Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition Review - The universal talent at a particularly attractive price
The Eversolo Audio Tech. brand offers solutions that are causing quite a stir, especially streaming solutions such as the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition. Features that are described as state-of-the-art, an elegant appearance and, last but not least, the promise of immensely flexible use for users with high quality requirements are features that rightly arouse curiosity.
- The company Eversolo Audio Tech speaks of a new era heralded by streaming solutions such as the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition. Reason enough to test the veracity of this statement.
One thing is clear, streaming has become an integral part of the world of consumer electronics, quite the contrary, especially in the broad consumer segment, this method of music distribution has long been the predominant method. What was initially associated with rather modest quality has long since arrived in the upmarket HiFi segment and, of course, also in the designated High-end segment, with convenience often prevailing over some concerns about quality.
The range of hardware in the streaming sector has grown so much over the last few years that it is almost impossible to keep track of and you might think that a certain degree of market saturation has set in. But then there are always products that stand out from the crowd and cause an immense stir, as the company Eversolo Audio Tech. has done with its streaming systems.
Eversolo Audio DMP-A6 – A new era in streaming
Eversolo Audio Technology Co. Ltd. has been focussing on D/A converters for years, but the breakthrough in this country only came with the first streaming solutions. And Eversolo Audio Tech. is quite self-confident in this respect, even talking about a new era that it is heralding with its products.
Objectively speaking, this cannot be completely dismissed as pure marketing, as the Eversolo DMP-A6 actually caused quite a stir in the market. With this solution, they presented a streaming client which, above all, attracted attention with its astonishing price-performance ratio.
Streamer, music player, preamp…
In a compact and extremely elegant form, the Eversolo DMP-A6 is a solution based on the latest technology that proves to be extremely versatile and extremely convenient to use, and at a price point where there is hardly anything comparable on the market. With the features offered here, the image of many a highly praised High-end HiFi solution has been tarnished, and the response to the Eversolo DMP-A6 was correspondingly high.
There was only one point that clouded the issue, and that was the way in which the Eversolo DMP-A6 was distributed in this country, namely solely via online sales. Of course, this was probably a decisive criterion for achieving the very favourable price point, but for some customers it is crucial that they can purchase products through an established distributor in the HiFi environment and, in the best case, from a trusted specialist dealer.
Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition – One step further…
And it is precisely this decisive difference that Eversolo Audio Techn. is now making with the big brother of the Eversolo DMP-A6, the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition. This is offered via the classic distribution channel of a renowned distributor and thus also via specialist retailers, but of course that alone is not what distinguishes the two siblings.
At first glance, it is not easy to tell the difference between the Eversolo DMP-6 and the Eversolo DMP-6 Master Edition; it is only the corresponding name in black and gold on the front that provides the decisive clue, as does the orange instead of blue illumination of the rotary encoder on the front.
Elegant appearance, impeccable workmanship
As we have already mentioned several times, the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition is an extremely elegant and compact solution. The device measures no more than 270 mm in width, 187 mm in depth and 90 mm in height. The housing is made of aluminium and has a black anodised finish with a brushed surface. The sides are designed to act as effective cooling elements.
The largest part of the front is taken up by a very generously sized 6-inch colour touchscreen display, which offers a very clear, detailed display. The clearly structured user interface, in conjunction with the rotary encoder on the front, allows convenient operation directly on the device, if desired.
It’s the inner values that count – a high-performance IT basis
Right at the beginning of our detailed review of the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition, it should be noted that – soberly considered – this solution is once again, at least at its core, the finest IT. This may make some traditional HiFi enthusiasts a little uncomfortable, but ultimately it is the essential basis for products such as the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition to offer such a range of features and deliver music of outstanding quality.
A platform centred around an ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core processor forms the basis for the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition, which is supported by 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of ROM. Google Android 11 is used as the operating system, although the user is ultimately not directly aware of this, as the user interface developed by Eversolo Audio Tech. and EOS Audio Engine are used in the background for signal processing.
When it comes to ‘IT’, it is important to mention that the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition can be upgraded via a slot on the underside, namely via an M.2 SSD NVME 3.0 slot, which can accommodate SSDs with a storage capacity of up to 4 TByte.
USB ports for storage media, CD drive and D/A converter
It is also important to mention that a number of USB ports are also available here, which can also be used for corresponding storage media, for example, whereby these are USB 3.0 ports designed as USB-A. However, these can also be used to connect an external CD drive or an external D/A converter, for example.
A further USB-C port is used to connect the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition directly to a PC or Mac, and a tablet or smartphone can also be directly integrated as a source here.
Bluetooth 5.0
However, the integration of various source devices such as smartphones, tablets and notebooks is probably more convenient via Bluetooth, as this is also available here in the form of Bluetooth 5.0 based on the QCC5125 from Qualcomm Inc. with support for the SBC and AAC codecs, as well as aptX and aptX HD.
Cable or WiFi?
The Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition can initially be connected to the network in the traditional way via cable and the RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet interface, but it can also be connected via WiFi, as this solution is equipped with a WiFi module in accordance with IEEE 802.11ac.
Hi-res audio with up to 32 bit and 768 kHz, DSD512 and MQA
An XMOS XU316 16-core processor from specialist XMOS Technology Inc. is used as the audio processor, which takes care of the signal processing of content in Linear PCM with up to 32 bits and 768 kHz as well as DSD up to DSD512 and also MQA via USB, and which allows DSD64 in the form of DoP (DSD over PCM) as well as 24 bits and 192 kHz for S/PDIF.
Two D/A converters from ESS Technology Inc. as so-called double differential quadruple converters, ESS ES9038Q2M DACs, are available as ‘playing partners’. The signal conversion is literally clocked by particularly precise quartz oscillators, one of which operates at 45.1584 MHz for signals at 44.1 kHz and multiples thereof, and the second at 49.152 MHz for 48 kHz and multiples thereof. The manufacturer itself refers to this as low jitter dual clock processing with dual femtosecond clocks.
Seven digital filters plus equaliser
The signal processing of the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition offers many possibilities for individual influence, first and foremost seven different filter options for the D/A converter, so that it is possible to make very sensitive adjustments to different source material.
In addition, there is also an extensive equaliser, and what’s more, you can even bring a parametric and graphic equaliser into play and experiment with it to your heart’s content, as this even includes preset management and you can make different equaliser settings for different sources.
A look at the digital interfaces
In addition to the options of accessing content via the network, Bluetooth or USB, the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition also provides digital inputs for other sources, namely an optical and coaxial S/PDIF interface. For the sake of completeness, it should be expressly stated that no analogue inputs are available here.
If desired, the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition can also output signals digitally, for which both an optical and coaxial S/PDIF interface are also available.
However, the HDMI port of the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition is likely to be particularly exciting for some, even though it is designed solely for audio.
The special feature here is that the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition can also output audio signals in multi-channel via said HDMI port. According to the manufacturer, signals in DSD64 Native Multichannel as well as Linear PCM with 24 bit and 192 KHz Multichannel up to 5.1-channel Surround are output here. This is particularly interesting for all those who want to enjoy music in surround sound via a corresponding AV system.
Balanced output stage
A key feature of the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition is its output stage, which has a symmetrical design and, according to the manufacturer, is based solely on components selected for their audiophile properties.
In addition to operational amplifiers from the specialist Texas Instruments in the form of TI OPA1612, capacitors from WIMA Spezialvertrieb Elektronischer Bauelemente GmbH & Co. KG, Nichicon Corporation and K.K. Murata Seisakusho, as well as relays from Omron Corporation.
Analogue signals are output by the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition either unbalanced via RCA sockets or balanced via XLR connections.
The Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition as a media player
In the simplest case, the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition functions as a dlna-certified streaming client, i.e. it is based on the only existing industry standard in this area. It supports all relevant network protocols such as SMB and NFS and can therefore directly access content from a wide range of storage sources in your own network and thus function as a versatile media player. You can even access services such as WebDAV, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox and Plex.
And to ensure convenient handling, the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition relies on its own elegantly designed media management system, which is also available when it comes to managing content directly from storage media connected to the device via USB. Even if you upgrade the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition with an SSD, this media management system is of course available for navigating through your own media library.
Simple file transfer via the network
To transfer content to an SSD integrated in the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition, for example, it can be easily accessed via SMB over the network. The media player then appears like any other network drive in the Microsoft Windows File Manager or Apple macOS Finder and data can be transferred back and forth at will.
CD playback and CD ripping
At this point, we would like to explicitly point out that you can connect a CD-ROM drive to the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition via USB in order to play back audio CDs. What is much more exciting, however, is that you can also rip audio CDs using the CD Rip app on the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition. Of course, all relevant information such as artist, album title and tracks as well as cover artwork are automatically retrieved from the web and saved with the files accordingly.
Streaming in every conceivable way
We have already mentioned that the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition is a dlna-certified UPnP streaming client, but it also supports TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay. In addition, the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition is certified as Roon Ready by Roon Labs LLC.
Eversolo Control App
The Eversolo Control App should be mentioned now at the latest, because of course, as already described, you can really control everything quite clearly via the display on the front of the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition, but it is of course much more convenient using the app, and this is available with the said Eversolo Control App for Apple iOS and Google Android.
The really ingenious thing about this app is that it actually covers all the functions of the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition, so there is nothing that cannot be controlled via this app.
This starts with the initial setup, including integration into the network, and continues with the configuration of all available setup options, the aforementioned filter and equaliser settings, and of course the selection of inputs and the selection of a wide range of playback options for local content or streaming via the network.
Other streaming services such as Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO, Amazon Music, Deezer, SoundCloud and Internet Radio are also available here.
And that’s not the end of the story either, because as already mentioned, the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition is based on Google Android 11, and even if the user does not come into direct contact with the interface familiar from Google Android, this still offers the advantage of being able to install a wide variety of apps.
