Update 2026: This long-term review covers the original Eversolo DMP-A8 that I own and use in my system. Eversolo has since introduced the DMP-A8 Gen 2. I will refer to the newer model where relevant, but the daily-use experience described here is based on the original DMP-A8.

Why I Replaced My WiiM and RME

My first dedicated streamer was the WiiM Pro, connected to an RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition — what a name.

I was actually happy with that setup. The WiiM finally freed me from having to boot up a laptop or spend more time experimenting with Raspberry Pis. It worked straight out of the box, the app was excellent, and streaming music became a whole lot easier.

I had also planned to use the RME’s analog-to-digital converter to digitize my vinyl collection. In reality, the project never went anywhere. Time was one reason, but the main one was sound. I was not entirely happy with what I heard through the RME’s AD conversion, even though that had originally been a major selling point for me.

Vinyl playback seemed slightly flatter and more smoothed-over after the conversion, although technically I probably should not have heard much of a difference. I cannot explain it, and I would not claim it was anything more than my subjective impression.

More importantly, I eventually started questioning the whole idea. Why the heck was I converting an analog signal to digital when I could simply play the record?

The WiiM and RME combination worked fine, but it meant switching on two devices and adding yet another digital cable. I dreamt of having one box that could handle streaming, act as my DAC and volume control, and integrate my turntable.

The analog input was non-negotiable. I briefly considered separate preamps such as the Topping Pre90 and Schiit Freya. Both are quite expensive for my simple use case and, frankly, buying another component just to connect one turntable felt a bit like a waste.

I first heard about the Eversolo DMP-A6 through the Audio Science Review forum, where owners seemed extremely enthusiastic about it. Shortly afterwards, Eversolo introduced the DMP-A8. Its analog inputs and relay-based volume control made it exactly the kind of device I had been looking for.

The DMP-A8 is not a cheapo — at more than twice the price of the A6, that is. But once I compared its price with the combined cost of a streamer, DAC and capable analog preamp, it sealed the deal for me.

Check the current Eversolo DMP-A8 price (advertisement link)

Why the DMP-A8 Made Sense in My System

The Eversolo DMP-A6 (advertisement link) would probably have been enough for a purely digital setup.

. It already provides streaming, local storage through an NVMe SSD slot, a nice DAC, a large touchscreen and the Eversolo Control app.

I did not want to set up a NAS, as I prefer having my music collection stored inside the player and easily accessible.

But my system had one extra requirement: the Clearaudio turntable and Pass XONO phono stage had to remain part of it. The DMP-A8 offers a proper analog input, so I do not have to convert the turntable signal to digital just to use it. Its relay-based volume control also allows the A8 to act as the preamp in my system.

Apart from that, the DMP-A8 comes with the regular goodness. It supports services including Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music and Apple Music. Apple Music requires a few extra steps, but high-resolution playback is possible.

I personally use Qobuz, which was easy to set up. All I had to do was enter my login details.

I also get a couple more digital inputs which, frankly, I do not currently need. I experimented with external SSDs, a DVD drive and even an external DAC.

That flexibility should also keep the A8 useful for a long time. If a future external DAC offers something I genuinely want, I could simply continue using the DMP-A8 as a streamer.

My DMP-A8 connects directly to my DIY Hypex NCore 400 monoblocks through its balanced outputs. The Hypex amplifiers then drive my ELAC Vela 404 loudspeakers.

• Streaming or local files: DMP-A8 → Hypex monoblocks → ELAC Vela 404
• Vinyl: Clearaudio turntable → Pass XONO → DMP-A8 → Hypex monoblocks → ELAC Vela 404

For someone who already owns a good integrated amplifier or preamp and has no analog sources, the DMP-A6 remains the more sensible purchase. The DMP-A8 earns its additional cost when it replaces more than a streamer and DAC.

