View Full Version : My 2019 Update Thread - My final system I think.
I imagine the worst thing would be being without NOS music!:)
Ali Tait
03-02-2026, 10:52
Good news mate!
Aww crap…
Thats the Holo Red going back to Elise Audio, failed unit.
Think I’ll look elsewhere now for a streaming solution, something where I don’t need to “do computer” just to listen to music.
Been there done that, time to get something now that just works like an appliance.
All the associated gubbins can get in the way of enjoying the tunes, and nowadays that’s not where I’m at anymore.
Hey Ho… to be continued.
Not good news.
Eversolo T8?
Vinyl and CD. Worked fine for years when we didn't know any different.
£1K on a streamer is a thousand charity shop CDs or 250 CDs that you might actually want to listen to. Stick em in and press play.
No firmware updates, no ethernet LAN configuration handshake crap. No playlists, just put an album on sit down and enjoy it.
Copy that.
Getting back into enjoying CDs again has been terrific, also helps I can hook up a USB drive to the transport for when I’m feeling lazy.
Cant beat the buzz of a crate dig for CDs, good day out that.
Vinyl stands alone,
An experience all on its own I enjoy.
Well… will again when I get my arm rewired and MC cart fitted. (Soon!)
Wall full of vinyl being unplayed, disgraceful!
Vinyl and CD. Worked fine for years when we didn't know any different.
£1K on a streamer is a thousand charity shop CDs or 250 CDs that you might actually want to listen to. Stick em in and press play.
No firmware updates, no ethernet LAN configuration handshake crap. No playlists, just put an album on sit down and enjoy it.
Not good news.
Eversolo T8?
Not so much Kevin no, but hey, is what it is.
Options have changed recently since I’ve been doing some rummaging around at the latest ‘n greatest out there?
Was thinking Mac/Audirvana after hearing how good it could sound but after the Holo Red failed (it’s Rasberry Pi based) decided to look at other less computery options.
Looked at Streamers specifically,
the Hifi Rose RS130 caught my eye, but there’s several red flags I picked up from reading their user forums, and it’s nearly 5K which unless it’s perfect is too much to pay.
Has to do what I need it to do, and I don’t want to have to get my Lab Coat on to troubleshoot it.
It just has to work,
Eversolo T8 gets close to the Rose sound wise apparently (Dacs probably got more of an impact anyway imo) and the Software/Ui seems bulletproof.
Onboard SSD storage is a big win for me, can run it as a Server as well.
Onboard hires AppleMusic works really well too, unlike the Hifi Rose.
Still swotting up on it, but so far it’s the front runner.
Consistently well reviewed and the design/specs are solid.
Good forum buzz about it, which is never a bad thing too.
If you must then there's zillions of people using the Wiim streamer with no problems and it's pretty cheap.
Also with the high sales volume less chance of them ending up unsupported as the playback software moves on as it inevitably does.
Given how streamers work (they're all just stripped-down computers) I can't see there being any significant differences to sound quality despite what the reviews might say. I mean they have to say something don't they?
Yeah,
still mulling things over Martin.
Yeah,
still mulling things over Martin.
My method is to mull it over for say, six months or so, and then make an impulse purchase totally unrelated to the mulling ;)
rmcin626
07-03-2026, 09:41
Quite happy with my Eversolo, although my main listening is vinyl.
I have yet to add a SSD card to mine, as I generally use the Streamer for checking out music on Apple Music, if like it then I’ll buy the record.
My method is to mull it over for say, six months or so, and then make an impulse purchase totally unrelated to the mulling ;)
:D
You and me both Brother…
Quite happy with my Eversolo, although my main listening is vinyl.
I have yet to add a SSD card to mine, as I generally use the Streamer for checking out music on Apple Music, if like it then I’ll buy the record.
You see I just use Youtube for that, through the laptop speakers. That's enough to tell me if I like the music or not. I don't see the point of anything fancier just for checking stuff out.
rmcin626
07-03-2026, 11:00
You see I just use Youtube for that, through the laptop speakers. That's enough to tell me if I like the music or not. I don't see the point of anything fancier just for checking stuff out.
As I said Martin, I’m quite happy with the Eversole, it’s also used to provide decent quality music in our garden in the good weather, if and when we have any on the west coast of Scotland.
I enjoy the ease of having music if we are having a BBQ, just open the doors to our garden room (my listening room) operate everything from the app of my phone,
Quite happy with my Eversolo, although my main listening is vinyl.
I have yet to add a SSD card to mine, as I generally use the Streamer for checking out music on Apple Music, if like it then I’ll buy the record.
How do you find using Apple Music on it Robin?
Can you cast onto the telly from it?
Thanks.
rmcin626
07-03-2026, 14:10
How do you find using Apple Music on it Robin?
Can you cast onto the telly from it?
Thanks.
I find using Apple Music, no issues, although to begin with I was using Qobuz, but decided that was just a waste of money as I already had Apple Music and had been using that for years.
To be honest not sure if can cast to the TV, not something I have tried, plus the TV in my listening room is not connected to the hifi.
Aww crap…
Thats the Holo Red going back to Elise Audio, failed unit.
Think I’ll look elsewhere now for a streaming solution, something where I don’t need to “do computer” just to listen to music.
Been there done that, time to get something now that just works like an appliance.
All the associated gubbins can get in the way of enjoying the tunes, and nowadays that’s not where I’m at anymore.
Hey Ho… to be continued.
That's bad news Gary. What is the problem with it? Hopefully it will be quickly repaired/replaced.
That's bad news Gary. What is the problem with it? Hopefully it will be quickly repaired/replaced.
On powering up Barry, it doesn’t complete its boot sequence and just gets stuck in a loop.
Happens when using as a DDC and as a Streamer, did all the Troubleshooting steps - the things just dead.
Reflashed SD card, power cycled all the usual stuff, no joy.
The Seller will look after me no,worries there.
Never read of any failures elsewhere, putting it down to just bad luck.
Is what it is, thanks mate.
Lawrence001
07-03-2026, 20:25
Good aftersales support is good.
On the flip side, my Sony preamp/DAC is just entering its 37th year of flawless operation.Is that the one otherwise known as an AV processor?
Lawrence001
07-03-2026, 20:29
Aww crap…
Thats the Holo Red going back to Elise Audio, failed unit.
Think I’ll look elsewhere now for a streaming solution, something where I don’t need to “do computer” just to listen to music.
Been there done that, time to get something now that just works like an appliance.
All the associated gubbins can get in the way of enjoying the tunes, and nowadays that’s not where I’m at anymore.
Hey Ho… to be continued.How come I thought you just hadn't plugged the umbilical in properly and it was fine?
Ali Tait
07-03-2026, 21:00
Have a look at Lumin mate, mine's been great and no faff once set up.
Is that the one otherwise known as an AV processor?
That's the one; it was Sony's top of the range pre-amp in 1989 for both stereo and multi-channel applications.
How come I thought you just hadn't plugged the umbilical in properly and it was fine?
Different bit of kit, that was my 2 box Dac.
that was just me being daft. :)
The Streamer however needs to go back.
If you already have a DAC then try this..
https://www.audioemotion.co.uk/wiim-pro-plus-music-streamer-51194-p.asp
Cheap enough to try especially as you already have a DAC, you just need to send the bits and the Wiim software is decent.
I would buy it myself but I'm a Lyrion (LMS) user and have a Logitech Transporter and several Squeezebox Touch in the house so buying the Wiim would just be greed.
Cheers Mikey.
Big LMS fan from back in the day, moved to Roon until the price got out of control and it became too bloated.
Had a play recently with Daphile Linux, with embedded Lyrion?
Very nice to see LMS still being developed, sounded better than Roon to me too.
Still have a Touch kicking around, remember the 192K USB mod sounding great.
The WIMs a well regarded bit of gear, looking for something with i2s output though for my Dac.
If you already have a DAC then try this..
https://www.audioemotion.co.uk/wiim-pro-plus-music-streamer-51194-p.asp
Cheap enough to try especially as you already have a DAC, you just need to send the bits and the Wiim software is decent.
I would buy it myself but I'm a Lyrion (LMS) user and have a Logitech Transporter and several Squeezebox Touch in the house so buying the Wiim would just be greed.
I did think you used i2s but wasn't 100% sure.
I did think you used i2s but wasn't 100% sure.
Yeah :)
Incoming...
https://darko.audio/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/eversolo-t8-1-1280x720.webp
https://www.eversolo.com/Product/index/model/T8/target/tweTWW4iV0Deq7k9e%5Bld%5D3ulg%3D%3D.html#/
Eversolo T8 Digital Transport.
Really nice bit of kit this, ticks a lot of boxes for me.
Expansion proof too, up to 16TB SSD storage and SFP fibre ethernet.
Software and software support looks top notch, the control App.will be great on the IPad.
Have 4TB of music on a drive, will pick up an M2 SSD and fit and transfer the music files to the T8.
Aside all the new streaming gubbins it does, this replaces a separate PC for hosting Roon server, so a much more simple and direct solution directly into my Dac.
:thumbsup:
All the usual Streaming services supported, big one for me is native Apple Music lossless.
No more Airplay as a workaround.
An AppleTV control app too, so big screen album art and all that good stuff.
From reading its blurb,
It pays attention to electrical isolation, its USB output having particular stuff done to it?
