Eversolo DMP-A8 Streamer, DAP, DAC and Preamp

[WDitters]

Must resist urge to buy yet another DAC ...

I just did… LAiV Harmony

 

[wwjokerk]

Hi everyone,
That's my first post here.

I read your thread about the A8 with huge interest. Actually I am interested in two toppics:
- LHY LPS: out of curiosity I want to switch the power supply to the LHY LPS one. Does the A8 gets much warmer with that LPS? Where did you purchase the LPS? From Germany I actually only see Audiophonics as trustful seller.

- Adding an external pre-amp: I have to admit I am not 100% happy with the internal pre-amp of the A8, the output is a bit powerless I would say.
I would like to have a bit more gain and excitement. Since I am a bit space limited, is there any alternative to the Schiit Kara in the 1000€ range? 43cm width is fine, depth as small as possible Ladder Bach e.g. is much to deep.
Did anyone of you having a Kara test a Trigger adapter, e.g. from Audiophonics?
https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/diy-...v-230v-slave-power-supply-device-p-10661.html

Thanks
Kurt

 

[g4ndr1k]

I bought the EverSolo DMP-A8 to replace the DMP-A6 and LAiV Harmony DAC. My amplifiers are the ZMF Aegis and Accuphase A48S. To cut a long story short, I don’t miss the Harmony and I’m happier now that I have more space for the upcoming Accuphase C-2300.

 

[WDitters]

I bought the EverSolo DMP-A8 to replace the DMP-A6 and LAiV Harmony DAC. My amplifiers are the ZMF Aegis and Accuphase A48S. To cut a long story short, I don’t miss the Harmony and I’m happier now that I have more space for the upcoming Accuphase C-2300.

So you prefer the AK4499 over the LAiV R2R? Interesting .. I had the exact opposite .. Mind you, that difference was more outspoken after I switched from USB to l2s ...

 

[jjazzy]

I bought the EverSolo DMP-A8 to replace the DMP-A6 and LAiV Harmony DAC. My amplifiers are the ZMF Aegis and Accuphase A48S. To cut a long story short, I don’t miss the Harmony and I’m happier now that I have more space for the upcoming Accuphase C-2300.

Very nice combo a48s+c2300!, just received the e800s, not far behind. But c2300 is just that little nicer . Enjoy

Just did a review of the e800s:
http://jjazzifi.com/review_accuphase_e800s_vs_e800/

I would advice to do the lhy lps upgrade of the a8, really makes a difference.

I can understand why some would go r2r, others akm, I prefer mostly fpga dacs like chord, r2r second, dac chips last

 

[g4ndr1k]

So you prefer the AK4499 over the LAiV R2R? Interesting .. I had the exact opposite .. Mind you, that difference was more outspoken after I switched from USB to l2s ...

I started with the EverSolo DMP-A6 and ZMF Aegis. Adding the LAiV Harmony was a step up at the time—though it could have been expectation bias!

Then I added the Accuphase A48S and began listening to speakers. Accuphase gives me a sound signature I enjoy so much that I stopped paying much attention to the DAC’s sound signature—if any—as, in theory, a properly designed DAC should sound the same in a double-blind test.

Since I wanted a simpler setup and had read glowing reviews of the EverSolo DMP-A8, I decided to pull the trigger.

To answer your question: I’m not actually sure which one I prefer, as I didn’t do a side-by-side comparison between the LAiV and the internal DAC of the DMP-A8. I simply replaced the DMP-A6 + LAiV Harmony combo with the DMP-A8 when it arrived, and I liked the sound enough that I haven’t missed the previous setup at all.

Very nice combo a48s+c2300!, just received the e800s, not far behind. But c2300 is just that little nicer . Enjoy

Just did a review of the e800s:
http://jjazzifi.com/accuphase_e800s/

I would advice to do the lhy lps upgrade of the a8, really makes a difference.

I can understand why some would go r2r, others akm, I prefer mostly fpga dacs like chord, r2r second, dac chips last

Thanks! Yes, I’m really looking forward to hearing the combo!

I’ll check out your review—Accuphase reviews in English are pretty hard to come by, so I really appreciate it.

For my ears, the biggest impact on sound, in order, comes from:
1. Speakers (and their positioning) / headphones
2. Amplifier
3. Preamp
4. DAC
5. Streamer
6. Properly made cables
7. Power supply, etc.

I guess I don’t have golden ears—and my audio memory is way too bad to do proper A/B comparisons anyway!

 

[jjazzy]

I started with the EverSolo DMP-A6 and ZMF Aegis. Adding the LAiV Harmony was a step up at the time—though it could have been expectation bias!

Then I added the Accuphase A48S and began listening to speakers. Accuphase gives me a sound signature I enjoy so much that I stopped paying much attention to the DAC’s sound signature—if any—as, in theory, a properly designed DAC should sound the same in a double-blind test.

Since I wanted a simpler setup and had read glowing reviews of the EverSolo DMP-A8, I decided to pull the trigger.

To answer your question: I’m not actually sure which one I prefer, as I didn’t do a side-by-side comparison between the LAiV and the internal DAC of the DMP-A8. I simply replaced the DMP-A6 + LAiV Harmony combo with the DMP-A8 when it arrived, and I liked the sound enough that I haven’t missed the previous setup at all.


Thanks! Yes, I’m really looking forward to hearing the combo!

I’ll check out your review—Accuphase reviews in English are pretty hard to come by, so I really appreciate it.

