[Early B.]

I can't find what I'm looking for. I just want a digital transport. That's it. I do NOT stream music, and I don't need a built-in DAC, preamp, amp, or any other crap normally associated with streamers. I don't even need to attach a hard drive; a USB stick is good enough. It can't get any simpler than that. The digital transport I want should have proprietary software and a high-quality clock. I've tried the free versions of Volumio and Moode, but they're inconsistent. I've also used the proprietary software from Lumin and Eversolo, and they're 10x more stable than the free stuff.   

My question is -- does anything like this exist? I'm willing to consider DIY.   

[JackD]

The soon to be released T-8 might be your best bet or even the Rivo Plus.  Their will be multiple places you can order the T-8 from with a good return policy.  They should also show up on Amazon at some point but likely dealers first.

[Bodhi]

What is your budget?

[Early B.]

The soon-to-be-released T-8 might be your best bet, or even the Rivo Plus.

Oh, man!!  I wasn't aware of the Eversolo T8. The price is right, and it's scheduled to be released next month. This is probably as close as I'm gonna get to what I want. I'm on it...

https://www.eversolo.com/Product/index/model/T8/target/tweTWW4iV0Deq7k9e%5Bld%5D3ulg%3D%3D.html#/

[Early B.]

UPDATE: I just purchased the T8, and it should arrive in a week or so. 

[JackD]

I got mine about two weeks ago and it works and sounds great so far.  When you get it make sure you get it to the latest firmware.  Likely the ones in stock are on the old one.

[mresseguie]

Following.....interested to learn more.

[Early B.]

The T8 arrived today. I have no idea how long it takes to break in a digital source. Anyway, after a few hours of play, I wanted to offer some initial thoughts compared to my previous Eversolo A6 Master Edition (Gen 1) with custom LPS (I paid a local ACer about $600 to build an over-the-top, 10-pound LPS using premium parts.)

OK, here it is -- it sounds different. It's difficult to describe these subtle differences, but the T8 sounds a bit fuller and maybe more "in your face" in the vocal region. I didn't notice any differences in details, soundstage, and all the other audiophile terms people use. I can't definitively say it sounds better than what I had before. I wouldn't consider it a sonic upgrade, but perhaps a technical one, despite the A6 ME being 4 generations behind the T8. The good thing is -- I like the Eversolo software. Setup was simple and seamless. 

I don't know what a stock A6 ME Gen. 1 sounds like, so the T8 could be a huge step forward. But for me, it was a lateral move. Like many things in high-end audio, perhaps spending an additional several grand on a digital source may offer an extra 1% incremental improvement. If so, I'm fine with the T8.

[JackD]

Put it on an Internet Radio of your choice or simply Radio Paradise and let it stream 24/7 for about a week and it should become more balanced in it's presentation.  I thought it's sound was "thin and forward" a bit too right out of the box. I let mine go that way for about two weeks listening for a while everyday and there was definitely an improvement.  I also have an A6 with the internal LPS and to me it is an improvement all around.

[Early B.]

Put it on an Internet Radio of your choice or simply Radio Paradise and let it stream 24/7 for about a week and it should become more balanced in it's presentation.  I thought it's sound was "thin and forward" a bit too right out of the box. I let mine go that way for about two weeks listening for a while everyday and there was definitely an improvement.  I also have an A6 with the internal LPS and to me it is an improvement all around.

OK, will do. Yeah, it's a bit bright now, and that's to be expected. Eversolo makes slick gear. They seem to know what they're doing, but their upgrades occur too fast. I'm guessing they'll introduce a T10 in a few months. They recently introduced a new DAC Z10 that's supposed to mate well with the T8. I'm interested in hearing more about it.

[JackD]

Did your unit come with the latest firmware or have you done the update. Should be 1.5.30. I'm using mine with either a Holo Spring 3 KTE or an Aqua La Scala Mk3. I2S to the Holo and AES to the Aqua.

[Early B.]

Did your unit come with the latest firmware or have you done the update.

Yes. The moment I powered up the T8, it requested a firmware update, so I assume I have the latest version.

I'm using the T8 with a Lampizator Golden Atlantic TRP DAC via USB.   

[JackD]

Yes, If it notified you at start up then you're good for now.  Great DAC.

[Early B.]

Stay tuned... planning to upgrade the clocks and hook up an external power supply to the T8 after the holidays. The goal is to create an ultra-high-end transport that will last several years. The T8 has the bones for that, so I want to make it meatier. 

[mresseguie]

Hi, guys.

I had been sitting on the sidelines waiting until I returned home from my recent travels to decide which streamer to buy. [I'm home now.] I'm leaning toward the T8 as my other choices are more expensive. I guess the sole disadvantage to the T8 is getting it repaired if it dies on me - or is there a US-based repair facility?

I want a streamer that is also capable of playing music from an external hard drive.

Michael

[JackD]

Forte Distribution which is the new US distributor has a repair facility.

https://forte-distribution.com/service-and-repair

[Early B.]

Hi, guys.

I had been sitting on the sidelines waiting until I returned home from my recent travels to decide which streamer to buy. [I'm home now.] I'm leaning toward the T8 as my other choices are more expensive.

I think you'll enjoy the T8. For the money, it's probably the best option available. But since you deserve the absolute best, go for this one:  https://sw1xad.co.uk/products/sw1x-vdt-v-valve-digital-transport-streamer/

   

[mresseguie]

I think you'll enjoy the T8. For the money, it's probably the best option available. But since you deserve the absolute best, go for this one:  https://sw1xad.co.uk/products/sw1x-vdt-v-valve-digital-transport-streamer/

   

Ouch.  I dare not ask him how much he's asking for it. I'd probably have to mortgage my home just to make the downpayment.  What about that guy in Canada who makes the super tube rectifier gear?  https://www.thebestamp.com/CD_Players%20_CD_Transports/EMS-300.php
No more rabbit holes for me, thank you very much. My 18-month old grandson gets <some of> my excess liquidity now.

[CHenry]

I can't find what I'm looking for. I just want a digital transport. That's it. I do NOT stream music, and I don't need a built-in DAC, preamp, amp, or any other crap normally associated with streamers. I don't even need to attach a hard drive; a USB stick is good enough. It can't get any simpler than that. The digital transport I want should have proprietary software and a high-quality clock. I've tried the free versions of Volumio and Moode, but they're inconsistent. I've also used the proprietary software from Lumin and Eversolo, and they're 10x more stable than the free stuff.   

My question is -- does anything like this exist? I'm willing to consider DIY.

SMSL PL200T

[mresseguie]

Forte Distribution which is the new US distributor has a repair facility.

https://forte-distribution.com/service-and-repair

Thank you, Jack!