Living With the DMP-A8

The real test of a streamer is whether the device makes playing music easier or creates another layer of menus, apps and troubleshooting.

After walking through the initial setup steps, the DMP-A8 quickly became a component I stopped thinking about. I switch it on, select a source and listen.

I have labeled my inputs and can now quickly switch from streaming Qobuz to vinyl and vice versa.

The Touchscreen

The touchscreen is large enough to read from my listening chair and feels quite responsive.

I use it for quick source changes, playback information and settings when I am standing beside the system. Album artwork also looks good, and you can customize the appearance further if you like. I do not bother with that, though. I am happy with the defaults.

From the listening position, I normally use the app or remote control. Although I like the physical remote, I mostly do everything from my iPhone, including volume adjustments.

You want to be careful with the small volume slider in the app, though. An accidental swipe can drive the volume up to crazy levels. I now carefully use the plus and minus buttons instead.

The Eversolo Control App

The DMP-A8 comes with an app called Eversolo Control, which handles playback, source selection, volume, local files and most settings.

If you need to access the more advanced stuff, Eversolo also allows you to mirror the main screen on your phone.

I would say the WiiM app is definitely easier to use, but it is also more limited in what it can do. The DMP-A8 does much more, and that naturally brings more menus and options.

Some settings take time to find, but normal playback is straightforward.

Streaming and Source Selection

Streaming services, local files and external sources are available through the same interface. Moving from streamed music to vinyl takes little more than selecting another input.

This is one of the things I like most about the DMP-A8. Digital and analog playback no longer feel like two separate systems.

Local Storage and My 2TB SSD

I installed a 2TB NVMe SSD in the internal storage slot. The compartment is accessible from underneath the unit and requires removing only a small cover held in place by two screws. Eversolo even provides the correct screwdriver.

Once installed and formatted, the drive becomes part of the Eversolo’s internal storage. Music can be copied over the network or from USB storage and then scanned into the music library.

I moved my entire collection of FLAC files to the internal SSD, which took an awfully long time.

For the initial transfer, I highly suggest connecting the SSD directly to your PC or Mac and copying the music before installing it in the Eversolo. That should be considerably faster than moving a large collection over the network.

Adding a few new albums later is not a big deal, and I can easily live with the lower transfer speed for that.

The library itself organizes albums by artist, genre and metadata. As with any music server, the result depends on how well the files are tagged.

An internal SSD is not a must-have. If you primarily rely on streaming services such as Tidal or Qobuz, or already have access to a NAS, you can continue using what you have.

For me, however, it suits the purpose of the DMP-A8. My entire local collection is available without running another computer, NAS or external USB drive.

The Analog Input Was the Deciding Feature for Me

The analog input turned the DMP-A8 from an interesting streamer into the right product for my system.

My vinyl setup consists of a Clearaudio Performance SE turntable, a Clearaudio Maestro moving-magnet cartridge and a DIY Pass XONO phono stage. The XONO connects directly to one of the DMP-A8’s analog inputs.

This gives vinyl and digital playback the same volume control, balanced outputs and power amplifiers. Switching from Qobuz or a local file to a record now feels super smooth.

Someone who already owns a preamp, uses an integrated amplifier or has no analog sources may gain little from this feature. In my setup, it is what allowed the DMP-A8 to replace several components instead of merely replacing the WiiM Pro.

It also ended my vinyl-digitizing project. I realized that I did not want to turn my records into another file-management exercise. I wanted to put on a record and listen to it.

How It Sounds in My System

The DMP-A8 sounds clean, quiet and transparent in my system. It does not impose an obvious tonal character, and I never feel that the digital source limits the ELAC Vela 404 loudspeakers.

Compared with the RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition, I prefer the Eversolo. The RME sounded slightly flatter and less involving to me, while the DMP-A8 seemed more natural and, I think, a little more resolving.

Output levels, filters, system matching and expectation may influence this, of course. I am not claiming that everyone will hear the same thing.

