Eversolo DMP-A8 Master Gen 2 Music Streamer, DAC, CD Player and Analogue Pre-Amplifier
Audio T Verdict
The Eversolo DMP-A8 Master Gen 2 brings streaming, CD playback, digital-to-analogue conversion and a fully balanced analogue pre-amplifier together in one component. It is a particularly useful choice if your listening moves between online music, a physical CD collection and other sources, with the flexibility to connect an existing amplifier, a power amplifier or active speakers.
Compared with the standard DMP-A8 Gen 2, the Master adds an integrated CD mechanism, OCXO clocking with PLL technology and an external clock input. These additions sit alongside the same large touchscreen, extensive connectivity and room-correction tools, making it the more complete option for listeners who want CDs and streaming within a single system.
Eversolo DMP-A8 Master Gen 2 Music Streamer, DAC, CD Player and Analogue Pre-Amplifier
The DMP-A8 Master Gen 2 brings online music services, locally stored albums, CDs, television sound and external sources into one place. Part of the Eversolo range, it combines a high-resolution digital source with analogue inputs and volume control, allowing it to manage a system beyond streaming alone.
Partner With an Amplifier or Active Speakers
The DMP-A8 Master Gen 2 requires an amplifier to drive passive speakers. Alternatively, connect its variable analogue outputs directly to a suitable power amplifier or active speakers.
Built-In CD Playback and Ripping
A top-loading CD mechanism gives your existing collection a place alongside your streamed music. Eversolo's custom drive is designed for quiet operation and consistent disc reading, with error correction supporting both playback and ripping. You can play a CD directly or save its music to suitable internal, USB or network storage for convenient browsing later.
The CD library tools can retrieve album artwork and track information when available, while duplicate detection helps avoid repeated imports. Unlike the standard Gen 2, the Master includes the drive within the player, so there is no need to add a separate USB optical drive for everyday CD use.
Allow Space Above the Player
The CD mechanism loads from the top. When choosing a shelf or equipment rack, allow enough clearance to open the lid and comfortably change discs. An internal SSD is optional and is not required for direct CD playback.
OCXO Clocking and External Clock Input
The Master uses an oven-controlled crystal oscillator, or OCXO, with PLL clock synchronisation for the 44.1kHz and 48kHz sampling families. Temperature regulation helps stabilise the oscillator's frequency, providing a consistent timing reference for digital audio processing. The design also incorporates electrical isolation to limit interference reaching key signal paths.
A 10MHz external clock input provides another option for systems built around a compatible standalone clock. The input has a specified impedance of 50 ohms. The internal OCXO system supports normal standalone operation, so an external clock is an optional addition.
A Larger Screen and a Faster Platform
An 8.6-inch LCD touchscreen gives album artwork, library browsing and playback controls more room. The updated interface offers VU meters, spectrum displays and selectable visual themes, while the rotary control provides convenient volume adjustment.
A 64-bit eight-core processor, 8GB of DDR5 memory and 64GB of eMMC system storage support the platform. Use the touchscreen, the Eversolo Control app, compatible web and TV interfaces or the supplied Bluetooth and infrared remote to browse music and manage your system.
AKM Conversion and Analogue Volume Control
The AK4191EQ digital processor and AK4499EXEQ DAC handle separate stages of digital processing and analogue conversion. Eversolo pairs this architecture with its AuralEngine USB audio processor, OPA1612 operational amplifiers and separate digital and low-noise analogue linear power-supply sections.
The fully balanced pre-amplifier uses an R-2R resistor-ladder volume control to adjust level in the analogue domain. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs accommodate existing line-level sources, with up to 10dB of analogue gain available for system matching. Supported high-resolution playback extends to PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD512.
Choose the Output Setting for Your System
Use fixed-level analogue output with an integrated amplifier or separate pre-amplifier that controls volume. Select variable output when the Eversolo controls a power amplifier or active speakers. Our team can help you choose suitable settings.
Streaming Services and Your Own Music Library
Access services including TIDAL, Qobuz, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, HIGHRESAUDIO and Presto Music. Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect let you select music in the corresponding service app, while DLNA and UPnP support network playback.
For your own collection, the Master supports USB storage, network libraries and an optional internal SSD. Its M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 slot accepts a compatible 2280 drive up to 8TB. SMB, NFS and WebDAV support bring music from suitable NAS, server and cloud-storage arrangements into the library.
