Thoughts on Eversolo T-8

Interesting regarding the Holo Audio Red. If it is the consensus that it is that good then the Mercury 3 Dac/streamer is a no brainier because it's actually better in every way. And it's cheaper and Made in America.

@calieng  Thank you for your feedback on T8 and Holo Red.  How is the Holo Red compared with T8 in terms of tone.  Does Red sound noticeably warmer?  

Regarding the Red, I have heard that although it is warmer, its upper mids can sound a bit glary and sharp (compared to the Mercury V3). Others have commented that its forward presentation makes the imaging stand out more, but that attention-grabbing character can make it sound less natural or realistic (than the Ultra Rendu).

While sending the T8 back (due to hints of brightness), I also considered replacing it with the Red. However, given the mixed reviews, I may need to continue the journey again. Fortunately, the Rivo Plus continues to serve me well in my first rig.

I think T8 a leading contender in its price range in regards to what it brings to the table overall and I would easily say give it a try.

Not the same, but have heard A8 and loved it.  

Others I have considered in general price range after extensive research:  Fiio and Cambridge.

Currently I am using Roon with WASAPI on Windows and asynchronous USB  out to Topping DAC using Topping provided USB driver. Highly recommended!!! Results are so good I am holding off with a dedicated streamer for the foreseeable future, but T8 is probably the leading contender at present were I to go there.

Given current outstanding results using a common PC  as Roon streamer with a quality DAC, I have no plans whatsoever to go full hurdle into expensive boutique brand high end audio streamers,  though many who have rave about them.

If you have aynchronous USB-2 option to use with your Bluesound and very nice CHord DAC, and have not tried it, I suggest trying that first and compare before switching streamer source device.    THere is a good chance you might hear a significant difference simply by changing IC approach to asynchronous USB where the very high quality CHord DAC would take  charge of the clock.

I bought an A8 from my local dealer back in December of 2023 - pretty sure it was in the first shipment of them to the USA. For over two years it was completely flawless in its operation, which was important because I used it as a preamp connected directly to my amps as well. I was so happy with my A8 that I traded it in on Saturday for the T8 and Z10 combo. The setup for the T8 and Z10 was as trouble free as the A8 was. The T8 automatically prompted me for the latest firmware update as soon as I completed the setup. As for the Z10 firmware updates are done via USB flash drive, but it was also a flawless process. 

During my 2+ years of A8 ownership I was always impressed with Eversolo's responsiveness to customer feedback in their forum when it came to implementing new features in their firmware releases. They have also been very good about releasing firmware updates in a very timely fashion. When I bought the A8 I was contemplating a Mytek Brooklyn Bridge II (I had a Brooklyn DAC+ at the time) and I'm sure glad I didn't go that route. Unlike Eversolo, Mytek software updates lately have been horrible. 

As for problems for Eversolo gear, I believe they acknowledged that they had a batch of early A6 Gen2's with bad power supplies - and replaced them accordingly. I also saw a lot of people who did a third party power supply upgrade for the A8 which also seemed to be problematic, but mine was rock solid with the stock powers supplies (and stayed on 24x7). My only comment would be try and buy it from a local dealer if possible like I did. That way you have someone to go to if you do have issues, rather than just buying it from a random online retailer.