The Eversolo Z10 DAC Has It All!
By Steve Huff
The Video Review
The Eversolo T8 is really a superb streamer and this $1400 or so box is really end game for 90% of us who are into audio and hifi. Guys like me of course, who want to squeeze that last 10% out of their streaming system will continue to climb the higher end ladder but this one here is just fantastic. The T8, IMO, is one of the best streamer buys you can go for today. The next up from this one is the Lumin U2 Mini and it costs about a grand more and the biggest difference will be in the fact that the Lumin looks sleeker, cooler and simpler. If you jump to something like the Lumin U2 (non mini) of HiFi Rose RS130 then sure, you will hear more refinement and solidity in the sound as the U2 and RS130 are now $6k streamers and yes they sound like one.
I found a way to get that a lot of that sound anyway..,. with the T8… and before we jump into the new Z10 DAC I will say that my power conditioner and network switch I have added for my 2026 system did level up my streaming here in my system. I now have some added refinement, a larger stage and more noticeable details emerging with my $1400 T8 ; ) You can see what I have in my system at this time by checking HERE.
On to the Z10
It was an about 3 months after the T8 arrived that the Z10 DAC showed up and I assumed they would be a perfect match, right? I mean, Everoslo dips their toes into the transport game with the T8 and at the same time, a new DAC was announced. When the Z1o showed up I was surprised that it had a larger chassis vs the T8. I think it would have been cool to have a matching size but then again I have a sneaking suspicion that Everoslo will eventually release a higher end version of their streaming “seperates”. I do not know this as fact but just a hunch. For now, the T8 and Z10 are a shockingly good combo for thousands less than some of the others like HiFi Rose. So good in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a price hike on this set in the new year.
The Z10 has a similar (ish) type of display as the Rose RD160 but the Rose is almost $6k for their RD160 DAC and the same for the RS130. When I reviewed the RD160 I found it had a sound very similar to the $14k Weiss 501 MKII so it is a fantastic top tier DAC indeed.
Coming in at around $1900 this Z10 is not priced into the “high end” lane like a Wesis 501 MKII or others that I have tested in that realm over the years. With a combined cost of under $3500 for the T8 and Z10, this still comes in at $2500 under something like a Lumin U2 alone, which is just a transport as well, no DAC. So for $2500 less you get a streamer that does everything the U2 does along with a DAC that uses the same chips as the $6k Rose RD160. Hmmm. Seems like a no brainer doesn’t it?
I had just been listening to the wonderful and quite wonderful Garlubidor Divinity DAC and loved what it was doing for its similar price point of $1849. The Divinity is a R2R DAC and these types have a different vibe vs a chip DAC such as the Z10, which uses TWO AKM Velvet Sound chips for decoding the digital data in to an analog stream to your speakers. The Divinity offers transparency with an open sound and a touch of warmth. The imaging with the Divinity is natural and really nice. I was about to find out that the Z10 sounds completely different.
The Vinshine and Kinki DAZZLE takes center stage with the Eversolo T8 and Z10 providing the streams
Features First
So the features of the Z10 are pretty stunning for an under $2k DAC and it seems that Everoslo has taken a long hard look at what HiFi Rose is doing and did their best to create lower cost versions of the Rose higher end pieces. The T8, not so much but the Z10 does look a lot like the HiFi Rose RD160 but as with the T8 it is lower in build quality, weight and doesn’t have the design pizazz of the Rose. The Rose feels and looks much iugher end in the flesh vs the Eversolo so the price difference is evident in person, at least in build, design and looks.
The front of the Z10 has a long 8″+ touch display and one knob on the right that glows when on (it can be turned off). You can display a screen that shows the signal flow, much like the RD160 or you can show a volume screen or VU meters. Everoslo created an all new VU meter for the Z10 and also included the old faves. The new design is an electric blue much like Advance Paris designs and looks AWESOME! This is the screen I keep on when listening to the Z10.
The Z10 is also a fully functioning preamp and can be used with a power amp as a pre. It sounded great in this way into a Galion A75 and the Vinshine Dazzle. A little more “edge” than using the Galion Navy or the internal pre of the Dazzle but it sounded great overall and is a great way to save some cash.
The Z10 uses three independent power supplies which is normally seen in more high end pieces. It also has a OXCO clock inside but you can use an external clock thanks to the 50 and 75 ohm inputs on the back. I tested this with my Vinshine SW10 Pro which has a super high quality clock itself. I used the SW10 Pro clock vs the internal clock of the Z10 and did hear a refinement bump. Even so, the clock inside of the Z10 is fantastic as is.
Teh Z10 uses the same AKM Velvet Sound chips as the more pricey HiFi Rose RD160 but implementation is everything with DAC chips and these two DACs sound quite different from each other even though they use the same chips. The Rose is more beefy, solidified and refined. The Z10 is sharper and more lit up in the treble and less punch in the mids. Yes, DACs sound different and the one we pick should be the one that meshes well with our speakers and amp. Synergy is truly key to hearing magic within a two channel hifi system.
