Audio T Verdict
The Eversolo DMP-A8 Gen 2 brings streaming, digital-to-analogue conversion and a fully balanced analogue pre-amplifier together in one component. Its appeal is the flexibility to build the system around it: connect an existing amplifier, partner it with a power amplifier or active speakers, and bring your other sources into the same setup.
The larger touchscreen, expanded connectivity and room-correction tools make this a particularly useful choice for anyone who wants straightforward everyday control alongside plenty of scope to fine-tune their system.
Eversolo DMP-A8 Gen 2 Music Streamer, DAC and Analogue Pre-Amplifier
The DMP-A8 Gen 2 sits at the centre of a modern Hi-Fi system, bringing online music services, locally stored albums, television sound and external sources together. Part of the Eversolo range, it combines a high-resolution digital source with the connections and volume control needed to manage a system beyond streaming alone.
Partner With an Amplifier or Active Speakers
The DMP-A8 Gen 2 requires an amplifier to drive passive speakers. Alternatively, connect its variable analogue outputs directly to a suitable power amplifier or active speakers.
A Larger Screen and a Faster Platform
An 8.6-inch LCD touchscreen gives album artwork, library browsing and playback controls more room. The redesigned interface includes VU meters, spectrum displays and different 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 updated platform. Control is also available through the Eversolo Control app, compatible web and TV interfaces, and the supplied Bluetooth and infrared remote.
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 OPA1612 operational amplifiers, dual ultra-low phase-noise clocks and separate analogue and digital power-supply sections.
The fully balanced pre-amplifier uses an R-2R resistor-ladder volume control, adjusting level in the analogue domain. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs also accommodate existing line-level sources, with up to 10dB of analogue gain available for system matching.
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 DMP-A8 Gen 2 supports USB storage, network libraries and an optional internal SSD. Its M.2 NVMe 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 do not need to install one to use online streaming services. 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. It supports FIR filtering and adjustable target curves, with smartphone or compatible USB measurement microphones available for calibration. Eversolo recommends a dedicated USB measurement microphone for greater accuracy.
A 20-band parametric equaliser lets you adjust frequency, gain and bandwidth. Further tools include FIR filter import, 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 streaming 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 remain straightforward alternatives.
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.
CD Playback and Ripping With a USB Drive
The DMP-A8 Gen 2 can play and rip CDs when connected to a compatible external USB optical drive, available separately. Save ripped music to suitable local, removable or network storage. The standard Gen 2 has no built-in CD mechanism; the DMP-A8 Master Gen 2 adds an integrated player.
Where Does It Fit in the Eversolo Range?
Compared With the Original DMP-A8
The original DMP-A8 established the combination of AKM conversion and a balanced analogue pre-amplifier. Gen 2 expands that approach with a larger screen, updated processing platform, Wi-Fi 6, HDMI eARC, AES/EBU output, SFP networking, subwoofer output and support for an SSD up to 8TB.
Compared With the DMP-A6 Gen 2
The DMP-A6 Gen 2 offers a more compact route into Eversolo streaming. The DMP-A8 Gen 2 is particularly useful when you need conventional analogue inputs and an analogue pre-amplifier to manage additional sources alongside digital music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the DMP-A8 Gen 2 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 and playback from suitable USB or network storage work without one.
Can I keep using my existing DAC?
Yes. Choose a compatible digital output and use the Eversolo as a streaming transport. Supported formats depend on the connection and DAC.