Following on from the DAC Z6 and Z8, EverSolo continues to expand its range of digital-to-analog converters and its 10 series with the DAC Z10.
A true high-end preamp-DAC, this new model once again opts for conversion based on a chip structure that is new to the Chinese brand. Rather than using the best Sabre ES9039PRO chip from the DMP-A10 streamer (Vumètre 57 FR review; Remarkable), the Z10 leans towards a configuration closer to that seen in the Luxsin X9 headphone amplifier, with a pair built around the AK4191 and AKM’s best DAC chip, the AK4499. In this DAC, each channel integrates the pair of chips in a perfectly dual-mono architecture.
As with the DMP-A10, the volume is analog and based on an R2R system, which is also perfectly symmetrical here. Each element is perfectly isolated in the chassis, distributed according to a patented FIA™ (Fully Isolated Architecture) process where the DAC and volume control parts are each on a board placed at a higher level than the main board. In the center, an OXCO temperature-controlled crystal oscillator is combined with PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) technology.
To minimize power-related interference, the power supply is divided into three ultra-low noise (42 µV) shielded toroidal transformers positioned at the front of the device. On the far left, a small amplification module (1 W) allows headphones to be connected via a 6.35 mm output.
As is usual with EverSolo, a magnificent IPS touchscreen sits in the center of the front panel, here wide of 8.8″ (22.4 cm), next to a volume knob with a backlit outline whose color can be changed. The rear panel also features a plethora of inputs and outputs: analog XLR and RCA; optical digital, S/PDIF, AES, HDMI I2S and eArc, USB Audio, but surprisingly, no USB-C. However, Bluetooth is also included via a Qualcomm QCC5125 chip, and an FPGA chip is used to ensure signal reliability.
And if you think the internal 3.3 V clock running at 10 MHz is not good enough, you can always add external modules via the two 50 Ω and 75 Ω BNC ports, at 10 or 25 MHz. Thanks to all these technologies, files are supported up to DSD512 and PCM 768 kHz/32-bit formats.
Icing on the cake, the European price is set below 2 000 €, at exactly 1 990 € including tax.
