Considering buying WiiM Amp Ultra or Eversolo Play Amp.

[EddNog]

Before full pricing and feature set was announced, the T8 really piqued my interest, but the lack of ARC input and the price being significantly more than I was hoping for have completely dashed my interest in it.

They had a great opportunity to cut into WiiM’s market share by coming out with a streaming transport somewhere equal or less expensive to the models with an integrated DAC like DMP-A6 Gen 2, but instead decided to turn it into a money grab exercise. Should’ve marketed the T8 as a Luxsin product instead since that, presumably, is their high-end/luxury brand.

-Ed

 

[claudia.bailey]

There was never a point with which I thought the T8 was going to be cheaper, and as a streaming transport, I knew they would throw the ARC out of the window. The thing is, Eversolo have never said they a competing with Wiim. They have products that cost thousands and others that don't. People in there comments have been asking for what seems like an age for a transport so they built it

 

[EddNog]

There was never a point with which I thought the T8 was going to be cheaper, and as a streaming transport, I knew they would throw the ARC out of the window. The thing is, Eversolo have never said they a competing with Wiim. They have products that cost thousands and others that don't. People in there comments have been asking for what seems like an age for a transport so they built it

I’m pretty sure the logic for many people was: I like the DMP-A6, but I have a DAC of my own, so I’d love a DMP-A6 minus the cost of the DAC.

Plain and simple, I’d buy that. For up to $450 (3/4 the price of the full unit including DAC).

Alternatively, I’d pay the same $450 for a WiiM Ultra with native Apple Music support (even if it lost its integrated DAC). Then I don’t have an ask from Eversolo at all. I don’t need the DAC, but I want to have Apple Music, and I’m willing to pay for that.

I’m not willing to toss $1,200 at glorified power supply upgrades and I2S outputs that don’t provide any actual benefits combined with loss of functionality.

Shit, just take the damn DAC and amp out of the Eversolo Play and sell it for $400, how hard can it be?! I’d even pay the extra $500 for the CD transport, I have cases of CDs I’d love to rip.

-Ed

 

[rccarguy]

Agree with the DAC side, if you're always going to use digital out, then who cares about the £500 analogue section, dedicated power supply for the analogue section etc. Just paying for something never going to use

In one room I would use analogue out, but in the other two rooms I'd use digital out, so a cheaper transport version is ideal for the two rooms.

 

[castalla]

Sorry, why are we comparing the play screen to a show 8 and mentioning the Silk browser when Eversolo screens are nothing like that? There is full screen on the Eversolo, and you can set the timeout. Unless something has changed since my use of my Eversolo a few months ago.

The Play has a usable sized screen which is the only reason in my case that I was interested in it. Otherwise, in my case, it's basically just another Android in a big box. If only there was an Ultra Extra with a bigger screen..... Something like the nad 10 or node icon

 

[castalla]

I’m pretty sure the logic for many people was: I like the DMP-A6, but I have a DAC of my own, so I’d love a DMP-A6 minus the cost of the DAC.

Plain and simple, I’d buy that. For up to $450 (3/4 the price of the full unit including DAC).

Alternatively, I’d pay the same $450 for a WiiM Ultra with native Apple Music support (even if it lost its integrated DAC). Then I don’t have an ask from Eversolo at all. I don’t need the DAC, but I want to have Apple Music, and I’m willing to pay for that.

I’m not willing to toss $1,200 at glorified power supply upgrades and I2S outputs that don’t provide any actual benefits combined with loss of functionality.

Shit, just take the damn DAC and amp out of the Eversolo Play and sell it for $400, how hard can it be?! I’d even pay the extra $500 for the CD transport, I have cases of CDs I’d love to rip.

-Ed

The cd in the Play is pretty flimsy (maybe 20 usd value).

 

[rccarguy]

The cd in the Play is pretty flimsy (maybe 20 usd value).

yeah looks like something from aliexpress CD-ROM drive. With the old Marantz CD 10 you could probably put a glass pitcher on it

 

[Trowbridge]

Before full pricing and feature set was announced, the T8 really piqued my interest, but the lack of ARC input and the price being significantly more than I was hoping for have completely dashed my interest in it.

They had a great opportunity to cut into WiiM’s market share by coming out with a streaming transport somewhere equal or less expensive to the models with an integrated DAC like DMP-A6 Gen 2, but instead decided to turn it into a money grab exercise. Should’ve marketed the T8 as a Luxsin product instead since that, presumably, is their high-end/luxury brand.

-Edi totally

I’m pretty sure the logic for many people was: I like the DMP-A6, but I have a DAC of my own, so I’d love a DMP-A6 minus the cost of the DAC.

Plain and simple, I’d buy that. For up to $450 (3/4 the price of the full unit including DAC).

