VSystem

EverSolo DMP-A8 Gen 2 - Music Streamer with DAC and Analogue Preamplifier

Three devices in one: a network streamer, a digital-to-analogue converter and an analogue preamplifier. DMP-A8 Gen 2 brings together AKM's flagship DAC architecture, a fully balanced preamp stage and volume control via an R-2R resistor ladder in the analogue domain. An aerospace-grade aluminium chassis shields the internal circuitry, while the 8.6-inch touchscreen turns the front panel into a control centre for the whole system.

Key Highlights

• AK4499EXEQ and AK4191EQ - AKM's flagship two-chip DAC architecture
• R-2R volume control in the analogue domain, with no digital attenuation loss
• evotune PRO - room correction with FIR filtering and DRC modelling
• HDMI eARC, SFP optical port and Wi-Fi 6 for every possible connection

Technology & Benefits

Split DAC Architecture

AKM divides the task between two chips: the AK4191EQ handles digital processing while the AK4499EXEQ performs the conversion itself. The separation means digital noise from the first stage never reaches the analogue section - the result is a quieter background and clearer separation between instruments. Formats up to DSD512 and PCM 768kHz/32bit are supported, while AKM's Velvet Sound technology lends naturalness to vocals and spatial imaging.

R-2R Volume Control

On most digital devices, attenuation happens digitally, which means bits are lost at lower levels - and detail with them. DMP-A8 Gen 2 uses a precision R-2R resistor ladder operating in the analogue domain after conversion. Dynamics and detail stay intact at any level, with the proprietary EVC engine maintaining signal integrity across the full range.

Fully Balanced Preamplifier

The preamp stage is built fully balanced, with XLR and RCA analogue inputs and up to +10dB of gain. That allows analogue sources to connect directly and power amplifiers or active speakers to be driven without an additional component in the chain. Output level is 4.2V over XLR and 2.1V over RCA, with distortion below 0.0001% and dynamic range above 129dB.

evotune PRO Room Correction

Every room shapes sound in its own way through reflections, standing waves and geometry. The upgraded evotune PRO goes beyond frequency-response adjustment - it analyses how sound behaves throughout the listening environment and processes frequency, timing and spatial information together using DRC modelling and FIR filtering. Measurement uses a USB measurement microphone or your phone's microphone, with the former recommended for accuracy.

Connectivity Without Limits

Inputs cover practically everything: USB-B, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC/eARC for a TV, plus XLR and RCA analogue. Outputs include USB audio up to DSD512 Native, eight IIS modes for compatibility with external DACs, AES/EBU with professional XLR transmission, optical and coaxial, plus XLR and RCA analogue. A dedicated subwoofer output with adjustable crossover from 40 to 500Hz allows a subwoofer to be added.

Network and Streaming

Alongside gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6, the device offers an SFP optical network port - a solution for those wanting complete galvanic isolation from their network equipment. Apple Music, Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer and others are supported, each with its own native interface. SMB, NFS and WebDAV protocols provide access to network storage, while the M.2 NVMe slot underneath takes an SSD up to 8TB for a local library.

Display and Control

The 8.6-inch touchscreen shows album artwork, VU meters, dynamic spectrum displays and visual effects synchronised to the music. The front knob handles volume, input selection and functions with precisely judged damping. To that are added a dual-mode remote with Bluetooth and infrared, plus the Eversolo Control app for phone, tablet, browser and TV.

Who Is It For?

DMP-A8 Gen 2 is designed for people who want to reduce their system to the fewest possible components without compromising quality. It replaces a streamer, external DAC and preamplifier at once, while the analogue inputs allow existing sources to stay in the system. The HDMI eARC input also makes it a hub for TV audio.

What's in the Box

• EverSolo DMP-A8 Gen 2 music streamer
• Dual-mode remote control
• Power cable
• Trigger cable
• Polishing cloth
• Product manual

Technical Information

• Type: Music streamer with DAC and analogue preamplifier
• DAC: AK4499EXEQ with AK4191EQ
• Audio processor: Eversolo AuralEngine
• Operational amplifiers: OPA1612
• Volume control: R-2R resistor ladder, analogue domain
• Display: 8.6" LCD touchscreen
• Memory: 8 GB DDR5 + 64 GB eMMC
• Processor: Octa-core
• Clocks: Dual ultra-low phase-noise
• Power supply: Separate linear and digital sections, low noise
• Supported formats: Up to DSD512 and PCM 768kHz/32bit
• Digital inputs: USB-B, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC/eARC
• Analogue inputs: XLR balanced, RCA (up to +10dB gain)
• Digital outputs: USB audio, IIS (eight modes), AES/EBU, optical, coaxial
• Analogue outputs: XLR balanced, RCA, subwoofer
• Subwoofer crossover: 40 - 500 Hz
• Output level: 4.2 V (XLR); 2.1 V (RCA)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.25 dB)
• THD+N: 0.000075% / -122 dB (XLR)
• Dynamic range and SNR: Over 129 dB (XLR); over 127 dB (RCA)
• Crosstalk: Over 133 dB (XLR)
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 and 5 GHz), SFP optical port
• Bluetooth: Version 5.4, Qualcomm QCC3095
• Expansion: M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0, 2280, up to 8 TB (SSD not included)
• EQ: 20-band parametric, 3.51 Hz - 20 kHz
• Room correction: evotune PRO with FIR filtering
• Upsampling: Up to 16x
• Rated power: 30 W
• Power supply: 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 388 x 265 x 88 mm
• Weight: 5.25 kg

Expert Tip from vsystem.bg

Take time over evotune PRO during installation - room correction changes more than any other setting, and the result depends on measurement accuracy. Use a USB measurement microphone rather than your phone's, and keep the room quiet throughout. If you plan to fit an SSD, the slot is on the underside and requires no disassembly. When connecting a TV over HDMI, note that the input accepts stereo PCM - set that format in the TV's audio settings.

FAQ

Do I need a separate preamplifier?
No - the preamp is built in and fully balanced. You can connect a power amplifier or active speakers directly to the XLR or RCA output.

Can it be used purely as a transport?
Yes. USB, IIS, AES/EBU, optical and coaxial outputs all pass a digital signal to an external DAC if you prefer its sound to the built-in one.

Is an SSD included?
No. The M.2 NVMe slot takes a drive up to 8TB, purchased separately and fitted from underneath without opening the unit.

What is the SFP optical port?
A network connection over optical fibre rather than copper. It breaks the electrical link to your network equipment and removes the interference it would otherwise introduce. The SFP module is sold separately.

Does it support multichannel audio over HDMI?
No - the HDMI input accepts stereo PCM up to 192kHz/24bit. The device is stereo and doesn't decode Dolby or DTS formats.