SU-10 is coming with a full-blown MQA decoder thanks to its XMOS XU316 that will unfold and decode MQA files natively, but wait, there is more! Instead of unfolding MQA files only via its USB inputs as most DACs are doing nowadays, SU-10 can do that even via Optical and Coaxial! A Google Chromecast can pass MQA files and after connecting the SU-10, I was pleasantly surprised that optical worked flawless with and MQA content worked as intended. THD+N@A-wt: 0.00016%@1kHz(-116dB@1kHz), THD+N@No-wt: 0.00016%@1kHz(-116dB@1kHz), Noise@No-wt: <2uVrms, SNR@No-wt: 124dB@1kHz, Frequency response): 20Hz-20kHz(±0.1dB), DNR @No-wt: 124dB@1kHz The DAC-Z8 I/V circuit is made up of 8 pieces of OPA1612. The multichannel signal shunt compensation technology has been adopted, 8 OPA1612 correspond to 8-channel output for I/V signal conversion, then outputs to 2 channels in parallel. In addition to high-precision resistances, it helps amplify XLR, RCA and headphone output signal losslessly, improving channel separation, dynamic range and sound integrity. Differential Amplifier Circuit & Balanced Preamp Output

ESS flagship ES9038Pro DAC is known as the industry benchmark, with relatively lower total harmonic distortion level, extremely low noise and distortion. Let's enjoy the authentic high-fidelity music experience. V DAC-Z6 jsou k dispozici všechny digitální filtry, obsažené v čipech, takže si můžete mírně měnit výslednou zvukovou charakteristiku. Svižné přepínání ukázalo, že změna je slyšitelná, ale vlastně nijak velká, takže s klidným svědomím můžete zůstat u základního nastaveného filtru. Overall, the sound from the Z8 is crisp and clear, sharp, and excellent. Resolution seems to be broadly equivalent to the A6 and it is a nice experience, there’s no issue here at all in terms of soundstage or clarity. You could very happily build your digital experience around this DAC, as I have done around my iFi Pro iDSD at several multiples the price and with support from iFi Audio. Move up the frequency range and the steps up in articulation and clarity are striking. Voices come through with greater subtlety, and it’s easier to hear changes in intonation and phrasing. The B&W 606 S2 offer a clearer view of the recording and sound more balanced overall. The Z8 has the single ES9038Pro, ‘ Flagship’, 8 channel DAC as opposed to the twin ES9038Q2M ‘ Reference’ Stereo DAC that is in the DMP-A6, it feels there’s little to choose between these two top-of-the-range chipsets. There are vanishing low levels of harmonic distortion in both cases and as we’ve alluded to, the treatment around the DAC chip, in respect of power and processing, is the key anyway.

Design

The analog audio circuit is fully balanced design. XLR, RCA and headphone output are all processed by a bal- anced differential amplifier circuit. The noise has been eliminated by resolving the crosstalk of the shared loop and improving channel separation. The high-fidelity preamp circuit supports refined volume adjustment, without needing to connect with an additional preamp. All in all, SMSL used the most impressive ESS-Sabre implementation I’ve seen thus far, as two linear transformers and a beefy output stage that should bring those chips so very close to their maximum potential. My ears are heavily itching and I’m expecting wonderful things coming out of it, so what are we waiting for? Let’s hit some eardrums! Filters and fun features​The Z8 does have all the standard ESS filters and as usual, I couldn’t hear a single difference. I set it to Apodizing as I do all ESS DACs to keep things consistent. The professional headphone driver circuit in DAC-Z8 has excellent audio quality and strong driving force, which means DAC-Z8 can be used as a high-performance headphone amplifier and drive 16-300ohm hi-fi headphones, with both high and low gain output options. Exclusive Controller App DAC-Z8 is a compact audio decoder with excellent workmanship and high per- formance. Coming with the 3rd integration of XMOS 316 and ESS flagship ES9038 Pro DAC chip, the decoding formats support up to DSD512, PCM 768Khz@32Bit and MQA full decoding. It has exceptional sound quality, good preamp performance and strong headphone driving force. Rich inputs make thedevice be a good partner of high end headphones and stereo speakers

