Audio T Verdict
The Eversolo T8 is a dedicated streaming transport for listeners who want Eversolo's excellent music-management platform without paying for a built-in DAC or analogue pre-amplifier they do not need.
Its purpose is straightforward: to retrieve, organise and transmit digital music to a suitable external DAC as cleanly and accurately as possible. A low-noise linear power supply, femtosecond-grade clock system and electrically isolated digital outputs place greater emphasis on signal integrity than a conventional multi-purpose streamer.
USB Audio and IIS support compatible native DSD512 and PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, while AES/EBU, coaxial and optical outputs provide excellent compatibility with existing digital systems. Roon Ready certification, extensive streaming-service integration, evotune Pro room correction and dual internal SSD slots make it equally capable with online music and large local libraries.
The T8 does not contain a DAC, analogue outputs or amplification. However, for a system already built around a capable standalone DAC, it offers a comprehensive, flexible and sensibly proportioned digital front end.
Eversolo T8 Reference Streaming Transport
The Eversolo T8 is a professional-grade network music transport designed to operate at the centre of a high-performance digital Hi-Fi system.
It combines music streaming, local file playback, network-library management, internal SSD storage, room correction and extensive digital connectivity within a compact aluminium chassis.
Rather than converting the digital signal into analogue audio itself, the T8 passes it to a compatible external digital-to-analogue converter. This allows the streaming transport and DAC to be selected and upgraded independently.
An External DAC Is Required
The Eversolo T8 does not contain an internal digital-to-analogue converter and has no RCA or balanced XLR analogue audio outputs.
It must be connected to a suitable standalone DAC, digital amplifier, digital pre-amplifier or compatible active loudspeaker system.
- No internal DAC
- No RCA or XLR analogue outputs
- No analogue line inputs
- No speaker-level amplification
- No headphone connection
- No built-in phono stage
- No built-in CD mechanism
A Dedicated Digital Source
Conventional network players often combine streaming, digital conversion, analogue volume control and pre-amplifier functions within the same enclosure.
The T8 takes a more focused approach. Its internal hardware is dedicated to processing music, managing libraries and transmitting the digital signal before conversion takes place elsewhere in the system.
This makes it particularly suitable for owners of standalone DACs from manufacturers such as Chord Electronics, Cyrus, Naim, Audiolab, Musical Fidelity and other specialist digital-audio brands.
It can also partner amplifiers and active loudspeakers that include their own compatible digital inputs, although the system must provide a suitable means of controlling volume.
Low-Noise Linear Power Supply
The T8 uses a custom low-noise linear power supply built around an oxygen-free copper toroidal transformer.
Eversolo quotes power-supply noise as low as 30 microvolts, helping provide clean and stable power for the processing, storage, networking and digital-output stages.
Keeping power-supply interference under control is especially important in a streaming transport, where high-speed processors, display circuits and network hardware operate alongside precision digital-audio circuitry.
Femtosecond-Grade Clock System
Digital audio relies on accurate timing. Unwanted variations in this timing, commonly referred to as jitter, can affect the signal presented to the connected DAC.
The T8 uses a high-precision femtosecond-grade clock system intended to provide consistent timing across its digital outputs.
This helps the connected DAC receive a stable digital signal, allowing a suitably revealing system to preserve detail, stereo imaging and musical timing.
External Master Clock Input
The T8 does not provide the external 10MHz or 25MHz master-clock input found on the higher-level Eversolo T10.
Customers who require external clock synchronisation should consider whether the T10 is more appropriate for their system.
Fully Isolated Digital Outputs
Electrical isolation is used across the T8's digital-output interfaces to reduce interference, noise and unwanted interaction between the transport and connected equipment.
The available connections include USB Audio, IIS, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical, providing compatibility with a wide range of modern and established DACs.
Isolated USB Audio Output
The isolated USB Audio output supports compatible native stereo DSD512 and PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz.
USB is likely to be the preferred connection for many current DACs because it supports the highest published resolution available from the T8.
The connected DAC must comply with the relevant USB Audio Class standard.
Isolated IIS Digital Output
The IIS output supports compatible native DSD512 and PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz.
Eight selectable IIS pin configurations help the T8 work with DACs from different manufacturers, as there is no single universally adopted pin arrangement for IIS over an HDMI-style connection.
