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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
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,

calieng OP
203 posts
 

@katzenjammer27 

That LTA looks like a really nice piece of equipment - congrats!

What drew me to the Fezz Audio DAC was that it is single ended design (by Lampizator) to match to the single ended 300B amp I have. Hard to find high quality single ended DACs. And Fezz has amazing toroidal transformers. The output transformers in the amp are highly resolving with a response of 12Hz to 60kHz.

Anyway I should check out some LTA gear when  get a chance....

katzenjammer27's avatar
katzenjammer27
139 posts
 

@grunge1000 

my source is the Bluesound Vault 2i, sure if I need another upgrade that will be next. I do have a node that serves my outdoor speakers, the vault definitely sounds better, although the node is newer and is starting to burn in, I've noticed improvement over the last couple of weeks. The system works great for me because they sync beautifully or I can play different music inside on the main system - all in one application on my phone or tablet.

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