Eversolo DMP-A8 Review — the real-world, no-nonsense take

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard the noise: Eversolo’s DMP-A6 reset expectations for sub-$1k streamer/DACs. The follow-up Eversolo DMP-A8 isn’t just “more of the same.” It’s a bigger, heavier, pricier box that promises a proper analog preamp, AKM’s latest conversion, serious power supplies, and the one output many of us have been begging for: I²S over HDMI.

I’ve lived with the A8 long enough to form clear opinions, and I’ve sifted through piles of pro reviews and owner feedback (good and bad). This review consolidates everything in one place. No fluff, no clickbait. Everything you’re wondering about—sound, features, quirks, app behavior, A6 vs A8, subwoofer integration, external DACs, Roon, Apple/Tidal/Qobuz, and whether it’s “the last box” you’ll need—gets answered below.

What it is in one sentence

A streamer + DAC + fully balanced analog preamp + local music server with hardware DSP, dual power supplies, AKM 4499EX conversion, I²S over HDMI, HDMI eARC input, and a slick Android-based UI—all wrapped in a CNC’d aluminum chassis and priced around $1,980 / €1,980.

Build, design & everyday usability

Chassis & screen: Full aluminum case, tidy internals, 6″ touchscreen (IPS, not OLED). It looks premium on a rack and feels solid at ~5kg. The screen is bright and handsome, but not as contrast-rich as HiFi Rose’s giant displays, and you will wipe fingerprints if you touch a lot.

The knob: The stepped R-2R volume is proper audiophile stuff (precise channel balance, minimal distortion). But several users (me included) think the plastic volume knob feels out of place at this level and rotates a bit too freely. You’ll also hear relay clicks when changing volume—normal for this design, but at very low listening levels, some find the clicking annoying.

Remote/app: Remote is included (plastic, functional). The Eversolo app is the real star—fast, polished, and reliable for most people. One owner reported a library view crash after switching folders on the internal SSD; the screen-mirroring mode in the app worked around it perfectly. Translation coverage isn’t perfect in every language (e.g., Russian UI strings missing in places).

Network & storage: Gigabit Ethernet, strong Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (fold-away antennae), and an NVMe M.2 slot (up to 4TB) under the unit—so you can keep a serious library inside the box. Add external USB storage if you need more. CD playback/ripping works via a USB optical drive.

Turn it on and: Setup is fast. Just remember to enable the outputs you want on the I/O page (A8 lets you pick which output path is live).

Secondary search terms covered naturally: “Eversolo DMP-A8 touchscreen”, “Eversolo A8 app issues”, “Eversolo A8 remote”, “NVMe M.2 4TB music server”.

Connections that actually matter

Digital inputs: USB-B, 2× optical, 2× coax, HDMI eARC (TV into your hi-fi), Ethernet/Wi-Fi streaming.
Digital outputs: Optical, coax, and I²S over HDMI (software-configurable).
Analog: Balanced XLR and RCA outputs and balanced XLR/RCA inputs (this is key—the A8 is a real preamp).

Two changes versus the A6 worth calling out:

1. USB input is now USB-B (thanks).
2. HDMI output changed: The A6’s multichannel PCM/DSD over HDMI is gone; A8 replaces it with I²S over HDMI to feed high-end DACs. If you’re a multichannel SACD person, be aware. If you’re chasing the best two-channel quality into a separate DAC, this is the move we wanted.

Secondary search terms: “Eversolo A8 HDMI eARC TV”, “Eversolo I2S over HDMI pinout”, “A6 vs A8 HDMI output”.

Under the hood (and why it sounds the way it does)

• Dual power supplies: A linear toroidal transformer powers the analog side; a separate low-noise SMPS handles system/digital. That isolation matters for noise and dynamics.
• AKM Velvet Sound: Split-chip architecture—AK4191EQ (filter/modulator) + AK4499EX (conversion). Translation: smooth, organic tone without giving up detail.
• Clocking: Dual femtosecond clocks (Accusilicon) to keep jitter low.
• Receiver: XMOS XU-316 USB for hi-res PCM/DSD and rock-solid compatibility.
• Analog gain stage & volume: Fully balanced line amp, R-2R stepped volume, and quality parts (WIMA/Nichicon caps, Omron relays, TI op-amps). This is what makes the preamplifier legit—not just “volume in the DAC chip.”
• Bluetooth: QCC5125 with aptX HD, AAC, etc. For convenience listening, it’s great (not lossless).
• DSP done right: A dedicated 32-bit DSP handles parametric EQ, graphic EQ, FIR filters, high/low-pass filters, per-speaker delay, and more. Crucially, on the A8, this applies to external digital inputs too (not just files streamed internally like on the A6).

