Eversolo Play All-In-One Streamer Amplifier Review

The Eversolo Play is a solid unit. Compared to some desktop DAC/Amps, it isn't much larger in terms of width and depth. You get a little more height to account for the LCD screen, which displays all the information needed to operate the device. Aesthetically, it's a sleek device that would blend into any mantel or desktop setup. The dial and screen have adjustable brightness so the screen doesn't completely illuminate a dark room, but can still be seen to the best of its ability. 

It's a fast touch screen, responding quick to light taps and doesn't need too much pressure to get working. The dial doubles as a button for power and quick controls, but everything else is done by the touch screen. 

The interface is very fast and easy to navigate. The search bar allows you to quickly find your favorite apps, and the customizable Home Screen is perfect for putting all your go-to apps in one space. You can alternate between output and input modes, so you never have to worry about the fuss of switching out a ton of cables every time you want to go from headphones to speakers. You can set this up once and use the screen to easily go back and forth.

When connecting the Eversolo Play, the back panel displays a ton of inputs and outputs that would be perfect for any setup. Inputs aren't something you need to necessarily concern yourself with, especially since the Eversolo Play is in itself an audio source. After you connect to Wifi, it is easy to download and login to any streaming apps that you use for listening. For the CD collectors, you have the option of a CD Edition to play from all your favorite discs. 

If you prefer to hook up to your phone or other audio source, Eversolo gives you a few options. You have Bluetooth 5.0 and Airplay as wireless options, but also HDMI, Optical, Coaxial, Analog Line In, and PHONO Input for turntables. 

For your outputs, you can simultaneously connect to a few sources and switch between them as you like. You have USB-A Audio for your DACs, Coaxial output, and subwoofer output. You can connect to your speakers via RCA outputs as well. Everything is clearly labeled on the back of the device so you don't have to guess where your audio is going.

So what features come with the Eversolo Play? Thankfully, there isn't much that changes from regular edition to the CD Edition, apart from the obvious title feature.  You can connect to a host of different streaming apps, including Qobuz, Tidal, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. You have radio access and can tune in to your favorite channels. Additionally, you can use external hard drives and use personal files to stream at the highest resolution possible. 

As mentioned before, connectivity is a strong faeature and where this device truly excels. You can connect to multiple devices, and the ability to toggle between inputs and outputs on the front screen allows for easy access across the board. Switching between speakers vs. DAC/Amp & headphones, or FM radio vs. Tidal streaming is quick and simple. 

During your actual listening, you can use EQ to tune the sound exactly how you like. With preset filters for simple adjustment and open parametric EQ configurations for more precise adjustments.

During my testing, I used a lot of different gear to see what various setups would sound like. Since the Eversolo Play is mainly an audio source, I had to get a DAC to be able to connect the various headphones I used. I used the iFi iDSD Valkyrie for my testing, a fun amplifier with easy connectivity. I knew it would pair well with all the headphones I used, so there was no new pairings to look out for. When I plugged in the Valkyrie, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Eversolo Play recognized the device in its system and displayed the name of the DAC/Amp on the screen. 

I opted to use mostly headphones that were harder to drive. The Dan Clark E3 was a great neutral closed-back to use, and the Sennheiser HD 600 provided some nice clarity and transparency. The Abyss JOAL is a relaxed headphone that came alive with the addition of the filters of the Valkyrie and the EQ of the Eversolo Play. I liked using the new Final Audio DX6000, an open-back dynamic to really bring out the lower register of the natural sound reproduction.

The sound signature of the Eversolo Play is, simply put, fun. Punchy bass, airy highs, present mids: all things that make a well-rounded sound signature. Any pair of headphones you pair this to will get a boost of energy in every track, but still stay honest to the headphone profile that you love. While I didn't test this with a pair of speakers, I predict that the sound profile would translate well on a pair of speakers. 

Depending on the amplifier / DAC you use as well, you can influence the sound. The Eversolo provides an adaptable sound profile that is ready to sculpted and molded to the exact tuning of its user. I used the iFi iDSD Valkyrie, and that amplifier has a nice sound signature that was brought forward by the addition of the Eversolo Play. 

The bass was kept tight and punchy, and in headphones like the Dan Clark E3, you can hear how the low end is exceptionally balanced with the rest of the signature. Bass boosts perform well without distortion, and it doesn't overpower any of the other frequencies. Similarly, the midrange has stunning clarity and is brought to the front of the sound profile. You can hear vocals, guitars, and other midrange melodies in the forefront of any track. 

The Eversolo doesn't suppress the soundstage in any way, so everything gets placed nicely in the stereo field and expands out in layers. The treble is additionally bright, full of detail and color that brings excellent balance to the entire signature. It performed well in the Sennheiser HD 600 and the Abyss JOAL, allowing you to get that airiness and much needed brightness without having to deal with sharp or shrill textures. I could see any number of headphones pairing well with this player, and I would even be interested in pairing more amplifiers to get more enhanced sound.