Eversolo has launched two multitasking network music streamers, the DMP-A8 Gen 2 and DMP-A8 Master Gen 2. These pack in network streaming, high-resolution DAC, analogue preamplifier and a host of connectivity, with near-identical features and a refreshed design across both products.
How do you tell them apart? Well, the Master Gen 2 model now has a custom top-loading CD player built-in, meaning you can play your physical CD collection along with your digital music library files and streamed playlists from just one multi-tasking box.
The DMP-A8 Gen 2 and DMP-A8 Master Gen 2 otherwise share plenty of the same streaming and connectivity features. They have full network streaming abilities (wi-fi and wired), including DLNA compatibility so you can stream stored digital files from a connected NAS drive.
There's support for popular and niche music streaming services, while Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect and Bluetooth are on the menu.
As before, both Eversolo models pair an AK4191EQ digital processor with an AK4499EX DAC for greater precision, with support for hi-res music files up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512.
Updates include a more powerful and faster eight-core processing platform, 8GB of memory and 64GB of internal storage. As we found with the Eversolo DMP-A10, there is an awful lot that an Eversolo streamer and its interface can can do, so the increased processing power in the new streamers will no doubt be welcome, ensuring the interface remains responsive while handling hi-res files, large libraries and switching between various sources.
You can also install an optional internal SSD with up to 8TB of storage on both models, so you can save and access your digital music downloads locally.
Both also function as preamplifiers, thanks to an analogue-domain volume control and a fully balanced analogue output stage. This means you can connect either product to a power amplifier or a pair of active speakers and use the Eversolo as control; or you can use either one purely as a network streamer when connected to an integrated amplifier.
Physical connections include AES/EBU, optical and coaxial digital, along with balanced XLR and RCA line-level analogue connections. There are also USB Type-B and HDMI ARC/eARC inputs, and a dedicated subwoofer output with adjustable crossover settings.
Along with the integrated CD player, the Master Gen 2 features a more sophisticated clocking system than the standard DMP-A8 Gen 2 and adds a 10MHz external clock input, allowing those with "more advanced digital systems the option of connecting the Eversolo to a compatible external clock and using a shared precision timing reference across their digital audio equipment."
The aluminium chassis has been redesigned for both second generations, with a larger 8.6-inch touchscreen display that shows off playback information, album artwork, all sources and apps, as well as display options which include VU meters and spectrum analysers.
Both Eversolo models also feature Eversolo's 'evotune Pro' room correction system, and a 20-band parametric EQ that you can fine-tune to your heart's content.
The Eversolo DMP-A8 Gen 2 is available now and costs £1949 / $1980 / AU$3299, while the DMP-A8 Master Edition Gen 2 will cost you a little more at £2489 / $2590 / AU$4299.
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