Eversolo DAC-R8 R2R DAC, Preamplifier & Headphone Amplifier

Experience high-fidelity audio with the Eversolo DAC-R8, a premium R2R digital-to-analog converter, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier designed for discerning music enthusiasts. Featuring Eversolo's proprietary Origin R2R discrete resistor ladder architecture, fully balanced signal processing, and precision clock technology, the DAC-R8 delivers exceptional clarity, detail, and dynamic performance. With three selectable conversion modes, NOS, OS, and BEST, listeners can customize digital playback to suit their preferences and audio systems.

At the heart of the DAC-R8 is an FPGA-driven, fully differential 5+20-bit R2R resistor ladder designed to provide precise digital-to-analog conversion without relying on a conventional DAC chip. A custom O-Core linear power supply and integrated 10 MHz OCXO clock with PLL help maintain stable power delivery and accurate timing. Its fully balanced analog signal path and stepped R2R volume control preserve detail and dynamics, making the DAC-R8 equally suited for dedicated two-channel Hi-Fi systems and premium headphone listening.

Designed for flexible system integration, the Eversolo DAC-R8 offers USB-B, I2S, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical, HDMI ARC, and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, along with balanced XLR and RCA analog inputs. Balanced XLR and RCA preamplifier outputs make it easy to connect powered speakers or external amplifiers, while the dedicated 6.35mm headphone output provides three gain settings for headphones ranging from 16 to 300 ohms. A 5.2-inch IPS touchscreen, intuitive rotary volume control, and CNC-machined aluminum chassis complete this sophisticated audio component, which pairs naturally with the Eversolo T8 streaming transport.

Specifications

• Product Type: R2R DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier
• Model: Eversolo DAC-R8
• DAC Architecture: Origin R2R discrete resistor ladder
• DAC Design: FPGA-driven, fully differential 5+20-bit architecture
• Conversion Modes: NOS (Non-Oversampling), OS (Oversampling), and BEST
• Analog Signal Path: Fully balanced
• Volume Control: Fully balanced stepped R2R analog volume control
• Operational Amplifiers: OPA1612
• Internal Clock: 10 MHz OCXO with PLL
• External Clock Input: 10/25 MHz, 50 ohms
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz (±0.25 dB), BEST mode
• USB-B Input: Up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512
• I2S Input: HDMI-style connection supporting up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512, with 8 selectable pin modes
• AES/EBU Input: Electrically isolated, supporting up to 32-bit/192 kHz PCM and DSD64 DoP
• Coaxial Input: Up to 32-bit/192 kHz PCM and DSD64 DoP
• Optical Input: Up to 32-bit/192 kHz PCM and DSD64 DoP
• HDMI ARC Input: Up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4 with Qualcomm QCC3095 chipset
• Analog Inputs: Balanced XLR and RCA
• Analog Outputs: Balanced XLR and RCA preamplifier outputs
• XLR Output Level: 5 Vrms
• XLR THD+N: 0.000316% (-110 dB) at 1 kHz
• XLR Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 130 dB (A-weighted)
• XLR Dynamic Range: 130 dB
• XLR Channel Separation: -142 dB
• RCA Output Level: 2.5 Vrms
• RCA THD+N: 0.000355% (-109 dB) at 1 kHz
• RCA Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 127 dB (A-weighted)
• Headphone Output: 6.35mm (1/4-inch)
• Headphone Gain Settings: Low, medium, and high
• Headphone Output Level: Up to 7 Vrms
• Supported Headphone Impedance: 16–300 ohms
• Display: 5.2-inch IPS touchscreen with VU meter visualization
• Controls: Touchscreen, rotary volume knob, remote control, and Eversolo app
• Power Supply: Custom O-Core linear power supply
• Power Requirements: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
• Power Consumption: 32 W
• Chassis Material: CNC-machined aluminum alloy
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 315 x 230 x 75 mm with feet; 65 mm high without feet
• Net Weight: 4 kg (approximately 8.8 lbs)
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 kg
• Included Accessories: Remote control, power cable, trigger cable, and user manual

What It's Great At

• Proprietary Origin R2R Conversion: Eversolo's FPGA-driven discrete resistor ladder provides precise digital-to-analog conversion through a fully differential architecture designed for high-fidelity music reproduction.
• Three Selectable DAC Modes: NOS, OS, and BEST modes provide different approaches to digital conversion, allowing listeners to tailor playback to their preferences.
• Fully Balanced Audio Performance: A balanced signal path from digital conversion to analog output helps minimize interference and maintain exceptional channel separation.
• Precision Clock Technology: An integrated 10 MHz OCXO clock with PLL supports accurate timing, while an external 10/25 MHz clock input allows integration with compatible master clocks.
• Premium Headphone Amplification: A dedicated 6.35mm headphone output with three selectable gain levels accommodates a variety of headphones with impedances from 16 to 300 ohms.
• Versatile Digital and Analog Connectivity: USB-B, I2S, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.4, XLR, and RCA connections simplify integration with digital sources and existing Hi-Fi systems.
• High-Resolution Audio Support: USB-B and I2S inputs support PCM playback up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD512 for compatible high-resolution sources.
• Premium Design and Intuitive Operation: A CNC-machined aluminum chassis, 5.2-inch IPS touchscreen, customizable VU meter display, and rotary volume control combine refined aesthetics with convenient operation.

FAQ Section

Q: What is the Eversolo DAC-R8?
A: The Eversolo DAC-R8 is a high-performance R2R digital-to-analog converter that also functions as a preamplifier and headphone amplifier. It is designed to improve audio conversion and provide flexible connectivity for high-end stereo and headphone systems.

Q: What makes an R2R DAC different from a traditional DAC?
A: An R2R DAC uses a precision resistor ladder to convert digital signals into analog audio rather than relying on a conventional integrated DAC chip. The DAC-R8 uses Eversolo's proprietary FPGA-controlled Origin R2R architecture for precise signal conversion.

Q: What is the difference between NOS, OS, and BEST modes?
A: NOS (Non-Oversampling) converts audio without digital oversampling, while OS (Oversampling) uses a higher internal sampling rate during conversion. BEST is Eversolo's additional optimized conversion mode. Users can switch between all three to explore different playback characteristics.

Q: Does the Eversolo DAC-R8 have a built-in headphone amplifier?
A: Yes. The DAC-R8 includes a dedicated 6.35mm headphone output with low, medium, and high gain settings, supporting headphones with impedances ranging from 16 to 300 ohms.

Q: Can the Eversolo DAC-R8 be used as a preamplifier?
A: Yes. Its fully balanced stepped R2R analog volume control and XLR/RCA preamplifier outputs allow it to connect directly to compatible power amplifiers or active speakers.

Q: Does the Eversolo DAC-R8 support high-resolution audio?
A: Yes. The USB-B and I2S digital inputs support PCM audio up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512. Other digital inputs have different format and sampling-rate limits.

Q: Can I connect the DAC-R8 to my TV?
A: Yes. The DAC-R8 includes an HDMI ARC input supporting up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM audio from a compatible television. This allows it to be incorporated into a two-channel TV audio system.

Q: Does the DAC-R8 work with the Eversolo T8 streaming transport?
A: Yes. The DAC-R8 is designed to complement the Eversolo T8 streaming transport, providing high-resolution digital-to-analog conversion and a matching chassis design for a coordinated Hi-Fi system.