After spending several months with the Eversolo DMP-A6, I can absolutely see why it’s become one of the hottest hi-fi products of the year. In my view, the success lies not with its D/A conversion abilities (though that aspect certainly is formidable) but rather in the unique software experience, combined with the highly capable hardware platform and comparably reasonable price. While there are plenty of devices out there which accomplish (most of) the same tasks (on paper) I have yet to experience one that nails everything quite like Eversolo does. Slip-sliding review windows is the only way I can squeeze the Eversolo into my already late-running schedule — and I am doing so 1) because the DMP-A6 is easily the most requested product review of 2023 and 2) it will turn our existing duo of sub-€1000 streaming DAC review videos on the FiiO R7 (€699) and Bluesound NODE X (€799) into a nicely rounded trio.

It's not perfect though. The Eversolo is dependent on TuneIn Radio for internet radio and this has limitations, especially when it is called upon to access BBC content. AirPlay can be used to send the BBC Sounds App to the DMP-A6 but there’s no Cast for Android users (although there is aptX Bluetooth as a quasi-acceptable substitute). The absence of the simple but useful Bluetooth remote handsets that the Zidoo players come with is also a slight annoyance. It’s not that the Eversolo can’t be used without it but it reduces the convenience factor slightly. It has the control and agility to deliver... exactly the right level of intensity...the DMP-A6 would be comfortable fronting a very capable digital-only system if you need it too. The transport functionality is arguably even more impressive. The Eversolo DMP-A6 has just landed in Berlin so let’s dig into some specifics: it’s an audio streamer from Zidoo – hitherto makers of video streamers – that uses a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor, 4GB RAM and 32GB read-only memory to handle digital audio streams arriving via Bluetooth or over Ethernet or Wifi via Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, DLNA, Roon Ready, or via on-device apps (more on those in a moment). Sound(overall)​These impressions were done with the DAC-Z8 connected to the SMSL SP400 headphone amp via XLR. While I’m treating this a DAC first over DAC/amp combo, I will mention the amp section later on.This is what the DAC-Z8 sounds like with the current headphone/IEM inventory I have on hand. Things like headphone pairings or different headphone amps will produce different results and impressions versus what my ears hear on my specific gear. The DMP-A6 Master Edition is equipped with balanced analog circuitry from the DAC chip to the stereo XLR and RCA outputs. This limits noise and channel separation provides better signal quality. Compatible with most music streaming services

EVERSOLO DMP-A6 REVIEW

You can rip cd’s (just add comptable cd drive to usb OTG port or use another port with OTG cable), it finds the Album Covers.

I will say this right off the bat. I’ve heard a good amount of ES9038 DACs and I’ve come to the conclusion that designs with a really good implementation of a ES9038PRO or any ESS DAC will almost always have very little to no “Sabre Glare” that a lot of ESS DACs are known for in the audio community. That’s not to say that “Sabre Glare” is bad but that those who steer away from ESS DACs for that reason might want to give something like the DAC-Z8 a try. First up we have the streamer side of things. The DMP-A6 accepts wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi to connect to the internet and once connected many devices will see it on the network and you will be able to start streaming straight to it. Personally, I use Roon as I have a core that has a mix of CD rips and Qobuz streaming and Roon found the DMP-A6 very easily and the whole connecting process was very straightforward. Eversolo gives us XLR and RCA analog outputs which are selectable via software. This is handy for those with desktop systems where one output feeds a headphone amplifier, the other goes to active speakers, and the user can choose which one (or both) is live at any given time. On the digital input side, we get RCA, Toslink, USB, and Bluetooth with support for aptX HD and LDAC among others. It’s not quite the largest array of inputs you’ll find on a device of this size, but likely adequate for the needs of most users even if this was purely a “traditional” DAC. Firstly, Stellar job by Audio Emotion. Perfect service and I'll definitely be buying more from these guys again.Eversolo presents with its DMP-A6 a streamer as powerful as it is intuitive and stylish. It will allow you to stream your music with ease while enjoying excellent sound quality, all controlled via a high-quality LCD screen and an ergonomic interface or from a dedicated mobile application. The audio decoding of the DMP-A6 Master Edition is entrusted to two ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC chips, a high-performance model widely recognized by audiophiles. It also supports high-resolution audio streams up to PCM 32bit 768kHz and DSD512, as well as decoding of MQA files. LCD Touch Screen A simple volume dial with a subtle LED glow around it completes the front panel. We like how you can control the brightness of the screen and the LED dial ring in varying increments. It’s a nice little touch in a product full of thoughtful little extras. Another extra feature? You can choose various spectrum visualisers or VU meter displays to be shown on screen – or neither – to add a layer of interest and retro charm to your streamer.