The IIS Connection Is Not Conventional HDMI
The IIS output uses an HDMI-style socket, but it is not an HDMI ARC television connection and does not carry conventional HDMI audio or video.
Only connect it to a compatible DAC with an IIS input and matching pin configuration.
AES/EBU Digital Output
The fully balanced AES/EBU output supports compatible stereo PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64 through DoP.
Its balanced XLR connection provides strong resistance to interference and is well suited to compatible DACs positioned farther away from the transport.
Coaxial Digital Output
The RCA coaxial output supports compatible stereo PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64 through DoP.
This provides straightforward compatibility with many standalone DACs, digital amplifiers and active loudspeaker systems.
Optical Digital Output
The optical output supports compatible stereo PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64 through DoP.
Optical transmission provides complete electrical separation between the two connected components. The maximum reliable resolution can depend on the DAC and optical cable being used.
Eversolo EVC Digital Volume Control
The T8 normally operates in a fixed-level passthrough mode, allowing the connected DAC or pre-amplifier to control listening volume.
When digital volume adjustment is required, Eversolo's EVC volume engine can be engaged. Its processing algorithm is designed to reduce errors across different volume levels while preserving the shape of the digital waveform.
The T8 Is Not an Analogue Pre-Amplifier
EVC provides digital volume adjustment, but the T8 still has no analogue outputs.
Take particular care when connecting a DAC directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers. Confirm how volume will be controlled before playback begins.
6-Inch Colour Touchscreen
The front panel includes a 6-inch colour LCD touchscreen, complemented by virtual controls for direct operation.
The display provides access to music libraries, streaming services, playlists, system settings and playback controls without requiring a phone or tablet.
Album artwork, track information, file format and playback resolution can also be displayed while music is playing.
VU Meters and Playback Displays
Customisable playback screens include album artwork, track information, VU meters and other visualisations.
Current firmware provides additional VU meter styles and display customisation, allowing the front panel to be adjusted to suit the system and listening environment.
Eversolo Control App
The Eversolo Control app provides access to music selection, playback queues, favourites, streaming services, output settings, room correction and library management from a compatible phone or tablet.
Applications are available for compatible Android, iPhone and iPad devices. Television control is also supported on suitable Android-based systems.
Web Control
With current compatible firmware, the T8 can be controlled from a supported web browser on a computer or tablet connected to the same network.
Web Control provides another convenient way to browse music, manage playback and access the Eversolo interface without installing a separate desktop application.
Supplied Remote Control
A handheld remote control is included for everyday playback and navigation.
The T8 can also completely switch off its internal Wi-Fi module. When Wi-Fi is disabled, compatible remote-control commands can continue using infrared operation.
Quad-Core Processing and 4GB Memory
A high-performance quad-core ARM processor is partnered with 4GB of DDR4 memory and 64GB of internal eMMC storage.
This platform handles music-library scanning, metadata, artwork, network services, streaming applications and digital signal processing.
The 64GB internal storage is primarily used for the operating system, applications, cached information and system resources. It is separate from the optional SSD music-storage capacity.
Integrated Music Streaming Services
The Eversolo platform brings together a wide selection of subscription and internet-radio services within one interface.
Compatible services include:
- TIDAL
- Qobuz
- HIGHRESAUDIO
- Amazon Music
- Apple Music
- Deezer
- TuneIn
- Radio Paradise
- Airable Radio
- Internet radio
Service availability, features and maximum playback quality can vary according to region, subscription, account, service provider and installed firmware.
Spotify, TIDAL and Qobuz Connect
Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect allow music to be selected through each service's own application while the T8 receives and plays the stream directly over the network.
Spotify Connect lossless playback is available where supported by the service, account and current Eversolo firmware.
Roon Ready
Roon Ready certification allows the T8 to operate as a recognised network endpoint within a compatible Roon system.
Roon combines supported streaming services and locally stored music within a unified library, adding detailed metadata, recommendations, multiroom playback and advanced digital signal processing.
A separate Roon Server, appropriate subscription and suitable network are required.
Local Music-Library Management
The T8 can index and organise music stored on internal SSDs, USB drives, compatible network shares and supported cloud sources.