There is also a head amp here as well but I did not test this as I am not a true headphone guy. I’ve tried but still prefer my speakers but who knows, maybe one day that will change. Even so, there is an amp here for those who want to pull out some headphones from time to time.
As always with Eversolo we have a multitude of options for the display. We can show VU meters or other types of audio displays such as the one of many above. We can show off a volume screen as when using the Z10 as a preamp this comes in handy. I tested the Z10 as a pre into the Dazzle amp and it did very well with sharp dynamics and impact vs the warmer internal pre of the Dazzle.
On the rear of the Z10 we will see all of the inputs and outputs and this one brings with it full electrical isolation to keep the nasty sound robbing noise away from your system.
The Z10 allows for everything besides optical USB such as dual Optical inputs, dual COAX along with an ASU, HDMI ARC and those clock inputs. Also we have RCA or Balanced XLR outputs. There are also a set of analog inputs here so the Z10 is quite capable in the realm of connections.
Paired with the T8. What does it sound like?
As I sat in my listening seat I was ready to hear what this combo sounded like and my memory of the HIFi Rose RS130 and RD160 is still easily heard in my mind. That Rose setup was a supremely refined combo with an analog vibe, a very spatial soundstage and just sounded so good. As I sat back and cued up my Tidal playlist I was hearing quite a different sound from the RD160 and the Divinity DAC I was listening to for weeks.
The system in place for my first listen of the Z10 was the Vinshine Audio Dazzle integrated amp with Virtual HiFi Viper speakers. The Everoslo T8 was doing streaming duties, naturally.
First thing to take note of is that the Eversolo Z10 uses the same AKM chips as the HiFi Rose RD160 but we know that implementation means everything when creating and crafting a DAC. I have heard a few DACs that used the same chip yet sound vastly different from each other. The sound that emits really depends on just how well the DAC design is, parts used, and even choices are made to alter sound in some cases. This is why we have a “house sound” for most HiFi Brands as they all bring their own flavor to the table. The HiFi Rose RD160 is top tier in parts, build and design so it has a sound that reaches into the high end realm of DACs. The Z10 not as much but damn, it’s still pretty amazing for the cost.
The sound of the T8 and Z10, using the isolated USB input was very detailed with nice body but not as open or spatial as the RD160 and Rose 130. It was not as spatial as the $1849 Divinity either but had a more “lit up” sound with plenty of details and stellar imaging. Vocals popped right from the center and instruments were spaced out within the stage but not really outside of the speakers with the Z10. The Divinity, which is priced the same as the Z10 was less controlled but more organic and with a wider stage. The Z10 has more precise imaging and a cleaner sound. The Divinity a little warmer but with less all out clarity.
This Z10 DAC was sounding incredible with rock, metal and beefy music. EDM, yes! It’s crazy how different all of these DACs can sound within a revealing system and the Dazzle and Vipers can bring out superb detail while still remaining full bodied and soulful as teh Vipers do have some mid bass beef to bring some sweetness.
I listened more and more and for most of this listening I was using the Viper speakers but decided to change it up as I do have many on hand. The Icon 12, T+A Talis R330, Canton Vento 20 and Pure Audio Project Duet 15 are also here (with a few more on the way). I listened to each speaker I have here with the Eversolo combo and I kept hearing similar things. A very clean, precise and controlled sound with electric energy and precise imaging. The soundstage wasn’t the widest or deepest but it was stunning for the price point of these two pieces together.
Listening to the Icon’s with their big scale and warmth tamed the slight incisiveness of the combo and now I was hearing a supremely musical and fluid sound that washed over the room and touched the heart. With the Duet 15 horns I was also immersed into the music as these speakers just have a way of doing this and here the Eversolo combo sounded stunning again. There was a deafening silence and just about no grunge heard from the digital tunes.
I then changed my amp from the Dazzle to the Galion NAVY and A75 combo. This is a combo that comes in at under $5k USD and is a full tubed preamp and power amp combo. It’s excellent indeed and that A75 has been called a “Giant Killer” by many. When this setup was in with the Eversolo set the sound was also superb! The Navy preamp really has a way of bringing out those details to the forefront and the A75 just has a gorgeous sense of power body and punch even though it only puts out 75 watts per channel.
I lost some of the refinement and smoothness that the $8500 Dazzle was bringing and the tonality shifted more to an airy vibe vs the Dazzle. Still had great bass and heft, but was a little less refined than the Dazzle flagship. With that said, the Galion combo was more open in sound. The Everoslo DUO still let me hear the signature sound they were delivering which was detailed, clean and with a non bloated midrange.
