I have some questions and hope to find the answers here: I'm considering buying the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition, but I’m uncertain if I can connect it to my AV receiver (Denon AVR-X3800H) in the way I intend. It seems there could be several issues that might make this setup difficult, if not impossible. To explain my setup: I have a subwoofer connected to my AVR, which is quite important for me. Ideally, I’d like to use the Eversolo’s internal DAC. However, I foresee a potential problem (please correct me if I’m mistaken): if I connect the Eversolo’s analog output to an analog input on my AVR, I’d likely have to switch the AVR to “Direct Mode” (or “Pure Direct Mode”) to ensure the signal doesn’t pass through the AVR’s DAC again. The issue with this is that in Direct Mode, the subwoofer isn’t activated, as there’s no signal processing – meaning no LFE signal is generated, and I only get a pure stereo output. Additionally, this mode disables the Audyssey room calibration, which is also a downside for me. My next thought was to connect the Eversolo digitally via HDMI to the AVR, allowing the AVR to handle the signal processing. The advantage here: both Audyssey and the subwoofer would work as expected. However, in a detailed review of the A6 by Nice Monkey in this forum, I read that all digital inputs on the Eversolo are only routed to its analog outputs. This would mean that while I could play local music and streaming services through HDMI without issues, Bluetooth and USB audio would only be available through the Eversolo’s analog outputs. Now, I feel stuck: Am I misunderstanding something here? Or is there an alternative I haven’t considered? If there are any users here who successfully use the Eversolo with an AVR, I’d be grateful if you could share your experiences. How did you address these challenges? Thank you in advance for any help and advice!
Your need to use the sub and Audyssey would most likely yield better sound quality advantages over using the DAC in the DMP-A6 Master Edition. I'd suggest going with the DMP-A6 instead of the Master Edition. Then just use HDMI for all your music listening. Not sure about the issue you mention about the digital inputs. I'm using one of the USB ports as an input for a 5TB USB hard drive. The hard drive has stereo and multichannel files on it. I can play stereo files using the USB output to the USB-DAC input of a Marantz SA-KI Ruby CD/SACD player (used as a DAC). For the multichannel files I use the HDMI output to an Emotiva XMC-1 prepro. So essentially I'm getting audio from two digital outputs (USB and HDMI) with the USB input. I'm not using any of the analog outputs as the DMP-A6 is being used as a transport.
Thank you for your response. As I mentioned, the information I shared about the digital inputs and outputs came from the pinned A6 review here on the forum (written by Nice Monkey). Here’s the exact quote from that section: "Another restriction applies for Inputs as all digital input ports will only output to the DAC Analog outputs. No way to direct USB, SPDIF, or BT Inputs to the HDMI output, taking advantage of the special (ultra-stable) DOH chips. This could potentially result in the AMP producing improved sound for those sources." Did I misunderstand something?
I just connected my WiiM Pro to the DMP-A6 using optical and sure enough it will only output audio from one of the analog outputs. Looking at the "Source" option on the Eversolo iOS app it shows "Internal player" as the "Input source" and USB-DAC as the "Output port". When I switched it to "Optical in" the relays clicked and then I only had analog output options. So what Nice Monkey reported in his review is definitely true. So you are not misunderstanding anything. My assumption that the USB input of the DMP-A6 is considered a digital input was incorrect. Why not just use your Denon AVR-X3800H for any needed digital inputs and Bluetooth? It has plenty of digital inputs and Bluetooth capability.
Yes, you’re right. I’ve also thought about handling other things directly through the Denon itself. Thanks as well for confirming how the Eversolo handles digital signals—that's very useful information for me. Unfortunately, I’m starting to think that the device might not be right for me. What would suit me best is an audio streamer without a DAC. However, I have no idea if something like that even exists.
I'm not aware of any streamers that are transports only. If you need a streamer with an HDMI output to play multichannel files from a USB hard drive the DMP-A6 is the only one I know of. If you do not need the HDMI output take a look a the WiiM Ultra if cost is a concern. The HDMI output was one of the features that led me to buy the DMP-A6. It's a great feature and one I use quite often.
There are streamers which are just transports and don't include DACs. One example would be the iFi Zen Stream which has coax and USB Audio outputs only. Streamer/DACs are all the rage now but originally the term streamer meant just the transport function only.
I have the Denon AVC-X3800H (which is essentially the same as the AVR-X3800H but without the tuner). I connect my DMP-A6 via HDMI to the Denon. This allows me to playback stereo, multichannel, PCM and DSD via a single connection. All the different soundfields work as normal as well as Audyssey.
Thank you all so much for your responses. I've decided to go ahead and get the Wiim Pro Plus. I think it’s pretty much what I’ve been looking for. Yes, it has a built-in DAC (which I don’t plan to use, as I mentioned), but the device’s price is still very reasonable. The app also looks promising from what I’ve read and has good ratings on the Google Play Store, which gives me hope. There's nothing worse than having a great streamer paired with terrible software (yes, I’m looking at you, Denon/Heos). Have a great day!
I think Direct mode has nothing to do with the type of transmission - digital or analog. Direct Mode on my Sony means that the sound will not be enhanced. So I don't think you have to switch the AVR to Direct Mode. When you switch it to Direct Mode, no way will a digital signal suddenly come through the analog output of the eversolo.
This is what Denon say on their website: - What's the difference between Pure Direct and Direct Modes? Direct Mode allows for the exact source audio from the source device without any processing from the AV/AVR. Pure Direct takes Direct Mode to another level. This mode turns off the main unit display and analog video circuit. Doing so suppresses noise sources that affect sound quality. The following features cannot be used when Direct and Pure Direct Modes are active: • Tone • M-DAX • MultEQ® XT32 • Dynamic EQ • Dynamic Volume • Graphic EQ Note: Video signals are only output when HDMI signals are played in the Pure Direct mode. When the Pure Direct mode has been selected, the display turns off after about 5 seconds.