An SSD is optional and sold separately. You can stream music and play CDs without installing one. Music-service availability and playback quality depend on your subscription, location and current firmware.
Room Correction and Sound Adjustment
Eversolo's evotune PRO measures the response of your system in the room and creates a correction profile. FIR filtering and adjustable target curves provide scope to address the effect of room acoustics on supported playback. Calibration can use a smartphone microphone or a compatible USB measurement microphone; Eversolo recommends a dedicated USB microphone for greater accuracy.
A 20-band parametric equaliser lets you adjust frequency, gain and bandwidth. Further tools include FIR filter import, high-pass and low-pass filters, loudness adjustment, dynamic-range compression and channel delay, alongside up to 16-times audio upsampling and global fade-in and fade-out settings.
High-Resolution Playback and DSP
The manual specifies DSP processing for PCM up to 192kHz from the internal player and supported digital inputs, through the RCA/XLR outputs. Higher-rate PCM and DSD bypass that processing. Analogue inputs do not use this digital correction path.
Connections for a Complete Hi-Fi System
Television Audio Through HDMI eARC
Connect a compatible television or projector through HDMI ARC/eARC to hear its sound through your Hi-Fi system. The input accepts stereo PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz. Set the television's audio output to compatible stereo PCM.
Analogue and Digital Sources
RCA and balanced XLR inputs accept line-level sources, while optical, coaxial and USB-B inputs use the internal DAC. A turntable connects through a separate phono stage, or its own built-in phono stage set to line output.
Use With an External DAC
USB Audio, IIS, AES/EBU, optical and coaxial outputs allow music playback into an external DAC. USB and IIS support compatible PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD512. Eight IIS modes help match compatible DAC pin arrangements.
A Dedicated Subwoofer Output
A separate RCA subwoofer output provides a convenient connection for a suitable active subwoofer, with crossover adjustment from 40Hz to 500Hz. Our team can help with positioning, level and integration.
Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet and Bluetooth
Choose dual-band Wi-Fi 6 or Gigabit Ethernet for network playback. Bluetooth 5.4 offers another way to play audio from a phone, tablet or computer, using the SBC and AAC codecs specified in Eversolo's manual.
SFP Optical Networking
The SFP port offers an additional network option, including compatible optical links that provide electrical isolation from the network. It requires a separately purchased compatible module and network equipment. Standard Ethernet or Wi-Fi are also available.
Digital Output Compatibility
IIS uses an HDMI-style connector for audio to a compatible DAC; it is separate from television ARC/eARC. External digital inputs do not route through the USB, optical, coaxial or AES transport outputs. Use the supported analogue or IIS output path instead.
Where Does It Fit in the Eversolo Range?
Compared With the DMP-A8 Gen 2
The DMP-A8 Gen 2 shares the 8.6-inch touchscreen, AKM DAC architecture, balanced analogue pre-amplifier and broad connectivity. The Master adds an integrated top-loading CD drive, OCXO clocking with PLL technology and a 10MHz external clock input. Its chassis is taller at 98.5mm, compared with 88mm for the standard model.
Compared With the Original DMP-A8
The original DMP-A8 established the combination of AKM conversion and a balanced analogue pre-amplifier. The Master Gen 2 builds on that foundation with a larger display, updated processing platform, built-in CD player, HDMI eARC, AES/EBU output, SFP networking, subwoofer output and support for an SSD up to 8TB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the DMP-A8 Master Gen 2 have a built-in CD player?
Yes. Its integrated top-loading drive plays audio CDs and supports ripping to suitable storage. A separate USB optical drive is not required.
Can it replace my pre-amplifier?
Yes, in a suitable system. Its variable RCA/XLR outputs, source selection and analogue inputs let it control a power amplifier or active speakers.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, through a suitable phono stage feeding its RCA or XLR line inputs. A turntable with a built-in phono stage can use its line output.
Do I need an internal SSD?
No. An SSD adds local music storage; online streaming, direct CD playback and playback from suitable USB or network storage work without one.
Do I need an external clock?
No. The Master has its own OCXO clock system. Its 10MHz input is an optional connection for a compatible external clock.
Can I keep using my existing DAC?
Yes. Choose a compatible digital output and use the Eversolo as a digital transport. Supported formats depend on the connection and DAC.