Eversolo DMP-A8

What an interesting question.  You can definitely use the digital outs of the A8 to your DAC effectively limiting the use of the A8 to being a streamer.  However, you need to specify ONE input and ONE output.  So once you specify your digital source you can't specify an analog input at the same time.  And once you specify a digital output you can't have an analog output at the same time.  It is easy enough to switch your inputs and outputs in the app but your intended use isn't possible.

But also you would never want to do it your way since chaining sections like that will just increase distortion and degrade the quality of your music.  Assuming your DAC has a way of controlling volume just take it's outputs and put them into your power amp.

Also, the DAC in the A8 is very good.  I have compared it directly to the Gustard R26, PS Audio Directstream MKII, ANK 4.1x LE, and the Berkeley Audio Reference 2.  The A8 outperforms the R26 and Directstream, may or many not outperform the ANK 4.1 depending on what is important to you, and is just very slightly worse than the Berkeley Ref2.  In general the A8 is an extraordinary value although there are still some rough spots in the software.

@pinwa 

Thanks very much for your reply; this is really helpful.

To me, the A8 is a very intriguing product; I may buy one despite not being able to do what I proposed.

It just seems like such a fun, feature packed piece of kit, and from everything I've read/watched, sounds pretty darn good as well.

Thanks again 👍😊

I purchased the A8 several weeks ago and I like it a lot. There is a learning curve due to the numerous options, like any new electronic gadget.

I do have one word of caution (after learning the hard way and possibly damaging my components in the process). I chose the option that sets the output volume (gain?) at max and I use my integrated amp for volume + and -. What I did not realize at first is that the analog input is pre-set to a +10db gain. When I hooked up my CDP’s analog outputs to the A8, I immediately got lots of popping and crackling at high volume and I thought there was something wrong with the cable or the player. I tried another cable and still had the same popping/crackling. I tried another CDP and still had the popping/crackling. I was at my wit’s end, thinking that the A8 was somehow defective.

I don’t know why, but I remember reading in the manual (yes, I read them) about the +10db gain in the analog input, but it made no mention of its relation to the volume setting option.

I changed the fixed volume option to variable and that’s when it became obvious. The volume indicator then showed -100 to 0db in yellow, and .5 to 10db in RED (looked like a tachometer in a car) and I was in the red. I turned the volume way down and immediately tried the analog inputs again. Everything was fine after that. Whew!

The user manual leaves a LOT to be desired, as there is no mention of this setting being a potential problem. I’m glad it didn’t result in any damage. Perhaps someone wiser than me would have known to check this first, but I’d never seen such a thing with any other streamers I’ve had (SONOS, etc).

Hope this helps someone avoid the same problem.

Had same issue and it was driving me nuts.  Did you even up leaving it on variable, but at like a -5?  I guess using passthrough with analog is not really possible?

@letshearit : 

Hello! thank you kindly for alerting others to the situation you have.

i am a little confused. i will be using the A8's RCA outputs as i wish to use the A8's internal DACs. i will be connecting my Anthem AVR so i am guessing that i'll use the A8's RCA outputs to connect to the Anthem AVR's RCA inputs, right?

may i please ask what you meant by "CDP?

how is your volume output issue relevant to my use scenario please?

kindly note: as mentioned above, i will be connecting my A8 to my AVR (Anthem brand) and i wish to use the A8's internal DACs.

thank you in advance!  look forward to hearing further details.  for some reason, i can't understand what settings you were talking about.  are the fixed +10db setting on the A8?  

CDP = CD Player

I replaced a RPi 4B running PcP, Schiit Bifrost DAC (fully upgraded) and a Audio Research LS3 Preamp with the A8. Have had the A8 in my system a week. So far I like it. 

SQ pros - better instrument separation, very smooth presentation

SQ potential cons - The soundstage may be a little flatter, the presentation is less mid-bass forward (I increased my sub gain a few notches and all seems right)

I have the RCA unbalanced out parallel split each channel has one RCA cable straight to the subs input and the other through a passive line level high pass filter to my main amp input (this rolls off the bass to the main speakers). The A8 output is lower than the Audio Research preamp so volumes that were at 12 o'clock with the Audio Reseach are at -5 db with the A8.

The system is much more user friendly streaming Tidal and playing tracks off my SSD hard drive. Tidal Connect functionality is great and I have volumes remote from my IPad and the A8's remote control.

I need some more time to experiment and swap my Maggies back in to know how it will all work out. Having lots of fun.

Loving my A8 as well! I find the internal DAC to be very satisfying if not quite the best thing ever. I had a $4.5k Wyred 4 Sound 10th Anniversary DAC in that system and I did notice the difference in character, but it wasn't drastic. Sold the Wyred and am happy with the internal Eversolo DAC for now, will eventually add another dedicated DAC to the system. The A8 DAC is so good that I'm not in a rush though.

I literally just got my A8..I'm doing an A/B with my MA12000 DA2 DAC and it honestly beats it. The DAC tech curve is still alive and well..don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I was using a Wiim Ultra as a streamer and it's really great but doesn't hold a candle to the Eversolo A8.

I'm a happy camper... 

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2672345

I’m seriously amazed at how great this thing is..there are instruments I’ve never heard in recordings I’ve listened to hundreds of times (i.e. - Radiohead; OK Computer).