2. amps-preamps
  3. 191499-195982

Compare preamp of Eversolo a8 vs McIntosh c43

I used eversolo a8 as my streaming source, and it comes with dac and preamp functions. My previous integrated amp only take analog input so the signal from a8 always go through its dac and preamp, the sound is pretty good. Now I just changed to c53 preamp + amp, and today I use the c53’s dac (da2) so I just need the streamer of a8, I found the sound was so much clearer and with greater stage and depth! Of course the 2 preamp are not at the same league, but the dac of a8 is supposed to be excellent (maybe better than da2?) so I connect the a8 direct to amp, I can tell the sound quality difference even I am a newbie. A8 sound is a bit flat and harsh, but still pretty decent judging from its pricing and multi-tasking. I wish I did not make the comparison, now my a8 may become a dead weigh other than an Apple Music streamer :(

randywong
jastralfu's avatar
jastralfu
359 posts
 

Sell the A8 and get yourself a streamer.  Look on the bright side that you found out how much better the C53 is and it is to your liking.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,825 posts
 

I ask because Eversolo is having issues with Macs and the A6/8 recognizing USB and wondering if yours works via USB and if so what ver FW is it?

I agree, that system fully deserves a top notch streamer from Innuos , Aurender, etc.

randywong OP
8 posts
 

I used the coax to link digital from a8 to c53’s da2, it sounds beautifully. Then I use balanced analog out to a mc462 but the it’s underwhelming. But I need the Eversolo since it’s the only streamer that provide direct access to Apple Music at the price point.

jastralfu's avatar
jastralfu
359 posts
 

Are you wedded to Apple Music?  There are other digital services that are likely much better.  Not sure where Apple is at the moment but Tidal and Qobuz are excellent.  If you don’t have to have Apple Music you can ditch that, find a streamer that integrates with one of the above two (or one you find you like) and move on.  If you like Apple Music and don’t want to move on, then just use the streaming capabilities of the A8 and enjoy.  You can also trial Tidal and Qobuz via your A8 to see if you like them enough to move on from Apple Music.

randywong OP
8 posts
 

I subscribed to Apple one, which is a family plan and includes Apple Music besides other must have features, and I cannot do without it now. However most streamers does not have native Apple Music, can only work with bt or airplay, which typically downgrade the quality. Tidal is great but I need to pay for a duplicate service.

More to discover