After upgrading to active speakers, the search for a high-quality network player began. My first experience with a Matrix Mini i4 was underwhelming, leading me to seek a more serious component. Amidst the social media hype in late 2024, the Eversolo brand, a specialized audio subsidiary of Zidoo (a brand I trust), caught my attention. The flagship Eversolo DMP-A8, marketed as an all-in-one Player, DAC, and Preamplifier, seemed to be the perfect fit for my needs, and I made the purchase.
The Sound Signature of EverSolo DMP-8 is positioned as a high-end network player and DAC, offering a wide array of features aimed at audiophiles seeking versatility, high-quality sound reproduction, and seamless integration into modern Hi-Fi systems. Priced at $1980, the DMP-A8 promises exceptional performance and a range of functionalities catering to local and networked music playback.
Design and Build Quality EverSolo DMP-8
The Eversolo DMP-A8 stands out with its premium build quality. The chassis is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, CNC machined to precision, providing both durability and a sleek, modern aesthetic. The matte front panel and anodized body blend classic and contemporary design. A 6-inch Full HD LCD touchscreen dominates the front panel, offering an intuitive and responsive user interface. The device’s dimensions are thoughtfully designed to fit seamlessly into any high-end audio setup.
Solid Build with a Minor Flaw
The external build of the A8 is impressive. The chassis is solidly constructed with a perfect fit and finish, projecting a premium feel. However, this is slightly let down by the plastic volume knob, a component seemingly carried over from less expensive models. A metal knob with more rotational resistance would have completed the high-end feel.
The volume control itself is a relay-based system, a true Hi-Fi feature that minimizes distortion. The downside, for me, was the audible clicking with each adjustment, which I found annoying at low listening levels.
The User Interface: A Tale of Two Screens
The Control App: This is where I encountered a significant and persistent issue. After a folder or playlist finishes, launching new music would cause the “player” section of the app to show “No playback content” and crash upon being selected. This occurred across multiple smartphones and was not fixed by subsequent updates. While many users reported no such problems, it was a major flaw in my experience. The brilliant workaround is the app’s screen mirroring function, which not only solves the bug but also unlocks on-screen functions like moving or deleting files directly from the app.
On-Device Screen: The large, bright touchscreen is a highlight. It’s highly customizable, allowing for displays of VU meters (“arrows”) and detailed track information. However, its touch functionality means it’s a constant fingerprint magnet. I found it far more convenient to control the unit from a smartphone than to stand over it. A recent firmware update that allows for full-screen album art and larger VU meters was a fantastic aesthetic improvement.
Operating System and Interface
The EverSolo DMP-A8 utilizes the proprietary EOS (EverSolo Original Sampling-rate Audio Engine) operating system, which supports audio output at any sampling rate. This bypasses the SRC limitation of Android, ensuring perfectly accurate playback from third-party applications. The Full HD LCD touchscreen is complemented by a mobile control app for both Android and iOS, providing asynchronous access to music libraries, system applications, and streaming services.
Connectivity
The DMP-A8 offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options:
Digital Outputs: I2S, HDMI, USB, optical, and coaxial outputs.
Digital Inputs: Two coaxial, two optical, and USB-B for connecting a computer or smartphone.
Analog Inputs: Balanced XLR input and unbalanced RCA input.
Outputs: Unbalanced RCA outputs and balanced XLR outputs for direct connection to active speakers or a power amplifier.
Wireless: Bluetooth 5.0 for easy wireless connection to various sources.
High-Resolution Audio Support
The EverSolo DMP-A8 supports virtually all high-resolution file formats, including CD (FLAC, WAV, APE), DSD512 (.dsf, .dff, .iso, .dst), and stereo and multichannel streams. The third-generation XMOS XU316 USB interface ensures lossless signal transmission, supporting streams up to DSD512 Native and PCM 32-bit 768 kHz.
Performance
The sound quality of the Signature of EverSolo DMP-8 is exceptional, thanks to its advanced design and components. The powerful DSP processor provides extensive audio control, including DSP volume control, parametric EQ, FIR filters, HPF/LPF filtering, low-frequency boost, compressor, and delay control. This allows users to fine-tune their listening experience to their exact preferences.
As a DAC
As a DAC: The sound, featuring the latest AK4499EX chip, was good right out of the box without any “wow” effect. While pleasant, I found it lacked dynamics and “meat” on heavier rock tracks. Replacing the stock power cable with a custom Furutech offered a change, but it was not a global improvement.
