Such a BRILLIANT DAC! EverSolo DAC-Z8 review

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EverSolo DAC-Z8 review. US & CA - bit.ly/DACZ8, AU - amzn.to/3SsF8Tg, US - amzn.to/3gSadjx
A review of the outstanding Eversolo DAC-Z8 DAC, headphone amp and pre-amp including comparisons to the cheaper DAC-Z6 model and the Burson Audio Composer DAC.
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00:00 Introduction
00:58 Glamour video
02:02 Firmware update
03:26 Specifications
05:38 Device tour
09:58 Sound quality - headphone out
12:23 Sound quality - DAC only
15:23 Eversolo DAC-Z8 vs Burson Audio Composer
18:23 Final conclusions
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14 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 133

@ranelime Год назад

Great review! I really appreciate you go in great details describing how this scales to the composer. Your consistency throughout your reviews makes me feel I can almost hear this DAC just from watching this video.

@PassionforSound Год назад

I'm so glad you feel that way! Thanks for letting me know 🙂🙂

@Charles12509 Год назад

@@PassionforSound If you can work it in your videos, can you spend some time with hooking up the cables on these DACs..even actually hooking them up. The backend can be confusing for some of us new people to the streaming..

@PassionforSound Год назад

Hi Chuck, I don't want to extend the length of every video, but I am working on a course that might be helpful.

@Charles12509 Год назад

@@PassionforSound …..thanks a lot….

@joetori8356 Год назад

Really enjoy the content you've been producing. Great job building out your channel!

@PassionforSound Год назад

Thanks Joe! Glad you're enjoying it. I've got some extra stuff planned for 2023. Hope you like that too

@Jodeff Год назад

Hopefully you can get your hands on an Eversolo DMP-A6 soon as I would be interested in your thoughts and comparison with the Z8.

@PassionforSound Год назад

I've asked for a review unit and they said they'll send one out as soon as another becomes available.

@AR-gk1kt Год назад

I've had an audiolab M-DAC for over 10 years, if it ever breaks beyond repair this looks like a decent ESS based replacement to keep similar I/O and functions. I like that you have the option of a remote or using your phone via an app so you can change tracks/pause as it looks like the remote lacks that function. I'd like to see the different VU meters in action, the meter on the M-DAC is really nice, a -40 to 0 dB left to right stereo meter with peak markers which float for a few seconds then scale back down the meter until pushed back up.

@PassionforSound Год назад

Did I not show the 3 different VU meters in this one? I thought I did, but if not, check out my Soncoz SGD-1 and Eversolo DAC-Z6 review

@JTB-- 6 месяцев назад

I'd be curious to see a head to head with the Eversolo DAC-Z8 and the Geshelli JNOG2 SOCKETED [J2S] with the AK4499 and Sparkos OpAmps

@PassionforSound 6 месяцев назад

I can already tell you that the full spec J2S is the easy winner on sound quality. (EverSolo runs away with it on interface, of course)

@davidchavez2884 29 дней назад

This was a great review.....I have purchased a Asgard 3 on one of your previous reviews, curious if this is a big jump up in performance? Keep up the good work. Thanks

@PassionforSound 27 дней назад

It's a much better DAC than the onboard DAC in an Asgard 3, but the Asgard 3 is a better amp. 🙂

@theedgeofbreakup5192 3 месяца назад

Love your insight on all the equipment you review. I only need single ended and was considering this. Would you say the J2S with upgraded op amp (rca only) with the 4499ex chip set ($508) and Archel 3 Pro ($449) be the better over all choice? (extra $250) I would like to use as a preamp as well short term unless it does what I need hooked up to my power amp.

@PassionforSound 3 месяца назад

Yes, the J2S with upgraded op-amp will out-perform the Z8 IMO if you don't need the fancy interface, etc. The A3 Pro will be a great preamp and headphone amp for you too.

@icmn223 Год назад

Looking forward to seeing reviews of the new S.M.S.L. D400 EX and D400 ES which have a similar design to the DAC-Z8 but albeit are a touch more expensive with an expanded feature set and hopefully better sound quality.