Albums can be organised using metadata including artist, album, composer, genre and file format. Global search, playlists, favourites and playback queues make it easier to navigate large collections.
Current firmware includes a redesigned music library with improvements to searching, scanning, metadata handling and large-library performance.
Dual Internal SSD Slots
Two internal M.2 NVMe SSD slots allow compatible solid-state drives to be installed for local music storage.
Each slot supports a compatible drive of up to 8TB, providing a maximum total internal music-storage capacity of 16TB.
This gives the T8 enough capacity for an extremely large collection of lossless and high-resolution music without requiring a separate NAS drive.
Internal SSDs Are Not Included
Compatible M.2 NVMe SSDs must be purchased separately.
Check the required physical size, interface, capacity, formatting and current Eversolo compatibility guidance before installation.
USB Storage
Two USB 3.0 host connections support compatible external hard drives, solid-state drives, memory sticks and accessories.
Music on a USB drive can be played directly or indexed into the Eversolo music library alongside files stored internally or elsewhere on the network.
External USB CD Playback and Ripping
A compatible external USB CD drive can be connected for disc playback and music ripping.
Music can be copied to an installed SSD or another suitable storage device, allowing an existing CD collection to be incorporated into the digital library.
No CD Mechanism Is Built In
A compatible external USB optical drive is required for CD playback or ripping.
Drive compatibility, metadata retrieval and available ripping options can vary.
NAS and Network Storage
The T8 can access music stored on compatible network-attached storage drives, computers and music servers.
Support for network and sharing protocols including WebDAV, UPnP and compatible NAS connections allows music stored around the home network to be integrated into the Eversolo library.
Network sharing, usernames, passwords and folder permissions must be configured correctly before the T8 can scan the files.
Gigabit Ethernet
The RJ45 network connection supports 10, 100 and 1000Mbps Ethernet.
A wired connection will normally provide the greatest stability when streaming high-resolution music, scanning large libraries or transferring files to internal SSD storage.
SFP Fibre Network Connection
The T8 includes an SFP network interface for use with a compatible fibre module and suitable network equipment.
A fibre connection provides electrical isolation between the T8 and the rest of the network, preventing electrical noise from travelling into the transport through a conventional copper Ethernet cable.
SFP Equipment Is Not Included
A compatible SFP module, matching module for the network device and appropriate fibre cable must be purchased separately.
The T8 supports compatible single-mode single-fibre, single-mode dual-fibre and SFP copper-network modules. SFP+ modules are not supported.
Both modules must be compatible with each other and with the network equipment being used.
Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6
Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 provides compatible 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless network connectivity.
Wireless operation is useful where a wired connection is impractical, although Ethernet or a correctly configured SFP fibre connection will normally be preferable for the greatest reliability.
The Wi-Fi module can be completely powered down when a wired network connection is being used.
evotune Pro Room Correction
The T8 includes Eversolo's evotune Pro room-correction platform with current compatible firmware.
Measurements of the listening environment can be used to generate correction filters that help reduce prominent room-related frequency-response problems, particularly through the bass region.
Because the T8 is a digital transport, the correction is applied before the signal is passed to the external DAC.
Room Correction Works Best After Proper Setup
Digital processing cannot fully compensate for unsuitable loudspeakers, poor positioning or severe acoustic problems.
Finalise the speaker and listening positions before carrying out measurements, then compare corrected and uncorrected playback.
Equalisation and Digital Processing
Equalisation and digital signal-processing tools allow the system's tonal balance to be adjusted to suit the room, equipment or personal preference.
Processing can be bypassed when fixed-level, unadjusted digital output is preferred.
Trigger Control
A trigger output allows compatible DACs, amplifiers or other equipment to switch on and off with the T8.
A trigger cable is supplied. Check the operating voltage and trigger requirements of the connected equipment before use.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Systems using a high-quality external DAC
- USB Audio and IIS-compatible DACs
- DACs with AES/EBU, coaxial or optical inputs
- Roon Ready systems
- TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify and Apple Music users
- Large internal SSD music libraries
- NAS and network-server playback
- Systems requiring room correction or EQ
- Fibre-network installations
- Customers who want to upgrade their DAC separately
Check Before Buying
- A separate DAC is required
- No analogue audio outputs
- No analogue audio inputs
- No amplifier for passive loudspeakers
- No headphone connection
- No built-in CD mechanism
- Internal SSDs are not included
- SFP fibre equipment is not included
- SFP+ is not supported
- IIS compatibility varies between DACs
- No external master-clock input
- Maximum resolution varies by output
Eversolo T8 or T10?
