Digital Drive

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Eversolo DMP A8 Streamer + Gustard X26-lll DAC

Posted by Reindane on March 8, 2025 at 23:47:43:
Hello all,

Last year I replaced my six years old Cambridge Azur 851N streamer/DAC with the new Eversolo DMP A8 streamer/DAC.

I have been very happy with the Eversolo - it functions flawlessy, and the app based control interface works like a charm playing classical and rock flac and DSD files from my Seagate 8TB HDDs.

Soundwise the A8 has a wider, deeper and cleaner soundstage compared to the 851N. So a step up in musical enjoyment. The only thing I could have wished for was - maybe - a bit more warmth from the A8's AKM DAC.

Well two weeks ago curiousity got me and I purchased the new Gustard X26-lll Sabre ESS ES9039SPRO based DAC with a 30 days return option. My old Cambridge 851N did not have an USB output so I had not been able to test it with an external DAC but the Eversolo A8 has both USB and i2s digital outputs which was part of my decision to purchase the Eversolo.

So how do the Eversolo's AKM DAC and the Gustard ESS DAC compare? Based on price alone, the Gustard at $1500 should be better costing almost as much as the Eversolo at $1900, but in reality?
I mean - if you read ASR and other "measure camp" reviews there should not be any difference since both designs measure 100% transparent.

Well - to this listener the difference in sound quality was obvious. It took the Gustard 75 hours to really open up but then it presented a soundstage that was wider, deeper and taller than the Eversolo AKM DAC with pin point placing and space between instruments. The sound was more textured and full, and to my surprise the sound was also sweeter from the Gustard ESS DAC than from the Eversolo AKM DAC.

So - again - Hat's off to the amazing and versatile Eversolo A8 and respect to Gustard and their implementation of the ESS 9039 Sabre DAC.