Eversolo or Aurender: Options and Opinions


As the title implies, I am in the market for a new digital transport and some feedback would be greatly appreciated. I am currently using a Lumin D1 with SBooster LPS into a Denafrips Ares II. I have upgraded the Ares II to a Denafrips Iris DDC feeding a Pontus II. Because of this I need a streamer with USB digital output. My first choice is either an Aurender N100C or N100H, but recently I added Eversolo to the options. Eversolo came into the picture because of the early hype and the reasonable cost of new products. However, recently, along with a noticeable absence of used Aurender products, there has also been a noticeable uptick in Eversolo products on the used market.

I have two questions.

1. Assuming that Aurender is my first choice, are there other USB transport options in the under $2,000.00 range that I should consider?

2. Why did the initial Eversolo hype seem to age so quickly, if the number of recent additions to the used market is any indication?

Please understand that the additions of the Iris and Pontus have significantly impacted my retirement's disposable income, so suggestions of much more expensive options aren't of any use to me.

Thanks in advance.

Tony

128x128tony1954

Was expecting the A6 to work properly but again there are more problems than solutions in the latest firmware...    Real amateur software development at Zidoo.   Maybe next firmware.....    

It's all about support with streamers , the best hardware is useless without good software...   

I replaced a RPi running PcP, ARC LS3 preamp and a fully upgraded Schiit Bifrost with an A8. Really easy to use and great SQ.

Software support from Eversolo is pathetic.   Still will not recognize USB DAC after latest FW.   Unit was working fine for 51 weeks and then a bad FW made USB out unusable.   Does not recognize other DACs like Chord and Accuphase.  Waiting for 3 months and no resolve is frustrating.  There are much better streamers with great support.   

I bought into the Eversolo A6 hype early on, but when the product arrived it was very disappointing. While it delivered lots of high-end detail, it was due to an overly hot – and bright – top end. Other aspects of the spectrum were mediocre in my opinion, especially the bass. I kept mine for a few weeks hoping that break-in would improve things, but it didn’t. I haven’t heard the A8, but I understand the streamer section is pretty much the same as the A6 (I stream into a Benchmark Dac, so I didn’t use the internal Dac of the A6). I, personally, can’t’ recommend the A6 if it’s solely for streaming. I would go with the Aurender or some other brand.  

@6dogvegan 

I am glad you are enjoying your Eversolo, but whether I am right or wrong, I am not interested in buying one of their products. Good luck in your search for an A8.

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Yeah seems like the Innuos Pulsemini is the way to go for your budget new so you get a warranty. If you end up spending more get the Lumin U2 mini, great product 👌 I have the U1 and its software is flawless and the SQ is remarkable for the price.

@6dogvegan 

" This is the Music Streamer that YOU WANT! The DMP-A8 by Eversolo"

No thanks. Don't need all the bells and whistles.

If they are so good, why are so many people selling them?

 

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Haven't tried the Pontus yet. I have been dealing with a bout of sciatica, so I really can't move things around. The funny thing is I can still play golf, but putting socks on is excruciating.

Have you tried your new Pontus without the Iris?  You might find that the Pontus upgrade gives you much of what you’re looking for using your Lumin as a source.  It did me when I upgraded from an Ares to the Pontus when I first started using outboard streamers with my Node.  That will give you some extra time (and funds if you end up selling the Iris) to afford a nice steamer.  You will also be able to use a SPIDIF cable with BNC connectors which in itself should give you a nice improvement over  RCA’s.

@som

Yes the price for the Aries S1 with LPS is $2,998.00 USD. This is $4,096.00 CDN + tax and shipping. Even without the LPS it is $2,700.00 CDN + tax and shipping.

That is still too much. 

I really think whatever I buy will be used. That way I can stay within my budget and get more bang for my buck.

Have you had a look at Auralic’s new line, the Aries S1? List price $1999 or $2998 with the lpsu. It uses the Tesla G3 64 bit quad core platform. Apparently it’s capable of running Dirac which is why I’m interested in it. One less box and fewer a/d or d/a conversions depending on your setup 

@tony1954  no worries ; ) - but just so there is no misunderstanding, the digital fuse box is a device you plug between the wall outlet/power distributor, and the specific piece of equipment the fuse of which it will be replacing, so concrete floors, ceiling and walls don’t come into play. 
 

I wish your journey well - in friendship, kevin.

No offence, but this discussion is about my search for a USB DAC, not about doing electrical modifications to my condo. Let's try and keep on topic.

tony1954

I own a condo with a concrete floor, a concrete ceiling and a concrete wall between the electrical panel and all the relevant outlet. Even if I wanted to, I am not sure it would be practical ...

If that’s the case, there’s probably a conduit or raceway that could be used to route wires. They’re surely not encased in concrete.

@kevn 

I own a condo with a concrete floor, a concrete ceiling and a concrete wall between the electrical panel and all the relevant outlet. Even if I wanted to, I am not sure it would be practical or allowed.

I think I will stay on topic with this, but thanks for the recommendation.

@tony1954

an alternative thought is, you could get the cheapest reliable server of those you’re already considering, and put up an additional usd300 for a Swiss digital fuse box, if all still falls within budget at days end - more than any other part of the signal chain, improvement to power delivery in source equipment results in the greatest lift to sound quality. The impact of this fuse box makes that of every other tweak, and in fact almost any other upgrade of dac, amp or preamp, seem minor. You will be amazed.

just another take on things : )

 

in friendship - kevin

@soix 

Yeah, it's bad. I may just have to wait it out for something this side of the border.

I estimated your duties and taxes as approximately $262 Canadian, assuming a $1400 C purchase price.

That’s a 19% hit.  Ouch!!!