USB out to the Holo May USB, should sound good.
According to online reviews gets very close to the Hifi Rose RS130, which was my first option.
User interface makes all the difference with gear like this, and despite the Rose's gorgeous big screen the software seemingly wasnt up to snuff, lot of things didnt work properly... etc.
Did my homework and it just didnt seem worth it.
The T8 is the one I think, came along at just the right time.
:thumbsup:
rmcin626
16-03-2026, 09:26
Incoming...
https://darko.audio/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/eversolo-t8-1-1280x720.webp
https://www.eversolo.com/Product/index/model/T8/target/tweTWW4iV0Deq7k9e%5Bld%5D3ulg%3D%3D.html#/
Eversolo T8 Digital Transport.
Really nice bit of kit this, ticks a lot of boxes for me.
Expansion proof too, up to 16TB SSD storage and SFP fibre ethernet.
Software and software support looks top notch, the control App.will be great on the IPad.
Have 4TB of music on a drive, will pick up an M2 SSD and fit and transfer the music files to the T8.
All the usual Streaming services supported, big one for me is native Apple Music lossless.
No more Airplay as a.workaround.
An AppleTV control app too, so big screen album art and all that good stuff.
From reading its blurb,
It pays attention to electrical isolation, its USB output having particular stuff done to it?
USB out to the Holo May USB, should sound good.
According to online reviews gets very close to the Hifi Rose RS130, which was my first option.
User interface makes all the difference with gear like this, and despite the Rose's gorgeous big screen the software seemingly wasnt up to snuff, lot of things didnt work properly... etc.
Did my homework and it just didnt seem worth it.
The T8 is the one I think, came along at just the right time.
:thumbsup:
Good decision Gary, as indicated earlier I’m quite happy with my Eversolo.
Good decision Gary, as indicated earlier I’m quite happy with my Eversolo.
Yup,
think so Robin.
Coming tommorow, won’t have a lot of time with work n stuff to play with it, more time at the weekend.
:)
I will get my:popcorn::uhho:
Posties been...
New gadget day is a good day.
https://images2.imgbox.com/58/fa/zg52oDHi_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/40/2e/PK977NIf_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/97/c8/BBNLpiTF_o.jpg
Cool box!
You've had a lot of new gadget days recently :)
But new speaker day, that's the big one.
Yup,
Speakers are always the big one.
Good fun this Streaming malarkey...
Sound quality of this thing is fantastic, running it over i2s into the Dac just now.
https://images2.imgbox.com/8e/d1/F5VCytkC_o.jpg
Will try different connections to the dac when it has a few weeks use under it.
Whole set up is looking great there mate.
https://images2.imgbox.com/97/a8/B35ZJY11_o.jpg
Whole set up is looking great there mate.
Cheers Martin.
rmcin626
17-03-2026, 21:22
Good to hear you are enjoying it Gary
Looking very good there Gary. Like the huge Eversolo screen and functionality looks amazing.
Really is a great bit of kit, really versatile and sounds terrific.
Built in lossless Apple Music was a big reason for getting the T8, turns out the built in App is capped at 24/48 so no Hires which Apple is offering now.
Happily got a solution sorted,
As the T8 is Android based, and not locked down Apple hardware style, you can “side load” apps onto it that weren’t installed from the factory?
Seems from version 5.0 Android Apple Music is capped, so uninstalled that and replaced with an earlier version…. Voila, full 24/192 playback.
DSOM re-issue at 24/192 sounds fantastic!
https://images2.imgbox.com/fb/9d/bEQ8CaGA_o.jpg
I thought about buying one.
AIYIMA do one at around £500 that has HDMI out. Was thinking about trying that as I could pump it out to my new Hisense PX-3 projector.
There are very few transports that have HDMI video out and I think it is a really desirable feature.
Hi-Fi Rose do one at a lot more money: https://hifiplus.com/articles/hifi-rose-rs130/
I played with the GUI at Munich and thought no, not buying that. That might have been unfair, but hey.
Hi Justin
The RS130 was my first Go-To on this journey
Well, originally it was replacing my Sean Adams era Transporter with a DCS Network Bridge, but I Hum'd and Haw'd that long DCS stopped production!
So "got by" with various digital solutions (including Modright versions of Logitech Squeezeboxes) until Roon came along and I did the modded PC Music Server thing (I designed them as a business) and "all was good" for a while....
Technology caught up and new solutions were needed... I kinda just wanted music so physical Media drew me back at that point?
The RS130 got me interested again!
When Im buying hifi gear I like to look it all, and get opinions from different Forums and the like, but the final test is.always hearing it for yourself?
How you interact with a Device matters a lot.
If the UI is awkward or a PITA it takes away from the experience.
Sound quality is what matters most I guess...and the T8 is the
Best digital I've had in my system, easy.
Happily the UI is perfect.
Sound aside how.you interact with the thing matters too.
Especially the display, VU Meters again ya say?... my old 'Back in the day' forum stomping ground Amigo Sean Adams of Slimserver fame made the Transporter
and that thing... talk about before its Time? :eek:
Anyhoo...
That was always the Gold Standard for me.
Swapped many dacs over the years, Transports too.... PC based Roon Servers and the like,.but an obviously over engineered 'Audio Centric' black box thats made to do one thing:... Get the digital Bits unfettered to your Dac... because of the Transporter? Has been the 'Standard' for me.
The T8 is the spiritual successor for the Slim Devices (not Logitech) Transporter for me.
I've messed around with all the digital things you read about as the new 'Best Thing", God knows I've been sucked in and spent my own money over they Years...
The T8 hits different.
Its the "New" Transporter for me.
This thing sounds terrific.
The Screen share/ Cast functionality of fhe T8 basically Gazumps the need for an HDMI output to the telly?
It does it with an App, the earlier Eversolo boxes had an HDMI output, but now they are doing it in Software.
Progress I guess.. just happy to be here.
I have tried various methods of screen casting over the years and I have never been a fan of it, though it has got better.
That said, if you are happy with the way it works in your set up, what I think is irrelevant.
I think it is a nice piece of kit from all the reviews I have seen and you seem very happy so enjoy.
I really do hate the Amazon Music app that's designed for TV output which runs on my projector with a vengeance, though.
I will try screen casting using my OnePlus Pad 3 as I have not tried that with this projector but I am not hopeful. The tablet version of the app is way better.
I don’t directly cast to the telly Justin,
there’s an Eversolo control App for AppleTV that does big screen albumart, lyrics, Artist Info and the like.
Works for all the built in Streaming Services, Qobuz, Tidal and the like.
The App for IOS and Android even lets you mirror the T8 screen on your phone/tablet, so you dont even have to touch the glossy fingerprint touchscreen on the unit itself.
Software really is top notch, have to say.
I’ve enough HDMI cables in my room… no more! :D
That 2nd sentence is interesting I will look into it.
Gonna buy an LG G5 when Richer Sounds start dropping the price as the G6 is very imminent. Not an 83 like yours it'll be our 3rd largest telly in-parallel with the 4th at 55 inches, but it is right for the spot.
That 2nd sentence is interesting I will look into it.
Gonna buy an LG G5 when Richer Sounds start dropping the price as the G6 is very imminent. Not an 83 like yours it'll be our 3rd largest telly in-parallel with the 4th at 55 inches, but it is right for the spot.
:thumbsup:
Not much difference between the G5 and G6
The defining feature was the Tandem 4 layer OLED panel?
The screen can get insanely bright, and frequent Firmware updates have really improved the picture from when it first hit the market.
Whites are bright white, not yellowish in comparison with the previous gen G4.
G5 is a great shout.
Had a few days on the Eversolo T8 very impressed with it.
Started off a bit ‘shiny’ sounding but it’s filling out more with some time on it.
Lots of setup options which I had deliberately avoided to let the unit run in?
But looking into now what options I have for tweaking.
One thing I did do was compare Wi-Fi connection to Ethernet?
Wifi sounded great, but noticing a bit more transparency with Ethernet?
The Wi-Fi 6 module can be completely disabled in options, so hooked up a decent Cat5e cable and switched it off. No emitted EMI anymore.
Have a Bluejeans bonded pair unshielded Cat6 to the right length coming in the post, messed about with different Ethernet cables in the past, these were the best I found, even over more spendy “audiophile” options.
Link here:
https://bluejeanscable.co.uk/store/data-cables/index.htm
Went for Cat6 not Cat6a, as in my experience the shielding is unnecessary and as it’s a floating shield construction, potential for the cable to pick up electrical noise.
Really helps that Bluejeans test their cables meet spec and provide test certificate with each cable.
All probably academic though, as I reckon I’ll end up using the T8’s built in SFP Fibre Ethernet connection down the line?
I think it’s a killer feature, and one of the many reasons why I went with the T8.
Not too expensive to set up, the Theory is sound, and I’ve already experienced the benefits of a direct fibre connection?
The sound got better when my Broadband connection was upgraded to FTTP (fibre to the premises).
Basically fibre optic Ethernet direct to your Router, so makes sense to me to continue that throughout the setup.
Zero electrical noise on your online connection.
When using a really good quality streamer with emphasis on noise isolation what’s not to like? :)
Lots more to come with the T8, I enjoy this thing.
Great discovering a really good piece of gear Gary which exceeds expectations. :)
Great discovering a really good piece of gear Gary which exceeds expectations. :)
Yup, 100%.
