Eversolo DMP-A6 Owners & Discussion Thread

[coolgen]

15 hours ago, cafe67 said:

https://www.hifipig.com/eversolo-dmp-a6/?fbclid=IwAR2chKaLHsycwqm_jOCwodp5kLPZ5eL0ZZuqoLU4fx81KS6WHofkKPTgm1g_aem_AU0wsUEwqjWM_SGUgEXshG1dvWnqXfhCfj1Uf_XeBGkQHkDaIHbFuGeVjFoEtcJ_lQo
 

new review up 

Thanks.

The reviewer mentions 'It has been noted that the DMP-A6 is not the speediest of streamers when using locally stored files, and sometimes the album artwork takes a while to load.'

 

Have members here experienced this issue using the internal storage?  I thought the option of the SSD would result in faster processing than say, playing Flac files via wifi.  Or, even via an external flash drive.  This is a downer if found to be correct.

Also, does it depends on the read speeds of the SSD you put in it?  I've got my DMP-A6 on pre-order but in anticipation, I got this SSD with faster read/write speeds https://www.msy.com.au/product/silicon-power-500gb-ud80-gen3x4-tlc-r-w-up-to-3-400-2-300-mb-s-pcie-m-2-nvme-ssd-62507

 

 

[Greg Orr]

6 minutes ago, coolgen said:

Thanks.

The reviewer mentions 'It has been noted that the DMP-A6 is not the speediest of streamers when using locally stored files, and sometimes the album artwork takes a while to load.'

 

Have members here experienced this issue using the internal storage?  I thought the option of the SSD would result in faster processing than say, playing Flac files via wifi.  Or, even via an external flash drive.  This is a downer if found to be correct.

Also, does it depends on the read speeds of the SSD you put in it?  I've got my DMP-A6 on pre-order but in anticipation, I got this SSD with faster read/write speeds https://www.msy.com.au/product/silicon-power-500gb-ud80-gen3x4-tlc-r-w-up-to-3-400-2-300-mb-s-pcie-m-2-nvme-ssd-62507

 

 

I concur I have a very fast ssd in my a6 tracks load instantly as does the art work. Mines super snappy.

[mozart1503560475]

I think it depends on the size of the library.  Mine is certainly nowhere near as quick as my old LMS (Squeezebox touch)  running off a 10 year old PC and platter HDD.  Limitation here is the software.  I think the A6 also polls external web based source to compile artist data as well.  Compared to the LMS it is much slower for me with my 1000 album library.  It also doesn't appear to cache the cover art beyond a few covers.

Edited July 5, 2023 by mozart1503560475

[joz]

8 minutes ago, mozart1503560475 said:

I think it depends on the size of the library.  Mine is certainly nowhere near as quick as my old LMS (Squeezebox touch)  running off a 10 year old PC and platter HDD.  Limitation here is the software.  I think the A6 also polls external web based source to compile artist data as well.  Compared to the LMS it is much slower for me with my 1000 album library.  It also doesn't appear to cache the cover art beyond a few covers.

Curious, what improvements in both sound quality and functionality have you experienced over the Sqizzybox?

Also did you have an external dac on the Squizzy or just using the onboard RCA outs?

I have a Squizzy with a new dac so thought I’d ask you

[mozart1503560475]

I've had the A6 for about a week now.  The software isn't bad but it is not as as stable or fast as LMS.  It doesn't have a PC client either which I miss... or the ability to stream your library to the phone.  iPeng is actually a damn good app now I realise.  Still seriously a great solution given how old it is.

 

Having said that it (the A6) sounds amazing and the ability to host your local library is a big convenience over needing another PC on all the time to drive the SBT.  As long as they keep pushing out updates (which they seem to be doing) I think they will get there.  I was running my SBT into the digital inputs of my Harman Kardon HK 990 amp - which uses dual AD1955 DACs - awesome for 10 years ago.  Using balanced analogue outs into the HK from the A6 the presentation has more definition and a wider soundstage for me ... I'd say not quite as smooth as my old system .. but the extra separation and refinement more than makes up for it.  Bass has more punch too.  The HK has bass management for dual subwoofers and with my Cremona Auditor M's they sound very good.  I'm happy so far ... although the app has crashed a few times for me necessitating the reinstalling of the app (very annoying) - but I have reported this to Zidoo and trust it will be remedied for the next update.  They seem to be quite active on the community forums which is encouraging.