As a Preamplifier
As a Preamplifier: This is where the A8 struggled most in my system. I attempted to add a subwoofer to my active speakers, connecting the speakers via XLR and the sub via RCA as confirmed by Eversolo support. Despite my efforts, I could not achieve proper integration; the speakers and subwoofer sounded disconnected, and the subwoofer’s volume was consistently lower. This inability to function effectively as a preamp for a 2.1 system was the deciding factor for me.
Streaming and Network Capabilities
Despite its flaws, the A8 excels in its core role. Setup was a breeze, as it connected to my network automatically. The ability to install an internal M.2 SSD is a massive convenience, eliminating the need for external drives. File transfers from a PC are simple and fast. Furthermore, the Android-based system allows for sideloading streaming apps like Yandex Music or Sber through RuStore, a significant advantage for users outside of pre-supported regions.
User Experience
The interface is user-friendly, with smooth and intuitive operation facilitated by the Full HD LCD touchscreen and mobile app. The package includes both infrared and Bluetooth remote controls, and the WoL (Wake on LAN) function allows the device to be turned on and off remotely from a network connection.
Storage Expansion
An accessible M.2 NVME SSD slot at the bottom of the device allows for quick and easy installation of an SSD (up to 4TB), providing ample storage for high-resolution music files.
Pros
Exceptional Sound Quality: High-resolution audio support and an advanced DSP processor deliver superior sound.
Versatile Connectivity: Wide range of digital and analog inputs and outputs.
User-Friendly Interface: Large Full HD touchscreen and intuitive mobile app.
Premium Build Quality: Durable, sleek, and modern aluminum chassis.
Extensive Streaming Support: Access to popular music streaming platforms and network protocols.
Expandable Storage: Easy installation of SSDs up to 4TB.
Cons
High Price: At $1980, But it is a significant investment.
Complex Setup for Beginners: Advanced features and numerous connectivity options might be difficult for new users
Limited Onboard Storage: Requires additional SSD purchase for substantial music library storage.
Conclusion
The Eversolo DMP-A8 is an awesome network player and DAC that delivers on its promise of high-quality sound reproduction, versatility, and user-friendly operation. Its extensive features, premium build quality, and intuitive interfacemake it a worthy centerpiece for any modern Hi-Fi system. While the price tag of $1980 may be on the higher end, the performance and capabilities of the EverSolo DMP-A8 justify the investment for serious audiophiles.
Final Verdict: A Flawed Gem
The Eversolo DMP-A8 is a device with a clear identity crisis.
As a primary Network Player/Streamer, it is excellent.
As a secondary DAC, It is good, but perhaps not giant-killing. My experience suggests it performs much better as a pure streamer connected to an external DAC.
As a tertiary Preamplifier: It is, in my opinion, “so-so” and was the ultimate weak link in my setup.
Faced with the preamp limitations and the persistent app bug, I realized the A8 was not the all-in-one solution for me. As the initial wave of hype subsided by April 2025, many units began appearing on the used market. I sold mine, accepting the financial loss. While the DMP-A8 has many advantages and will likely improve with future firmware, it is a product with notable drawbacks that buyers should be aware of.
EverSolo DMP-8 Specifications
Feature
Details
Model
EVERSOLO DMP-A8
Display
6″ LCD touchscreen
Internal Memory
4G DDR4 + 64G eMMC
DAC
AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
Audio Processor
XMOS 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 not included)
USB-A Port
USB 3.0 × 2
Ethernet
RJ-45 (10/100/1000 Mbps)
WiFi
WiFi 2.4G + 5G dual-band
Playback and DAC Decoding
Up to stereo DSD512, PCM 768KHz 32Bit
Music Services
Tidal, Qobuz, Highresaudio, Amazon Music, Deezer, Radio Paradise, WebDAV, UPnP
Streaming
Roon Ready, AirPlay, DLNA, Tidal Connect, etc.
Bluetooth Audio Input
Bluetooth BT5.0, supports SBC/AAC
USB-B Audio Input
Windows (10, 11), Android, iOS. Up to stereo DSD512, PCM 768KHz 32Bit
Optical/Coaxial Audio Input
Up to stereo PCM 192KHz 24Bit, Dop64
HDMI ARC
Up to stereo PCM 192KHz 24Bit
Analog Preamp Audio Input
XLR (Balanced) × 1 + RCA (Unbalanced), Maximum Gain +10dB
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