Like your Holo Cyan 2 Dac Jim, it’s nice when it happens.
I just bought one of these. By the time I checked out I got charged £513 including shipping.
The AIYIMA DM100 has sold out everywhere, so I did some looking around for something with HDMI out. The spec of this is better than the AIYIMA. For the cash it is insane, IMHO.
https://eweat.com/audio-video/hifi-music-streamer-d35/
After doing Whittlebury this weekend and also Munich last year I reckon the Wadax Studio is outstanding. This time the 3 box version. Just the single unit is fantastic, though. I'm not parting with that kind of money, however.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260322/1a91829fc1ee9f636f8574898c0b1844.jpg
FWIW I also spent quite a bit of time listening to the Hi-Fi Rose RS130 in this system with large OBs yesterday and today.
TBH very hard to assess the RS130 but too many unknowns to know. But I did pick up a kind of glass edged crystalline quality I wasn't that fond of for whatever reason.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260322/8d7738f51e22a63345c28cdb58c42b9f.jpg
All that care and attention, yet they can't be bothered to provide a true 75Ohm BNC coaxial output socket! Also does the engraving of musical notes on the heat-sinks improve the overall performance?
All that care and attention, yet they can't be bothered to provide a true 75Ohm BNC coaxial output socket! Also does the engraving of musical notes on the heat-sinks improve the overall performance?You criticising my amazing purchase, Barry?
Tut, tut, I dunno.
The T8 has a better clock in it. But via the JLSounds USB card in my DAC it shouldn't matter.
TBH I actually like the optical interface to my DAC best. Be interesting if it is still true with this unit.
:lol: I was being fussy, but for £500 it not too much to ask for decent coaxial interface. Engraving the heatsinks involves additional and unnecessary costs but doesn't improve the performance. Otherwise I like it, and looks to be good value.
It's a risk there are zero reviews. But it does pack some good stuff for the cash, including a better PS than the AIYIMA.
I find almost all the digital transport designs have annoyance factors I can't accept. I reckon it's an OK bunch of compromises.
Anyway, back to the T8;)
rmcin626
23-03-2026, 20:03
There are a few different Eversolo groups on Facebook if that’s of interest Gary .
Nice bit of kit that Justin, value looks off the scale for what you get.
Enjoy,
hope it ticks the box for you. :)
@Robin
Yeah, I’ve since joined a couple of em, great resource I think?
In other news?
Incoming…
https://lavakino.cc/uploads/posts/2023-11/1701318997-2145809284-1.webp
http://funny115.com/movies/1.jpghttp://funny115.com/movies/1.jpghttp://funny115.com/movies/1.jpg
Nice bit of kit that Justin, value looks off the scale for what you get.
Enjoy,
hope it ticks the box for you. :)
@Robin
Yeah, I’ve since joined a couple of em, great resource I think?It's shipped out today but will take quite a while to arrive I suspect. Just read the manual and it is in well written English. That's not right for Chi-Fi. Something MUST be wrong, Gary, LOL.
Streaming related… call it an experiment?
Coming this week, have a play at the Weekend.
It's shipped out today but will take quite a while to arrive I suspect. Just read the manual and it is in well written English. That's not right for Chi-Fi. Something MUST be wrong, Gary, LOL.
What Sorcery is this?!
https://images2.imgbox.com/32/2c/XVwoskni_o.jpg
Fun with cables...
Very surprised by the sound Im getting from the Eversolo streamer I want to max it out, without being silly about it.
So a couple of things in the pipeline. :)
First up:
I recently got fiber to the home broadband, and a fancy new Router.
Currently its just plugged into the wall using the cheap wall brick supply.
I want to improve this by powering it from a linear supply, directly fed from the balanced mains.
To do this I'm repurposing a 7A Maplin CB radio linear supply I got back in the day to power my Beresford Dac.
https://images2.imgbox.com/52/00/O3DxQK9a_o.jpg
Been sitting in the cupboard for years, time to be useful again!
Theres a Pot inside you can adjust so it outputs 12V, exactly what the new Router requires. WIll confirm with the Multimeter.
Just need to snip the plug off the Router cable end and solder to the Duelund cable, then connect it to the Maplin supply.
Will twist the two cores along its length to help reduce noise.
I bought 6m of Duelund tin plated copper PVC insulated 12GA mains cable to make up a mains lead, two terminal + and - from the PSU.
Love this cable, use the cotton dialectric 12ga version as speaker cable, not heard better in my system.
The Router is double insulated, so just a 2-core connection to the mains.
The 3pin plug from the Maplin supply connects to a star earthed distribution block, fed by one of the output tails from the balanced mains.
Very clean power, next to no noise floor.
Clean power always good practice. Everything is influenced by it’s power supply.
So how do you think the T8 compares to a dedicated fan less streaming PC with all the right bits inside?
I would say I am asking for a friend, but that would by lying.
Kevin,
I used to design and build the things, (Hifi Choice 5* Award winner ya know!) and the T8 sounds better than any Server Ive ever built or owned.
It just points the stream to your Dac without adding anything?
If it was noisy I'd hear it in my system and its dead quiet.
Read reviews of it saying soundwise it gets 98% the way towards the Hifi Rose RS130, which was my first possible choice.
The UI and software experience is second to none, its actually a pleasure to use and everyting makes sense and is where it should be.
Constant firmware updates address any niggles and add new features.
Forum support from Manufacturer is excellent - always something I look for.
Its a crackin' bit of kit, I'd recommend it to anyone.
It plays well with far more expensive kit and doesn't put any bottleneck on performance.
Kevin,
I used to design and build the things, (Hifi Choice 5* Award winner ya know!) and the T8 sounds better than any Server Ive ever built or owned.
It just points the stream to your Dac without adding anything?
If it was noisy I'd hear it in my system and its dead quiet.
Read reviews of it saying soundwise it gets 98% the way towards the Hifi Rose RS130, which was my first possible choice.
The UI and software experience is second to none, its actually a pleasure to use and everyting makes sense and is where it should be.
Constant firmware updates address any niggles and add new features.
Forum support from Manufacturer is excellent - always something I look for.
Its a crackin' bit of kit, I'd recommend it to anyone.
It plays well with far more expensive kit and doesn't put any bottleneck on performance.
:thumbsup:
I have read the reviews, which is why I made the suggestion earlier in the thread.
I also know about your previous activities. ;)
Hence the question....
The second thing I looked at was something I'd never even thought about before,
potential for "noise on the line" from Ethernet cables?
The Eversolo has a SFP Fibre Ethernet input as well as the usual RJ45 Ethernet, and thats something Im doing some homework on,
but in the meantime as far as normal Ethernet cables goes, I hadnt ever strayed from trusty Bluejeans Cat6 unshielded cables.
Im looking to max out the Eversolo streaming quality, so took a punt on 3 different Ethernet cables to compare to the Bluejeans.
I did my usual rummaging around various forums for opinions and reviews, to help suss out the ones that came closest to that "diminishing returns sweet spot" I try to look for?
Tried the usual Forum suspects, Audiophile Style (ex Computer Audiophile), DCS forums, Naim, Head-Fi and a few higher end American forums too.
I wanted to avoid any Marketing led Manufacturers (Looking at you Audioquest) and stick to those who were (to me at least) based on sound engineering and design principles.
Came up with 3 cables, 2 from the same manufacturer.
1. Japanese company, Neotech UPOCC ethernet cables.
Cable website and info HERE:
https://www.neotechcable.com/Ethernet-UP-OCC-Silver-Cable.html
(https://www.neotechcable.com/Ethernet-UP-OCC-Silver-Cable.html)
They do two, based around some solid engineering Some Internet Blurb on it:
https://www.hificollective.co.uk/sites/default/files/2022-06/neet-1008-drawing.jpg
Neotech is a prominent manufacturer of high-end audio cables that utilizes
Ohno Continuous Casting (OCC) technology to produce ultra-pure, single-crystal copper and silver conductors.
This casting process was developed by Professor Atsumi Ohno of the Chiba Institute of Technology in Japan.
So pretty good so far?
I picked up the 3008 Copper version and the 1008 solid silver version.
https://images2.imgbox.com/1b/02/F3pI4ZRg_o.jpg
The 3008 Copper cable
https://images2.imgbox.com/20/6d/cq45EZLc_o.jpg
Compared to the Bluejeans Cat6 I was using?
https://images2.imgbox.com/1a/bb/GZ9brqsl_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/8a/0b/sYmxcNuw_o.jpg
its a thick boy!
And the Silver core version
https://images2.imgbox.com/64/56/Tzzp3PKT_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/65/c0/a6fMBZAL_o.jpg
Serious plug construction on these
The third cable was from Melco/ Dela (who do Servers and the like. This is their latest cable the C100. Another forum favorite
https://images2.imgbox.com/45/8f/5Q1mNtcd_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/37/11/HGDrOvtv_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/07/5d/P1df90Q6_o.jpg
Far more "normal" construction than the Neotechs, but it does have a party trick in that it is only grounded at one end, to drain any potential noise on the cable to ground?Another "Engineering Principle" based cable which seems to be close to that "sweet spot", one guy on one of the American forums sold his Nordost Hemdall II (very expensive) as the C100 was "noticably" better sounding.
