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

@lanx0003 

The most recent Stereophile issue is what I was referencing. To get access to those measurements you must subscribe to either the digital or print versions of their magazine. In fact, I purchased six months of their digital subscription for the sole purpose of accessing some of their most recent reviews, including the DMP-A8. Both the digital and analog preamp functions of the A8 nearly equal the best objective performance of all components previously measured by both Stereophile and Audio Science Review. Having owned other products with SOTA quantitative performance (such as Benchmark LA4 and Topping E70V), I can confirm that the DMP-A8 is their equal in subjective performance. I am now considering selling my Benchmark LA4, the only advantage it has over the DMP-A8 is L/R channel balance control. 
 

The DMP-A8 is butter smooth but without sacrificing any detail—one of the best bargains I’ve encountered in all my years in this “hobby.” 

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.

may i please ask for Eversolo A8's users' experience with streaming Apple Music and Apple Music Classical please?

i am considering buying the A8 specifically to be able to stream Apple Music and Apple Music Classical at high resolution.

thank you in advance.

Is not this comparison report extremely good for those who are expressing an interest in adding a Downstream System to be used with a Source with capabilities to produce Streamed Data, that is Music Recordings.

As individuals, of which there are many, already invested in an iPhone or other Phone Tech’, are through this Thread and others similar, now encountering reports that give a reassurance their daily work horse will also be quite capable / may prove to be quite capable, if extended in its usage and used as a Source in a Electronics Based Audio System.

A Forum Membership would certainly Grow if those using such Sources were made to feel very welcome when they add their contributions.

Bring it on, bring Cell Phone Streaming Experiences to the table, whether used solely as the Source or known how it compares through comparisons to alternate streaming devices having been experienced.

Hi y’all

I’ve come back to this thread to correct a wrong and apologize to Eversolo and to anyone offended by my unwarranted opinion.

I auditioned the Eversolo DMP-A8 (as some on this very thread know from a recent post about the audition).

I think the A8 is a very nice piece of kit and likely competes very well against the HiFi Rose 150 (as one example), but $3K less money.