Quick Eversolo T8 Review

@ sls883, I've got it connected to the 2/64 doc via USB, and it's sounding really good streaming Qobuz as well as lower-rez classical channels (BBC3, Italy Classical Radio, Venice Classic Radio, and WFMT out of Chicago). Everything sounds very natural, non-fatiguing, and open...just superb. Violins and vocal sibilants are cleanly and naturally reproduced, and low-level detail is all there.

@iseland, you're correct, my post is more of an initial reaction more than a formal review. That's because, imo, there's really much less to say in terms of a streamer's sound as compared to that of amps, pre's, and speakers. My expectations of a streamer are basically that it has a user friendly UI, has an attractive design that aesthetically complements my system, is quiet, and that it 'does no harm' to the signal. Unless this unit simply malfunctions in some way, I think my long-term listening and user impressions will remain extremely positive.

I'm looking at this. My issue is that I have a modified PS Audio Directstream Dac and I have the Denafrips Hermes connecting. I just moved so I'm not able to connect via USB yet as I had previously from my computer. However, the idea of a streamer with a large SSD capacity for local media storage intrigues me. Also, I keep hearing from here that a dedicated streamer is much better than music from a computer. The T8 could potentially be an upgrade (player of local music and stream from Apple Music (natively) and maybe another service). 

The thing I'm ignorant about is the clocking. I previously ran the USB to the Hermes and then I2S to the PS Audio Dac. I'm not sure the T8's clocking is superior to the Hermes so should the Hermes stay in the chain? Or do I get rid of the Hermes and go T8 I2S directly to the DAC? 

@dz13 same same man. Hopefully someone can answer if it’s worth it already having Hermes DDC in the chain…

Also, I keep hearing from here that a dedicated streamer is much better than music from a computer. The T8 could potentially be an upgrade (player of local music and stream from Apple Music (natively) and maybe another service)…The thing I’m ignorant about is the clocking. I previously ran the USB to the Hermes and then I2S to the PS Audio Dac. I’m not sure the T8’s clocking is superior to the Hermes so should the Hermes stay in the chain? Or do I get rid of the Hermes and go T8 I2S directly to the DAC? 

@dz13 @kingbr  A streamer on the level of the T8 will almost certainly be a substantial improvement over using a computer, and my only regret was not switching to a dedicated streamer sooner.  Eversolo only mentions they use a Femtosecond clock whereas the Hermes has an OCXO clock that may or may not be better so is an unknown, but my $$$ would be on the Hermes.  I’d be inclined to go with a used Innuos Zen as it’s a more established company with actual customer support and an industry-leading app — all of which are significant IMHO — and there’s a nice one available now at an attractive price not much more than the T8.  The only thing I don’t know is if the Zen works with Apple Music but easy to check. 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650246043-innuos-zen-mk-3-serverstreamer-with-2-tb-storage/

That aside I’d definitely keep the Hermes if I was getting the T8 to do a direct A/B comparison before ditching the Hermes.  Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck. 

@soix I was considering an Innuos but they are discontinued now. I liked the local storage and the cd ripping but am concerned they won't be supported in the near future by Innuos.