So that caught my attention!
As always though, the proof is in the listening - but this is a very good place to start, to hear for myself in my own System.
The plan was to compare to what I have already, keep the best one and return the rest?
That was the theory anyway... as it happens Im only returning one - replacing the Bluejeans Cat6 on the AppleTV has very unexpected (and dramatic!) results.
Only hooked it up to the AppleTV to help run it in a bit while I was listening to the Neotech on the streamer, but immediuate improvement in Picture and sound from the AppleTV... Crikey!
Decided it was worth replacing the Ethernet cable on the AppleTV as well.
Tried WIFI as a sanity check, everything fell apart, so a good ethernet cable here is definitely worth it. Difference on 4K Streams from Netflix and the like, even YouTube, was really something.
Initial results:
Had about 4 days burning in of the copper Neotech and the Melco, alternated between the two on the Eversolo. Not anywhere NEAR the final sound of these cables but a good starting point.
Trusting my Guy instinct on this one, and not over thinking it. Its usually right. :)
PREFERRED THE NEOTECH - A Bigger more dynamic and transparent sound. More energy to it.
More a front seat presentation which is a great combination with the "mature" very realistic sound of my May KTE dac. Great synergy.
The Melco is more laid back sounding, more of a "few rows back" type presentation?
Synergy not as good in the system, sounds great, a lot better than the Bluejeans, but not as good as the Neotech copper.
So the question was Neotech Copper vs Silver for the Eversolo.
Online chatter about the Silver Neotech:
A couple of guys on the Naim Forum found it very bright and sharp in their systems and returned it, instead going for the likes of the Shunyata Sigma cable (at just under 3 Grand!)
Others with higher end systems (a Swedish high end Hifi group) preferred the Neotech over anything else!
SO need to hear it for myself in my own system.
Would it be too bright, being silver?
I suspected not, with the May Dac having the sound that it does? (think the Opposite of whatever "digital glare" is)
But needed to hear for myself so plumbed it in tonight for the first time.
:eek:
Fresh out the box Its better than the copper, a lot better.
More transparent, the mid and top end has a clarity and snap that just draws you in.
And its not harsh or bright at all.
A lot more to come from this cable, solid silver cable in a ballache to burn in, so preparing for a bit of a rollercoaster.
But the Neotech Silver is the one Im using to get the most out of the Eversolo T8.
*EDIT*
Tried the unused Neotech Copper in the AppleTV to compare with the Melco cable for Movie watching and stuff?
Neotech is noticably better with the AppleTV as well, much more Pop to the picture, better contrast and subtle details in the picture brought out better, even in the quieter scenes.
So not just more flash bang whallop, but subtle details that draw you in as well.
The Neotech is a better cable than the Melco, whether Copper or Silver.
So in the battle of the different Engineering Principles:
OCC casting beats out grounding on one side only.
The old "grounded cable as an antenna" discussion doesn't apply here, maybe in part due to the Eversolo’s emphasis on internal electrical isolation?
Oh,
The Neotech is directional too, not interested in flipping it around to try as its its so unweildy and you could tow a car with it - it stays where it is! :D
More to come as the Silver Neotech cable burns in, and when I hook up the Router be be powered with linear PSU directly from balanced Mains - so happy to stick a fork in this one and call it Done.
MAY tried optical fibre Ethernet with the T8’s SFP Ethernet port, mostly good reports but some claims of a Clinical sound from it?
Only one way to find out, but that’s for another day… maybe.
:thumbsup:
I have read the reviews, which is why I made the suggestion earlier in the thread.
I also know about your previous activities. ;)
Hence the question....
Yeah... !
Id suggest to your Friend Kevin to go for a T8 over a PC based solution :)
Streamer Tech has caught up with Hairshirt PC Build nowadays I’d say.
Innovative Technology integration to the “Norm” has always been the driver for cheaper stuff sounding better, so I’d say we are in a good place right now.
Sure there’s a formula out there, but what we have nowadays would have cost you a LOT more as recently as 10 years ago?
Its a sliding scale, but that’s how it should be.
Brilliant cable evaluation and hopefully the implementation brings about uplift.
I have limited experience in Ethernet cable technology but I do know routers, network switches, network filters etc can all make a difference and I was surprised at how effective an English electric EE1 was in the chain.
Ultimately I would have thought the fibre conversion route may bring about a significant difference.
I have a feeling I will be exploring this whole area soon myself If I find a T8 or a Zen NG does a better job than my current set up!:)
Thanks James.
The fibre Ethernet is an interesting one,
know when my new Broadband was fitted (full fibre to the Property) sound quality
streaming Roon improved.
Not too spendy to try Fibre Ethernet to the streamer, which is good.
Heard mostly good reports on it, a fair few though telling of slightly clinical sound quality it can bring?
I reckon those are from folks who’s gear is maybe revealed not in a good way when the noise from Ethernet is removed with fibre?
As always, it’s all about how nicely it plays with the rest of the Kit?
Who knows right, until you try it in your own System?
I had reservations based purely upon what I’d read about silver cables, so went into it with a bit of trepidation?
For my setup everything being fully balanced and balanced mains powered I reckon I’ve got noise down pretty well, more so when I lash up the mains cable/linear PSU for the Router too.
Zero harshness or “brightly lit” listening fatigue here from the silver Ethernet cable, and that’s with it just plugged in.
Just improved audio.
From experience some time on it will improve it?
Sounds terrific right now, So bollocks to “online wisdom” I say.
Hear it for yourself, 100%
Will have a play with fibre Ethernet at some point, but really enjoying what I’m hearing with the new streaming setup.
Speaking of which,
Eversolo’s brought out a new Firmware update for the T8, the 3rd since I’ve got mine.
Can download and install directly from the App, great stuff.
Great support from the Manufacturer.
Ali Tait
02-04-2026, 18:34
I bought a Stack Audio Smoothlan Regenerator which made an improvement to my ears. Might be worth a try mate.
I bought a Stack Audio Smoothlan Regenerator which made an improvement to my ears. Might be worth a try mate.
Cheers Ali,
I'll look into it mate.
Interesting bit of kit, Paul Rigby likes it which is normally a good sign for me.
"Sometimes accessories and ancillaries help improve the overall sound of a HiFi chain and do so by degrees which is useful, sure. The Regenerator goes much further than that. It improves sound as if you’ve just bought a new streamer, server or some such. That is the leap in sonic improvement here and you hear those improvements right across the frequency spectrum."
https://theaudiophileman.com/smoothlan-regenerator-from-stack-audio/
Ali Tait
03-04-2026, 14:48
Yeah it is, I certainly thought it made things better.
They sometimes sell B stock on ebay for a cheaper price, worth keeping an eye out.
Yeah it is, I certainly thought it made things better.
They sometimes sell B stock on ebay for a cheaper price, worth keeping an eye out.
As always.
Thanks Ali, appreciate the help.
Ali Tait
05-04-2026, 12:31
No worries mate. :-)
Ok,
just installed Bandcamp as an App on the Eversolo, one of my favourite music discovery Apps.
Can buy the album directly from the App and the Artists get a decent chunk of the money. As it should be.
Sounds great too, reduced quality compared to full 16/44 but not by much.
Plenty enough to enjoy the music, and a easy way to buy the full quality album.
This streamer is terrific.
The versatility reminds me of the LMS ecosystem, being able to just install plugins for what you want by “side loading” Apk files.
Less hassle though than LMS, no need for a separate server PC and endpoint, one box does all.
Zero lag or glitches swapping from one playback type or Streaming service to another.
It just works.
A really good purchase this, ticks all the boxes.
Sounding better and better too with more time on it, noticeably better than a Daphile Linux server setup with integrated Lyrion server (new LMS) installed I tried immediately before.
Happy days.
Plumbing in the Router to the balanced mains next?
Made a DC cable up from braided 12GA Duelund wire to a linear PSU powered by balanced, should lose any noise spat out by the router into the wall using the supplied (crappy) switchmode brick.
Be interesting to see what it brings to the table if anything?
It’ll be my stopping off point for maximising my streaming setup, not an expensive rabbit hole I want to go down.
May try a better linear supply to power the router if I get good results, but probably just stick with what a I have.
The Maplins is a simple linear design, but might be good enough who knows.
Sound quality out the wall is plenty, but know there’s more I can get out of it (well, less noise) powered from Balanced mains.
I used to use Bandcamp for a while.
Glad you're enjoying it and thinking outside the box with things to try.
Router linear powered from balanced mains is a nice bump in sound quality. :thumbsup:
Repurposed a linear PSU from my spares box, and the Duelund 12GA tinned copper DC cable I made up cost me 60 odd quid.
Well worth doing and made a significant improvement.
These ‘1s and 0’s’ can sound pretty terrific.
And as chips upgrade too - Nice!
Currently going through the solid core silver cable burn-in rollercoaster, but it’s getting there. Lots of ups n downs atm.
The Holo May/Serene “natural tone” along with the Duelund speaker cable is a natural fit with all the silver cable I’m using at the digital source.
Want everything from my Source files, warts and all.
I used to use Bandcamp for a while.
Glad you're enjoying it and thinking outside the box with things to try.
Much like yourself Sir.
Fun this Hobby, innit? :)
Oh :eek:
https://grooveaudio.com/products/lhy-audio-lps-t8-linear-power-upgrade-kit-for-eversolo-t8
This this falls into the “no brainier” category.
