The Volumio Primo review sample was kindly provided as a loan in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the Volumio Primo is €799 and is sold by the Volumio online shop. The price includes shipping, import duties and taxes.
The Volumio OS
Those who stream music should have a good understanding of the Volumio OS, which is widely recognized as one of the most popular and extensively used operating systems in the streaming community. With numerous installations across different streamers, it has gained immense popularity. Moreover, it is not only available for free download and installation, but also serves as the foundation for renowned audio manufacturers to develop their own software.
The Volumio Primo
Volumio, the creator of Volumio OS, is not only known for their software but also for their own range of streaming audio devices. These devices are built using advanced hardware and top-notch internal components, ensuring high-quality performance. What sets Volumio apart is that each product comes with a lifetime subscription to the premium version of Volumio OS, providing users with an enhanced experience. Additionally, customers receive dedicated and personalized support to address any queries or concerns they may have.
The current lineup of Volumio devices includes the Rivo, a dedicated steamer without an internal DAC, the Integro, a streaming integrated amplifier, and the Primo, a streaming DAC. These devices are meticulously crafted by hand in Florence, Italy, showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality and attention to detail.
You can read my Volumio Rivo review here.
Technical highlights
The Volumio Primo, which is currently in its second generation, is a unique device that combines a music network streamer and a high-quality DAC in one unit. To ensure optimal sound quality, the decoding process is handled by a single ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip in a differential configuration. This chip is connected to the digital input section using I2S for direct signal transmission, minimizing any potential jitter and noise. The internal board of the Primo is designed with clean and short signal paths, as can be seen in the accompanying photo.
At the core of the Primo is a highly powerful quad-core processor, which enables the device to deliver exceptional efficiency and speed for audio reproduction. The Primo utilizes the latest Amlogic Quad Core CPU, running at a clock speed of 1.9GHz, and is complemented by 2GB of fast DDR4 RAM and 16GB of onboard ROM. This powerful combination ensures that the Volumio OS runs smoothly and effortlessly on the Primo.
Connectivity
The Primo offers a variety of audio output options, including balanced XLR and single-ended RCA formats. Additionally, it features a digital SPDIF coaxial output for using the device as a standalone streamer with an external DAC. Furthermore, it is equipped with an HDMI port for connecting an external monitor, two USB ports, and a micro SD card reader. You can use the USB ports as a host for memory sticks, hard drives, I/O devices and as USB DAC out.
The network connectivity options comprise of a Gigabit LAN port and wireless Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with 2X2 MIMO antennas. Additionally, Bluetooth 5.0 is provided for added convenience in situations where the network is inaccessible. To prevent any electromagnetic interference with the wired connection, it is possible to disable both WiFi and Bluetooth when they are not being utilized.
The Primo could benefit from the addition of a coaxial digital input, allowing for seamless connectivity with devices like CD transports. While other competing devices may offer a headphone amplifier, none of them can match the compact size of the Primo.
Interestingly, the Primo is powered by an external switching power adapter (5V/3A) and does not feature a power on/off button at the back, meaning it remains in standby mode at all times.
Appearance
Design Narratives Ltd, the recipient of the prestigious Red Dot Award, has ingeniously designed the Primo with a chassis constructed from top-notch antimagnetic aluminum. The front panel exudes elegance with its sophisticated dark wood texture, featuring a centrally positioned power button adorned with a status indicator LED that can be conveniently dimmed or deactivated. The Volumio Primo showcases impeccable craftsmanship, boasting a stunning aesthetic appeal and a compact form factor that effortlessly blends into any space.
Operating the Primo
The Volumio Primo offers a wide range of streaming options, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music from various services or access content from local or network-attached drives. With its integration of most music services within the Volumio application, all you need to do is enter your credentials to fully access your content. Additionally, the Volumio Primo is Roon Ready certified, ensuring seamless integration with Roon.
Native supported services on the Volumio Primo include Airplay via Shairport Sync, Spotify & Spotify Connect, TIDAL & TIDAL Connect, and QOBUZ. Furthermore, there are free plugins available such as Youtube, Squeezelite, Radio Paradise, Podcasts, Pandora, Fusion DSP, Roon Bridge, Soundcloud, and Mixcloud.