As with its streaming brother, the Cambridge Audio CXA61 is an updated version of a product that we weren’t particularly aware needed updating; and, as with the CXN, we are extremely glad that the boffins at Cambridge went to the trouble. It was well worth it, both times. The headphone amp section seemed like a value added feature and when I asked about it, it was confirmed to be just that. I can say that I think those starting off with the Z8 as an all in one device and then adding a nice headphone amp later on will be really happy going this route. For the rest who just want an all in one desktop unit, I think the Z8 headphone amp is good enough but I feel a lot of performance is lost relying on just the included headphone amp. That’s not to say it’s bad but let's get into my thoughts on the sound from the built in headphone amp! značka Zidoo umí udělat komponenty s dobrým poměrem ceny a výkonu, to už je dnes vcelku obecně vnímáno. Že se rozhodla udělat si jakousi dostupnější odnož, v níž zužitkovala zkušenosti se zvukovou architekturou, ale vypustila obrazovou část, to bylo poměrně překvapivé. Téměř šokující pak je ale to, jakou kvalitu s tímto novým konceptem značky dokázal dosáhnout. DAC-Z6 i DAC-Z8 od EverSolo jsou výjimečně kvalitně zpracované a v daných cenových úrovních jen stěží najdete něco podobného. Stejně tak nabízí solidní konektivitu (možná škoda, že tu není streaming, byť nový streamer této značky je na cestě), spoustu možností nastavení, hezký displej a solidní sluchátkový zesilovač. DAC-Z6 je pak dobrý a nic v obdobné ceně nemá šanci (výbavou, provedením ani zvukem), DAC-Z8 je ale natolik dobrý, že pokud to váš rozpočet jen trochu dovoluje, stojí to za příplatek. Všeobecně představuje EverSolo DAC-Z8 to nejlepší v ceně do 20 tisíc, možná spíš i do 30 tisíc a možná, že spoustě D/A převodníků i v ještě vyšších sférách zatopí. Co se nás týká, EverSolo DAC-Z8 nahradil v redakční výbavě o víc než polovinu dražší RME ADI-2 DAC FS. Vřelé, maximální doporučení! DAC-Z8 has rich ports for digital audio input, including Coaxial, Optical, asynchronous USB DAC, Type-C for computers and mobile devices. APT HD Bluetooth audio input can be used to connect with computers, streamers, CD players and mobile devices etc.Benefited from development engineers' rich experience in analog circuit design, DAC-Z8 has professional calibration and circuit design. The total harmonic distortion ratio which has EverSolo DAC-Z6 a DAC-Z8 jsme porovnávali mezi sebou v sestavě s Norma Revo SC-2 LN / Norma Revo PA 160 MR, GMG Power Harmonic Hammer 3000P a Fischer & Fischer SN-70, když bylo propojeno mixem kabelů KrautWire Super Symetric Gold, Nordost Valhalla 2, Nordost Heimdall 2 a VYDA Laboratories ORION. Ke srovnání jsme měli v této sestavě Teac NT-503. Hrálo se ale také v sestavě s Grandinote Shinai a Fyne Audio F1-5, propojené kabely ZenSati Authentica a napájené přes IsoTek V5 Polaris. Zde jsme srovnávali s RME ADI-2 DAC FS s prémiovým zdrojem od iFi. Sluchátkový výstup jsme hodnotili s Focal Clear. While SMSL Audio always resonated with affordable audio that anybody could enjoy without wandering into the four-figure territory, a time came in trying a slice of that fat and delicious pie that’s called High-End Audio. Everything changed when SMSL revealed their VMV line a few years ago, inspiring all other DAC makers to follow the same course. Wish you could see my face smiling as I type this, reflecting my experience with the Z8. Not only does it have superb performance but it is a delight to see and use. Zidoo jumps into a very crowded and competitive market and easily makes room for itself with state of the art performance and delightful user interface. I think the What Hi Fi selection of components is really predictable, when there are so many alternatives on the market and I was hoping they'll be a little adventurous.

I’ve had the Z8 maxed out (there does not appear to be a fixed output option like the DMP-A6) for the preamplifier I’m using but, happily, when I plug in a pair of headphones, the volume level is automatically reduced. This could be settling in the App, however, I’m now struggling to find it. In any case, the headphone level reverts to that last used, on a bit of noodling and this is a nice touch. The only slight issue with the headphone output is that if you brace the box against your finger as you extract the headphones you have a tendency to turn off the Z8 accidentally, another third-world problem.

XLR Audio Characteristics: Oput level(Vrms): 4.1Vrms@0dBFS, THD+N@A-wt: 0.000062%@1kHz（-124dB@1kHz, The quality is exemplary, the look is the future, and the DAC output is as good as it gets at this price point." With the analogue output from the Z8 and the A6 being broadly equivalent in my view, the conversation switches to budget and the choice between a headphone output or a streaming input. The Bluesound Node X (review coming) is broadly on the level with the A6, though definitely not quite as sexy. My choice would be the DMP-A6 for the M.2 server option (see the review) and the clean streaming platform but the Z8 does Eversolo proud in the DAC stakes. The Node X takes it on the App performance, as usual, as good as the Eversolo Control is. Sound(overall)​These impressions were done with the DAC-Z8 connected to the SMSL SP400 headphone amp via XLR. While I’m treating this a DAC first over DAC/amp combo, I will mention the amp section later on.This is what the DAC-Z8 sounds like with the current headphone/IEM inventory I have on hand. Things like headphone pairings or different headphone amps will produce different results and impressions versus what my ears hear on my specific gear. EverSolo DAC-Z8: https://www.eversolo.com/Product/index/model/DAC-Z8/target/PfjRkwqbV7FKKmVViAFMcQ%3D%3D.html