Alternatively, I’d pay the same $450 for a WiiM Ultra with native Apple Music support (even if it lost its integrated DAC). Then I don’t have an ask from Eversolo at all. I don’t need the DAC, but I want to have Apple Music, and I’m willing to pay for that.

I’m not willing to toss $1,200 at glorified power supply upgrades and I2S outputs that don’t provide any actual benefits combined with loss of functionality.

Shit, just take the damn DAC and amp out of the Eversolo Play and sell it for $400, how hard can it be?! I’d even pay the extra $500 for the CD transport, I have cases of CDs I’d love to rip.

-Ed

Yes I believe that was the logic. But again then never mentioned it was going to be a budget entry. And again I don't see them as a wiim competitor.

 

[claudia.bailey]

The cd in the Play is pretty flimsy (maybe 20 usd value).

Yep, it is, but I have a feeling that they will sell more of the non-CD variety. As I have questioned how long will the CD drive will last. I am happy just to connect my CD player to the Amp Ultra to be honest

 

[castalla]

Yep, it is, but I have a feeling that they will sell more of the non-CD variety. As I have questioned how long will the CD drive will last. I am happy just to connect my CD player to the Amp Ultra to be honest

Better value is the non-cd version, and supply your own free standing usb cd.

I use Lyrion on a mini-Pc with CDplayer plugin - can play cd content to any and all endpoints.

 

[rccarguy]

Better value is the non-cd version, and supply your own free standing usb cd.

I use Lyrion on a mini-Pc with CDplayer plugin - can play cd content to any and all endpoints.

That isn't plug and plug..and need specific models. Mine doesn't work. And then possibly use powered hub.

 

[Allaboutmusic]

I ordered an Eversolo play 2 days ago.....might have done it too hastily....been doing some reading.........I have Wiim ultra and Vibelink amp.....not bad sounding ....I use high sensitivity speakers by Omega.....they show electronics weakness with soundstage, depth, detail.....that all said.....ALL these boxes are using digital volume controls that adjust volume BEFORE the Dac.....that.... IMHO degrades sound enough that I am going back to separates.....the Wiim stuff is nice and has many built in accessories.....but I will now get out my old Wiim pro, sending with optic into Schiit Modi 5 and a Gjallahorn ab amp.....what's nice is I will use my old smart phone on a stand for my display screen since qobuz app mirrors any phone with the same account on it.....anyone need like new Wiim stuff...?

 

[Mr Ee]

said.....ALL these boxes are using digital volume controls that adjust volume BEFORE the Dac.....that.... IMHO degrades sound enough that I am going back to separates

How are your ultra and vibelink connected?
With full volume analog out to the vibelink you have analog volume (gain) control with the vibelink knob.

There are many, many articles on the web that explain why digital volume control isn't the issue some believe it is, and why precise analog volume control is hard to do well.
However, I fully support your choice to use whichever method you prefer.
Having recently moved from an integrated amp with analog volume control to a power amp fed from a wiim / dac with digital volume control I can say I can't tell the difference. Lucky me, I suppose!

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

Biggest problem here is if you have a sub. If you use anything other than the Ultra's volume control, you're throwing out all of the usability of the Ultra's sub out and bass management, because if you use the Ultra to drive a pre-amp, or external amp, and control the volume there, the sub's volume remains fixed.

 

[EddNog]

Biggest problem here is if you have a sub. If you use anything other than the Ultra's volume control, you're throwing out all of the usability of the Ultra's sub out and bass management, because if you use the Ultra to drive a pre-amp, or external amp, and control the volume there, the sub's volume remains fixed.

@Mr Ee Luxsin X9 is a DAC/preamp/headphone amp with stereo subwoofer outputs and a remote relay controlled (analog resistor ladder) volume control. It has full bass management with control over crossover point (high- and low-pass filters), slope, and separate speaker and sub delay adjustments. The DAC is based on the flagship AK4499EX/4191EQ chipset from AKM. It also has headphone model-specific EQ presets database, automatic impedance detection (automatic gain adjustment), crossfeed, and stage width adjustments for the headphone out, separate internal power supplies for digital versus analog sections, and a full touchscreen interface with VU meters plus WiFi-connected control apps.

-Ed

EDIT: @Allaboutmusic

 

[Mr Ee]

@Mr Ee Luxsin X9 is a DAC/preamp/headphone amp ....

Well, thanks for the heads up

Not sure if you meant to tag me, but I had actually considered this for my office headphone setup.
Still (internally) debating what to get!
And still leaning towards the topping dx5 ii for the price, and as it's while working.

 

[EddNog]

Well, thanks for the heads up

Not sure if you meant to tag me, but I had actually considered this for my office headphone setup.
Still (internally) debating what to get!
And still leaning towards the topping dx5 ii for the price, and as it's while working.

My bad, you're right! I meant to tag @Allaboutmusic

-Ed