@PassionforSound Год назад

I'm working on getting at least one of those in... 🤞🤞

@user-sm3cp8wo5q 8 месяцев назад

I would like to know if the A8 sounds better than RME dac or Cambridge Audio CNX ... thanks

@PassionforSound 8 месяцев назад

Answered over on the A8 comment thread. 🙂

@stephenbeaumont-adam7702 5 месяцев назад

Hey, do you think the Z8 has enough power for a Focal Elear and if not what amp would you pair with it? I've had the Singxer SA-1 recommended.

@PassionforSound 5 месяцев назад

The Z8 is probably ok with the Elear, however, if you're wanting maximum performance, a separate amp is a good idea. The SA-1 is excellent, but the Geshelli A3 Pro is even better IMO: bit.ly/GLA3Pro

@stephenbeaumont-adam7702 5 месяцев назад

@@PassionforSound thanks :)

@leo11877 9 месяцев назад

I am guessing the DAC output between the Z6 and the DMP-A6 streamer would be same?

@PassionforSound 9 месяцев назад

I haven't compared them directly, but the A6 should be pretty comparable to the Z6 based on the Z8 comparison.

@junflores7143 Год назад

Hi. I have an Onkyo TX-RZ50. I am Planning to add a cd player. I saw this Eversolo Z8 you reviewed. I am wondering if I need a DAC to pair with the cd player. Thanks

@PassionforSound Год назад

The Onkyo receiver has a DAC, but I don't know how good it is to compared to the Onkyo. Some CD players are transports only and need a DAC. Others have a DAC included. (You can tell if it has a DAC because it will have stereo RCA outputs. Otherwise, it will have just digital outputs like coaxial and optical)

@leewinter28 8 месяцев назад

Fogive me if i sound like a novice but can this DAC be used with the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition or does the A6 Master already have a proper internal DAC?

@PassionforSound 8 месяцев назад

The DMP-A6 has an internal DAC, but you can also use external DACs if you have one of higher quality.

@leewinter28 8 месяцев назад

@@PassionforSound Thanks for the reply. I have a device called the Amari by Antelope Audio and I think it can be integrated with the Eversolo Master Edition.

@PassionforSound 8 месяцев назад

Yes, that would definitely work

@peytonsnead3114 Год назад

Hope you have a geshelli J2 akm on the way and can get a modi multibit 2 when released.

@PassionforSound Год назад

I definitely have a J2 AKM. Not sure about Modi MB 2 yet

@djradman6794 Год назад

Would you say the Z8 is better than the geshelli j2?

@PassionforSound Год назад

I think so, but I've got the socketed J2 coming from Geshelli soon. I've only previously heard the ESS J2 so my opinion might change with the latest J2

@keithjohnson2863 Год назад

I appreciate your detailed reviews. The Meze Elite is a very high end headphone. Do you feel you would have noticed the sound differences between the DACs using the Sundara or Arya Stealth headphones from Hifiman or the Liric or 109 Pro headphones from Meze?

@peytonsnead3114 Год назад

... a central dilemma for DAC shopping, there's a rule of diminishing returns. How much is it worth for that next level? What's the right pairing?

@PassionforSound Год назад

It's always a bit tricky and will vary from one headphone to the next, but I'm always a proponent for balancing the cost of your various audio products fairly evenly so putting a mid-tier headphone with mid-tier DAC and amp. If you pair one high-end piece with other budget or mid-tier pieces, you're limiting the performance of your high-end gear so it's false economy.

@hoposlav Год назад

Hello, thank you for you work. Let me pls aks you. thinking about this DAC with Focal Clear MG. Do you think is better to buy head amp or buil-in is ok for Clear ? Thanks you

@PassionforSound Год назад

I think this would be a nice starting point with the Clear MG, but they will definitely benefit from an external amp if you can upgrade that too at some point. The headphone output from the DAC-Z8 is good quality despite the low power output so there's no issue starting there.

@hoposlav Год назад

@@PassionforSound Niice , thanks

@RUMBLEGO1 Год назад

Another very excellent review! I was wondering if the two outputs can be used simultaneously? I would like to run the balanced outs into my Xduoo MT604 and then the RCA's to my home stereo. Often times I like to blend in just a touch of the home stereo while listening to headphones. Really sounds nice to me that way and fuller. So just wondering if that is possible with the Z8? Thanks!

@PassionforSound Год назад

Glad you liked the review. That's absolutely possible. From memory, you can switch outputs on/off in the menu, but you can also have them both running simultaneously.