Analogue pre amp/volume control. This product looks like it’s going to allow me to ditch my integrated amp and use this straight into a power amp. There are plenty of Dacs/ streamers that can do this already but there is alway the fear (perhaps not the most valid) that having a purely digital volume control directly into a power amp could cause a problem one day (there have been examples reported). Not saying this product is the first to solve this but as someone who was interested In the A6, this is a welcome “upgrade” to this unit making me more interested. The Eversolo runs on Android, and the firmware receives frequent updates. Running on Android allows you to sideload apps (apk files) onto the device, the front screen might not be huge but it is functional and easy to navigate around apps. Firmware Updating​Speaking of firmware! The process to update is fairly easy, the only real issue I personally ran into was a USB drive to update the Z8 with. You have to use an exFAT formatted device which I had none on hand due to all my portable storage being too big to allow exFAT(outside of portable SSDs and I wasn’t formatting those). I happened to find an old 8gb SD card on a determined hunt for an old storage device so, I used that and an SDcard reader to update and it worked just fine. The DMP-A6 Master Edition DAC settings offer 7 filters applicable to your music listening preferences. In addition, custom VU meters are available for on-screen display itself built into a sturdy, modern-looking aluminum chassis. Smart control app I side-loaded smart tube and now can get add free music videos on screen, can cast to phone and amazingly mirror to tv.The audio decoding of the DMP-A6 is entrusted to two ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC chips, a high-performance model widely recognized by audiophiles. It also supports high-resolution audio streams up to PCM 32bit 768kHz and DSD512, as well as decoding of MQA files. LCD Touch Screen The high-definition 6" LCD touch screen perfectly integrated into the aluminum chassis of the DMP-A6 Master Edition allows practical and ergonomic use. The user experience is intended to be as intuitive as possible. Thus, it is possible to access all player options and information through this beautiful interface.

The DMP-A6 Master Edition can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet using the free Eversolo Controller mobile app. This will allow you to simply access your music while enjoying a remote interface for easy use from your sofa. Specifications Model

FAQs

The Eversolo DMP-A6 is a network audio streamer. We’ll cover the spec at length (and I’ll tell you now, it does a fair bit) but the most important thing to convey about the DMP-A6 is not what it is but what it isn’t. Eversolo is not a completely new company. It is a wing of Zidoo which has supplied a wide ranging set of components to us over the years. All of those devices; even the very audio orientated Neo S and Neo Alpha players, have video functionality built into their hardware. This is slightly niche but potentially very handy; if you want one box to handle everything, those two devices are extremely capable. The Eversolo DMP-A8 streamer also features a dual power supply, with a toroidal transformer for the audio circuits and a switching power supply for system elements such as the screen and the processor. This reduces interference and optimizes transparency. The preamplification stage has also been revamped and now has an entirely balanced architecture. Volume is controlled passively via a system of ultra low noise resistors and relays. The goal: to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio and preserve the finest details. Thanks to its dual electric power supply and balanced preamp with passive volume control, the Eversolo DMP-A8 network player ensures a transparent, natural and highly detailed sound. Eversolo DMP-A8: a wide range of connectors The DMP-A6's DAC settings offer 7 filters applicable to your music listening preferences. In addition, custom VU meters are available for on-screen display itself built into a sturdy, modern-looking aluminum chassis. Smart control app No matter how we play songs and from whatever source, the Eversolo takes it all in its stride. It’s a very taut, punchy sound. The streamer delivers music with solid, clear notes and good space around instruments – it’s an upfront presentation that sounds as efficient as it is to use. We find this approach isn’t aggressive or hard in any way at either side of the frequency range – it just wants to be noticed.