Eversolo DMP-A6

Eversolo Audio has, in a relatively short time, earned a reputation for affordable, high quality, feature-rich streaming DACs and amplifiers. Their all-in-one streaming amplifier, the PLAY, is a remarkable device with everything casual and active listeners on a budget could want, that, beyond its healthy offering of streaming services and apps, includes a phono input, optional CD player and Class D amplifier. I spent some time recently with the PLAY, strapped to a pair of Zu Audio DWX loudspeakers, and was impressed by the sonics, ease of use and nimble UI. It and the focus of this report, share much beyond their overall aesthetic, but we'll come back to that.

Today, it's the DMP-A6 (v1), Eversolo's first streamer, we've in view. No longer available in it's original state, it has been replaced by the DMP-A6 Gen2 ($859) and Master ($1399) editions. Of course, in the meantime, Eversolo has also added the DMP-A8 and award-winning DMP-A10 streamer/DAC to their stable. More recently, the T8, a dedicated streamer, landed. In addition to this, Eversolo offers three stand-alone DACs and two power amplifiers. We will look to compare the T8 to it's mates covered here in the near future.

This preview of the DMP-A6 details my immediate impressions from day one. It was apparent from the moment I powered it on that the interface and software were thoughtfully designed. Eversolo scores big by getting music lovers directly to the dance. No setup blues were sung.

The DMP-A6's charcoal brushed aluminum alloy casework is handsome. I dig the minimal front plate, dominated by the lovely touch screen, flanked by it's namesake's badge and the haloed (dimmable) volume/power dial, its clean lines broken only by the three antennae on the rear of the unit.

The back plate offers an impressive array, including 3 digital inputs, 4 digital outputs, including HDMI, (the Gen2 added ARC and removed the USB-C in) one pair of RCA and one pair of XLR outputs. We can tether the unit to the stream via WiFi or wired (recommended) connections. They've added a USB 3.0 OTG port, to connect external storage or for use transferring audio files to the optional SSD storage.

The bottom plate is clear but for one small hatch secured by a single screw that protects the storage expansion slot. I added a 1gb SSD for local file storage. Installation was no trouble, but Eversolo have a manual available online if needed. There are several methods for transferring files, either direct through the USB OTG, or over our networks.

Now for the software, built on a customized Android 11 platform. If you're a contented Android user, this will be both a familiar and pleasant experience. The interface is clean, and the system responsive. I experienced no issues navigating menus or finding my quarry when hunting specific settings. There are many features that I've yet to use as I was focused on the DMP-A6 as a dedicated streamer, primarily driven by Qobuz and Tidal. Everything worked as I'd expect. If you are one who is streaming local files, using streaming services and multiple external sources, there's support for that here, I just didn't spend time with it. The Eversolo Control app (iOS and Android) worked as smoothly as the rest, once I learned to navigate it. Didn't take long. The app will recognize any of their products on the same network, so for a time I was able to quickly switch between the DMP-A6 and the PLAY.

Reference

I am, 90% of the time, running the DMP-A6 as a dedicated streamer in an outsized desktop system, bypassing it's preamp (we can disable the volume control in the settings) and DAC, tethering it via USB to the Schiit Yggdrasil (v1+analog2+gen5usb) which feeds the gifted Enleum AMP-23R. The Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X are the headphone of choice. AudioQuest power products and cable tie it all to the Earth.

The Dance

Living with the Eversolo products is a pleasure, and despite their ample array of features, they never came between us and the music.

First, I'll Sum Up.

There is a threshold that can be crossed, if we are fortunate enough to live with a certain grade of HiFi (which will be defined in countless ways, by as many listeners), when the playback broadcasts a stage in which the instruments and performers cease being phantoms on a cardboard diorama and become objects that exist within our own space/time bubble. Weird, maybe, yet it remains. I caught glimpses of this sitting with the Eversolo DMP-A6 feeding my reference system. Immediacy, gravity, agility. Breath and body. Bellow and flow. The streamer did a fine job illuminating the talents of the Yggdrasil, AMP-23R and NOIRE X, which is just what I would expect.

Now, we dance.

(OH! Darling)

There's a tiny Paul McCartney in my head. He's yelling at me, and, I like it. Bjork floats down on lustrous wings singing, that singular voice, of cosmology, biology and love. Both are more. Just so. More convincing in spite of their diminutive presence. These aren't life-sized, widescreen images, the NOIRE X are a closed-back headphone, but I don't mind. I dig this system's view on the playback, which may be reduced in scale, but rich in tone, transparency and startling dynamic expression. Elasticity. I have said it, and will now, again: dynamic expression is the satellite around which the rest of our dear HiFi attributes orbit. For me, there is no other. All of this means that the DMP-A6, as streamer, is elevating this systems already scary level of play.

A short playlist, for you curious folk >

Finally

If the server/streamer is the spring to our aural stream, our expectation for it could be singular: the device should deliver an unvarnished signal to the downstream components. Simple. There are many ways to approach this problem (not so simple), and, of course, there are a great number of streamers on the market, serving the needs of casual listeners, those pursuing the highest peaks, and all of us in between. The Eversolo DMP-A6 delivers a rich list of features, intuitive UI, appealing design and great sound, at an exceedingly reasonable price. The DMP-A6 Gen2, reportedly improves on the sound quality of the original by upgrading to the new linear PSU and USB designs. There are several other changes brought on with the second generation. While I did prefer the Yggdrasil to the DMP-A6's built-in DAC, I don't see this as a strike against it. I intend to listen to the Gen2, and any or all (if fortune favors) of the other components in the series that I can. Stay tuned. If you are seeking a streamer/DAC under $1000, or are building a HiFi and are still using computers or mobile devices as your streaming source, I recommend putting your ears on the Eversolo DMP-A6.

Eversolo Audio