Eversolo has released the DMP-A8, a music streamer with a host of streaming capabilities, featuring a new combination of DACs and an analogue preamp.
We were impressed with Eversolo’s DMP-A6 streamer, praising its clear, punchy sound and vast digital playback features, so naturally, we are intrigued by the new DMP-A8.
It aims to improve on the formula used in the A6 with some new internal components, expanded input and output options, and an all-analogue preamplifier – replacing the digital preamp used in the A6.
The new Eversolo streamer uses two AKM DACs – an AK4499EX and an AK4191EQ – as well as Femto clocks which were also used in the DMP-A6 Master Edition. The new streaming preamp offers more digital and analogue inputs and outputs, including two optical inputs, two coaxial inputs, an HDMI eARC port, a new HDMI I2S port, and new RCA and balanced XLR analogue inputs and outputs.
The DMP-A8 also offers analogue outputs if you want to use it as a dedicated pre-amp. Alongside physical connections, the unit also supports Bluetooth 5.0 and the aptX HD codec for wireless streaming. As with the A6, wi-fi or Ethernet connection brings a host of other streaming options, from AirPlay and DLNA to playing from local connected storage like a NAS device.
Using Eversolo’s Original Stampling-rate audio engine, the DMP-A8 outputs audio at the file’s original sampling rate, bypassing Android’s SRC limitations to support direct audio passthrough.
Eversolo’s new streaming preamp supports a wide range of high-resolution formats up to 32-bit/768KHz PCM files and DSD512. It also features an MQA decoder and allows direct playback from music streaming services like Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
The DMP-A8 can connect to storage devices via a USB OTG port. It’s also capable of having an M.2 NVME SSD (up to 4TB) installed for storing media natively on the unit.
The DMP-A8 is built using CNC-machined aluminium chassis and features a 6-inch (15cm) LCD touchscreen display used for controlling audio playback, source selection and more, including personalised dynamic VU meters and spectrums.
The new DMP-A8 streamer is available now for £1890 / US$1980 / €1980. This price point means Eversolo's new streamer will be up against some Award-winning competition such as the Naim ND5 XS 2, and we look forward to putting the DMP-A8 to the test and seeing how it fares against such strong opposition.
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