Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition
Jan 2024
I purchased the Master Edition of the Eversolo Streaming DAC, it has a built in 6" touch screen and a very intuitive GUI.
There's a bay on the underside to accept a SSD for internal storage, I fitted a 2TB module.
It also has accesses to the Qobuz streaming service (and others)
directly from the interface, without the need for UPnP etc. So overall
it's a slicker solution than my previous Okto DAC/RPi streaming set up.
The touch screen will simplify my set up and box count when exhibiting
at HiFi meetings, where no LAN exists.
I was very impressed with the sound from the Eversolo out of the box, it has great
synergy with my Pass Labs XP-12 Pre Amp. I knew there was an upgrade
path for the Power Supply from the outset and ordered one as soon as I
had evaluated the Eversolo's performance as an improvement over my previous set up.
The PSU on the Left is the stock Switch Mode Power Supply, that's fitted internally.
The one on the Right is the LPS-A6 upgrade, a Linear Power Supply, from Beatechnik.com.
It's a direct replacement, requiring no soldering, just a screw driver and an Allen key to install.
While I had the hood up fitting the LPS, I decided to replace the RCA
connectors on the coax SPDIF input/output, with 75 ohm BNC
connectors.
The top picture above, is the stock Rear Panel, showing the digital in/out RCA's.
The one below shows the BNC connectors I fitted. Coax SPDIF
connections, according to the spec. are supposed to be 75 ohm
impedance, both cable and plugs, RCA's do not comply. Signal
reflections at the connector interfaces can, in some cases, cause
issues with some
combinations of RCA connected kit. Because I was so impressed with the
sound from the Eversolo, I didn't want to chance anything, that had
even a remote chance, of degrading its performance. The fact that its an
easy modification and at very little cost made it a no brainer, why
wouldn't you do this?
There we have it, the LPS and BNC's installed and look like they were
original fitting. I doubt there is anything else I will change on this
unit, it performs very well and is a pleasure to use.
My change to BNC connectors - A bit of the history.
I have a NuPrime CDT-8 Pro (CD Transport), which was very well reviewed.
I initially bought this to
use with my PS Audio Stellar DAC/Pre. They both use an HDMI based i2s
digital connection, and use the same pin out. I bought a fancy Chord
HDMI cable, made for the job, but was disappointed in the sound. I
tried the AES connection and used a purpose made AES cable, which was
not much better. Then I tried the RCA SPDIF connection, again with a
proper digital cable, this sounded better, but not spectacular. I moved
on to the topping D90SE and preferred the RCA (SPDIF) connection over
the XLR (AES), but was still unhappy with the performance. Moved on to
the Okto Research DAC8 and again preferred the RCA input over the XLR.
When connecting the CD
Transport to the Eversolo, they only have the RCA connection in common
and like before, with the other DAC's, it sounded just ok. Note, the
same cables were used in all cases. I thought at this point, the
reviews of the NuPrime were exaggerated or maybe my unit was faulty.
Now, on to the BNC conversion I
made, to both the Eversolo and the NuPrime Transport, connected by a
Designacable.com lead. This lead was made from Neutrik 75ohn connectors
and Van Damme 75ohm plasma grade digital video cable. Wow, for the first
time, I'm actually impressed with the CD Transports performance, it has
greater presence and dynamics than all previous arrangements. It
matches, maybe even best's the file based versions of tracks I have,
though doing a direct comparison on the same masters has not been
possible. It just impresses the hell out of me, for the first time
ever, I wasn't expecting that. For what it cost, two panel Mnt BNC's at
£12 the pair and a BNC cable at £18.50, what a difference.
I've only tried the 0.5m cable so far, I also got a 1.5m, as some folks
say 1.5m is the min you should use. I don't know about that, but the
short BNC cable/connectors/Eversolo I've tried, is getting more out of
my CD Transport, than any other combination of Cable/DAC I've used in
the past. This is another reason for me to love the Eversolo
DMP-A6ME/LPS.
Now your results may vary,
but for my needs and with my associated equipment, this Streaming DAC
is one truly great performer. Detail, clarity, dynamic heft when
required and a beautifully natural, realistic tonality.
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