Apple Music + Streamers - 2025 Update.

This is an update to a previous thread which has been closed (Link Below)

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254520761?login=true&page=3&sortBy=rank

I bought an Eversolo DMP A8 which is one of 2 brands where Apple Music can be used natively as an app.

Here's my review of Apple Music integration specifically in bullet points:

Not using Airplay, which is lossy.

Using "Apple Streaming services" resolution is limited to 44.1khz.

Using the "Apple Music App" gives you full HiRes playback.

There is NO Dolby Support.

Using an external DAC - Denafrips Terminator + 15th - volume passthrough is recommended.

Using the Internal DAC - which is excellent, as in detailed and neutral thanks to its AKM chips - volume passthrough is recommended.

Using the unit as a preamp is not recommended when using high end amps/receivers.

Compared to streaming from an Apple device (IPhone, iPad, IMac) the detail retrieval and soundstage are on another level.

There is the very occasional bottlenecking of data that causes a sound anomaly and will immediately take you out of the listening experience.

The first half second of a track is sometimes skipped if the bit rate changes. That's annoying too. There's a sample rate latency switch feature in the settings, which appears to be helping.

The 15 band EQ is VERY aggressive and not discreet. Could not come up with a curve that worked even in small increments. Ended up disabling it.

The App is GREAT - except when using "CAST" which allows you to mirror Apple Music on an iPhone or iPad. Navigation is "sticky" as in not as fluid as using a native app. Horizontal format only.

CONCLUSION: It's always Bit Perfect and sounds great! The internal DAC performance was a surprise. Too many features to go over. A few bugs but the company is very receptive to suggestions and works on software upgrades frequently. My recommendation: keep it simple and try which Source/Output combo sounds best on YOUR system.