Eversolo Z10 DAC Review

The DAC-Z10 is Eversolo’s new flagship standalone digital-to-analogue converter and a substantial step up from the physically smaller DAC-Z8 and Z6. While positioned primarily as a DAC, it is in reality a far more versatile device, designed to sit at the centre of a modern audio-visual system.

Beyond conversion duties, the DAC-Z10 functions as a fully balanced preamplifier for direct connection to power amplifiers, and as a capable headphone amplifier offering three gain settings. An HDMI ARC input further broadens its appeal for integrated home theatre systems.

Up Close

The front panel is dominated by an impressive 8.8-inch high-resolution touchscreen. Inputs, outputs and processing options are easily adjusted, with clear visual feedback throughout. In daily use, this makes the DAC-Z10 an unusually pleasant device to operate. A substantial metal remote control is included, although the touchscreen quickly becomes the preferred interface.

A relay-driven rotary volume control offers satisfyingly tactile operation and incorporates power control functionality. A full-size headphone socket completes the fascia.

Measuring 365 x 310 x 78mm, the DAC-Z10 adopts proportions that feel distinctly Eversolo. The chassis combines glass and aluminium, with thicker heatsink-style side panels and neatly arranged high-quality rear connectors. Fit and finish are impressive for the asking price, with a reassuring sense of solidity and weight.

Connectivity is comprehensive. Rear-panel connections include RCA and XLR analogue inputs and outputs; twin coaxial and TOSLINK digital inputs; AES/EBU; I2S over HDMI with eight selectable modes; HDMI ARC; and USB Type-B. All digital inputs are electrically isolated to reduce noise, according to the manufacturer. There is also a USB-A port for firmware updates, 12V trigger in/out, IEC power input with master switch, grounding post, and external clock inputs supporting both 10MHz and 25MHz via 50Ω and 75Ω BNC connections.

Wireless duties are handled by a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.0 module supporting SBC, AAC, LDAC and related codecs. The DAC-Z10 can also be controlled via the Eversolo mobile app using Bluetooth connectivity.

Internally, the DAC-Z10 is built around what Eversolo describes as a Fully Isolated Architecture (FIA), separating digital and analogue circuitry onto independent boards. Three linear power supplies are employed — one for system control and one dedicated to each channel. Digital conversion is handled by dual Asahi Kasei AK4191 and AK4499 chipsets, configured for independent left and right channel processing.

The analogue stage is fully balanced and features dual-channel R2R volume control using relay switching — the source of the audible clicking during volume adjustment. Timing is governed by a 10MHz OCXO temperature-controlled crystal oscillator with PLL technology for precise clock reconstruction. An FPGA reshapes and optimises IIS data, with user-selectable clock shaping available in the settings menu.

Setup proves straightforward. Six user-selectable digital filters are provided, though their sonic differences are subtle. The default linear phase fast roll-off setting proved the most satisfying during evaluation.

The Listening

Partnered primarily with an Eversolo T8 digital transport via I2S, and feeding a Soul Note A2 amplifier through balanced outputs, the DAC-Z10 presents a clean, uncoloured and low-noise sonic character. I2S input offered a slight edge over USB and coaxial connections, particularly when paired with a quality HDMI cable.

The DAC-Z10 does not embellish. Its presentation is honest and revealing, with some listeners potentially describing it as analytical. Yet this clarity proves engaging rather than clinical, consistently uncovering detail in familiar recordings.

Fink’s Walking In The Sun (IIUII) is rendered with crisp guitar attack and natural vocal timbre. Bass extension is solid, mid-bass remains uncongested, and treble detail is precise without straying into harshness. Solo violin and high female vocals remain clean and composed. Classical material benefits from the DAC’s composure and control, while less-than-perfect recordings remain listenable over extended sessions.

On Janelle Monáe’s Givin’ Em What They Love (feat. Prince), vocal layering and reverb separation are clearly delineated. Prince’s guitar solo sits distinctly within an impressively dark background. The T8/DAC-Z10 pairing extracts substantial low-level information without exaggeration.

Timing and cohesion are particular strengths. Rhiannon Giddens’ At The Purchaser’s Option demonstrates clean interplay between banjo and percussion, presented with calm precision. Faster-paced tracks such as Yello’s The Expert exhibit tight rhythmic control and strong dynamic impact. Live recordings, including Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love), carry convincing slam and energy, while Paul Simon’s In A Parade complex rhythmic structures remain composed and coherent.

Soundstage depth is equally commendable. Puscifer’s Momma Sed conveys convincing spatial layering, with vocals projecting clearly and instruments extending beyond the loudspeakers. Peter, Paul and Mary’s Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright – Live in Japan 1967 achieves a notably holographic stage presence.

Headphone performance is equally considered. Upon connection, the DAC-Z10 performs automatic impedance detection and gain selection. Via Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones, the presentation remains detailed and controlled, with deep bass and extended treble. In this context, the headphones rather than the DAC become the limiting factor.

Bluetooth performance exceeds expectations. Paired with a Samsung S24 Ultra using LDAC and streaming Spotify lossless, performance approaches wired Ethernet playback more closely than anticipated. Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair retains depth, definition and dynamic expression — impressive for a wireless connection.

Compared with the considerably more expensive Holo Audio Spring 3 Level 3 KTE DAC, the latter offers an even quieter background and greater naturalness. However, given the significant price disparity, the DAC-Z10 performs admirably and remains highly competitive.

The Verdict

The DAC-Z10 represents a meaningful advancement over the Z8 and Z6. Its blend of technical sophistication, feature depth and engagingly transparent sound makes it a serious contender at its price point.

With comprehensive connectivity, robust build quality and intuitive touchscreen operation, it offers both versatility and performance in equal measure. For those seeking a capable and affordable audiophile digital front end with modern integration flexibility, the DAC-Z10 warrants careful consideration.

For more information visit Eversolo