I have the Eversolo A8 and couldn’t be happier. Sounds great, and very easy to use. I watched the stjarnholm review and he either has serious bias issues, is an idiot, or both. I find the interface to be simple to use - I tap one button, and I’m playing music. It can’t get any simpler than that. And it sounds great (which, after all, is the most important quality). Mine is connected directly to my Parasound A51, to my Usher Dancer Mini-2 Diamond speakers, so I’m using the streamer, DAC and pre-amp. 

The number for sale on the second hand market can be deceiving. How many A6 users upgraded to an A8, for instance?  And how many people bought one and love it, like me?  For sale ads don’t tell the whole story. I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss Eversolo from consideration. 

@tony1954 

Take a look at  stjarnholm review on you tube he hit the nail on the head so to speak. 

@jallan 

I did the same calculation on the same site, but of course because it is a government site there is NEVER exactly what you need or so much grey area that you don't really know if what you are doing actually reflects reality.

Did you notice that there is a general category of "electronics", but as to a specific item there is nothing close to a music server.

 

I would suggest the DMP-A6 (not the A6 ME, nor the A8) as a server.  Used should be fine.  All three are essentially the same server, although the A8 does have an upgraded power supply, but I doubt most of us could pick out the better one in an A/B test.  I found the quality of the server to be great.  The DAC portion, with all the various adjustable attributes, is a decent fall back DAC.  Find a DAC that you truly like to pair with it.  

This option gives you a decent streamer with an amazing app that makes streaming FUN.  The SSD option also allows you to load your CDs and play them on the streamer.  The DAC is the area with the greatest opportunity for future improvement.  Keeping it as a separate gives you options.

$1100- import duties likely to not increase that toomuch! I was looking at CanuckAudioMart, which I believe owns USAudioMart. Just an example.

 

For fun, from the website https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/dte-acl/est-cal-eng.html , I estimated your duties and taxes as approximately $262 Canadian, assuming a $1400 C purchase price.

@jallan 

I know, but being in Canada I am a little nervous about the import duty that may apply.

@rdschicago 

I like the Lumin as well, but it does not do digital output via USB, which is a requirement with the Denafrips Iris DDC.

I see lots of Aurender N100H’s on various sites (US Audio Mart, Audiogon, etc.), usually for $1200 or so. There are a few new ones every month. As a N100H owner, I highly recommend them at this price level.

I might suggest taking a look at the new S1 Aries Streamer from Auralic.

They often introduce models seemingly below cost.

The lightening software is very good to excellent. Coming from pi background it is excellent.

Top of your price point at US 1999 but worth a look.

Some recommendations for the linear power supply but others state makes little difference. Could be added later if convinced.

Good luck!

 

If you are sensitive to your budget, I would keep the Lumin. It’s a great company that constantly updates its firmware. It is just a transport, after all. Your DDC and DAC do the heavy lifting. Save some money and buy a Roon lifetime subscription. I use the Eversolo A6 for my garage system and absolutely love it; even the DAC sounds great and it performs flawlessly.

@iseland 

Interesting. So why did the Eversolo not make it to 19 hours?

I have scratched it off the list, but I am curious.

I have not bought into the “newer is better“ assumption that many people seem to make, nor do I buy into the “more expensive is better“ assumption that often goes with it. As far as streamers go I think a real sleeper is the circa 2015 Aurelic Aries clamshell streamer. It has a beautifully solid external linear so power supply, A very reliable processor and the well thought out and continually updated lightning OS interface. I bought mine for $800 a few years ago and I think I recently saw one for $400 on the used market. I can’t say if this is better than your lumen or not, because I have not heard the lumen. So I offer it for what it’s worth.

Another +1 for Innuos. The Sense app is very user friendly and Innuos is a well established, proven company. 

Mine is about 2 years old and not going anywhere.

I've been using the ever solo A8 since it was available. I've never had any trouble with the software and it's always been very solid and easy to use. The DAC sounds better to me then my gustard r26. The internal analog preamp replaced my Audible Illusions preamp. I really like the ARC input for my LG Oled TV I had been using prior. The ability to rip CDs to store my digital library is icing on the cake. Best bang for the buck I ever purchased for my system. 

I agree with the Innuos suggestions. I owned an Aurender and did not care for the software. While I have only had an Innuos for a short time, the Sense app and the added web interface seem much better designed and user friendly. Sound-wise it is a tossup between the two.

 

I was in a similar position.

Wanting to upgrade to a USB stand alone streamer.

Innuos and Lumin were the best candidates. Although some models had inbuilt Dacs.

Innuos pulse mini !! 

Bought the eversololo A6 , owned it for 18 hours and sold it ..

Got myself an Innuos the day after..

@hifihandyman 

Great suggestion, but I am not interested in Roon. A big factor for me is native control app, whether it is Aurender's Conductor, Innuos Sense or the Lumin app.

I was running the Denafrips Gaia DDC and Venus II DAC and I fed it with the SOtM  SMS-200 Ultra Neo with SPS-500 power supply and it was a killer combination. That’s right at $1,750 and the sound was detailed but easy to listen to.  A very natural sound.  The only thing with the SOtM is that it is meant to work best with Roon.  I know other options are possible, but I like Roon so it worked for me.  It’s very simple with only the best parts that matter for sound quality.  Good luck!

@lalitk

$2,100 USD = $2,867.00 + PayPal & duty.

It adds up.

I have been looking here in Canada, but the only N100H I have seen had the fuses replaced and that made me nervous.

 

@tony1954

I made my recommendation based on your budget and latest specs. There is a used N150 on USAM for $2100. Keep an eye out and you will find a bargain in BC. 

 

If you just need a $2k streamer 

the innuos makes a great little streamer with a SS drive and it has a matching LPS power supply you can upgrade  later and great app that sounds very good.