Eversolo Play CD Edition review verdict

A feature rich compact streaming amp with a CD drive that shines in design yet disappoints in sound quality.

Eversolo Play CD Edition excels in design but falls short in sound

The Eversolo Play CD Edition is a compact streaming amplifier with a CD drive and a price around £699 / $799 / AU$1349. It arrives packed with streaming options, USB ports, HDMI ARC input, a built in phono stage and a 5.5 inch touchscreen that dominates the front panel. It supports AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, UPnP, Roon Ready and many music services, including Apple Music, Tidal and Qobuz. It can rip CDs and store files, and its control app ties together sources, settings and playback with a robust interface. The unit also offers room correction and detailed EQ controls that cater to power users, while its compact footprint makes it appealing for small spaces.

Despite the generous feature set, the listening tests reveal a mismatch between design and sonic performance. Paired with a range of speakers, from compact bookshelves to more revealing models, the Eversolo Play CD Edition sounds flat and uninvolving. The reviewer notes that while the bass is controlled and the highs are clean, the overall presentation lacks texture and dynamic nuance, making music feel one dimensional. When the streaming section is fed into a different amplifier, or when a higher quality external DAC is used, the sonic performance improves, but the unit’s core electronics still fail to deliver the engaging musical drive expected at this price. The verdict emphasizes a large gap between the unit’s attractive design and its ability to move the listener with the music.

The Play CD Edition is a prime example of a product that prioritizes feature density over core audio performance. The design is polished and software feels responsive, but the reviewer argues that sound quality should be the deciding factor at this price. In a market where compact network players compete on both convenience and sonic bite, Eversolo risks appealing to technophiles who enjoy fiddling with settings more than casual listeners who want a flowing musical experience. This gap invites buyers to consider what they value most: a rich feature set and ease of use, or a more lively, emotionally engaging sound. The review also highlights how an external amplifier or DAC can unlock better performance, suggesting the device may serve as a capable digital hub rather than a stand alone musical centerpiece.

Highlights

Sound decisions often depend on whether a buyer values utility over musical engagement.