Choose the T8 When
- You want a compact dedicated streaming transport
- A 6-inch touchscreen suits your system
- Gigabit Ethernet provides sufficient network speed
- You do not require an external master clock
- You want dual SSD storage up to 16TB
- You require USB, IIS, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical outputs
- You want strong performance without moving to the larger T10
Choose the T10 When
- You require Eversolo's higher-level transport architecture
- You want a larger 8.6-inch touchscreen
- You require 2.5Gb Ethernet
- You need an external 10MHz or 25MHz clock input
- You want OCXO clocking with PLL optimisation
- You require system-wide PCM upsampling
- You want additional processing power and memory
T8 or a Streamer with a Built-In DAC?
Choose the Eversolo T8 When
- You already own a suitable external DAC
- You want a dedicated transport rather than a one-box source
- Digital-output isolation is a priority
- You want to upgrade the transport and DAC independently
- You need dual internal SSD slots
- You require an SFP fibre network connection
Choose an Eversolo DMP Streamer When
- You require a built-in DAC
- You need RCA or balanced XLR analogue outputs
- You want analogue pre-amplifier functionality
- You want a simpler one-box digital source
- You need to connect directly to a conventional amplifier
- You require analogue or additional digital inputs
For an Eversolo streamer with its own DAC and analogue outputs, consider the Eversolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 or the upgraded Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition Gen 2.
Connection Guidance
- Use USB Audio or IIS for compatible PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD512.
- Confirm the IIS pin configuration before connecting a compatible DAC.
- Do not connect the IIS output to a television HDMI socket.
- Use AES/EBU with a compatible balanced digital input.
- Use a correctly specified 75-ohm digital cable for the coaxial output.
- Confirm the maximum supported optical resolution of the connected DAC.
- Use fixed-level passthrough when volume is controlled by the DAC or amplifier.
- Check volume settings carefully before using EVC digital volume control.
- Use wired Ethernet where maximum network stability is required.
- Confirm SFP module and fibre compatibility before purchase.
- Install compatible SSDs before creating a large internal library.
- Complete room correction after finalising loudspeaker placement.
Finish
Black Aluminium
The T8 uses a CNC-machined black aluminium chassis with a dark glass touchscreen and clean, understated styling.
At 315mm wide, it is more compact than a conventional full-width Hi-Fi component and considerably smaller than the Eversolo T10.
Eversolo Products and Audio T Streaming Guides
These Audio T links provide useful comparisons, system advice and background information about music streaming and external digital conversion.
Key Features
- Professional-grade digital streaming transport
- Designed for use with an external DAC
- CNC-machined aluminium chassis
- Low-noise linear power supply
- Oxygen-free copper toroidal transformer
- Power-supply noise as low as 30 microvolts
- Femtosecond-grade clock system
- Electrically isolated digital outputs
- Isolated USB Audio output
- IIS output with eight selectable modes
- Balanced AES/EBU digital output
- RCA coaxial digital output
- Optical digital output
- Native DSD512 through USB and IIS
- PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz through USB and IIS
- PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz through AES/EBU, coaxial and optical
- DSD64 through DoP on compatible outputs
- Eversolo EVC digital volume engine
- Fixed-level passthrough operation
- 6-inch colour LCD touchscreen
- Customisable playback displays
- VU meter visualisations
- Quad-core ARM processor
- 4GB DDR4 system memory
- 64GB eMMC system storage
- Eversolo Control app
- Compatible web-browser control
- Supplied remote control
- Roon Ready
- Spotify Connect
- Spotify Connect lossless where available
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- DLNA playback
- Integrated Apple Music support
- TIDAL, Qobuz and Amazon Music integration
- Internet-radio services
- Dual internal M.2 NVMe SSD slots
- Up to 16TB total internal storage
- Two USB 3.0 host connections
- Compatible USB CD playback and ripping
- NAS and network-library playback
- Gigabit Ethernet
- SFP fibre network interface
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6
- Switchable Wi-Fi module
- evotune Pro room correction
- Equalisation and digital processing
- Trigger output
- Black finish
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eversolo T8?