Secondary terms: “AKM 4499EX review”, “R2R volume preamp”, “dual femto clocks”, “hardware DSP PEQ FIR crossover”.

Streaming & services

Native apps for Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, SoundCloud; Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay, DLNA/UPnP. It’s a Roon endpoint; some units launched before full Roon Ready certification was public—status depends on firmware/region, but operation as an endpoint is straightforward either way.

Secondary terms: “Eversolo A8 Roon Ready”, “Apple Music on Eversolo”, “best streamer DAC under $2000”.

Sound: what you actually hear

Headphone chain

Into revealing headphone amps (Niimbus, Cayin, Enleum) and serious cans (Meze Elite, HIFIMAN Susvara, ZMF, Audeze, RAAL), the A8 lands on the right side of “neutral with tone.” It’s clean and resolving, but avoids the thin/icy vibe you can get from some clinical gear. Versus the A6, bass has more weight and punch, midrange is fleshier, treble is sweeter and less glassy. Fast electronic music keeps its snap, and acoustic/jazz gains color and body.

Stereo chain

As a 3-in-1 (streamer/DAC/pre) into a quality power amp and real speakers, the A8 projects stable imaging, coherent layering, and that elusive effortlessness on long sessions. It doesn’t bulldoze like end-game separates, but it never collapses when the mix gets dense. If you love “big stage, clean edges, and human vocals,” you’ll smile.

Character in one line

A8: confident low end, natural mids, crisp but civilized top, excellent separation; musical without syrup.

Secondary terms: “Eversolo DMP-A8 sound quality”, “A8 vs A6 sound”, “Gustard A26 vs Eversolo A8”.

A8 vs A6: The straight answer

• If you loved the A6 UI but wanted richer tone, better drive, and a real preamp, the A8 is exactly that.
• A6 sounds leaner, brighter, and flatter when A/B’d. On its own, it’s still good—especially in mellow systems—but side-by-side, the A8 is fuller, punchier, more dimensional.
• Features: A8 adds balanced analog inputs, hardware DSP on all digital sources, I²S out, dual PSUs, and a bundled remote. It drops multichannel HDMI from the A6.

If you’re feeding active speakers or a power amp, and you want one box to rule them all, the A8 is the right model. If you just need a great budget streamer/DAC for a warmer system and you don’t care about analog inputs or I²S, the Eversolo DMP A6 still makes sense.

As a transport into external DACs (I²S, USB, S/PDIF)

This is a big deal: the A8 can route any digital input (and its internal streamer) out via I²S over HDMI, acting as a femto-clocked DDC. Into DACs that play best over I²S, this can be a cheap upgrade path. Caveat: I²S pinouts aren’t standardized. Eversolo gives you two software pin maps; many DACs will lock right up, a few won’t. When it clicks, it’s worth it.

Pro tip: You can even keep DSP active while sending digital out—useful for light tone-shaping or sub integration while feeding an external DAC.

Secondary terms: “best I2S streamer”, “Eversolo A8 as DDC”, “I2S HDMI pinout compatibility”.

Preamplifier & subwoofer notes (read this if you run actives)

• The fully balanced line stage with R-2R volume is far better than the A6’s digital attenuation. As a hub for power amps or active speakers, it’s genuinely capable.
• Subwoofer integration: There’s no dedicated sub out. Some owners run XLR to speakers + RCA to sub; others found level matching tricky (sub level lower, speakers/sub not “talking” the same). If your sub has high-level inputs or built-in DSP/auto-EQ, you’ll have an easier time. The A8’s DSP (high/low-pass, PEQ) can help, but its routing flexibility isn’t the same as a home-theater pre-pro. If deep, surgical bass management is your priority, plan on either a sub with DSP, an external crossover/miniDSP, or a stereo preamp with dedicated bass management.
• Net: As a preamp, the A8 is clean, dynamic, and quiet. For simple 2.0 or 2.1, it’s great; for complex multi-sub bass control, you’ll want extra tools.

UI & app reality

Most folks (me included) think Eversolo’s Android-based OS and control app are top of class: fast, intuitive, and stable. File browsing, streaming services, and screen mirroring are slick. That said:

• Language coverage isn’t perfect for all locales yet.
• One user consistently hit a library crash after navigating SSD folders mid-session (mirroring mode avoided it). I’d expect firmware to squash this kind of thing over time.
• The screen is smaller than HiFi Rose; from across a room, Roon on a tablet will be your friend.

