Eversolo DMP 8 audition going poorly...

I am really happy with the A8 for streaming Tidal only .  I have the Laiv DAC and c2800 pre amplifier.  Maybe you are asking to much for the internal DAC?  The A8 with EQ filters and all streaming features(radio, youtube, Tidal, qobuz, roon ) is a great streamer in that price range specially with its I2S output.  You need to pair it with a decent DAC.

I am using the same power cord than yours. 

@1happyman @dandion

I have a Puron and an Equi=Core 2400 in the power supply chain and a SmoothLan ethernet filter (Stack Audio).

I am a/b testing against a BlueSound Node N130 with LHY LPS and a BlackIce tube DAC with NOS Mullards. (exactly the same price at the A8 "all-in")

The N130 sounds slightly better than the A8 WITHOUT the external DAC.

The N130 with my DAC blows away the A8, and that is using WiFi and no SmoothLan.

The A8 sounds muffled, has less gain, no sparkle at all. Too warm, veiled and lacking detail. If you heard it with eyes closed, you would never guess you were listening to a $50K amp/speaker rig.

The N130+DAC using RCA not XLR, sounds engaging and "alive".

On the plus side, the A8 is a nice looking box that feels well made, the UX is fine, the app is fine, and set up was very easy.

@doni

Or, give it a bit more time to settle in.  Eight hours ain't much!

I left it playing overnight and today. No change. All cables are well broken-in.

PS. I really enjoy SXM radio for background music and this is missing on the A8 (which I knew in advance, and yes, I know I can stream it from my phone). I did try Paradise Radio on the A8 and it doesn't sound as good as SXM from the N130.

@1happyman @dandion

UPDATE: I kept at it and tried a few CD quality tracks as I had up to this point only streamed Qobuz Hi Res.

CD quality on the A8 sounds very good side by side.

So I went back to Hi Res and sure enough, lower gain and less sparkle from the A8.

Turned off Replay gain and MUCH MUCH better!!!

Next will try the A8 with my DAC.