 

The fact it uses Android opens up a lot of sideapp possibilities which is great.  I've managed to install smarttube which is fun too.  It even plays videos on the screen.  Radio Paradise never looked or sounded so good.

[joz]

@mozart1503560475

 

Thanks for that information, it puts into context what and how improvements have progressed over the years.

My Logitech Transporter died recently and have gone back to the SBT. So same LMS platform you’re familiar with. I’ve been running both with an external DAC which IMHO makes all the difference. ( but both sound the same)

So what I really wanted to know is where the improvements would lie.

Please keep us informed with how any of the future updates make life with the unit better and improving.

Thanks Joz

Edited July 5, 2023 by joz

[coolgen]

The remote for this is available again from Amazon (US site).  Price including shipping to Aus and forex is currently $A38

[Greg Orr]

1 minute ago, coolgen said:

The remote for this is available again from Amazon (US site).  Price including shipping to Aus and forex is currently $A38

Link?

 

[coolgen]

3 minutes ago, Greg Orr said:

Link?

 

https://www.amazon.com/Eversolo-BTR-12-Bluetooth-Remote-DMP-A6/dp/B0C7C3Y7WW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3SOIOYTC6CIDH&keywords=eversolo+dmp-a6+remote&qid=1688538725&sprefix=eversolo+dmp-a6+remote%2Caps%2C318&sr=8-1

[Guest]

1 hour ago, mozart1503560475 said:

 I was running my SBT into the digital inputs of my Harman Kardon HK 990 amp

Did you try A6 into digital inputs of the Harman Kardon?

[mozart1503560475]

4 minutes ago, Snoopy8 said:

Did you try A6 into digital inputs of the Harman Kardon?

Yes I did .. and to be honest I didn't notice much of a difference to the SBT ... if it was there it was indiscernible to my old ears!

[Kapricon81]

2 hours ago, coolgen said:

Thanks.

The reviewer mentions 'It has been noted that the DMP-A6 is not the speediest of streamers when using locally stored files, and sometimes the album artwork takes a while to load.'

 

Have members here experienced this issue using the internal storage?  I thought the option of the SSD would result in faster processing than say, playing Flac files via wifi.  Or, even via an external flash drive.  This is a downer if found to be correct.

Also, does it depends on the read speeds of the SSD you put in it?  I've got my DMP-A6 on pre-order but in anticipation, I got this SSD with faster read/write speeds https://www.msy.com.au/product/silicon-power-500gb-ud80-gen3x4-tlc-r-w-up-to-3-400-2-300-mb-s-pcie-m-2-nvme-ssd-62507

 

 

I have loaded in about 2k albums onto the SSD so far and everything has been pretty fluid so far. I have maybe another 2k to load and I would be happy if performance is about the same. One thing to note is that the Eversolo app actually retrieves sosng lyrics and perhaps album data from somewhere as well and that may slow things down if your network is slow. 

[mozart1503560475]

1 hour ago, Kapricon81 said:

I have loaded in about 2k albums onto the SSD so far and everything has been pretty fluid so far. I have maybe another 2k to load and I would be happy if performance is about the same. One thing to note is that the Eversolo app actually retrieves sosng lyrics and perhaps album data from somewhere as well and that may slow things down if your network is slow. 

Not sure if you can disable this .. we have to investigate as it may help speed things up.

[Hydrology]

Probably old news in this thread - https://roon.app/en/partners/187/eversoloaudio?fbclid=IwAR06uDDPzatV5kPyO3Etmxv8gpkVmjPhaeAjDSCt9JdO15tJiwtjbHxSclg

 

 

[Domza84]

So after many weeks of reading and watching many positive reviews on the Eversolo DMP-A6, I decided to purchase one for myself. I’ve only spent a day with it so far and have it all set up in my dedicated music room and thought I would provide my initial thoughts on the DMP-A6 to share with the community.

