices as unadulterated as possible. And they uave a dedicated operating system of control purely focused on streaming.
Often the diwnstrwam device is a Digital-to-Analog Converter, which is what DAC stands for. A DAC identifies the format of incoming data, acquires the sound data and converts it to an analog signal.
Streaming has always posed issues. Initially a slow internet connection meant the rate of data transfer was too low for fidelity approaching that of a CD. Over time this issue faded and we typically have internet connections thar support data rates for 4k video which is magnitudes beyond any audio requirement. However, data from the internet doesn’t arrive at a constant rate, ot varies, and so a big part of streaming is avoiding drop-outs in signal, using buffering, and processing capability to decode and produce a perfectly consistent data rate to DACs or AV equipment. As such, an understanding of the things which can and cannot affect the quality or bit-perfect data sequence with perfect timing are critical. Many expensive streamers are just cheap computers in expensive cases running special software. Others are genuinely engineered to address the potential ossues and focus on quality.
Thanks for the great review! I used to read your Leica reviews however stopped photography a few years back. Great to see you reviewing audio gear too when I’m starting to pick up this hobby 🙂
From your reviews, I was considering going with the A8 into choco sound emei and then to Mofi Source Point 8 or 10s. In your opinion, would these have good synergies? I’m looking for a more laid back sound with good warmth and precise sound stage. Not too fussed with getting all the right details or analytical listening, just a good system for long hours of listening.
Hi Steve,
Great review. I recently found your youtube channel and this website. I enjoy your reviews, thank you for putting the time in for all of us.
I have a system I am very happy with, but don’t like the streamer on my Lyngdorf MP-50. After switching networks, it is a real pain in the you know what to have to setup the Lyngdorf up all over again. Since I have 3 young kids, I rarely have the time. Now I am thinking of adding a new streamer and I am looking at the EverSolo A8 and A6. This will be a streamer only as the Lyngdorf sound is perfect for my tastes. Between the APP, touchscreen, display art and new technology EverSolo A8 seems like the one to buy, but I wonder if there is anything else at a similar price point I should be looking at?
If using just as a streamer the A6 will do just fine but all of them (streamers) will sound a bit different.
Thank you
Hello Steve thank you very much for the review. I also am not completely happy using the Platin Hub with my Buchardt A500’s. Were you streaming the Eversolo directly to your A10 speakers? Or to the Platin Hub?
When I added a nice streamer to the input of the Platin Hub the sound opened up vs just using the Hub. When I used the RS130 into the COAX in of the Platin Hub the sound was vastly improved. More open, airy, even richer mids, etc. Going direct to the speakers with a preamp didn’t sound nearly as good as you lose all DSP and room correction this way.
“nice streamer” you mean the A8, yes?
Hi Steve! Another Steve here. I have some fairly good stereo equipment, but being retired I can’t spend $5000 on any one component. I have a Parasound A21+ Halo amp, an early Denafrips $800 DAC, HECO Aurora 1000 speakers (plus others), REL sub, and 2 nice turntables (a MusicHall 9 and a restored Thorens 124). I have an older McIntosh Preamp from mid 80’s (plus an Akitika built myself Kit preamp which is pretty good. I have a FIIO M11 music player with an AKM 4493 DAC chip. It streams fine. Also have a little cheap WiiM mini for my office. I was wondering if I could input the M11’s digital output into my Denafrips and get a pretty good streamer that way. Or go directly from analog outs of the M11 into my Mac preamp or direct to the Parasound with a little passive Schitt volume control in between? How ‘bad’ would that be? I’m also about finished building a pair of CSS Triton Tower speakers that I can’t wait to see if they can best the HECO’s. The HECO’s have won out over a pair of Polk R700’s I had for trying out, btw.
Hello! Thanks for the comments. You can do anything you like, however YOU like it! That’s the good thing about audio. There are tons of gear options but always go with whatever works for you. I always tell people that if they enjoy their system, sick with it. Upgrades can lead to an empty wallet.
The M11 can be used either way you described. Try both and see what sounds best to you. If you use the analog out of the M11 you are using its DAC, which will be average. These dacs usually sound a touch thin and lacking in soul but it can also depend on how it does with your speakers, amp, etc. Anyway, just experiment. A streamer such as the one in this review is for those who are wanting “the best” sound from digital they can get, and I feel it is up there with units that cost double in that area. BUT, not everyone needs that last ounce of performance. Heck, no one “needs” it. It’s all a want. Enjoy!
