Eversolo T8

I had their A10 for a while and it definitely is an impressive unit. I'm sure the T8 is similarly great.

While I didn't experience the same thing as you after power outages, I do remember issues in general back when I had a MESH setup. Spent a lot of money on a well reviewed system, it worked great most of the time. But little problems kept popping up and I felt like an IT guy in my own home. Which is not what I'm looking for.

I swapped it all out for Unifi equipment and couldn't be happier. It's expensive but not that much more than other quality "consumer" level gear. My uptime is currently in the several month range with literally zero issues, and the only reason it isn't longer is that I rebooted it myself when messing with the app. 

Just something to look in to if you find yourself frustrated with your network like I was. 

Does the T8 requires any break in. I am asking because I read on Reddit some users stating it sounds thin till about 150-200 hours of use before the sound change and becomes full and weighty.

The conventional wisdom seems to be that electronics do not require a break in period.   I do not know if this is always true.  In my case, within a short time of getting the T8 I upgraded the power cable and interconnects between the DAC and Integrated amp.   In addition I reduced the DAC output to the amp by 20 db.  Today, I find the SQ to be very pleasant, tight bass, detailed but not at all fatiguing or bright.  Initially it seemed it might be but after these changes, it is definitely not.  Of course I made 3 changes at essentially the same time so cannot pinpoint which specifically had the biggest impact but my hunch is reducing the DAC output probably made the most difference.  As of now I probably have 50 hours of listening to the T8.  Hope this is helpful.  

Anyone compared I2S vs usb out to an r2r dac such as Denafrips Pontus or Venus and which connection you liked more?

@analoguefan 

I have Gustard x30 and R30

I2S most pinpoint imaging, detailed but smallest soundstage and most analytical. 
USB sounds better to me than I2S. Still detailed but bigger and fuller sound than I2S. 
AES sounds the best in my system. Super smooooth. Most holographicfront to back. 
 

if I was showing off my system to someone, I’d use USB. It’s very detailed and neutral. “Audiophiles” might find it “dry” or “sterile.” For listening hours on end, I prefer AES.