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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.

calieng
analoguefan's avatar
analoguefan
87 posts
 

I had both Lumin and Eversolo T8 connected to r2r dac, McIntosh C2700 and McIntosh MC452 driving a pair of Revival Atlante 5 and with that system and to my ears, Eversolo T8 sounded a bit better using both USB and I2S connection. I will stick with the I2S though.

lanx0003
1,926 posts
 

The T8 is the second ES gear (after A6) I’ve acquired. Despite its impressive specs, the bright-leaning neutral house sound and slightly hyper-etched presentation are just not my cup of tea.

kumizi
36 posts
 

Try the AES connection if you think the T8 sounds bright.  It sounds completely different vs using USB or I2S.  It sounds more "analog" and less hyper detailed for people that prefer that smoother sound.

Also, the T8 sounds smoothest using Wifi.  

lanx0003
1,926 posts
 

Wow, this is encouraging. AES sounds distinctly warmer than the already bright-sounding gear when using all the other outputs. It has taken me a fair amount of time and effort to sweeten the sound of my first rig. If one can simply switch outputs for tone control, it is almost like getting a BOGO deal. Unfortunately, I have already returned the T8.

kumizi
36 posts
 

The gear is not bright sounding.  Your room is bright sounding.  How much absorption and diffusion do you have in your listening room?  Have you taken measurements of the room?

It’s almost always the case that when people find neutral gear to be bright, they have no idea what they’re doing when it comes to room acoustics.  So they keep throwing money at warm electronics and cables.

I tried the Lumin in my room and it sounded like it was lacking in resolution compared to both the Eversolo T8 and Volumio Rivo Plus.  It definitely sounded smoother, but that was a negative in my room and system.

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