 

(System Specifics)

- Cyrus DAC82QX (Integrated Amplifier)

- Cyrus Stream X Signature (Streamer)

- Eversolo DMP-A6 (Hi-Res Streamer)

- Cyrus CD7 (CD Player)

- Cyrus PSX-R2 (Regulated PS) (2)

- Denafrips Ares 12th (DAC)

- Dynaudio Special Forty’s (Bookshelf Speakers)

 

(Packaging)

I was quite impressed with the standard packaging of the Eversolo DMP-A6 with the accented art on the packaging, the unit itself and all contents were packaged and protected quite well for transportation, the unit also came double boxed which offers a little more piece of mind. The unit came supplied in a drawstring protective sleeve with a quick start guide, power cable, USB-A to USB-B cable to complete the list of supplied contents.

 

(Initial Setup)

The initial setup was fairly straight forward and upon turning the unit ON for the first time, I was promoted with a firmware update of the unit in which I proceeded with once the DMP-A6 was connected to my Wifi network. My preferred connection method was utilising the USB Output (Audio OUT) from the DMP-A6 which was then connected directly to my Denafrips Ares 12th DAC’s USB input. Once all input and output assignments were completed on the DMP-A6, I then proceeded to connect my preferred application(s) for use. My connection method means that I am bypassing the internal DAC of the DMP-A6.

 

(Apps and General use)

I proceeded to connect my Apple Music Account as this is my preferred platform for streaming music. Once my Apple Music Account was up and running, the first thing I noticed was how intuitive it was in prompting me to set the correct settings for the optimal performance of product using in specific the Apple Music App. Once I had followed the suggested steps, I fired up the playlist and the music was up and running. I tried various formats all the way up to 24/192 which was indicated from the Ares 12th DAC as decoding the Hi-Res formats.

 

I connected both my iPhone and iPad to the DMP-A6 in which the connection on both devices were a breeze to connect and use. I ventured through a few of the customisation settings like the display and casting functions as well as some of the audio options which worked quite well and was fairly straight forward to navigate. The VU meters look good also.

 

A lot of thought has gone into the design of the control platform to remain intuitive and functional enough to ensure a great user experience which was the case for me and my experience. Upon using the Apple Music App I found it resembled the use and operation as on my other iOS devices, so the platform was quiet intuitive and very easy for an existing Apple Music user to understand and operate quiet easily because the layout was exactly familiar so I was very happy with the effort put into this from Eversolo. I also wanted to note that the quality and resolution of the in-built screen is fantastic, it’s not only functional but also looks a statement piece of Hi-Fi equipment and feels really good in operation. As I recall one reviewer had mentioned, he stated that it was quiet confidence inspiring which I would also agree with.

 

I also wanted to mention the build quality of the DMP-A6 which is quite remarkable at this price point. It just feels robust and very solid, the aesthetics will come down to personal preference, but for me, I love the design and it’s sharp lines which to me has a very nice touch of class and with the large HD screen, it just ticks all the boxes for me as an understated piece of Hi-Fi brilliance.

 

My initial experience with using the DMP-A6 was 100% positive and in regards to the setup this was also very intuitive and has made for a wonderful user setup and first experience.

 

(Hardware Configuration)

The Eversolo DMP-A6 system is configured for use as for dedicated 2 channel listening and the method of connection is as stated below;

 

The Eversolo DMP-A6 connected via USB to my Denafrips Ares 12th then the Ares 12th is connected via analogue RCA direct to my Cyrus DAC82QX Integrated Amplifier which is then connected to my Dynaudio Special Forty Bookshelf Speakers. For context, my integrated amplifier also uses a dedicated outboard regulated power supply with a proprietary connection. For comparison purposes, my previous music playback method was using my iPad connected via USB to Lightning cable directly to my Cyrus Stream X Signature streamer (no internal DAC), this was fed directly to my Denafrips Ares 12th via coaxial then analogue RCA to my integrated amplifier. This method I was quiet happy with and suited my needs quiet well and the performance I was very happy with.

 

(Sound impressions)

I found as per my initial impressions of the audio sound quality for the DMP-A6 to have a very nice and well balanced sound signature. Everything sounded quite full and rendered perfectly to perfection. I spent the entire day going through my very familiar tracks and playlists to properly evaluate the sound and what I had found was, that it had a very engaging sound quality that was evident right from the start. Each track I played was genuinely emotionally engaging and within the first 30 seconds of the first track, I knew I had made the correct decision.