Warranty loss, though, Gary.
It may not make an audible difference. Where is the evidence the existing supply in it is inadequate? It may be very good.
Tis not clear cut.
Go for it for fun if you feel like it. I'm just saying;)
Hear ya :thumbsup:
Waiting on the first reviews of it from those that have tried it.
The T8 already has a linear supply and sounds great, so no rush.
Did power supply upgrades on my Oppo 203 and got a great ROI, cant ever go wrong with a better power supply.
Reviews of the T8 indicate its at that diminishing returns point compared to the likes of Hifi Rose RS130 and the like, maybe this will take it past them?
Thats my thinking anyway,
shall see how Eversolo folks that install the upgrade get on.
If its incremental its not worth it, warranty loss as you say, and its not a cheap to replace unit to mess about with.
That said,
if the right reports come back... :scratch:
Read up on the Chinese company offering the upgrade, pretty legit and made some good products.
Know their EE onions I think.
Want to get the vinyl set back up again first, thats a pretty fundamental change.
so tonearm rewire and new cartridge fitting is my next task.
FUN WITH NETWORK TWEAKS?
Loving the sound improvement and all things streaming again with the Eversolo T8, want to maximise it without going down a crazy Rabbit hole.
Reducing electrical noise is everything to get the best out your gear imo, so focussing in on that.
Did a couple of things already, all of which nudged sound quality in the right direction?
1. Now powering Modem/Router directly from Balanced mains, using custom Duelund DC cable.
2. Replaced any throwaway Ethernet cables used for audio with Neotech solid silver core 1008 cables.
Been reading up on networking tweaks on the Audiophile Style forum as that’s their thing, and now looking at Network Switches.
Theres a few Audio gear reviewers on YouTube who’s opinion I trust, and this video was what got me thinking… Hmnn, I wonder… :scratch:
He described really well his own journey from just using supplied Router from BB Provider, to adding a switch.. and finally going “full audiophile” with a switch with proper power filtering, improved clocks etc.
https://youtu.be/NTqmCfq8TP8?si=yuauUIETKpFs397Z
Want to just dip my toe in initially, so read about and a well thought of “non audiophile money” switch is the Netgear 308.
Measures really well apparently and is good for audio.
Picked one up, plumbing it in today.
https://images2.imgbox.com/92/f9/fGjszNAd_o.jpeg?download=true
The idea is to insert it between my Router and audio equipment.
Initially using the supplied 12V switchmode supply, but with a couple of added wrinkles? :)
I’ll be powering it directly from the Balanced Mains, so noise to the Switch should be much lower?
Also,
Typical SMPS bricks contain very high impedance components (i.e. cheap) and can throw out a lot of nasty leakage current, which is a no-no if trying to reduce electrical noise that can affect sound quality elsewhere in the system.
I’ll be shunting this noise to ground which should (hopefully!) zap a lot of the noise away and bring it closer to a good linear supply.
A ton of posts in various forums bearing out the benefit of a good psu with an audio switch.
Hopefully I’ll see a bit of that from this wee experiment.
John Atkinson wrote a great ‘how to’ post on it HERE:
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/37034-smps-and-grounding/
Cost?
Under a tenner.:)
I’ve already heard the benefit of shunting noise to ground with various bits of kit already, connecting unused RCA sockets to ground earth connection on a 13 amp 3 pin plug, into the wall.
Noise dropped noticeably in some cases, others not so much.
just a function of how good or bad the equipment grounding is.
But at least if you know its being done, your getting the best possible outcome?
Fingers crossed for a good result, let’s see if there’s anything to this…
This final system is taking a looooooooong time Gary :D
I have a couple of the netgear 308 switches in my home network.
I have not compared them to anything else, but as I stream directly from my PC to my DAC, I am not sure I would hear a difference.
This final system is taking a looooooooong time Gary :D
Did I say final...? :D
Yes, but you also said "I think" :lol:
Gary's thread has been running for seven years - these things take time you know. :D
See theres talk of Grant on the forum again?
The Thread title was a bit of a running gag we had with each other :)
In other news...
Taking my Project X8 turntable over to Jony at Audio Origami tommorow?
Want to get the vinyl setup up 'n running again, been playing with the digital for a while, missing playing records.
Im getting:
1. Arm rewire with Cardas 33ga litz cable (Jony says the silver is better, may go for that)
2. Cardas cartridge tags
3. Audio Origami Cartridge Enhancer (A vibration absorber that isolates your cartridge from the arm ) similar but better than Funk Houdini (apparently)
4. Fitting of new Hana ML moving coil cartridge.
5. General setup and Tweaking for best sound.
Dropping it off at his place He'll let me know when ready to collect.
Vinyls been sitting unplayed since I got the Turntable, slight accident put it out of commission after a couple of weeks from new.
So it'll be like getting from new again, and its seriously upgraded over the stock X8.
Its gonna be fun.
*Note to Self going forward*
NO playing vinyl after a couple of Malts of a Saturday - Stick to Digital!
lesson learned :lol:
rmcin626
30-05-2026, 19:23
In other news...
Taking my Project X8 turntable over to Jony at Audio Origami tommorow?
Want to get the vinyl setup n running again, been playing with the digital for a while, missing playing records.
Im getting:
1. Arm rewire with Cardas 33ga litz cable (Jony says the silver is better, may go for that)
2. Cardas cartridge tags
3. Audio Origami Cartridge Enhancer (A vibration absorber that isolates your cartridge from the arm ) similar but better than Funk Houdini (apparently)
4. Fitting of new Hana ML moving coil cartridge.
5. General setup and Tweaking for best sound.
Dropping it off at his place He'll let me know when ready to collect.
Vinyls been sitting unplayed since I got the Turntable, slight accident put it out of commission after a couple of weeks from new.
So it'll be like getting from new again, and its seriously upgraded over the stock X8.
Its gonna be fun.
*Note to Self going forward*
NO playing vinyl after a couple of Malts of a Saturday - Stick to Digital!
lesson learned :lol:
2 important lessons there Gary, always be careful after a couple of drams and of course Johnny always works his magic
Ali Tait
30-05-2026, 21:46
In other news...
Taking my Project X8 turntable over to Jony at Audio Origami tommorow?
Want to get the vinyl setup up 'n running again, been playing with the digital for a while, missing playing records.
Im getting:
1. Arm rewire with Cardas 33ga litz cable (Jony says the silver is better, may go for that)
2. Cardas cartridge tags
3. Audio Origami Cartridge Enhancer (A vibration absorber that isolates your cartridge from the arm ) similar but better than Funk Houdini (apparently)
4. Fitting of new Hana ML moving coil cartridge.
5. General setup and Tweaking for best sound.
Dropping it off at his place He'll let me know when ready to collect.
Vinyls been sitting unplayed since I got the Turntable, slight accident put it out of commission after a couple of weeks from new.
So it'll be like getting from new again, and its seriously upgraded over the stock X8.
Its gonna be fun.
*Note to Self going forward*
NO playing vinyl after a couple of Malts of a Saturday - Stick to Digital!
lesson learned :lol:
Buy an SL-7 to use when you fancy a drink mate, it's an alcohol-proof way of playing vinyl. :-)
2 important lessons there Gary, always be careful after a couple of drams and of course Johnny always works his magic
Here Here,
To both.
Fun Fact?
Audio Origami's current premises (the Engineering bit where they build the Toneams) is Robert Burns' old School in Ayr?
Literally.
Your Avatar Robin always makes me smile as My Granny had that image as a big print in her Kitchen, and I always associated that with 'Visits to my Granny"
rmcin626
31-05-2026, 08:23
Here Here,
To both.
Fun Fact?
Audio Origami's current premises (the Engineering bit where they build the Toneams) is Robert Burns' old School in Ayr?
Literally.
Your Avatar Robin always makes me smile as My Granny had that image as a big print in her Kitchen, and I always associated that with 'Visits to my Granny"
The Avatar, to be honest not sure why I chose it, although I have been to many Burns suppers over the years, at the time I must have thought it was appropriate, I was liked Grant’s and wanted something timeless.
As for Audio Origami , I was aware about the current premises, although I’ve not been there I. Went to J7’s house a couple of times for work on my Nottingham Analogue turntable , he also sold mean Elite Rock turntable in the mid 80’s when he had the store in Glasgow.
Buy an SL-7 to use when you fancy a drink mate, it's an alcohol-proof way of playing vinyl. :-)
:lol:
Ali Tait
02-06-2026, 17:50
Bloody good sound too, with a decent stylus. :-)
Mine gets pretty close to the SP10. I did spend more on the stylus than I did on the deck though..
And the SP10 ain't no slouch...
Speaking of Vinyl, now back in the game.
Picked up my Project X8 after an arm rewire, new Cart tags and fitting of a Hana ML mc Cartridge.
Setup magic too by turntable Guru Jon Nielsen of Audio Origami.
Put it all together tommorow after work, few tweaks afterwards to do but will at least have an initial listen.
Great to have Vinyl back in the System have to say.
https://images2.imgbox.com/1a/7a/6nKl4j0u_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/13/90/qoOZ6FC3_o.jpg
Ali Tait
05-06-2026, 14:21
Looks great mate.
Have you had a chance to listen to it yet?
