New Eversolo DMP-A10 Music Streamer

Thought it was about time we had a forum for this beast.

The website is currently being updated so may be a bit freaky for a while.

https://www.eversolo.com/Product/index/model/DMP-A10/target/[ld]yN+vBjptVBKKmVViAFMcQ==.html#/

 

The Digital-to-Digital Converter is explained here by Eversolo with a diagram.
It is not included with the announcement but far from trivial.



What I learned additionally combined with the announcement:
- It is a big full size rack model (W 430mm, L 310mm H 117mm). As it has a bigger 6.5 inch screen dimensions were not so easy to guess. I do like a full width unit which came as a surprise to me.
- No HDMI I2S and and no HDMI DSD/Audio output port which was already pretty sure.
- Room correction measurements/calculations seem to be build-in into the A10 FW itself. It is not using a licensed central server implementation like e.g. Dirac Live and others which I more or less expected.
- The Subwoofer split is using configurable crossover filters/levels similar to what most Home Theater AMP's offer. In this case based on L+R individual filters for L+R subwoofers.
- The DDC diagram above confirms USB DAC output NOT running via room correction and neither the subwoofer split running via it.
- All A10 input ports will benefit from the OCXO re-clocking via XMOS, PEQ plus room correction when output set to Internal DAC analog output.

All the rest was already confirmed: dual OCXO crystals, dual Linear PSU's , dual SSD slots, USB DAC Input/Output Isolation and an ESS ES9039PRO DAC chip.

My educated guess is that XMOS is combined with the DAC block in the diagram as with previous Eversolo/Zidoo DAC designs resulting in:
- Analog output getting PEQ, Room Correction and OCXO clock-sync via XMOS.
- SPDIF outputs getting PEQ, Room Correction (but restricted to source clocking).
- USB DAC output won't benefit from any HW features (similar to A6 and A8). Not so strange knowing that it uses an USB3c port directly on the AMD SOC (using that crystal as its source clock ). That is also why it isn't anywhere on the diagram.

As far as I can see no more unknowns left to be discovered. That A8 took me a lot longer getting to discover all its nit and gritty details.

For the question "is it really an all-in-one box"?
Yes it is; for those having a Stereo/2CH setup that is:
- 3x Analog (2x RCA+XLR) + 6x Digital (4x SPDIF, HDMI-ARC, USB) selectable inputs
- Pré-AMP level outputs RCA/XLR
- Build-in equalizer plus room correction
- Top class DAC design with top class components used
- Subwoofer line level L+R outputs configurable cross-over/volume-level
- Local content including NAS plus most popular streaming services
- Local and most popular remote library services
It really has it all just needing End-Stage AMP('s) and speakers of choice.

 

Up now,
https://www.eversolo.com/Product/index/model/DMP-A10/target/[ld]yN+vBjptVBKKmVViAFMcQ==.html#/

Keith

 

You know, in my opinion, on the contrary, the device's operation scheme is very clear and transparent. It would be more difficult to do otherwise.

By the way, colleagues, who listens to their A8 as a full player, please tell me. In your opinion, does disabling DSP in XLR and RCA settings have a strong effect on sound quality? I like the sound with the DSP turned off much more.

 

Why would you switch DSP on unless you were using it?
Removing room derived gain with EQ is almost certainly the biggest improvement you can make.
Keith

 

I am using my AMP mostly in "direct mode" to bypass any manipulation by the DSP.
Occasionally I do enjoy MCH upscaling using THX with some albums above all big bands.

 

So am I unless I want to add EQ.
Keith

 

Just to say, if I've missed any threads that need to be moved to this forum, please let me know.

 

The case on this thing is likely the biggest increase to the BOM.

I am not sure what demographic this thing is built for? PS Audio customers?

 

Well, I really enjoy having the DSP on. But I agree, turning it off can make it sound more dynamic. But this is probably because the SPL goes up.

If people are used to living with their room modes, having it all smoothed out will take some getting used to.

Examples of before and after FIR filters:

 

@Bergholdt
You are using the DSP of your A8 for room correction. Obviously that can work fine.

 

The U.K. price will be £3590 inc and available from the end of next month.
I am particularly looking forward to trying the sub out eq.
Keith

 

I use an external DAC, but yesterday I tried the A8 as a player and accidentally saw that it has DSP enabled by default. And it was the included DSP that gave the difference in sound between the A8 player and the USB output to an external DAC. When I turned off the DSP, the difference in sound between the player and the output to the external DAC became minimal.

I asked why. It seemed to me that when the DSP is turned on, my sound is slightly blurred or something. It becomes more cohesive and smooth throughout the scene. Part of the individuality of the images is lost. This is especially noticeable when switching to an external DAC and back. It's easy for me to check this, because my A77X monitors have XLR & RCA inputs and they simultaneously have A8 connected by balance, and an external DAC by RCA. And I switch to A8 on the hot phone between the player and the DAC. Do you know, in A10, for DSP operation, the stream will also be converted to 48 kHz or will there be a higher frequency? I am considering purchasing an A10 with its room correction, so I am asking about the conversion frequency. Thank you.

Previously, I tried to adjust each channel with monitor settings, controlling the results in REW. But in the end, I didn't really like the result. Very good vocals and midrange, but just missing the low and high frequencies. It's probably just that I'm already old and deaf. And now I want to try the room correction.

 

The DSP has to be turned ‘on’ and some actual parameters added ie 40Hz Q1.4 -5dB to make an audible difference.
Eq should only ever be applied below Schroeder ie in the minimal phase region of the FR.
Keith

 

Thank you.

 

@PolarLight
I haven’t seen detailed info on the DAC specifications on the A10 (for DSP).

I tried doing A-B tests with DSP on and off but It is not easy to get the SPL to match. I haven’t noticed any major downsides to the DSP being on.

But I’m fairly new to ‘real’ hifi, so I’m mostly just playing around.

 

@Bergholdt
It is specified on several places and is AKM AK7739VQ which unspecified is also used for the A8 (by looking on the chip).

Maybe room correction becomes an optional paid A8 FW upgrade with future releases? Seems to be possible.
Of course as Bergholt does other room correction programs can be used also to create a profile for it.

 

I did see the AKM chip in some posts but I don’t see it mentioned on the Eversolo website.

It seems the room correction on the A1o will allow for measurements even with just your phone. The A10 does not have a specific mic input, so I guess it is the USB port that should be used, if you wanted to use a minidsp mic.

Since the Auto room correction of the A10 is ‘their own’ I would think the A8 would get it for free.

 

That would be very good!

 

Mirror mentioned room correction for the A8 in an older post, so I think it will come. Charging money for it, would add a lot of extra work for them to handle that.

In my Platin Surround Hub (WiSA), I can do room correction for all my speakers in a 5.0.2 setup (with my phone). I have also added the optional Zen Mic which is connected to the phone via bluetooth. I imagine, this is the setup Eversolo is mentioning on their website (for the A10).

However, the room correction for my hub only works up to 300hz. I imagine, the Eversolo system is similar. Platin Audio is a Danish company that was bought by the Chinese company HanSong technology. Maybe Eversolo worked with them