SQ Comparison of 3 streamers


Do you concur these assessments if you were the owner?

SQ Comparison: Eversolo T8 vs Innuos Zen Mk3 vs Volumio Rivo Plus

Feature Eversolo T8 Innuos Zen Mk3 Volumio Rivo Plus
Tonal Balance Slightly warm, musical Neutral, reference Neutral-warm, slightly lush
Midrange Lush, expressive Transparent, accurate Smooth and natural, slightly forward
Bass Tight, controlled Tight, maybe leaner Solid, full-bodied, a bit warmer than Zen
Detail Retrieval High, smooth Very high, analytical High, clear
Dynamics Natural, engaging Precise, accurate Great, rhythmic and musical
Soundstage Imaging Spacious, slightly forward; enveloping Very wide and deep; highly precise Wide, deep, more relaxed
Overall Impression Engaging & musical Neutral & resolving Balanced, musical, and slightly “polished”
lanx0003

As a Zen MK3 owner I will share my experience as requested.  I agree with all the points as far as neutral and uncolored sound.  It’s the best streamer I’ve heard which is why it’s in my main system.  I use Qobuz Connect to control using my iPad and it works well.  I had no issues running the Sense app before QC became available.  The added bonus for me was the CD ripper with 1TB of storage so I can stream and listen to my CDs with the same device.  I had the Eversolo A6 and A8 and preferred the sound of the Zen.  Not to mention the lack of connectivity issues I had with Eversolo.  I also got a great deal on a slightly used one from an excellent local dealer.  Highly recommend.  Hope it helps.  

@lanx0003 

”That said, the Volumio app sounds better than Qobuz Connect.”


Can you expand on this in more detail? I’m not understanding how an “app” can make a difference in sound as long as the device, its output used and the downstream components remain the same. 

OP, have you tried the wiim or wiim ultra streamer?  Been able to compare to these higher end options?  Curious if an upgrade is worth it for me from the wiim ultra to somethng like the Innuos

@bassbuyer  Thank you for confirming that the Tone of Zen 3. All the used units I could find on the market appear to be third-hand. Setting aside its limited connectivity features, I am not sure whether I want to invest more in a 3–5-year-old unit that has already passed through multiple owners. Better condition model might pop up any time though.

Below is a review comparing the T8 with the Rivo+ that you might find interesting. I agree with some of the comments regarding soundstage and instrument separation, but I have reservations about the statement that the Rivo+ is a big step forward.  I will defintely keep it if it can be toned down and improved on SS a bit.

https://www.alpha-audio.net/review/review-eversolo-t8-streaming-transport-blinded-by-the-light/7/