Have you had a chance to listen to it yet?
Yeah Kev,
had a chance over the weekend to play it,
Sounds fantastic, great to have vinyl back in the system.
Cart and new tonearm wiring (I guess?) still breaking in but already sounds far better than I remember with the stock Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge fitted.
Its now set up perfectly too with Jon Nielsen's setup nous, will make a difference as well.
Have a new platter weight coming too?
Had used the Origin Live Gravity One on my previous deck the Rega P10, extremely lightweight deck didnt suit a heavy weight, but picked up something more suitable for the high mass Pro-Ject deck.
Looking to max out the performance of the Turntable, think this is a good move.
Michael Fremer approved!
https://hometheaterhifi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/fig-1-eat-record-clamp-massive.jpg
Very nice, Gary.
I still think 45 rpm 12 inch singles can just beggar belief sonically on a good setup.
I think I need a Mana Acoustics table like I used to own many years ago. I might start looking around for one. Or something similar. TBH making something is probably pretty easy so I might explore that.
I prefer using a record clamp rather than a weight, because I feel it places less load and hence ware on the bearing. But YMMV.
Had one Barry on my Michell Orbe,
Pain in the hoop to screw/unscrew every time you changed records!
The EAT one I have coming was suggested by Michael Fremer as a good upgrade for my specific deck in his review,
Its an inverted bearing with neodymium magnet system, that reduces load on the ceramic tipped bearing, so should be ok I think?
The platter weighs 5kg so it comes in handy!
:thumbsup:
Had one Barry on my Michell Orbe,
Pain in the hoop to screw/unscrew every time you changed records!
The EAT one I have coming was suggested by Michael Fremer as a good upgrade for my specific deck in his review, so should be ok I think.
[emoji106]Ain't buying that. Those Michell clamps are ace and really easy to use.
The Orbe is a better design than any Pro-ject table IMHO.
That said a high mass clamp is easier and should give better inertia.
But the Orbe design doesn't really need a high mass clamp. It has a mega platter. And a better vibration isolation mechanism.
Just being honest, Gary.
The slight and deliberate concave design of the Michell platter is also ultra cool when trying to mate the record to the platter.
Respect to Jon Michell, the designer, now long gone.
Not saying he was ever a friend, but I did talk to him a few times.
Fitting a clamp is no more "pain" than it is to clean the record with a carbon fibre brush. :D
The Pro-Ject platter is heavier than the Orbe's at 5.1Kg vs 4Kg, made from a solid billet of Au and is TPE damped.
Its not made of Delrin though like the Michell :eek:
Choose your Fighter!
Ach...
I'm just a lazy sod when it comes down to it,
found it an "extra step" that got in the way of sitting back and enjoying your records.
It did take all of 5 seconds to be fair, for most (non lazy) folks not a deal-breaker :D
Great story about knowing John Michell.
Had a good few conversations with the Works Manager that took over from John, Steve Rowland at Michell about upgrading my Gyro to "Gorbe", could feel the passion for his Product coming through.... as it should always be.
My favorite John Michell story about was him designing the eye and fitted it on C3P0 for George Lucas in Star Wars.
Glad to hear you are happy with it.
Do you not fancy trying the Stack Audio Serene stabiliser?
That also gets good reviews.
Is the platter of the Pro-ject turntable really made of solid gold (Au)? 5kg of gold would cost about £500,000! :eek:
Crikey...
Talk about a faux pas...!
Classic!
AL of course... typo tastic :eek:
Ali Tait
09-06-2026, 14:11
If it was AU it'd be a bit heavier than 5kg. :D
I would double lock your doors tonight if I were you Gary . . .
https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2013/07/13/10/24/burglar-157142__180.png
If it was AU it'd be a bit heavier than 5kg. :D
5.1kg is 5.1kg, regardless of the material. :lol:
Ali Tait
09-06-2026, 16:25
So two platters of identical size, one of aluminium and one of gold would both weigh the same lol?
A ton of bricks vs a ton of feathers…
what hits the deck first? :D
*Assuming the feathers are in an enclosed container, and taking into account the Tare weight of said container… just to keep it fair to avoid air resistance influencing the result.
… details matter in these scenarios, Ya know?
So two platters of identical size, one of aluminium and one of gold would both weigh the same lol?
There was no reference to platter size, only to the weight: 5.1kg.
The gold platter would be tiny, only suitable for mini discs. ;)
Pigmy Pony
09-06-2026, 20:36
The gold platter would be tiny, only suitable for mini discs. ;)
If you wanted a mini disc player with a gold platter I'm sure you'd find one at the Vienna high end Show :)
If you wanted a mini disc player with a gold platter I'm sure you'd find one at the Vienna high end Show :)
It means nothing to me....
It means nothing to me....
Boom boom! :lol:
I have been waiting about a week to find somewhere suitable for that one.
Very nice, Gary.
I still think 45 rpm 12 inch singles can just beggar belief sonically on a good setup.
I think I need a Mana Acoustics table like I used to own many years ago. I might start looking around for one. Or something similar. TBH making something is probably pretty easy so I might explore that.
There is one that has just popped up for sale on PFM.
Yeah collection in London and it looks like it's been swiped. Amazing deal, there, though.
Finally got the Headphones setup sorted.
Dipped my toe in the water before with a pair of Meze Audio 99 Classics, but my preamp at the time used valves, and it wasnt the quietest background, especially as the valves wore out.
The background hiss took away from the "insight into the music" good headphones were supposed to bring so sold them on.
Change of Preamp, change of Dac, a new start.
Felt the 99 Classics weren't at the level of the new Pre and Dac, so picked up a pair of their better sounding bigger brothers, the Meze 109 Pros a while back.
Unfortunately the supplied cable is a standard 4.4mm jack which doesnt work with my Preamp, so the 109s have been sitting on the wall looking pretty for months, but never used.
Finally got a cable sorted for them :)
Well, two cables.
My Holo Serene Preamp can act as a headphone amp, but through one pair of its XLR outputs and NOT from a traditional headphone socket?
https://www.magnahifi.com/web/image/21268-ccbb6538/holo-audio-serene-xlr1-headphones-xlr2-amplifier-3Ohm.webp?access_token=2d00581a-7671-412d-8e56-4310d8b40284
Output XLR 1 is an extremely low 3 Ohm impedance, 3 watts, 32 Ohm output, which can drive headphones.
(The other XLR output has a more standard 40 Ohm impedance, better suited for larger power amps)
So TWO cables were needed:
1.
2 x 3 Pin female XLR > 4 pin female XLR (presenting a "standard" balanced headphone input socket)
https://images2.imgbox.com/06/2d/U30NDasp_o.jpg?download=true
2
and a "standard" 4 pin female XLR to 3.5mm TS
(Though the Meze Audio earcups needed extra long jacks, a lot of off the shelf cables wouldn't fit them properly
https://images2.imgbox.com/86/c0/Kmu7Zp18_o.jpg?download=true
https://images2.imgbox.com/31/d1/h4gvAvEz_o.jpg?download=true
Not really an off the shelf way to do it?
so read about and there was a company I found that did custom cables specifically for my headphones.
Very well thought of too, lots of positive threads on HeadFi and Audiogon.
So reached out to them to make a couple of cables up for me.
I went for silver plated copper for the Adapter cable (don't want any detail not passed across "at source") and the OFC Copper for the main cable.
Reckoned this would be a good "blend" as the 109's in some systems can have a sharper treble, I didn't want to put all silver in there just in case.
Highly recommended if you need a custom headphone cable - they do cables for a lot of different manufacturers.
https://oidiosound.co.uk/meze
https://oidiosound.co.uk/meze/109-pro/mongrel-meze-99-classics (https://oidiosound.co.uk/meze)
Got them in the other day, I'm very impressed with them, build quality is terrific, the cable very light and easy to forget is there when your listening on headphones.
Ideal and what you want?
Headphones never used as is the cable, so would expect the sound will improve a bit over time.
Enjoying headphones a LOT more than last time I tried them, with the lack of background hiss from the Serene preamp I finally get what all the fuss is about with a good headphone setup.
Very happy with this and glad I gave headphones another chance.
Hey Gary, I use a cable from Oidiosound for my headphones. Really well made and customized for my Philips Fidelio X2 headphones. They look and feel great too.
Good cables ain’t they Jim?
Sounding a bit muffled out the box though, but the headphones have never been used either, so some time needed I think before it all opens up.
Running them playing Radio Paradise during the day when I’m at work to help things along a bit. :)
Good cables ain’t they Jim?
Sounding a bit muffled out the box though, but the headphones have never been used either, so some time needed I think before it all opens up.
Running them playing Radio Paradise during the day when I’m at work to help things along a bit. :)
I am sure they will both sound better when you get a good few hours on them?:)
Opening up nicely Jim,
having them on during the day when I’m at work,
Just let them simmer away for a few days then check in again.
Just noticed the IMG Hosting site I used after Imgur has went belly up, loads of pictures disappeared in this thread.
Thats a bummer.
Supposed to be working on “technical difficulties” but might just be gone.
Still have the pics, and will find another hosting Site.
I’m other News…
Incoming :thumbsup:
Pigmy Pony
04-08-2026, 17:57
I like your avatar Gary, I want one to put on the wall next to my deck :)
I’m other News…
Incoming :thumbsup:
Again?!!