Can the Eversolo DMP-A8 connect Sonnos speakers,i know the DMP-A6 does not but the Eversolo DMP-A8 has a HDMI arc.
I had a Luxman D-03X CD Player and used it as D/A converter for Cocktail X50D streamer, If I buy a A8 to replace X50D，could you please tell me that whether I continue to use D-03X as D/A converter or use A8’s analogue output？
You can use either. If your Luxman has a digital input just go from the COAX out of the A8 to the Coax in of the Luxman. This will let you hear the Luxman DAC. If you want to use the DAC in the A8, use the RCA analog outs to your amp and do not connect to the Luxman.
Do you recommend the A8 as a standalone streamer dac upon the A6 in combination with the Chord Qutest dac?
You can use the A6 or A8 with the Qutest. In this scenario you may not hear much difference but maybe a touch more bass with the A8. You may enjoy the DAC inside of the A8 better than the Qutest though!
What is your opinion. Do you prefer the sound of the DAC of the A8 on top of that of the Qutest? Keep in mind that I am listening to a Hifiman He1000v2 Stealth headphone 🙂
Hi Steve. Would you be so kind to answer my question above about your preference? Would you go for the A8 solo as streamer dac or the A6 with the Chord Qutest when it comes to listening to a Hifiman HE1000v2 Stealth Headphone. Amp is a Hifiman EF600.
I can not say as I have not heard the headphones or the amp. The DAC in the A8 will be a little smoother and richer vs the Qutest punchy detail. But how that will do/sound with your headphones is not something I can say as I do not know. If I owned the Qutest I would probably go with the A6 and use it as it’s a great DAC.
Thanks for your advice. If I should stick with the A6 + Qutest what amp would you recommend? Are you familiar with the Aune S17Pro?
I have not heard of your amp, so sorry.
Thanks for a great review. At this moment I have a Eversolo A6 as digital transport to a Chord Qutest DAC. That one goes into a Hifiman EF600 amp. Do you think the A8 will beat my combo with the use of his own dac? Keep writing great reviews. Cheers Fonz.
As someone who has had a high end system for many years but has concentrated on analogue sources (although I do own a CD player) and valve power amp and valve pre-amp, I am interested in adding a streamer. The Eversolo DMP-A8 streamer with its built in DAC sounds ideal especially since my ageing CD player could benefit from the DMP-A8’s DAC. However I do not need another pre-amp. My excellent valve pre-amp carries out this function in my system. Is it possible to bypass the DMP-A8’s preamp via the RCA outputs or does the pre-amp get used by default? I don’t see any benefit in having one preamp connected to another.
I used it as a streamer into my integrated amp. I did not use it as a preamp but its there if you want it!
Hello, thank you for the review on this piece of equipment, I have also watched and read your review on the HiFi Rose 150b and I am torn between getting the A8 and pair it with a Weiss 204 Dac or just getting the HiFi Rose 150b, both choices are equal in value about $5k or, what do you think Steve would be a better choice as far as Musicality is concerned, Thanks
Well, that is a tough one. The 150b is a gorgeous machine. I now use the 130 and ADORE IT. I would say it would be close but if it’s in your budget to go for the 150b I think you will really enjoy it. It’s pretty solid these days with all of the updates they did since release. As much as I love the Weiss DAC I think the 150b is just such a beautiful piece for an all in one. The sound between the two will be close as the 150b has a detailed and slightly airy DAC. I’d go with the Rose personally but either would be a great choice.
I still think that a series of articles on audio hifi would be of interest to your readers (like me). I have no idea what you are talking about with terms like streamer and DAC. I use iTunes and YouTube music and listen to them with headphones. I’ve no doubt that the equipment you’re assessing is amazing, but please, explain the technology in really general terms as if you were explaining it for the first time to your mother-in-law (and no offense to her if she knows way more than I do).
Interesting, I had no idea that anyone who reads a high end audio review would not know what a streamer is. A streamer streams music to your hifi system – tidal, spotify, apple, etc. All from your phone. These things are meant for systems that are built to “experience” rather than just play music. There are streamers that cost $79 and streamers that cost $25k. The one I use is $5200 and I use it because of the quality of sound, build, design, and function. It also fits within my reference system nicely ($24k amp and speakers retail) and when using the Buchardt A10’s. ; ) Basically a streamer is needed for high quality digital music, along with a DAC that converts the digital to analog. DAC’s range from $59 to $40k, again, all depends on what one is looking for. Thanks.