Intro
Contents
Eversolo has reached many living rooms in a very short time. And with good reason. For a tidy amount of money, you get a very capable, complete network player. And dac ánd analog pre-amp. We previously tested the DMP-A6 in a group test. now it’s time for the Eversolo DMP-A10.
The brand new Eversolo DMP-A10 is a very, very complete device. In fact, all you have to do is connect a pair of active speakers to it and you’re done. And let’s face it: the target market for such a solution is just huge.
The Eversolo DMP-A10 is a (analog!) preamplifier, d/a converter and streamer in one. And no: the analog inputs do not go through an a/d converter first if desired; it is truly analog. As is the R-2R (resistor to resistor) volume control. However, those who want to apply some DSP can choose to do so.
New to the DMP-A10 compared to the A8 (and also A6) include the large display, high quality OCXO clocks (for 44.1 and 48 kHz material) and also, for example, the dynamic volume knob where you can decide what appears in the display. Is the latter necessary? No, of course not; but it is fun.
What we especially like is the fast startup time and the pleasant responsiveness: the Eversolo DMP-A10 is simply a fast player. And that makes operating it a very nice experience.
The Eversolo App
When we say the Eversolo A10 is complete, we are not exaggerating. It really is a super-complete player. And that manifests itself in the app that is jam-packed with options and lists of inputs, outputs, filters and streaming services, for example.
Now Eversolo has certainly tried – and in a way succeeded – to keep it uncluttered. The opening screen clearly shows you which main menus are available. A less practiced user really only needs to choose the input and output and connect a service. No other settings are necessary.
In the settings, practiced users can choose such things as dac filters (we like minimum phase, slow rolloff best), process room correction or other equalizers, or change the theme and layout of the displays.
The build
The build quality is excellent. The case feels solid and the workmanship is just very good. Absolutely no complaints here.
Under the hood, we see an equal level. Components sit neatly on the pcb and the layout makes sense. Wiring is also kept short, which we like to see. The power supply looks solid and sound with more than enough smoothing to achieve a stable and quiet soundstage.
At the heart of the system are the two high-end clocks, an ESS Sabre 9039 pro dac and the AKM AK7739VQ DSP chip. The Sabre is notable because the A8 had an AKM dac chip. Why Eversolo chose an ESS now, we do not know. Perhaps the ESS has better specs and more capabilities than the AKM in the A8.
Inputs and outputs Eversolo A10
Those looking for an incredibly flexible “switch box” will be very happy with the Eversolo DMP-A10. It really has all the inputs and outputs. From single ended and balanced analog out and inputs to optical, coax, usb, hdmi in and coax, optical and usb out. And then, of course, bluetooth, RJ45 Ethernet and even an SFP slot for a fiber optic network connection.
We tried both wifi and copper and fiber. All three sound neat, but slightly different. Which is best is network-dependent.
Nice to hear. I’ve been considering this for Room 2 if it ever comes out in silver.
An interesting shootout/comparison (video idea?) would be to put this up against the new Blusound Icon, Wiim Ultra, and their own A8 Gen 2. With and without their internal dacs. 😉