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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
 

@lanx0003 

It is returned and refund received. I tested for about 26 days.

My 2 concerns were slightly veiled sound missing micro details compared to other streamers (Lumin, Denafrips, Holo Audio) into Cyan 2, Ares 15th, and Pontus 15th DACs with I2S. And narrowed the soundstage thru USB to my Fezz Equinox Lampizator designed tube DAC (compared to Lumin U2 source).

The T8 has lots of features and is fun to use but in the end sound quality was the only thing that mattered. I only use Tidal Connect and Roon.

Another recent acquisition the Aurender A1000 is really great sounding as an all in one and I am now rotating 2 of them into my stereo and headphone systems. It also does Tidal Connect and Roon natively (old Aurenders need their own app). Used ones are available around $2.5k

trecool99
49 posts
 

Too bad the T8 didn't work out.  It really comes down to system matching.  I have had one for little over two weeks via USB to an Audio Mirror Tubadour VI and it bests my previous Pulse Mini with LPS in overall sound quality.  Soundstage and imaging also became more realistic and more in your room type of vibe.  I also tried I2S just recently via a cheap Kabeldirekt HDMI cable from Amazon just to see how it compares to USB and I was amazed at the immediate additional detail and micro dynamics of testing the same set of tracks.  For vocals I get more nuance with the T and S for instance and more apparent breathing.  It's not a huge difference between USB but noticeable and definitely much better.  I've now ordered a proper HDMI from Ricable as it's not going back.  

calieng OP
203 posts
 

@trecool99 

It's not system matching. It is just a mid-tier streamer. Probably handicapped by the screen and all the other gizmos running at the same time in an Android system which itself can handicap sound quality.

Try a good quality Linux based streamer with the same DAC and same connection and then see what you think.

Not trying to rain on your parade. It is fine for what it cost.

mrdecibel
3,304 posts
 

Does anyone listen to the "musicianship" and/or the "composition"?, or is it just me. 

calieng OP
203 posts
 

@mrdecibel 

Careful - you may incur the wrath of those members who also participate at Audio Science Review if you keep talking like that.

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