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.
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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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. |
@calieng . Sorry it didn't work out for you. I have had mine up and running for 3 weeks and I think it sounds wonderful. It has a massive soundstage and sounds really good to me.
Cheers, |
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