Streamer + DAC help: Bluesound vs Eversolo (vs Others)


All - my budget is uh, flexible. Up to $5K USD. I bought the hifi rose 150B but since it has way too many bugs, I am returning it. 
What is your experience look like with Bluesound, Eversolo and other brands in a similar price point? I can’t audition so I am looking to see what others have to say (if possible, as compared to the hifi rose 150b). 
(1) how is the hardware? (2) interface on the hardware? (3) app? (4) sound quality?

 

the rose 150b had GREAT SQ but the constant interruptions in playback was such a downer. 
 

what other brands can i consider?

i am weary about spending $5K without demo-ing (it’s messed up, i know) but that is my budget. of course if there is a consensus about SQ at a lower price point, then i don’t even have to go to $5K. 
 

I know, this sounds weird. But the experience with rose was traumatic. I don’t want to put any dealer through any kind of “troubleshoot with me” and “return it” ordeal again :( 

 

thank you all in advance

nathandfwacoustics

Look at Aurender and Innuos.   Two of the better manufacturers in streaming.   Also both are know for reliability and support.  

Eversoso has no support,  their user forum is basically their "support"    Lots of bugs with each firmware.   Customer service is the worst you will ever experience

 

Bluesound is great as a platform , hardware is good .   Mine always works.   

I have had a Vault 2i since 2019 and have had an Aurender N200 for about 2 years.   Both trouble free.     

Innuos streamers sound great, have the best app, and offer great customer service. Here’s a used Zen at a good price, or you could get a new Pulse Mini and add an LPS from SBooster, Teddy Pardo, or LHY for about the same price.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650163113-innuos-zen-mk3-2tb/

You could pair it with this Denafrips Pontus 15th DAC and have a pretty damn strong streaming setup for around $4k.  At your budget you could even add an Iris DDC (highly recommended) and get a significant performance boost for not much $$$ or add it later.  Best of luck.

https://www.denafrips.com/product-page/denafrips-pontus-15th-r2r-dac

I have had the Eversolo DMP-A8 since it was first available, Dec of 23.

I love the DSP features that allow me to tweak the sound for the speakers of my preference. The internal Dac sounds better to me than the $1600 Gustard R26 Ladder Dac it replaced. Sold the Gustard.

The analog preamp in this unit bettered the tube pre I was using.

I have never had a single issue with this unit or the app/software. I find the app is intuitive and rock solid. They have a very helpful dedicated forum for this unit.

The support team continues to add new features to the software. They recently added automatic switching to the proper input when the TV (ARC) or the one of the streaming apps (internal player) are selected. They also recently updated with the new room correction software that just came out with the new A10 unit. The ARC input makes Youtube videos sound great, better than the Optical in I was using.

The A8 is probably the finest piece of kit I ever placed into my system.

I had problems with Bluesound, Cambridge, and Eversolo (A6).  The product support for the Eversolo was by far the worst I have ever experienced in audio.

I moved up the audio chain significantly by going with Innuos for the streamer and Bricasti for the DAC.  Both were purchased used.  The two items combined are over your budget.  I have heard great things regarding the Bricasti M3 with the built-in streamer.  If I were in your shoes I would take a serious look at the M3.