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.
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.
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To respond to a few comments.... With USB connection only the Eversolo is significantly narrower soundstage than the Lumin U2 into a Fezz Audio DAC. Other equipment combinations may act differently. I would note that the Naim NDX 2 streamer also had a little more narrow soundstage than Lumin U2 with this Fezz DAC with BNC connection. Although the Naim was very organic and natural sounding. Naim house sound vs Lumin house sound. I tried the Eversolo I2S only in a headphone system with the LAIV Harmony where the USB sounded more musical. I can swap equipment around a bit more to compare some other combinations. But in summary the reports that the Eversolo competes with the Lumin U2 are not realistic from what I have heard. It is however a good streamer for the cost as long as it is reliable given issues such as power supply in DMP-A6 Gen2. I expect some firmware updates may further improve this streamer with time. |
@calieng Thanks. |
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