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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
calieng OP
203 posts
 

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.

grunge1000
111 posts
 

@calieng Thanks. 

katzenjammer27's avatar
katzenjammer27
139 posts
 

I just installed my new LTA Aero into my system. It will probably sound better over time, but to me that would just be icing on the cake. This DAC sounds amazing right out of the box. I'm using a matched pair Tung-Sol black glass, round plate 12sn7 tubes that they recommended. Sure the tubes and the DAC will have a burn in period, but it doesn't seem to need it at this point. I bought the LTA to upgrade from the native DAC in my Bluesound Vault. I was considering two other DACS, the Schiit Yggdrasil - which I hear needs over a month to start sounding good, and the Geshelli Labs Dayzee - which is currently not in production and being re-designed.

We'll see how much more time playing improves the sound, think it will be subtle steps that will evolve over time - tubes and tube equipment...

calieng OP
203 posts
 

@grunge1000 

I recall the Bluesound Node 2i not being that great as a source. The LHY linear power supply board did improve it a fair bit. But still a mid level component at best.

I would consider the Node Nano as an improvement over the 2i. And the Eversolo T8 a fair bit better again.

Looking forward to your report.

grunge1000
111 posts
 

I'll report back after my findings.

 

Cheers,

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