A dedicated high-end preamp may produce a different result in some systems. Whether that difference would justify another component, another pair of cables and another remote control is a separate question.

For me at least, a dedicated preamp is not worth it. The DMP-A8 drives my Hypex monoblocks directly, and I have never felt that anything was missing.

What I Do Not Like

The Software Is Busier Than WiiM

The WiiM app was faster to understand because it had a narrower job. Eversolo provides more control, but some settings are buried deeper than I would like.

Firmware updates can also move menus around, making older instructions difficult to follow.

Long-Term Software Support Is an Unknown

Like every modern streaming platform, the DMP-A8 depends partly on continued software support. Eversolo has provided regular updates so far, but nobody knows how long the original model will receive them or whether every streaming service will remain compatible indefinitely.

The hardware should remain useful as a local player, DAC and digital transport even if individual streaming integrations eventually change. Still, software longevity is something to consider when buying any expensive streamer.

The Screen Is Mainly Useful Up Close

The touchscreen looks excellent and works well when standing beside the unit. From the listening position, it is mostly an attractive display for album artwork.

I still use the app when browsing a large music library.

You May Not Use Every Feature

The DMP-A8 offers more inputs, outputs and settings than I regularly need. That flexibility is useful, but it also means some buyers will pay for functions they never touch.

Anyone who only wants to stream music into an existing integrated amplifier probably does not need the A8. A DMP-A6 or WiiM may be the better purchase.

I Would Like Another Output

An additional analog output would make it easier to switch between my ELAC loudspeaker system and STAX headphone setup.

An external XLR switch box solves the problem, but I would prefer not to need it.

None of these points makes me regret buying the DMP-A8. They are simply the compromises that became noticeable after long-term use.

DMP-A6, DMP-A8 or DMP-A10?

The right model depends on what the Eversolo will replace.

DMP-A6: The Sensible Digital Source

Check the current DMP-A6 price (advertisement link)

Choose the DMP-A6 when you mainly need streaming, local storage and a capable built-in DAC.

It provides the central Eversolo experience without making you pay for analog system integration you may never use. I would not choose one of the larger models solely in expectation of a dramatic improvement in sound quality.

The DMP-A6 is the logical choice if you already own an integrated amplifier or preamp and do not need analog inputs on the streamer.

Best for: Digital systems in which amplification and source switching are already covered.

DMP-A8: The Complete System Hub With Analog Input

Check the current DMP-A8 price (advertisement link)

Choose the DMP-A8 – which I personally own, when its analog inputs and preamp section allow it to replace other equipment.

Used only as a streamer into an existing integrated amplifier, much of its potential would be wasted.

Best for: Systems combining analog and digital sources, especially when the Eversolo will connect directly to power amplifiers.

DMP-A10: The Flagship

Check the current DMP-A10 price (advertisement link)

I have not used the DMP-A10 in my own system, so I cannot offer a meaningful sound comparison.

On paper, it takes the all-in-one concept further with a more elaborate enclosure and additional technical and system-control features — at a price.

I would only pay the premium if those additional features were relevant to my system. I would not assume that the higher price alone guarantees a dramatic improvement over the DMP-A8.

Best for: Buyers who specifically want Eversolo’s flagship platform and can make use of its additional features.

Final Verdict: Would I Buy the DMP-A8 Again?

Sure. It replaced several components, integrated my turntable and made the complete system easier to use.

My original DMP-A8 still does everything I bought it for, so I have no reason to replace it simply because a newer version exists.

For a digital-only system, I would probably choose the less expensive DMP-A6. But if you want one component to handle streaming, local files, analog sources and volume control directly into a power amplifier, the DMP-A8 is the model I would recommend.

For my system, I would buy it again.

View the Eversolo DMP-A8 on Amazon (advertisement link)

Last updated: July 2026. This long-term review is based on the original Eversolo DMP-A8 used in my own system.