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RE: Eversolo DMP A8 Streamer + Gustard X26-lll DAC

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This Post Has Been Edited by the Author

In Reply to: RE: Eversolo DMP A8 Streamer + Gustard X26-lll DAC posted by Reindane on March 09, 2025 at 06:29:18

Interesting. I think that DAC development has long-since reached the point that new versions offer such minute improvement from the previous generation as to not be worth spending good money on.
i2s out is surely only needed in the A8 if you feel its DAC isn't good enough and you need this output to deliver a digital signal to an alternative DAC that won't accept a more conventional connection - AES/EBU (the best and missing from both and A10), coax, or optical (the worst). If the A10 includes an exceptional DAC, none of its digital outputs should ever be needed.
I say this having never heard the A8 or A10, but the specs are such that I'd never consider the A8, but would seriously consider the A10 - as a possible alternative to the NAD M66 that I'm more likely to go for. The A8 has no Trigger so how do you turn on the DAC and amp? Another reason for not wanting the A8, particularly as I need the preamp to activate my amps and my hybrid speakers!
If adding to one's hi-fi investment, it'll most likely be best put any extra into better speakers as these ALWAYS offer a significant improvement in the sound that reaches our ears if chosen carefully. As it happens, at present I feel my electronics may be the weakest link in my own system, as my speaker to electronics list-price ratio is 8:1

Edits: 03/09/25 03/09/25

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