(Bass)

The bass quality sounded very realistic and had proper weight and definition to its tone, it never sound like it was trying too hard but rather had more of an effortless sound that was believable with plenty of resolution in this band. The bass notes were very well defined and had this ‘fullness’ to it which sounded quiet amazing!

(Midrange)

Leading into the midrange which is an area I can be quiet critical of as such my Dynaudio Special Forty’s are very good in this area, so I was intrigued to see what the DMP-A6 could offer in the category of midrange. The first thing I noted was, that the midrange sound very neutral with some very good definition and body to it. It never became fatiguing and the sublime texture provided some of the nicest male & female vocal quality I had heard from the Special Forty’s to date, I was genuinely impressed! The midrange quality was also something to note, there was this tangible force behind the midrange that I hadn’t heard before from my Special Forty’s, they just had this level of realism that demanded my attention as to almost make me peer deeper inside the music track that was playing to get a more decisive gauge of the emotion transpired from the male or female artist. I was absolutely flawed by this level of quality I was hearing in the midrange.

(Top End / Highs)

Upon evaluating the top end, this was also impressive to listen to, and even with tracks that I have become quiet intimately familiar with, I noticed this incredible resolution that had phenomenal separation and proper attack and decay that truly did justice to the renowned Esotar Forty tweeter used in the Special Forty’s. It was airy enough but not over the top, which worked well for my specific preference of the top end which was also very well extended. I did not find the top end harsh or bright in anyway, it really worked well to provide great resolution in this range. It always sounded engaging in such a pleasing manner.

(Soundstage)

In regard to soundstage, the Eversolo DMP-A6 also delivers on this front also, the proper stage dimensions and stage placement which are very realistic certainly does justice to the music. I found that height was comparable to what I had prior in my other streamer, but width and depth had improved slightly. The placement had become even more stable and more 3D like which impressed me a lot. The ‘center focus’ was even more realistic and seemed to be locked as almost gaining more clarity to give vocalist a more front & center approach.

(Dynamics)

The dynamics was also something I had noted to be a great improvement and it was nothing short of impressive! Even playing at lower listening levels, the dynamics just seemed to evolve from a dark background and was very expressive in its delivery. It certainly provides the WOW factor in music when called for.

(Conclusion)

As you can tell, I’m very impressed with the Eversolo DMP-A6 and all that it does, I’ll admit that I was a bit of a skeptic with music streamers and I had sat on the fence for sometime deciding on whether or not to add a streamer to my system, but after the short period of time that I’ve spent with the Eversolo DMP-A6, I’m now a convert and will swear by them based on my personal experience. I will do more testing and evaluating over the next few days / weeks but in it’s early days, I am genuinely impressed. I will eventually add a DDC between the DMP-A6 and the Ares 12th which I think will have a positive result but that all for now, for my initial impressions on the Eversolo DMP-A6.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Regards,

Dom.

[maximus]

Great write up @Domza84. This is exciting news, it allows the user to invest into a more expensive dac when budgeting for seperates.

A recent review got it fairly close to a Lumin U2 mini, and that's over twice the price.

[Domza84]

Thanks @maximus.

I am more than happy to share my thoughts with our community for people wanting to know a little more regarding this unit based on my experience with the DMP-A6.

 

I did in fact see that review where it was being compared against the Lumin and how it held its own against one of the top players in the Streamer segment, I found this review quiet useful to gauge further insight to how the DMP-A6 went performance wise against the Lumin.

 

My currency combination (used with the Ares 12th) I find to be a winning combination which combines a high quality Hi-Res Music streamer alongside the R-2R DAC for that very convincing and wonderfully presented ‘Analogue Tone’ to sound like more of what I want from my music. It’s undeniable that the sound I am experiencing in my setup is some of the best sound I have come to love and I think with the future addition of the Denafrips IRIS DDC will further hone in on this already phenomenal quality I have currently, to lower the noise floor further and use more superior clocks for added benefit to what matters most - Sound Quality.

 

Thanks again..

[rantan]

An excellent review and great photos as well.

May I enquire if you had some time listening the A6 via its own built in DAC and how was that compared to using the external DAC.?

 

Thank you.

