Introduction
Count the boxes on a typical digital front end. A streamer, a DAC, a preamp, three power cables and two pairs of interconnects, all so a phone can send TIDAL to a power amplifier. The DMP-A8 Gen 2 is Eversolo's argument that this should be one chassis, and the specification is aggressive enough to make the argument land.
Eversolo split the Gen 2 into two models. The Master Edition adds a top-loading CD drive and ripping. This one, the standard A8 Gen 2 at €1,990, keeps everything else: the same AKM converter pairing, the same analogue volume architecture, the same 8.6-inch screen, and the same octa-core processor with 8 GB of DDR5 behind the library.
Where it stops: this is a preamp, not a desktop all-rounder. No headphone socket at all. If you wanted one box for speakers and headphones, this isn't it.
Key Features & Benefits
- Flagship conversion without a separate DAC: AK4499EXEQ and AK4191EQ handle native DSD512 and PCM up to 768 kHz/32-bit, with THD+N quoted at 0.000075% on XLR.
- Volume that doesn't cost resolution: an R-2R resistor-ladder attenuator works in the analogue domain, so the DAC keeps running at full scale even at 3 in the morning.
- See what's playing from across the room: 8.6-inch touchscreen with album art, VU meters and spectrum views, plus direct access to inputs and filters.
- A network port that isn't copper: SFP fibre alongside Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6, which is the cleanest way to get a signal into the box electrically.
- Room correction that models the room: evotune PRO uses DRC modelling and FIR filtering rather than a simple frequency-response tilt.
- Put the library inside the unit: 64 GB eMMC plus an M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 2280 slot for up to 8 TB, so a large collection doesn't need a NAS.
- Ready for 2.1: a dedicated subwoofer output with an adjustable 40 to 500 Hz crossover.
Real-World Reactions
“The DAC here from AKM is stunning and one of my fave off the shelf DACs today.”
Steve Huff, stevehuffphoto.com
“I would take the Master Edition without question if you can swing it.”
Steve Huff, same review
We've included the second quote because it's the honest one. If a CD drive and ripping matter to you, the Master Edition at €2,590 exists for exactly that reason. If they don't, you're paying €600 for a transport you'll never open.
Gallery
Who It's For
- Anyone collapsing a streamer, a DAC and a preamp into one shelf position
- Large local libraries that want to live on an internal NVMe drive rather than a NAS
- Systems built on active speakers or a power amp, with or without a subwoofer
Who should look elsewhere:
- Headphone listeners. There's no headphone output, so you'd need a separate amp anyway.
- Anyone who rips and plays CDs. That's the Master Edition at €2,590.
- Small racks. The chassis is 388 mm wide and 265 mm deep.
Quick Specs
- DAC: AK4499EXEQ plus AK4191EQ with Eversolo AuralEngine processing
- Formats: native DSD512, PCM 768 kHz/32-bit
- Volume: R-2R analogue resistor ladder with the EVC Volume Engine
- Display: 8.6-inch LCD touchscreen
- Memory and storage: 8 GB DDR5, 64 GB eMMC, M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 2280 up to 8 TB
- Analogue I/O: balanced XLR (4.2 V) and RCA (2.1 V) pre-out, XLR and RCA pre-in
- Digital out: USB Audio, IIS, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical
- Digital in: USB-B, coaxial, optical, HDMI ARC/eARC, Bluetooth 5.4
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi 6, SFP fibre (module sold separately)
- THD+N: 0.000075% on XLR, dynamic range and SNR above 129 dB
- Dimensions: 388 × 265 × 88 mm, 5.25 kg
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Flagship AKM pairing with distortion figures to match
- Analogue R-2R volume avoids digital attenuation losses at low levels
- Large, fast touchscreen with genuinely useful VU and spectrum views
- SFP fibre and Wi-Fi 6 cover both the clean-network and the cable-free approach
- Internal NVMe slot up to 8 TB removes the NAS from the chain
⚠️ Cons:
- No headphone output
- SFP module and M.2 SSD are not included
- 388 mm wide chassis needs a full-size shelf
Where to Buy
The Eversolo DMP-A8 Gen 2 is open for pre-order at Soundium at €1,990, shipping September 2026. We stock gear locally for fast, secure delivery.
- Free pickup shipping on orders over €149
- Free courier shipping on orders over €299
- Secure checkout and interest-free payments
- Support from people who actually know the gear
Pre-order the Eversolo DMP-A8 Gen 2 from Soundium
Final Thoughts
The case for separates has always been that each box does one thing properly. The A8 Gen 2's answer is that the volume control is analogue, the power supply is doubled, and the converter is the same one you'd buy in a standalone DAC anyway, so what exactly are the extra chassis buying you. At €1,990 that's a harder question than it used to be.
Still Unsure?
Trying to decide between this and the Master Edition, or working out whether it fits your amplifier? Reach out to our team and we'll help.