@RUMBLEGO1 Год назад

@@PassionforSound Thank you!

@larsv6144 4 месяца назад

Anyone compared the Z8 to the Hifiman EF600 (or 500)?

@PassionforSound 4 месяца назад

I haven't compared directly, but I can tell you that they're very different sounding. The EF600 is smoother and more mellow sounding (especially in NOS mode) and with better soundstage depth. The Z8 will deliver a bit more detail and resolution.

@djradman6794 Год назад

Hi would you say the Z8 is a better dac than the geshelli j2 Akm?

@PassionforSound Год назад

I haven't yet tried the AKM J2, but have the socketed version coming soon so I'll let you know

@danypel 2 месяца назад

How does the z8 compare to the a6's internal dac? Are there audible differences?

@PassionforSound 2 месяца назад

I can't recall if I've directly compared them, but from using both extensively, I'd say they are on similar levels. Close comparison might reveal an edge for the Z8 as it's a dedicated device (DAC only), but I haven't felt the A6 to be lacking for general usage.

@danypel 2 месяца назад

@@PassionforSound thanks very much!!

@sosojerk Год назад

Nice review. Thank you. What about EverSolo DMP-A6?

@PassionforSound Год назад

I've reached out to EverSolo and hope I can arrange a demo unit! 🤞

@jhuneclarino 3 месяца назад

How does it compare with SMSL SU 9 Pro or topping D90

@PassionforSound 3 месяца назад

I think it's definitely in the same ballpark. I've got the D90 III here now so might compare them in that review.

@mariancol2428 9 месяцев назад

Good presentation. Why didn't you open it to show the interior floors, screens, components, it would have been a complete presentation!

@PassionforSound 9 месяцев назад

I rarely open devices because it doesn't tell much of a story and there are plenty of photos on the website for those wanting to see the internal layout. Glad you liked it otherwise.

@gerispmakris Год назад

How does this compare to the Bluesound Node 2i for use as a streamer into a more expensive DAC? Is it worth moving on from the Node 2i? I'm presently using the DCS Bartok as my DAC. Or would it have little effect on performance?

@PassionforSound Год назад

The DAC-Z8 isn't a streamer, just a DAC. I think you're confusing it with the DMP-A6 from EverSolo that I haven't got yet

@barryrichardson7968 Год назад

Hi loving you reviews, I have the Meze 109 pro headphones I like all genres of music especially deep house do you think the eversolo z8 or Fiio k9 pro would be the best match thanks

@PassionforSound Год назад

Thanks Barry. We've already addressed this elsewhere so I'll just say happy listening! 🙂

@barryrichardson7968 Год назад

Thank you for your excellent response earlier

@PassionforSound Год назад

My pleasure, Barry!

@mehmetcamat4458 Год назад

I have a EverSolo Z8 DAC and I am pretty happy with it. It is connected to a Hegel H95 running KEF LS50 Metas with KEF KC62 Sub. I am wondering if I got a Bifrost 2 would that make a big difference on this system or subtle difference ? and what would be the difference? More airiness or bigger soundstage?

@PassionforSound Год назад

The difference would be subtle. Probably a little less airiness and sense of detail, but you'd get more depth and 3-dimensionality in return.

@serg2963 Год назад

How would you compare the dynamics and bass slam between these and a Bifrost 2/64?

@PassionforSound Год назад

I've not found DACs to influence bass slam. The best I can explain is that the Z8 has a more forward overall sound because all details are kind of pushed to the front due to the flatter soundstage. The Bifrost 2/64 is slightly less forward so some will perceive it as having different dynamics, but that will also depend on your definition because the Bifrost 2/64 will do a better job of differentiating quieter and louder sounds in the mix IMO while the Z8 will sound overall more energetic which some might perceive as more dynamic. I hope that helps.

@serg2963 Год назад

@@PassionforSound It sure does. Thank you for the reply... and the fantastic reviews!

@PassionforSound Год назад

My pleasure. Glad I can help

@slsmaster274 Год назад

What do you think about the new A70/D70 stack? I think the A70 would be a nice amp, but I am unsure with which DAC to pair it with. Planning to find a DAC/AMP combo for my utopia, as my current A30 Pro/D30 Pro stack is a little lacking in transient response.