Where it beats pricier boxes (and where it doesn’t)

• Against $$$ DACs (Cayin CS-100DAC, Musician, Wyred4Sound, etc.), the A8 often kept pace or even won on speed, grip, and low-end authority—especially with electronic and modern rock. Those tube-output DACs can throw bigger, thicker stages, sure. Pick your flavor.
• As a streamer, adding fancy outboard transports (Matrix Element S, Euphony) didn’t produce consistent wins. The internal streaming is that good.
• If you live for huge screens and couch-legible artwork/metadata, HiFi Rose still owns that niche.

Reliability & firmware

• Roon endpoint works; Roon Ready timing has varied by region/firmware. This is one of those “it was pending, then rolled out” stories. If it matters to you, check your unit’s current firmware notes.
• App stability is strong overall, with isolated reports of desync/crash—the screen-mirror mode is a robust fallback and, honestly, my favorite way to drive the A8 anyway.

Who should buy it (and who shouldn’t)

Buy the Eversolo DMP-A8 if you:

• Want a single box that can be a reference-grade streamer/DAC and a real analog preamp.
• Care about tone + detail (not sterile, not syrupy).
• Plan to use I²S in an external DAC now or later.
• Want hardware DSP (PEQ, FIR, high/low-pass) that works on any digital source, not just internal streaming.
• Run power amps or active speakers and value a clean, quiet, balanced preamp stage.

Skip or think twice if you:

• Need multichannel HDMI from your streamer—that’s the A6, not the A8.
• Demand a massive front-panel display viewable from across the room—consider HiFi Rose.
• Want turnkey bass management with multiple subs—budget for a DSP crossover or a sub with onboard EQ.
• Are allergic to relay clicks at low volume or fingerprints on touchscreens.

Practical setup tips

• Output selection: Set outputs explicitly in the I/O page (only one path active at a time).
• I²S: Try both pinout options with your DAC. If it locks and plays, you’re good.
• DSP: Start with 1–2dB of gentle PEQ to sort a room mode or spice dull recordings; use high/low-pass to experiment with 2.1. Save presets.
• Sub integration: If level matching via RCA is awkward, try the sub’s high-level input, or insert a miniDSP for bass duties.
• App: Prefer the Eversolo app (or Roon) over tapping the front screen; use mirror mode when the app and unit seem out of sync.

The bottom line

The Eversolo DMP-A8 is the rare “do-it-all” box that actually does it all well. It sounds bigger, richer, and more composed than the A6, adds a legit preamp, and brings I²S, dual PSUs, and hardware DSP that reaches beyond internal streaming. It’s not perfect—the knob and remote feel budget, multichannel HDMI is gone, some edge-case app quirks remain—but sonically and functionally, it punches above its price and holds its own against gear costing a lot more.

If your goal is a clean, modern, minimalist setup that still feels high-end, the A8 belongs at the top of your shortlist. Add a power amp or active speakers, and you’re done. If you’re the type who eventually chases an external DAC, the A8’s I²S transport/DDC role keeps it relevant for the long haul.

Verdict: A category leader under $2k for anyone who wants a serious streamer/DAC with a real preamp and upgrade paths baked in.

Pros & Cons (quick scan)

Pros

• Natural, refined sound with real punch; fuller and more dimensional than A6
• True preamp: fully balanced line stage + R-2R stepped volume
• I²S over HDMI output; doubles as a high-quality DDC
• Dual power supplies (linear for analog, SMPS for digital)
• Hardware DSP (PEQ, FIR, XO, delay) on all digital sources
• HDMI eARC input for simple TV integration
• NVMe M.2 internal storage (up to 4TB) + CD rip/play support
• Excellent app/UI, fast and intuitive; screen-mirroring is gold
• Great value considering the sound + feature stack

Cons

• Plastic volume knob and plastic remote at a near-$2k price
• Relay clicks when changing volume (normal, but audible at low levels)
• No multichannel HDMI out (the A6 has it; the A8 trades it for I²S)
• The touchscreen is smaller/less contrasty than HiFi Rose; it attracts fingerprints
• I²S compatibility isn’t universal (limited pinout options)
• Sub integration can require extra tools (no dedicated sub out)
• Language coverage is incomplete for some locales; occasional app quirks

If I had to sum it up in one line: the A8 is the A6 grown up—better sounding, better outfitted, and built to anchor a serious system without the usual box-count and cable mess.

Official Website: Eversolo

Eversolo DMP-A8 Specifications