Quick Eversolo T8 Review

@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. 

@dz13 Confused about your statement, at some point electronics stop updating. I would be willing to bet that you will move on to another technology before the Innuos stops updating. These guys are doing a lot of future proofing their products. don’t be afraid of the dark side(you can hear the music 🎼 in blackness). 

I made the switch in my second system (Bifrost 2/64 DAC, Rega Brio integrated amplifier, and Paradigm Premier 200B) from my 2024 iPad Pro (11") to a Wiim Pro Plus streamer, using Tidal; the sound quality was greatly improved, and I am no longer tethered to my system by a cable.  Set up with the Wiim Pro Plus was very easy and prompt--I am somewhat disabled and being able to manage music without tethering is wonderful.  

The sound quality improvement was such that I am thinking of purchasing another Wiim Pro Plus for my office system, which is a Mac Mini M4 Pro, a Schiit Modi 3 DAC, and an old NAD 356BEE integrated amplifier driving my very old 1992 Infinity Modulus satellites.  We generally do not watch television, so music and watching old movies are a significant part of our leisure life.  Actually, my second system has three DACs, the Bifrost 2/64, the Brio has an internal DAC, and the Wiim Pro Plus has a DAC.  I'll do a comparison, but I am fairly confident that the Bifrost 2/64, which I replaced in my main system with a Gungnir 2) will prove to be the best.