@PassionforSound Год назад

I've got the A70 Pro and D70 Pro here now and first impressions are very good. I can't compare to the 30-stack and I haven't done critical listening or comparisons yet, but I like what I've seen and heard so far

@slsmaster274 Год назад

@@PassionforSound Would you rather pick an Eversolo Z8 or an D70 based upon your early impressions? I have decided on the A70 but can’t decide which DAC to choose….

@PassionforSound Год назад

I think I'd take the DAC-Z8, but that might change once I compare them.

@waldoyew4247 Год назад

So let’s say you run your main speakers off xlr can you run a active subwoofer using rca out?

@PassionforSound Год назад

I can't see why not. You can have both outputs running simultaneously so the only challenge is ensuring you can adjust the volume of your sub and speakers to get the levels right (the volume output from the DAC-Z8 will be the same for both)

@waldoyew4247 Год назад

@@PassionforSound does the volume have a fixed option to pair a separate preamp?

@PassionforSound Год назад

I don't think so (I'm not in front of it right now). From memory, you have to set the output to 0dB with the volume control. It's a fully digital and lossless volume control though so it's not a problem - just set to 0dB and leave it there.

@waldoyew4247 Год назад

@@PassionforSound on the z8 then the preamp I pair with it will manage it’s volume accordingly?

@PassionforSound Год назад

Yes, you could skip the preamp and use the Z8 or you could max volume on the Z8 and use your dedicated preamp

@R3s1d3ntAl13n Год назад

Great video. Would you take the EverSolo DAC-Z8 over the Aune S8 reference DAC?

@PassionforSound Год назад

I haven't tried the S8 so I can't say - sorry

@clan_biblioteke Год назад

Hello, please, what are the three best DACs in the $500 range for a system with speakers and an integrated amplifier. Thank you

@PassionforSound Год назад

I don't have my database handy to check, but take a look at the "Passion for Sound recommends" link in the video description and then filter by product type: DAC to see all my recommended DACs sorted by price 🙂

@GuiltyRocker 16 дней назад

I'm seeing this brand all over the place now, is this the new Chifi flavor of the month brand?

@PassionforSound 15 дней назад

Not flavour of the month. They've been around for a while and just nailed the design of the interface and sound quality.

@TOMASittha108 Год назад

How it looks when You compare Eversolo DAC-Z8 with Chord Qutest?

@PassionforSound Год назад

The Qutest is clearly superior. I love the Z8, but it's still using the basic filters from the ESS chips which will never match the custom WTA filters from Chord.

@meshplates Год назад

How does the Z8 stack up compared to the RME ADI-2 DAC FS?

@PassionforSound Год назад

I've never tried them side-by-side, but I didn't much enjoy the ADI-2 whilst I really like the DAC-Z8. The ADI-2 has amazing features, but the sound is a bit too aggressive for my tastes.

@R3s1d3ntAl13n Год назад

Hi great video as always. Would you say Z8 is better than SMSL SU-10?

@PassionforSound Год назад

I haven't tried the SU-10 so can't say. Sorry!

@ionescugeorge2003 Год назад

How is the Dac section in Z8 vs SMSL M500 mk3 ?

@PassionforSound Год назад

The M500 Mk3 is pretty close to the DAC-Z6 so the Z8 is comfortably better in terms of resolution/detail retrieval, sound separation, etc.

@dingbat19 Год назад

The Z8 vs new Bifrost 64 ?

@PassionforSound Год назад

I'd choose Bifrost 2/64 because of the depth and layering it provides. Some will prefer the more forward detail (at the expense of a flat soundstage) that the Z-8 produces. Both excellent DACs!

@PartyMusic775 11 месяцев назад

No one compared it to the known "king" of the Z8's price tier, the Schiit Bifrost. It makes no sense that no comparison was made with Bifrost 2/64.

@PassionforSound 11 месяцев назад

The Bifrost 2/64 is a very different DAC and I can say without even comparing it exactly what I would have heard which is that the Bifrost 2 would create depth and layering that the Delta Sigma chip in the DAC-Z8 is unable to provide. The flatness of soundstage from the Delta Sigma chip will result in a sense of greater detail in the sound from the Z8 because everything is pushed forwards, but the Bifrost 2 will still deliver that same detail, just more layered in the stage

@78Krzysiek 3 месяца назад

Is this device better than topping d70 pro octo/sabre? Im looking for a decent dac for my system: Wiim pro plus->dac?->nad356bee->focal aria 926

@PassionforSound 3 месяца назад

That's a tough question. I'd personally take the Z8 over the D70 Pro Sabre, but I'd probably take the D70 Pro OCTO over the Z8.