Again?!!
Well…. Yeah :doh:
Really enjoying CDs again,
CD transport into the May Dac is the way to go for me, don’t see another CD Player in my future.
Love what the Shanling ET3 does over i2s into the Dac, but there’s a lot of Networking/Streaming functionality on it I don’t use since I got a dedicated streamer?
I’m looking for a more focussed, upgradeable approach to playing CDs.
For example,
I’ve played around with its internal upsampling 16/44 to hires and even DSD, which is great, but it’s more “different” than better over the original disc?
With my Dac into NOS anyway…
Maximising 16/44 is the way.
Know there’s more to be heard from the silver discs so been thinking about next steps?
At this point I think I’m hitting incremental changes/diminishing returns so thinking outside the box, and not just chucking money at it.
i2s uses the transports internal clock to do the timing, unlike USB, so the best possible clock in the Transport is probably ideal?
The ET3 sounds great, but I don’t think it’s at the same level as my Dac.
So upgrading the CD Transport, to one with better linear power supply, better clocks and better, single purpose, servo/drive mechanism.
Better single tool for the job?
The ET3 has a load of networking/streaming ability built in, which I dont use now I have the Eversolo T8 streamer.
So a case of streamlining and upgrading what CD playback kit I have, a more exact tool for the job, and future proofing too.
The new CD Transport has a master clock input, so will look into that at a future date.
i2s into the Dac, remember?
Being delivered Friday,
thinking To take a day off work!
Also doing some Turntable isolation tweaks, picked up some Stack Audio isolation footers to replace TT feet and some other TT stuff too.
Got a set for under the new CD Transport too.
Update thread when it lands Friday
Firebottle
05-08-2026, 19:14
All sound very interesting Gaz, awaiting developments.
Tried the Stack Audio Aura EQ footers under my Eversolo T8 streamer earlier.
They replaced a set of Isoacoustics pucks on top of a Soundamped Steel plate.
Bought 2 sets, based on different weight requirements,
Level 1 for the new CD Transport
Level 2 to replace the stock feet on the Project X8 turntable.
Read good things about them,
took a punt based on 60 day return window.
Was listening to YouTube via the Streamer’s Airplay function, so no major audiophile stuff, but it does sound blooming great.
Took a daft turn and put the Auvas under the Streamer.
Without exaggeration these are the best at what they do by a LOT.
Put my money where my mouth is and ordered sets for under all my gear, within ten minutes of hearing them.
Been many years since I’ve heard such a difference comparing gear, but they made THAT amount of improvement.
Not about making your gear sound better, but taking away the stuff that’s making it sound worse.
And these are the best I’ve heard at that by far.
Weekend job to replace the stock feet under the turntable with them, now really looking forward to that.
Hugely recommended.
Hi Gaz,
Remember me?:eyebrows:
Marco.
Great to see you back Guv’nor. :)
Place was different without you here.
Hope all’s well mate.
Well…
despite the image hosting site I used after Imgur being back up and running, it being down has broken the link on the forum here, so my system pics are gone.
Bit of a bummer,
this thread I used as a visual diary on my system and any changes to it.
Annoying,
but “ah well’
:doh:
Great to see you back Guv’nor. :)
Place was different without you here.
Hope all’s well mate.
Cheers, mate. I'm much better now after 5 years of dealing with the effects of long Covid. Posting here again has helped.
Good to see you're still around. I hope that continues:cool:
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
08-08-2026, 13:55
Well…
despite the image hosting site I used after Imgur being back up and running, it being down has broken the link on the forum here, so my system pics are gone.
Bit of a bummer,
this thread I used as a visual diary on my system and any changes to it.
Annoying,
but “ah well’
:doh:
:steam: However you look at it, it's just yet another case of 'computer says no'. And is why I will never pay for music I can't injure someone with by throwing it at their head.
Cheers, mate. I'm much better now after 5 years of dealing with the effects of long Covid. Posting here again has helped.
Good to see you're still around. I hope that continues:cool:
Marco.
Feel like part of the furniture nowadays, so yeah :)
Glad your feeling better,
Jeeze 5 years, time flies.
Yeah, 'twas a long time... Ma napper's just about fixed now!:D
Still got yer Alfa?
Marco.
Alfa has gone,
too much of a money pit sadly to keep it on the road.
Sold to a young Car nut, mine was as good an example as you’d find (Prodrive with lots of bespoke work done to it) happy to punt it on.
Next car after the Alfa was a Stage 1 remapped Octavia VRS petrol, 320ish brake.
Went like stink, out torqued all the “usual suspect” boy racer diesels, guess there was a reason the Met chose them as their pursuit Vehicles?
Sadly,
written off by a local Bam who threw a jar of Sherwood’s Curry Sauce at my car out his balcony?
Hit my car at the point where the roof met the windscreen, which is one of the major load bearing structures?
Deemed “Uneconomical to repair” and written off, Private plate and 6K of upgrades and all.
Sometimes in Life,
you just couldn’t make this shit up :lol:
But as you’ve recently found out Mate,
life goes on.
There’s more important stuff in life
Shit man, that's sad to hear... Like you say though, it's all just 'stuff', which is pretty worthless if you don't have your health.
Anyway, I hope your hi-fi shenanigans provide more joy:)
Marco.
Shit man, that's sad to hear... Like you say though, it's all just 'stuff', which is pretty worthless if you don't have your health.
Anyway, I hope your hi-fi shenanigans provide more joy:)
Marco.
100% Marco.
Yeah,
enjoying the Hifi,
got my vinyl setup again after a long while away, forgotten how good it could be.
All good in the Hood, as the youngsters say :)
Pigmy Pony
09-08-2026, 08:04
100% Marco.
Yeah,
enjoying the Hifi,
got my vinyl setup again after a long while away, forgotten how good it could be.
All good in the Hood, as the youngsters say :)
The youngsters that said that will all be in their forties now :ner: Sorry to hears about your woes with the Alfa Gaz, I remember you put al lot of time money and effort in, and it looked great. Good that you can put a positive spin on it all :)
Alfa has gone,
too much of a money pit sadly to keep it on the road.
Sold to a young Car nut, mine was as good an example as you’d find (Prodrive with lots of bespoke work done to it) happy to punt it on.
Next car after the Alfa was a Stage 1 remapped Octavia VRS petrol, 320ish brake.
Went like stink, out torqued all the “usual suspect” boy racer diesels, guess there was a reason the Met chose them as their pursuit Vehicles?
Sadly,
written off by a local Bam who threw a jar of Sherwood’s Curry Sauce at my car out his balcony?
Hit my car at the point where the roof met the windscreen, which is one of the major load bearing structures?
Deemed “Uneconomical to repair” and written off, Private plate and 6K of upgrades and all.
Sometimes in Life,
you just couldn’t make this shit up :lol:
As "Joliet Jake" said to "Elwood" in the film 'The Blues Brothers', when he was picked up by Elwood in a used US police car: "its got a lot of pickup". :)
Certainly more powerful than my Audi, and that at times, can scare the pants off me!
Sorry to hear your car was written off by a 'Bam' (whatever that is). :(
100% Marco.
Yeah,
enjoying the Hifi,
got my vinyl setup again after a long while away, forgotten how good it could be.
All good in the Hood, as the youngsters say :)
Good stuff, matey.
Marco.
Barry, "bam' is short for bampot - essentially a wrong 'un.
Marco.
Ali Tait
09-08-2026, 17:10
Alfa has gone,
too much of a money pit sadly to keep it on the road.
Sold to a young Car nut, mine was as good an example as you’d find (Prodrive with lots of bespoke work done to it) happy to punt it on.
Next car after the Alfa was a Stage 1 remapped Octavia VRS petrol, 320ish brake.
Went like stink, out torqued all the “usual suspect” boy racer diesels, guess there was a reason the Met chose them as their pursuit Vehicles?
Sadly,
written off by a local Bam who threw a jar of Sherwood’s Curry Sauce at my car out his balcony?
Hit my car at the point where the roof met the windscreen, which is one of the major load bearing structures?
Deemed “Uneconomical to repair” and written off, Private plate and 6K of upgrades and all.
Sometimes in Life,
you just couldn’t make this shit up :lol:
Shit, that's a bummer mate, what a way to lose a car.
Shit, that's a bummer mate, what a way to lose a car.
Yeah Ali,
couldnt make it up.
cheers mate
Out with the old…
https://ibb.co/album/D42k3z
https://i.ibb.co/HpCC5mDF/IMG-0516.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/0RJ5hp6b/20260808-152832.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/rfvSJpwK/20260808-155010.jpG
https://i.ibb.co/rfvSJpwK/20260808-155010.jp
https://i.ibb.co/XrHHfm8W/20260808-155038.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/5XvgXJmf/IMG-0508.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/xKWWDsYB/IMG-0507.jpg
Running it over i2s into my Dac,
As i2s uses the source components clock not the Dac’s,
benefits to be had from getting as good a clock as possible.
it’s got upgraded clocks over the ET3 and a bunch of other improvements, but I got this given it’s got a Word Clock input, so can upgrade it later if I want to.
Sounds fantastic,
best CD playback I’ve heard.
Surprised you bought it. Have you got a gazillion CDs you can't be arsed to rip to the T8 or something?
