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Eversolo T8 vs Lumin U2 and Laiv Harmony DAC

Tested the Eversolo T8 for a couple days now.

Some quick points: 

In a stereo setup with USB to Fezz Audio Equinox tube DAC with Fezz Lybra 300B amp and Harbeth HL5+ XD speakers against the Lumin U2. The Eversolo is compressed between the speakers. Sound stage is just within each speaker and vocals very centered. The Lumin U2 extends the sound stage about 10 feet outside the speakers either side and much more 3D depth. Instruments and vocals much more in real positions rather than compressed to center.

In headphone setup with LAIV Harmony DAC to Woo Audio WA22 balanced tube amp and Focal Utopia. USB sounds more organic but a little less clear. I2S sounds more detailed but has a slight harshness. Almost like the I2S connection is not perfectly matching to the LAIV I2S input. Compared to Denafrips ARCE into Ares 15th with I2S I would say the Denafrips is a little warmer and more musical with good sync between streamer and DAC. 

Just some initial thoughts. Overall for the price it is a good streamer. Lumin U2 is much much better.

I'll wait for the LAIV streamer and return the Eversolo.

calieng
tyray
1,034 posts
 

@calieng,

I got this email from Weng Fai Hoh of Laiv 10/05/2025.

About the streamer: it’s still in development, and we don’t have a firm release date yet and it will not be available this year. We’re taking extra time to make sure it truly stands out in a market with many good options. 

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

So I don't think it will be coming out anytime soon

 

jackd
1,125 posts
 

@grunge1000 

 

I've been running the T-8 with music 24/7 for over a week via USB and I2S into the same Laiv Harmony DAC as the OP.  I've yet to hear a "compressed soundstage" either right out of the box or now with 150+ hours.  In the system where it now resides while breaking in it replaced an Auralic Aries G1 with the Hoer-Wege PS upgrade. As the Lumin U2 doesn't have an I2S output he was using a different cable and connection for his comparison. 

gavin1977
60 posts
 

Break in is a funny beast - some items of equipment don’t change at all, others do.  In terms of digital sources the Innuos Phoenix USB I had took 200hrs until it opened up (Mundorf caps are known for this) and the change was pretty drastic for the better.  It is worth waiting provided you’re still in the returns period.

Will T8 beat U2, I doubt it though - one reason is the better quality clocks in the U2.

jackd
1,125 posts
 

As the U2 is over four times the price on paper the T-8 shouldn't "beat it" but if you want I2S it's a better option unless you want to buy a DDC and an extra cable. 

grunge1000
111 posts
 

Thanks @Jacked.

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