The ES combo sounded every bit of their asking price and even though the Z10 and T8 seem to be going after HiFi Rose they couldn’t match the $12k Rose combo in build, design, looks or well…sound. I did not expect them to but how close did they get? Well, they get close, sure but it’s a different vibe really. One that is more shiny and incisive vs richer and more musical. That’s what I hear with the Z1- and T8. In fact the Divinity DAC has more warmth than the Z10 so if it warmth you seek, the Z10 is not it and I would steer you towards the Divinity. If it is clean detail and energy you seek, the Z10 is insanely good. For example, EDM is crazy good on the Z10 and provides more oomph, energy and sparkle vs the Divinity but if listening to the female voice of Diana Krall or Melody Gardot is your thing the Divinity offers more beauty to the sound.
What happened when I pugged my T8 and Z10 into my Puritan power conditioner?
My first listen was just with the Z10 and T8 plugged into my wall outlet. I like to do this, listen with and without my power conditioning and line conditioning. The Z10 uses an advanced OCXO clock but for this next go round of listening I decide to plug it all into my Puritan NFR conditioner and use the Vinshine SW10 Pro switch as a clock overriding the one in the Z10.
First I just did the listing with the Puritan NFR in play. Now the sound was more refined and with a background that could not get more silent. The same sound signature was here but with more details being noticed and brought out more so they did seem easier to hear. Not that it was bringing forth details I didn’t hear before but rather, those details were now easier heard. I then swapped the clock to the Vinshine SW10 Pro network switch by attaching a BNC cable from the Clock of the SW10PRO to the clock input on the Z10.
The sound became a little more smooth, a little more solidified and the stage opened up ever so slightly more. This was not night and day but I heard what it was doing. I enjoyed both sounds to be honest and wouldn’t say the clock in the SW10 Pro made a drastic improvement as the clock in the Z10 is really good but a little more tipped up vs the Vinshine SW10 PRO clock. I adore the SW10 Pro as it is a product I used to think was a scam, all network switches really. In a highly resolving system it is a very valid entry within a system and does only good. I do not feel it’s needed in a starter system or even mid tier setup. With revealing speakers and amp, such as the Dazzle and T+A Talis R330, I hear the difference easily.
Speaking of the T+A Talis R330 wow, what a speaker this is. I will have a review forthcoming but these are some of the finest speakers I have had in here, regardless of size or price. They have been challenging my $25k Icon 12 with bass but bring forth a more open sound, more transparency and a more lively treble. These are goosebump inducing speakers and the bass performance is crazy and sits with the $25k Marten Parker Duo’s and my Icon 12.
The T+A Talis R330 are so good I am contemplating making this my main speaker for 2026 but in pure silver. These are made of hand brushed aluminum and remind me of speakers from Magico and other big money brands.
With the Talis R330, the Vinshine Dazzle and the Eversolo Setup I was in HiFi Heaven. The sound was magical, impactful and gave me all I could ever want besides some warmth in the mids. The Icon 12 bring this easily but it was nice to have a set of speakers in here that just brought forth everything with such an open, wide and deep sound. These are revealing but not in a bad way, rather, these are some of the finest 2 way speakers I have ever heard. While not as impactful or beefy as the almost triple cost Marten Parker Duo’s these have a simplistic beauty about them in every way.
This setup of the T+A Talis R330, Dazzle and Eversolo setup made for what I feel is the best system for a small to mid sized room I have heard under $30k yet the cost is under $25k to acquire these pieces even if paying full retail.
The T8 and Z10 are a digital music streaming combo that delivers on all fronts. This stack has some refinement, energy and pulls out amazing details from the music you stream or serve. While it does not reach the heights of the HiFi Rose RS130 and RD160 or the Lumin U2 or Weiss 510 MKII those setups cost much much much more, and while you see this price difference in the flesh in build and overall quality the Eversolo setup doesn’t give up much to them. Features are all here in the Everoslo set as are the cool displays and ease of use.
The Eversolo App is one of the best in the business as well, easiest to use and I have never had an issue with it at all. Can’t say the same for Rose and while the Lumin app is reliable it is not my fave app for a streamer. All things we need to consider. At the end of the day you can pay much much more (as in $9k more) and get “better” but will it be $9k worth of “better”? Well, no, it never is.
If you like a clean sound with clarity, pop, snap and energy the Z10 delivers this but also has some body and heft as well. It’s not a “warm” DAC nor is it a “bright” DAC. I’d say it is more neutral than the Garlubidor Divinity which I really enjoy as the Divinity has slightly more warmth and body in the mids. The Z10 is a precise imager as well, where the Divinity is slightly blurred with the leading edges vs the Z10.
All in all, the T8 and Z10 are unbeatable for what they cost and I mean this with every fibre of my being. You can pay less, sure…but you will not get what the Eversolo brings you in sound. I tried, believe that. I buy many cheap DACs from Amazon and I try them when others claim they are giant killers. I am always let down and send them back. The Eversolo brings value and quality all at once and if you do not want to spend $10k plus for a streamer and DAC combined to get that extra 15%+ of “wow” then this is it right here.
You can buy the T8 at Amazon HERE
You can read more about the new Z10 HERE
Be the first to comment