For my ears, the biggest impact on sound, in order, comes from:
1. Speakers (and their positioning) / headphones
2. Amplifier
3. Preamp
4. DAC
5. Streamer
6. Properly made cables
7. Power supply, etc.

I guess I don’t have golden ears—and my audio memory is way too bad to do proper A/B comparisons anyway!

Thanks, let me know what you think of the review, tips are welcome

 

[g4ndr1k]

Thanks, let me know what you think of the review, tips are welcome

The review is fantastic! I really like the way you explained the technical aspects, especially the balanced AAVA using the water pipes analogy.

Love it!

 

[mb2112]

New to this forum....seems to have quite a bit of user experience for digital source components (especially Laiv). I bought the Harmony last fall and have been really impressed. Have had a myriad of digital front ends (MiniDSP, Cambridge, NAD, Teac, Rose) along with building custom class D amps (Hypex UCD, Hypex Ncore, Purifi). I dabbled over the years going from separates to integrated and now back to separates. I've listened to a lot of DACs and the combo of using the A8 via I2S to the Laiv has really pushed my listening enjoyment to another level. I build all my cabling and emphasize quality conductors, good connectors and solid connections. I don't do it thinking that it will improve the overall sound, just cool to design and build.

With that said, I have jumped on the I2S bandwagon....I'm sure I can elaborate with a bunch of adjectives on how it sounds better, but what a change (even with my old ears).

Current setup:
A8 (really interested in trying the new Matrix Audio TT-1 or NT-1...)
Laiv (via I2S)
Rose RA 180
Sonus Faber Nova Vs
passive swarm sub (four) using high level Jensen transformer isolation from Rose to a Part Express sub amp.

Hope to get even more knowledge from the forum members...Thx

 

[jjazzy]

New to this forum....seems to have quite a bit of user experience for digital source components (especially Laiv). I bought the Harmony last fall and have been really impressed. Have had a myriad of digital front ends (MiniDSP, Cambridge, NAD, Teac, Rose) along with building custom class D amps (Hypex UCD, Hypex Ncore, Purifi). I dabbled over the years going from separates to integrated and now back to separates. I've listened to a lot of DACs and the combo of using the A8 via I2S to the Laiv has really pushed my listening enjoyment to another level. I build all my cabling and emphasize quality conductors, good connectors and solid connections. I don't do it thinking that it will improve the overall sound, just cool to design and build.

With that said, I have jumped on the I2S bandwagon....I'm sure I can elaborate with a bunch of adjectives on how it sounds better, but what a change (even with my old ears).

Current setup:
A8 (really interested in trying the new Matrix Audio TT-1 or NT-1...)
Laiv (via I2S)
Rose RA 180
Sonus Faber Nova Vs
passive swarm sub (four) using high level Jensen transformer isolation from Rose to a Part Express sub amp.

Hope to get even more knowledge from the forum members...Thx

Welcome, this is one of the nice forums

 

[g4ndr1k]

LAiV Harmony is back in my system!

This evening, when I listened to Mercy – Max Richter & Mari Samuelsen, A Long Time Ago – First Aid Kit, and Birds – Dominique Fils-Aimé, the highs/treble weren’t as smooth as usual — they tended to sound harsh and sibilant. So I put the Harmony back in the chain. I stand corrected — the Harmony sounds better than the EverSolo DMP-A8’s internal DAC, despite the EverSolo boasting excellent measurements.

 

[wwjokerk]

I just received my Burson Soloist 3XGT, which I will use as preamp only in combination with the A8.

And what should I say? I am blown away

Poor Eversolo or absolutely amazing Burson??? The sound is so much more powerful, clearer, there is more punch, more details and I would even say the sound stage widened a bit and the separation of singers, instruments etc. improved drastically.

And (!!!) I am on low gain at the Burson, meaning - 12 dB and listening is at 45 of 100 steps. So plenty of headroom.

I don't know what Eversolo is doing wrong with the preamp section of the A8.

Next week my two IOM 500 Mono amps with NCx500 modules arrive then my main system is finally finished.

Best,
Kurt

 

[g4ndr1k]

I just received my Burson Soloist 3XGT, which I will use as preamp only in combination with the A8.

And what should I say? I am blown away

Poor Eversolo or absolutely amazing Burson??? The sound is so much more powerful, clearer, there is more punch, more details and I would even say the sound stage widened a bit and the separation of singers, instruments etc. improved drastically.

And (!!!) I am on low gain at the Burson, meaning - 12 dB and listening is at 45 of 100 steps. So plenty of headroom.

I don't know what Eversolo is doing wrong with the preamp section of the A8.

Next week my two IOM 500 Mono amps with NCx500 modules arrive then my main system is finally finished.

Best,
Kurt

While waiting for the Accuphase C-2300, I’m using the Aegis as a pseudo pre-amp and volume control, since the LAiV Harmony doesn’t have its own volume adjustment. So far, I’m super happy with the results—the Aegis adds that lovely tube goodness to the sound.

 

[Spawn300Z]

I just purchased a used DMP-A8. Will be using as a streamer only. What settings are you using when connecting to your external DACs?

 

[mb2112]

I just purchased a used DMP-A8. Will be using as a streamer only. What settings are you using when connecting to your external DACs?

What output do you plan on using? If I2S, you can only output at a fixed level and do not have any DSP or equalization functionality. Plus you cannot connect any other outputs and switch to them.

If using the other outputs, the A8 has a lot of great user options/settings.