Have a gazillion CDs yeah :)
All my CDs apart from latest 30 or so are ripped to server.
Will get these ripped at some point, probably similar to yourself and get a USB drive hooked up to the eversolo.
Im a physical Media guy, CDs Vinyl and bluray.
Have music Subscriptions too, but enjoy the various physical formats.
Speaking of the Eversolo,
Improvements to be done on that, expecting good results.
Posties been…
https://i.ibb.co/27M88g9B/IMG-0527.jpg
Linear PSU upgrade for the Eversolo T8 streamer.
Upgraded the PSU of my Oppo 203 and made a big improvement.
Anytime better power is added it’s always been a good step up in my experience.
https://i.ibb.co/4wM6YKHc/IMG-0528.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/JFQhGd9j/IMG-0529.jpg
Interesting. How does that manage to integrate with the T8?
Interesting. How does that manage to integrate with the T8?
Info here:
https://store.lhy-audio.com/products/lps-t8?srsltid=AfmBOopN28O_B5uGtTxN4szYxEH7krUf74Mvj8u NWHWff5sdwUXNL3On
Fairly easy to fit,
similar to the OPPOMOD upgrade kit I used for my 203.
Good reports from folks that fitted it,
Sorting that out this weekend.
Stack Audio vibration isolation products.
Had tried a couple of sets of these for under my turntable and the CD transport,
tried them on other bits of gear (Dac, amps etc) and the effect was transformative.
These things are terrific, really bring out the best in your gear.
So decided to take the plunge, within 10 minutes of first hearing them, to get them for the whole system.
Do it once, do it right?
A, uhm, stack of Stack Audio isolation feet.
https://i.postimg.cc/bpKkLpk8/IMG-0533.jpg
Fitted the EQ equipment footers yesterday,
https://i.postimg.cc/HW0DKpjT/IMG-0534.jpg
Fitting the speaker feet this weekend,
these are supposed to be very good.
https://i.postimg.cc/Gh0tP3NZ/IMG-0531.jpg
Liking these a lot
expect the speaker feet to make an impact?
expect the speaker feet to make an impact?
They didn't for me. It was 'Is there a difference? Maybe, I'm not sure.'
Not enough to seriously consider spending a grand.
60 day return period Martin,
So open minded about what they'll do.
Know the equipment footers did the business, and these things get good reviews.
Shall see. :)
60 day return period Martin,
So open minded about what they'll do.
Know the equipment footers did the business, and these things get good reviews.
Shall see. :)
Just relating my own experience - different speakers, different room. Both things play some part.
Having said that even if there had been a miraculous transformation the price was just too steep. I mean, do they have to come in a fancy foam-lined carry case? Can't they just put them in a carrier bag? I'd have looked for a cheaper alternative. But I am a cheapskate :D
Pigmy Pony
13-08-2026, 08:53
Just relating my own experience - different speakers, different room. Both things play some part.
Having said that even if there had been a miraculous transformation the price was just too steep. I mean, do they have to come in a fancy foam-lined carry case? Can't they just put them in a carrier bag? I'd have looked for a cheaper alternative. But I am a cheapskate :D
How about these Mart? Less than a tenner off the Amazon. Sure your budget could stretch to that. Free delivery too :)
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81miy0ZO6DL._AC_SX679_.jpg
Pigmy Pony
13-08-2026, 08:56
Gaz, have you considered the IsoAcoustics Gaia? They get good reviews and would come in a bit cheaper. Though I suppose it makes sense to stick with the same brand throughout.
I see no reason why Gary's new footers should not work well with his speakers. He has already found them to provide an improvement when fitted to the items sitting on his equipment shelves; but then, IMO, the use of glass for the shelving is asking for trouble.
I'm a bit of a sceptic in these matters. My gear is just stacked atop an LP rack, and the sheer weight of the whole sits on thick carpet covering the floorboards. But as they say "horses for courses".
Pigmy Pony
13-08-2026, 09:21
Why would glass shelves be asking for trouble? Genuine question, as my shelves are glass. Is it to do with microphony and airborne vibration? My shelves are quite close to the speakers but well out of the 'firing line'.
Well it is "IMO". I know glass shelves are often used in equipment racks, but I feel they have less dampening to vibrations than say wood. I can't quote any figures, but do you know of any bells made of wood? Or of any speaker enclosures made of glass?
, but do you know of any bells made of wood? Or of any speaker enclosures made of glass?
A wooden bell wooden work...
Here's some glass speakers:
https://waterfallaudio.com/en/collection-glass-speakers/victoria-xt/
Pigmy Pony
13-08-2026, 09:44
Fair point. And knowing that Gaz's kit is sitting on glass shelves, the improvement he's hearing might be supporting that idea, forgive the pun.
Pigmy Pony
13-08-2026, 09:48
Though the airborne vibration could still reach the important bits via the components' casework. But iirc Gaz has taken steps to address this in the past.
A wooden bell wooden work...
Here's some glass speakers:
https://waterfallaudio.com/en/collection-glass-speakers/victoria-xt/
Boom boom! But that is exactly my point.
I was unaware of those Waterfall Audio speakers, so perhaps you can have speakers using a glass enclosure - I would be interested in hearing them. :hmm:
Pigmy Pony
13-08-2026, 10:32
If you could keep tropical fish in them, that would be interesting :)
The blurb says that 'safety glass' is used. That will improve the damping, but they don't say whether it is laminated or toughened glass that is used. Laminated glass has a higher damping factor than toughened glass.
The blurb says that 'safety glass' is used. That will improve the damping, but they don't say whether it is laminated or toughened glass that is used. Laminated glass has a higher damping factor than toughened glass.
Toughened glass. I've had a listen to them, not bad but nothing to write home about.
Though the airborne vibration could still reach the important bits via the components' casework. But iirc Gaz has taken steps to address this in the past.
True 'Dat...
In the Stands Unique rack,
Each corner of the shelves are supported on a ceramic ball bearing, sitting in a brass Nyloc nut, soldered to the standard flat brass shelf pegs.
So probably not yer standard glass support.
Great long thread over on the Naim Forum where a guy was trying to dissect how the Naim Frame rack worked (glass shelves/brass/ball bearing support) and that inspired to to try it on my own rack.
Had great results, a noticable difference.
All about seeking out the last 5% that you can get with your existing gear for me. :)
Shouldn't that be the Naim 'Fraim'?
Pigmy Pony
13-08-2026, 11:46
Shouldn't that be the Naim 'Fraim'?
Well, Juliet famously said "a 'Fraim' by anyone other than Naim would sound as sweet", or something like that :)
Shouldn't that be the Naim 'Fraim'?
Probably :)
Fun with power supplies…
Upgraded linear psu boards and transformer fitted to the T8 and tested as working.
absolutely silent, no hum buz or anything.
When I had it cracked open applied some Silent Coat damping sheet material to the inside of the lid, adding weight and reducing vibration.
I’ve pretty revealing gear so felt it was all worth doing?
Felt there was more potential with the T8, and the new T10 seems more of a side grade to me.
Wouldn’t want to spend anymore on a Streamer, so making the most of what I have.
The upgraded PSU and case damping, along with the Stack Audio feet, SR Purple Fuse should all bring out the best in it.
Clean power and power cabling already taken care of.
New PSU will take a bit of time for the run in, lots of new caps, but just letting the new PSU do its thing over time.
MIGHT try a better USB cable than the stock one that came with my Holo May Dac, but wouldnt spend a penny without trying one first.
On the T8 there’s a couple of SSD slots in the base, so you can run it as a Server as well as a Streamer with your own local files.
I’ve about 4TB worth of music, so I’ve ordered a 4TB SSD to transfer my music files and store them on the T8.
The Eversolo App integrates your local files with streaming services similar to (but not as good) as Roon.
So just control all my music from the big IPad.
The T8 is a much better solution than Roon, where you had to have a separate computer running in the background.
One black box does it all, perfect.
Build quality on the T8 is fantastic, but you can tell construction has been done to a BOM cost…as always.
Lid was a bit rattly in comparison to side panels, due to way it fits together, so damped the inner lid with Silent Coat.
Did similar mods to my Oppo 203 which improved picture and sound.
So,
Jobs a good ‘un. :)
https://i.postimg.cc/0ysxhQ1J/image.jpg
BEFORE AND AFTER
AC FILTER BOARD
https://i.postimg.cc/bvDPsnTw/IMG-0536.jpg
DC VOLTAGE REGULATOR & FILTER BOARD
https://i.postimg.cc/mkqNZ02Z/IMG-0537.jpg
* Note the upgraded big Nichicon caps, the stock ones are Eversolo branded.
The OCC copper connector between the PSU and the motherboard? Pretty smart.
TRANSFORMER
https://i.postimg.cc/59GwzW1D/IMG-0538.jpg
*WEE HOURS IN THE MORNING EDIT*
First track played after power-up, just a favourite from YouTube over Airplay into the T8.
Seconds in I could tell, YUP, better than before.
Just more of everything, and more to come as it burns in.
So a job well worth doing.
Was already hitting that diminishing returns sweet-spot with the stock T8 I felt?
think I’d need to spend a LOT more on a Streamer to get a substantial improvement like this?
So whilst not inexpensive for these mods,
to me it’s great value for money.
You can hear where the moneys went, as opposed to blingy casework or famous brand markup.
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