It is a dedicated network music streaming transport designed to send digital audio to a separate DAC.
Does the T8 have a built-in DAC?
No. A suitable external DAC or component with a compatible digital input is required.
Does it have analogue outputs?
No. The T8 provides digital audio outputs only.
Can it connect directly to an integrated amplifier?
Only when the amplifier includes a compatible digital input and internal DAC. A conventional analogue-only amplifier will require a separate DAC.
Can it connect directly to a power amplifier?
Not by itself. A suitable DAC with volume control or a separate pre-amplifier is required.
Can it drive passive loudspeakers?
No. A suitable amplifier is required.
Can it connect to active loudspeakers?
Yes, when the loudspeakers have a compatible digital input and suitable volume control. Otherwise, a separate DAC or pre-amplifier is required.
Does it have a headphone output?
No. A separate DAC and headphone amplifier are required.
Which outputs support the highest resolution?
Compatible USB Audio and IIS connections support native DSD512 and PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz.
What do the AES/EBU, coaxial and optical outputs support?
They support compatible stereo PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64 through DoP.
Is the IIS connection normal HDMI?
No. It uses an HDMI-style connector but carries IIS digital audio. It must only be connected to a compatible IIS DAC.
Does the T8 support digital volume control?
Yes. Eversolo's EVC engine can provide digital volume adjustment, although fixed-level passthrough is normally used when the DAC or amplifier controls volume.
Does it support an external master clock?
No. Customers requiring an external 10MHz or 25MHz clock input should consider the Eversolo T10.
Is the T8 Roon Ready?
Yes. A separate Roon Server and suitable subscription are required.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
Yes. Lossless Spotify Connect playback is available where supported by the service, account and current firmware.
Does it support TIDAL Connect?
Yes.
Does it support Qobuz Connect?
Yes.
Can it play Apple Music?
Yes. Apple Music is supported through the Eversolo platform, subject to regional and account requirements.
Can it play music from a NAS drive?
Yes. Compatible network storage and music servers can be incorporated into the Eversolo music library.
Can internal storage be installed?
Yes. The T8 has two internal M.2 NVMe SSD slots.
What is the maximum internal storage capacity?
Each slot supports a compatible SSD of up to 8TB, providing up to 16TB of total internal capacity.
Are the SSDs included?
No. They must be purchased separately.
Can it play music from a USB drive?
Yes. Compatible USB storage can be played directly or indexed into the music library.
Does it contain a CD drive?
No. A compatible external USB optical drive is required.
Can it rip CDs?
Yes, when a compatible external USB CD drive and suitable storage are connected.
Does it support room correction?
Yes. Current compatible firmware includes evotune Pro room correction.
Can it be controlled from a browser?
Yes. Current compatible firmware supports Web Control through a browser on the same network.
Is a remote control included?
Yes.
Does it have Ethernet?
Yes. The RJ45 connection supports network speeds up to 1000Mbps.
Does it support fibre networking?
Yes. A compatible SFP module, matching network equipment and suitable fibre cable are required.
Does it support SFP+ modules?
No. Compatible standard SFP equipment is required.
Is the SFP module included?
No. It must be purchased separately.
Does it support Wi-Fi?
Yes. Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 is supported.
Can Wi-Fi be switched off?
Yes. The Wi-Fi module can be fully powered down when a wired network connection is used.
Should I choose the T8 or DMP-A6 Gen 2?
Choose the T8 when you already own, or want to select, a separate external DAC. Choose the DMP-A6 Gen 2 when you require an integrated DAC, analogue outputs and pre-amplifier functionality.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable external DACs and amplifiers
- Advice on whether a dedicated transport suits your system
- USB, IIS, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical connection guidance
- IIS pin-configuration and DAC-compatibility advice
- DAC and digital-cable matching
- Internal SSD selection and installation guidance
- NAS and local music-library setup
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi and SFP fibre network advice
- Streaming-service and Connect setup
- Roon Ready configuration guidance
- Room-correction and EQ assistance
- CD playback and ripping guidance
- Direct comparison with streamers containing built-in DACs
- Home demonstrations may be available
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding the Eversolo T8 to your digital Hi-Fi system.