[Domza84]

1 hour ago, rantan said:

An excellent review and great photos as well.

May I enquire if you had some time listening the A6 via its own built in DAC and how was that compared to using the external DAC.?

 

Thank you.

Thanks @rantan I appreciate your kind words. As far as the internal DAC goes, I did have a chance to audition the DMP-A6 prior to purchase in which the internal DAC was in use and I can tell you that it did an excellent job via the internal ESS DAC’s.

 

It had all the fundamentals and makings of a very well rendered DAC which offered excellent sound quality to match the already impressive unit in question. If it’s anything to go by, I based my purchasing decision based also on what I listened to, which was with the internal DAC in operation. It’s just a well rounded package that does everything well, great interface, great app and the sound quality performance to match it with the best of them.

 

In my actual system I don’t use the internal DAC’s of the DMP-A6, but rather I use my Denafrips Ares 12th as my DAC of choice which scales incredibly well, but having heard the internal DAC configuration I would most certainly be more than happy with this incredible performance based on the 30 minutes or so I spent in audition using the internal ESS DAC’s. It had incredible detail and fantastic linearity and a glorious soundstage to match.

 

They (Eversolo) has done a remarkable job from top to bottom with this unit and I can’t recommend this unit highly enough to the point where I am even considering getting a second unit to use in my headphone station setup whereby I have a few high end headphones that would benefit and scale up well with a unit like this for my streaming requirement needs.

 

I hope this helps you out a little..

 

Regards,

Dom.

[rantan]

33 minutes ago, Domza84 said:

hope this helps you out a little..

 

This has helped a lot and I really appreciate your comprehensive reply.

Thanks again.

[Braddles 63]

Hmmm....thinks to himself........Now that i have some hours on mine i should try the on board dac again.......

[truen]

Thank you for the very detaliled, analytical and very informative review you put there Dom, it felt like reading a professional review and I couldn't agree more on all the positive points you raised about the A6. 

 

I am using almost all the connections it provides (including the analogue, in my case xlr) and I must say that I am impressed with the sound and am now looking to upgrade my xlr's which I believe will defintely make huge difference. The source (A6) already provides a high quality output and if you can match that with good interconnects, you are set and no need to look further, at least for the time being. 

Edited July 6, 2023 by truen

[Domza84]

2 hours ago, Braddles 63 said:

Hmmm....thinks to himself........Now that i have some hours on mine i should try the on board dac again.......

I have nothing but praise for the internal DAC’s, they suit the task at hand very well and perform as a great DAC should perform. I think for anyone wanting to use the DMP-A6 as a complete solution (streamer & pre-amp), they should not have any issues at all and will obtain reference grade performance as a complete solution to their needs.

 

The beauty of having a system such as the DMP-A6 is that, the end user can opt to use this with the included DAC or expand this solution and use this with an outboard DAC of their choosing for increased performance in their system.

[Domza84]

35 minutes ago, truen said:

Thank you for the very detaliled, analytical and very informative review you put there Dom, it felt like reading a professional review and I couldn't agree more on all the positive points you raised about the A6. 

 

I am using almost all the connections it provides (including the analogue, in my case xlr) and I must say that I am impressed with the sound and am now looking to upgrade my xlr's which I believe will defintely make huge difference. The source (A6) already provides a high quality output and if you can match that with good interconnects, you are set and no need to look further, at least for the time being. 

Thanks @truen for you very kind words, much appreciated..

 

It’s great that the DMP-A6 does have a fully balanced design and if you can utilise the XLR output, this will be of benefit being the preferred output method being Balanced.

 

As for the quality of cables used, this can potentially offer you improved results depending on the cable. I have found that even jumping up to the next series of cable (as in my case), I compared the Audioquest Cinnamon Coax to the Audioquest Carbon Coax and I ended up returning the Cinnamon as the AQ Carbon was much superior, so I am now looking to purchase the AQ Carbon versions for both USB and HDMI for the rest of my system based on my positive outcomes and experiences I have had with this series (Carbon) of Audioquest.

 

Regards,

Dom.

 

 

[Guest]

Now landed and exclusive in WA to @WC HiFi Midland - be sure to drop in if you want a demo!

 

https://www.westcoasthifi.com.au/brand/eversolo/