I've had my Eversolo T8 for a little more than two months now. It replaced a Bluesound Node 2i moded with a TeddyPardo LPS. I find the sound quality to be superb, and as mentioned by a previous poster it's gotten better as it has broken in (I know, break in is a very controversial topic!) I'm using the I2s output into a PS Audio Directstream DAC Mk1 moded by APS Transformers. One advantage of the Eversolo is that it has 8 different output modes for the I2s. Important as there's no standard for that connection. Just make sure you find the right mode for your dac, as using the wrong one will result in terrible imaging and poor SQ. I find the OS to be stable, and it supports many streaming services, more than most streamers. Audio Advisors has a 60 day trial period on the unit. I was using a Morrow HDMI cable at first, then switched to a Audioquest Carbon 48, and noticed a slight improvement. As mentioned above, keep the I2s cable as short as possible; I'm using a .5 meter length.
Pls help me find a network streamer w/ I2S output (not a DAC)
Hi everyone!
I have read a lot of posts and searched the forum and have not found my answer yet, but if I missed a thread regarding this topic, please forgive me.
I did not think finding a network streamer would be this difficult, but I have been searching for days and cannot find the right one for my setup. Maybe I am making this more difficult that it needs to be, so tell me if that's the case!
But first, let me explain what I am looking for. By "network streamer", I don't mean an integrated amplifier with a DAC, amplification and an Ethernet connector. There are plenty of those and in fact, I have one: the Naim Uniti Nova (great device btw).
I need a network streamer for another "separate components" system I am building. I have a DAC (LAiV Harmony DAC), a Preamp, an amplifier, and now I just want a network streamer that accepts Ethernet and outputs digital signal over an "I2S" connector to feed the signal to my DAC. So I need a device that does not have a DAC, does not have amplification, etc. Why I2S output you ask? Because that is the best connection for my LAiV Harmony DAC. Unfortunately, that also eliminates a lot of network streamers like Lumin, Cambridge, Blue Sound, etc.
I would really like to have a front display on this streamer, but I may have to go without one. The only options I have found are:
- Halo Audio Red - no display, but has I2S output port
- Volumio Rivo Plus - no display, has I2S output, seems like everyone is out of stock and no US distributor that I can find
- Eversolo T8: On paper has everything I want, but I read the audio quality is not great
- Hifi Rose RS151: Everything I need and more, but very expensive - much more than my DAC, and I can't justify the cost for my setup
Are there others that I am missing? I know I can build one with RaspberryPI, and I have in the past specifically for Roon, but I am looking for one that has good software for various streaming apps, and is also supported by an audio equipment vendor.
I would really appreciate your help and suggestions!
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@prophet9, thank you for the suggestions. I have actually ordered a uDDC, but have not yet received it. I agree, that could be another option. Could I ask which 10MHz external clock generator are you using? |
I apologize for an incomplete post. I have the wonderful Mutec Ref10 Nano and the Mutec MC3+ USB. You can read up reviews here https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/69009-mutec-ref10-nano/#comment-1261410 I also posted a test I ran with Dual LAiV Harmony DACs and Dual μDDCs fed by the clock generator. The issue I found had nothing to do with the Clock as opposed to my belief that manufacturing improvements between units created some ghosting issues. I love the Mutecs. |
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