The plan, the reason why the Eversolo DMP-A8 has arrived in Barn, is to compare it to the Atoll MS120 Streaming DAC that’s been here since November.
As I began writing about the Atoll MS120 (more info) I realized that without a direct comparison, most things I have to say about it kinda float in the air like a sheet in a breeze. Rudderless in many ways when it comes to sound quality which is my main concern. After all, no matter how many features a hifi device has, if it doesn’t make me want to listen to music it may as well be a fancy anchor.
My initial thought was to talk about the excellent Wattson Audio Emerson ANALOG (review) in the Atoll review but due to how much I’m enjoying the sound of the Atoll I felt I needed to go one step further with a direct comparison to a similar and price competitive product.
Enter the Eversolo DMP-A8.
The Eversolo has received its fair share of attention as a feature rich and very good sounding streaming DAC priced at $1980 (the Atoll MS120 is $1599). In brief, the Eversolo sports a 6″ LCD touchscreen, an all aluminum chassis, dual internal Femto clocks, a fully balanced analog preamp, some nice high quality parts from NICHCON, WIMA, TI and others, optional internal SSD storage (up to 4TB), a number of DSP functions including EQ and room correction, and support for most streaming apps under the sun including Roon. And that’s just scratching the surface so I recommend a visit to the Eversolo website for a deeper dive (specs are included below)
On the connectivity front, you’re looking at the works—a number of digital audio inputs and outputs including I2S, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, and RCA and XLR analog inputs and outputs. Chock full.
My main focus will be using the Eversolo DMP-A8 with Roon in control and how it makes music sound and feel, which I’ll talk about in the Atoll MS120 review. In Barn for comparison.
Stay tuned!
Eversolo DMP-A8 Streaming DAC/Preamp
Price: $1980
Manufacturer’s Website: Eversolo
Specifications
Model: EVERSOLO DMP-A8
Display: 6″ LCD touchscreen
Internal Memory: 4GDDR4 +64GeMMC
DAC: AK4191EQ+AK4499EX
Audio Processor: USB XU316
Op-amp Chip: OPA1612
Power Supply: High-quality, low-noise linear + digital dual power supply
SSD: Support M.2 NVME 3.0 2280 protocol, up to 4TB (SSD isn’t included).
USB-A Port: USB3.0*2
Ethernet: RJ-45(10/100/1000Mbps)
WiFi: WiFi 2.4G+5G dual band
Playback and DAC Decoding: Support up to stereo DSD512, PCM 768KHz 32Bit
Music Service: Tidal, Qobuz, Highresaudio, Amazon Music, Deezer, Radio Paradise, WebDAV, UPnP
Streaming: Roon Ready,Air Play, DLNA, Tidal Connect etc.
Bluetooth Audio Input: BLuetooth BT5.0, support SBC/AAC
USB-B Audio Input: Supports Windows (10, 11), Android, IOS. Support up to stereo DSD512, PCM 768KHz 32Bit.
Optical/Coaxial Audio Input: Support up to stereo PCM 192KHz 24Bit, Dop64
HDMI ARC: Support up to stereo PCM 192KHz 24Bit
Analog preamp audio input: XLR(Balanced)*1+RCA(Unbalanced), Maximum Gain +10dB
USB Audio Output: Support up to stereo DSD512，PCM 768KHz 32Bit
IIS Output: Support up to stereo DSD512, PCM 768KHz 32Bit
Optical/Coaxial Audio Output: Support up to stereo PCM 192KHz 24Bit, Dop64
Analog Audio Output: Preamp Audio Output:XLR(Balanced)+RCA(UnBalanced)
XLR Output Audio Characteristics
Output level: 4.2V
Frequency response: 20Hz~20KHz(±0. 25dB)
Dynamic range: > 128dB
SNR: >128dB
THD+N: <0.00009%(-120dB) @No-wt
Crosstalk: >-121dB
RCA Output Audio Characteristics
Output level: 2.1V
Frequency response: 20Hz~20KHz (±0. 25dB)
Dynamic range: > 125dB
SNR: >125dB
THD+N: <0.00010%(-119dB)@A-WT
Crosstalk: >-121dB
Control Method: Mobile App，Touch screen control，IR+Bluetooth remote control
PSU: AC 110~240V 50/60Hz Max 0.35A
Rated Power: 16W
Dimensions: W 388mm*L 248mm* H 90mm
Packing List: Power cable*1, Remote Control*1，Screwdriver*1，user manual*1