Another special feature of the Eversolo Control app is the option that can be found as a cast selection on the home screen. This means that the display on the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition is transferred directly to the smartphone, so you can navigate exactly as you would directly on the device. This is also referred to as screen mirroring and also allows you to access additional apps directly.
First and foremost is Apple Music, as the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition is one of the few streaming clients on the market that actually offers the option of playing Apple Music’s Hi-res audio content in full resolution.
In relevant forums and channels on social media platforms, users share a wide range of application scenarios for other services, although not everything is always highly relevant, such as the playback of videos from the YouTube platform on the 6-inch display of the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition.
VU meter, spectrum analyser…
The display options offered by the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition are much more amusing, as not only cover artwork can be shown on the 6-inch display in a variety of ways during streaming, but also VU meters or a spectrum analyser, for example. Here too, the user can choose from different design variants.
From the field
We have already mentioned much of what characterises the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition in practice in the detailed description. To summarise the most important points here once again, the extremely simple commissioning should be mentioned first and foremost. Of course, the Eversolo Control app is available to the user to guide them step by step through all the necessary steps, although we would like to expressly point out that the range of functions of this product is so extensive that you will probably only gradually realise all the possibilities it offers.
The fact is that the basic functions, such as streaming via one of the numerous available platforms, are possible in just a few moments and the installation, to emphasise once again, is really very simple.
This also applies to the operation as a whole; in fact, it is much more complex to describe all the possibilities of such a versatile solution as the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition in detail than to simply use it in practice.
For us, the crucial point that sets the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition apart from many other systems on the market is, of course, its range of functions. It is a media player, streaming client, D/A converter and digital preamplifier all in one, and the fact that this has been achieved with such stringent, simple operation is quite remarkable.
It is also remarkable that a level of quality has been achieved here that deserves to be called High-end audio, both in terms of the look and feel and the sound that can be achieved with the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition. In this respect, we would like to point out that the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition impressed us throughout, with a very detailed, clear and thus ultimately completely convincing performance, in which you can also intervene in the sound shaping in a very versatile way via filters and EQ, if this is desired.
It was noticeable that the balanced output stage of the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition in particular is very powerful, and we even had to cut back a decibel or two to avoid overloading the input stage of our amplifier.
Ultimately, there is really no reason for criticism, although we might wish for analogue inputs, but Eversolo Audio Technology Co. Ltd. has the perfect solution for this with the Eversolo DMP-A8.
What would still be nice, however, is a very simple infrared remote control that you can use when you simply want to skip a track forwards or backwards in the playlist, pause playback briefly and similar situations for which it is not worth picking up your smartphone and calling up the app.
The manufacturer has also thought of this and offers the Eversolo BTR-12, a suitable solution for a small price as an optional accessory. The switch-on and switch-off function is carried out via infrared IR, while the remaining control functions are carried out via Bluetooth transmission.
Prices and availability
The Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition is available from specialist retailers at a recommended retail price of € 1.299,-. Currently, only one version is available in a discreet matt black colour.
Our conclusion
Yes, there are probably one or two other solutions on the market that are similar to the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition, at least in terms of pure functionality, but unfortunately, due to their concept, these must ultimately be categorised as IT rather than high-end HiFi, or else they play in a completely different price range.
It is therefore the flexibility offered here in combination with impressive quality and intuitive operation that makes the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition so unique.
Getting to the point
Frankly, we are not surprised that the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition from Eversolo Audio Technology Co. Ltd. has caused such a stir in the HiFi scene since its market launch, because as our detailed test showed, it is a solution that is second to none. All the possibilities that modern IT can offer today in a networked world of consumer electronics are offered here in the elegant form that you would expect from the finest HiFi. There is nothing to criticise in terms of sound quality or ease of use, and in view of this, the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition offers outstanding value for money and comes with a clear recommendation.
| PRODUCT | EVERSOLO DMP-A6 STREAMER |
|---|---|
| Price | € 1.299,- |
| BRAND | EVERSOLO AUDIO TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD. |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Zidoo Technology Co. Ltd. |
| Distribution | audioNEXT GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
The Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition is a prime example of how all the possibilities of modern IT solutions can be utilised for the world of HiFi, with a high level of flexibility combined with ease of use, an elegant appearance and, of course, impeccable sound quality.
Positive
- Very attractive, compact design
- High-quality workmanship
- Extremely flexible in use
- All relevant connections as a digital interface
- Very simple, clearly thought-out operating concept thanks to the excellent app
- Very appealing sound
Negative
- Remote control only available as an option, but as a model with infrared and Bluetooth
Test Environment
- Roon NUCLEUS+
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro
- Apple iPad Air
- Technics SU-R1000
- Cables from AudioQuest
- KEF Blade 2
Conclusion
Sound
Design
Handling
Price/Performance
Exzellent
It is the flexibility offered here in combination with impressive quality, together with intuitive operation and a very attractive price, that makes the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition so unique.