@FatFolksProductions Год назад

Where do i get that shirt??? 😁

@PassionforSound Год назад

Haha. That's from Threadheads 😁

@aRc11-11 Год назад

Against the FPGA's?

@PassionforSound Год назад

You mean like Chord? It's going to remain a "no contest" unless AKM, ESS, etc. improve their filters or a manufacturer makes their own (which is possible for ESS chips)

@aRc11-11 Год назад

@@PassionforSound I have the diminutive Mojo 2, it trounces anything five hundred and under (US). I have several of the cheaper. Topping, Geshelli etc. It's not really close (IMO).

@PassionforSound Год назад

That's how I feel too 🙂

@jackstone9612 Год назад

Is this the new DCS Vivaldi killer😲

@PassionforSound Год назад

Haha. Not sure about that, but it's very good

@goodsound4756 Год назад

Keep on dreaming…

@0-60STYLE Год назад

This looks like it was made in the same factory as all SMSL dacs

@PassionforSound Год назад

No, not at all. The build quality, design and interface are way better than SMSL DACs. Not that SMSL DACs are badly built, but the EverSolo is excellent.

@0-60STYLE Год назад

@@PassionforSound the marketing material on their website is identical to that of SMSL and Topping. I'm not very convinced.

@PassionforSound Год назад

I think you'll find that's the style of most Chinese brands - they all tend to copy the same approach. Check out xDuoo - they look similar too, but are definitely a different company

@pennfootball71 Год назад

I am not a fan of dacs with op amps. They tend to lower dynamics on bigger speaker systems you can miss with smaller headphones on your ears but when you play them in larger systems you are like oh wow this is flat.

@PassionforSound Год назад

I find that on headphones too, but not so much in dynamics as that depends on the op-amp (I'm assuming we're referring to integrated op-amps?). The biggest impact of integrated op-amps to me is the staging is flat and 2-dimensional

@pennfootball71 Год назад

@@PassionforSound yes I was meaning the Texas Instruments ones not the nicer ones from Burson

@HungryEatNow Год назад

If its flat too you, it must be really flat for me, thanks!

@PassionforSound Год назад

Glad I could help 🙂

@johnhallkenney Год назад

1st Yay

@EJK1965 8 месяцев назад

No Bluetooth is hi res. Get your facts right boyo! None.

@PassionforSound 8 месяцев назад

It's a relative statement. LDAC and aptX HD are higher res than SBC and AAC

@kuzia1984 Год назад

So i ended up on this channel thinking that i'll find a pertinent comparison between the Z6 and Z8. Instead, what i found was a highly subjective review, with zero technological measurements. You talk snake oil (more open, more airy, more bla bla bla) but with zero evidence. What is more airy? More sibilant? Emphasis on the highs? Have you done blind tests between the devices? If so, would you be able to tell which is which? I'm a bit salty because i've auditioned the two and found zero differences between them (blind A/B) but here i am, watching someone try to justify the higher asking price by throwing subjectivity all over the place.

@filipviljamaasvensson Год назад

What were the other gear used? And if you listened on speakers, was the room treated? To simply say there is no audible difference between the two because you didn't hear it (which appears to be what you are saying) doesn't make Passion for Sound a snake oil salesman.

@JogBird Год назад

you just described 99% of audiophile reviews

@hoygising1 Год назад

The problem with this brand even the factory don’t sell them

@PassionforSound Год назад

I don't understand what you're saying

@hoygising1 Год назад

@@PassionforSound I check the website u can’t buy them and there’s no price

@PassionforSound Год назад

I did a quick search the other day for "buy Eversolo DAC-Z8" and multiple retailers came up. I'd suggest that same search and then find a retailer that suits your location

@hoygising1 Год назад

Hi thanks for the reply , I’m actually looking for the A6 streamer

@PassionforSound Год назад

That's brand new so might not have reached retailers yet