Eversolo DMP-A8 Gen 2 and DMP-A8 Master Gen 2 available in UK

Decent Audio has announced the immediate UK availability of the Eversolo DMP-A8 Gen 2 and DMP-A8 Master Gen 2.

The new A8 models put streaming, digital music and system control at the heart of a hi-fi system. Each combines a network music player, high-resolution DAC and analogue preamplifier in a single component, with connections for integrating other digital and analogue sources.

In practical terms, either A8 can be the control centre of a system: connect it to a power amplifier or active speakers and it provides the source, digital-to-analogue conversion and volume control in one box. It can also be connected to an existing integrated amplifier, making it a straightforward way to add high-resolution streaming and network music playback to an established system.

Both models support Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect, as well as DLNA and can access music stored on a home network or NAS. An optional internal SSD can also be installed, with support for up to 8TB of storage – useful for listeners with large music collections who want their favourite albums available locally as well as through streaming services.

At the heart of both new models is a separate AKM AK4191EQ digital processor and AK4499EX DAC architecture, with support for PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. The analogue output stage is fully balanced and uses analogue-domain volume control. This means the A8 can connect directly to a power amplifier or active speakers, controlling volume without requiring a separate preamplifier.

Both models also include a new, more powerful eight-core processing platform, 8GB memory and 64GB of internal storage. The increased processing power helps keep the interface responsive when browsing large music libraries, switching between applications and handling high-resolution music.

For listeners who enjoy both physical and digital music, the DMP-A8 Master Gen 2 brings the two together in one component. Its custom CD playback system is built into the top of the chassis, allowing CDs to be played directly through the A8, with album information retrieved and displayed on its large front-panel screen. A compact disc collection can live alongside streaming services, downloaded music and local digital libraries, all managed from the same component.

The Master also introduces a more sophisticated clocking system, using an OCXO and PLL architecture and adds a 10MHz external clock input. This gives owners of more advanced digital systems the option of connecting the Eversolo to a compatible external clock and using a shared precision timing reference across their digital audio equipment.

The two A8s share a redesigned chassis and an 8.6-inch front-panel touchscreen. It’s a substantial, high-resolution display that gives the A8 a strong visual presence as well as providing access to music libraries, playback information and system controls. VU meters, spectrum analysers and other display options can also bring the front panel to life while music is playing.

Connectivity is designed to make the A8 easy to integrate into a wide range of home systems. Both models provide USB Audio, AES/EBU, optical and coaxial digital connections, as well as balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analogue outputs.

HDMI ARC/eARC makes it easy to bring TV audio into the system, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth provide wireless access to music and network services. An SFP fibre network connection is also provided for those who prefer wired connection.

A dedicated subwoofer output, with adjustable crossover settings, allows an active subwoofer to be connected directly to the A8, making it easy to extend the system’s low-frequency performance without adding separate crossover electronics.

The new A8 models feature Eversolo’s evotune Pro room-correction system, which uses acoustic measurements and digital filtering to account for the effects of the room and speaker placement. In practice, it can help reduce uneven bass and other tonal variations caused by the room, producing a more consistent and balanced sound at the listening position.

For listeners who want to fine-tune the result, evotune Pro also provides a 20-band parametric EQ and support for importing FIR filters, allowing more precise adjustment of the system’s response.

“It is a real pleasure to bring Eversolo to our network of UK dealers,” says Simon Griffin, founder and owner of Decent Audio. ‘The DMP-A8 Gen 2 and DMP-A8 Master Gen 2 are great examples of what makes the brand so interesting: sophisticated digital audio technology, an intuitive user experience and a beautifully considered design. And with the Master, there’s the wonderfully unexpected addition of a CD player built into the top of the unit. It’s a great way of bringing streaming, downloads and physical music together in one highly capable machine.’

The DMP-A8 Gen 2 and DMP-A8 Master Gen 2 are available now from authorised UK Eversolo dealers, priced at £1,949 and £2,489 respectively.