@katzenjammer27 - there were two types of tubes that came stock with the microZOTL, the 12/6 SN7 and a smaller kind I forget what type. I'd also gotten a pair of Ray Reserve 6SN7's to upgrade with. Put it into my system and the sound was very flat and one-dimensional. I put the 12SN7 stock tubes back in, and replaced the smaller ones with some that LTA asked me to try out. Now I had 4 pairs of those smaller ones; after testing, two of them, including the stock ones, had very flat sound I was not happy with. The other two made all the difference; now I was getting the 3D, holographic soundstage with clearly defined performers, like I was expecting. The Ray Reserves were just too 'smooth' sounding for my musical preferences.
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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You might want to write to Laiv to discuss the possibility that the input to the DAC is set up incorrectly. On FB a fellow just wrote about this: "Just moved house. I noticed that there was an issue with the channels using my Eversolo [note - model not specified]. Fantastic after sales service from Weng Fai explaining (using a video) how to change the mode on my uddc [note - uDDC may be required] to mode 5." I wonder if the uDDC would help (mine seemed to help the signal from the Node I used for a while to the Laiv DAC, and made no discernible difference with the signal from a better Innuos streamer). YMMV. |
I too tested the Eversolo T8 in my system. I thought it was decent and was pleasantly surprised at the output from the built-in DAC, even though that was not how I intended to use it. It couldn't compete with a good quality stand alone DAC but that's hardly surprising. Sending a digital signal to my then DAC, A PS DirectStream Mk 1, I heard no real discernible difference between the T8 and a Mac Mini M1, even when using a Singxer Su-6 DDC. I kept it too long to return it so I sold it and bought a HiFiRose RS130. This is the gem in the Rose lineup and sounds considerably better than the Mac or the T8. The air and dynamics are particular strengths. My current DAC is the May KTE and this combo has no apparent weaknesses to my ears. I'm sure it could be outdone by uber-expensive components but I'll never know. The 130 is just a delight to listen to and interact with. Lots of output options, too. |
@larsman - I discussed the Ray Reserve with Jacob at LTA, I was thinking about them, but he sent me to a review of the LTA Aero where they compared several tubes and their conclusion was to go with the Tung-Sol black glass, round plate 12sn7 tubes. Described the 3D magic they work...LTA added them to my shipment to try, after a few hours of listening, I was hooked, so I paid the man for them. |
@shooter41. To my understanding, the T8 Does NOT have a built in DAC. |
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