Eversolo DMP-A8 vs iPhone plugged directly to integrated amp - why no difference?

Apple engineers figured out a long time ago how to use the iPhone as a fine streamer. It does not have a good internal DAC as we all know and connecting it to an external DAC can make a significant difference in sound quality. Its single USB-C or Lightning port can serve two-way digital transmission, while other brands' streamers still struggle. By using the proper adapters and power supply, I can energize an external storage device like an SSD to access local music. The music is clean and transparent compared to using the same setup with an iFi Zen and a low-noise PSU. Additionally, iPhone apps function much more smoothly due to the iPhone's higher computing power and memory. You will likely see more and more high-end streamers pursuing the same trend.

Trust your ears. Don't let others' poor experiences with the iPhone deter you. Everyone's mileage may vary, but what's most important is that you've found what works for you. That's a good thing. I still use other streamers like iFi or WiiM because every time I wire my iPhone to the DAC and amp/preamp, I lose the portability of the iPhone, and the adapters/PSU for external devices can be cumbersome. Nonetheless, there's no doubt that the iPhone is a fine streamer.

Don't express opinions based on imagination. The burden of proof is on you if you make such a claim. @macg19 

Nevertheless, I didn't have a positive experience with the everSolo A6, despite finally deciding to purchase it after so much hype. I ended up returning it. I can make that claim because I purchased it and auditioned it for 20 days.

@macg19  My statement applies only to the experience related to the specific product A6 that I purchased. I am not supporting your case or endorsing your unfounded speculation.

Yes, this is a free country and everyone has the right to express their opinions. However, I want to remind you to always put yourself into others' shoes. What if this company was founded by a group of capable young women and men who are pursuing their dreams and aiming to become entrepreneurs and pioneers in the audio industry? Statements like the one you made could potentially destroy their dreams.

@helomech The DMP-A8 has state of the art transparency as recently confirmed by Stereophile’s measurements.

Would you please indicate the source for it?  Thanks.

Thank you, @helomech.  I went back to look at two reviewers whom I have listened to more closely: Soundnews and iiwi. Soundnews rated the A8's dedicated line amp section very highly and considered the DAC section as good as the Gustard A26 (another sota). These two components, together with the already excellent digital streaming section, make the A8 stand out and pull ahead of everything else at a similar price point of $2k. However, despite giving similar high marks to its streaming section, iiwi has concerns about its preamp section, even stating that it becomes a limiting factor to the overall performance of the A8. As far as the DAC section goes, iiwi believes it is comparable to around $1k DACs in the market, with the Gustard R26 outperforming it.

Based on these disparities in listening tests, I am not sure if the AIO A8 is readily a replacement for your BM LA4. However, as we know, listening tests are subjective, and objective measurements could easily counter those qualitative evaluations if one chooses to trust the measurements. I also previously owned the E70V, and I liked it initially but returned it after more extensive auditioning later. It is indeed the first Topping DAC that I had which provided 'some' soundstage depth that I am craving.  Just my two cents.