When it comes to playback quality, the Volumio Primo supports bit-perfect playback up to 192kHz/24bit across all file types including DSD, WAV, FLAC, Alac, AAC, Vorbis, Cue, Mp3, and more. Additionally, the Primo functions as a UPNP/DLNA renderer with open home support.
The Volumio application
Installing the official Volumio application (compatible with iOS and Android) and following the on-screen instructions for wired or wireless connectivity is all it takes to set up the Volumio Primo effortlessly. Additionally, you have the flexibility to control the device through a browser or connect it to an external monitor.
The Volumio OS boasts exceptional stability, speed, and user-friendliness, complemented by a sleek graphical interface. Regular updates are released to address any minor glitches, and even after two months of uninterrupted usage, the system has never experienced a single crash.
The Volumio application incorporates a cutting-edge search function powered by AI, which efficiently scans through all active music services to find content. In addition to this, the app offers several noteworthy features such as the ability to enable or disable the digital coaxial output, control the volume through hardware or software, effectively transforming the Primo into a preamplifier. Furthermore, it provides upsampling capabilities and a robust DSP plug-in. However, one aspect that seems to be lacking is the ability to download and access the information PDF booklets that are accessible on Qobuz.
With the Volumio premium OS, users have the opportunity to fully customize and personalize their Primo device with a plethora of useful options. To gain a deeper understanding of the Volumio premium OS and its array of available features, you can find more information by referring to this resource.
Associated gear
I have tested the Volumio Primo both as a DAC and a streamer. The DAC output was tested with various headphone amplifiers, like the Violectric V222, DROP + SMSL HO150X and Aune S17 Pro, and several headphones as the Focal Clear Mg and the Meze Empyrean. The Primo was also hooked to my 2-channel speaker system consisting of the Kinki EX-M1 integrated amplifier and the Audio Physic Spark 6 speakers.
Listening impressions
The Volumio Primo offers an unexpectedly impressive sound quality that surpasses expectations for its category. It stands out as a DAC with exceptional sonic performance, capable of competing with higher-priced options from well-known brands.
With its combination of musicality and engaging performance, the Primo delivers crystal clear and transparent sound. This is thanks to the ES9038Q2M DAC chip, which provides excellent extension across the frequency range and transparency in the mid-range.
The bass exhibits a remarkable impact and dynamism, displaying tight and controlled characteristics with exquisite timing and superb layering. Although it may not possess a rich and weighty tone, it exudes a lean and potentially dry profile. Nevertheless, it compensates for this by offering an incredibly descriptive and precisely defined texture.
The mid-range exhibits a seamless flow, opulence, and exceptional clarity. The tonal quality is authentic and true-to-life, showcasing a wide range of harmonics and a satisfying overall presence. The sound is neither warm nor cool, but rather neutral, devoid of any artificial digital effects. While the user cannot choose from the pre-installed digital filters, Volumio has skillfully developed their own, resulting in a remarkably lifelike and natural audio experience.
The extended treble possesses a delightful, radiant, and dynamic nature, showcasing exceptional clarity and a sense of airiness. Depending on the recording, the high frequencies may exhibit a slight sharpness and brightness, but they are never piercing, harsh, or fatiguing. Thanks to its finesse and the lack of bothersome digital artifacts, you can enjoy listening for hours on end.
Technicalities
The Primo’s soundstage is truly magnificent, particularly when you enhance the power supply. This enhancement becomes highly noticeable in a speaker system. The soundstage is expansive and impressive, creating an open and spacious environment with precise and sharp imaging. The sound extends beyond the speaker boundaries. However, in comparison to higher-end options, it lacks a bit in holography and the ability to effectively convey the recording ambience.
Among the numerous DACs I have evaluated that utilize either single or dual ES9038Q2M DAC chips, the Primo stands out as one of the least clinical and artificial sounding options. From the deepest lows to the highest highs, it maintains a consistent timbre and textural quality, without sacrificing coherency. While it may not match the technical prowess of certain brands like SMSL or Topping, it excels in its musicality and avoids sounding sterile.
Upgrading the power adapter
The Primo operates using a generic external power adapter, which unfortunately introduces some unwanted noise that isn’t that effectively filtered when it enters the digital and analogue boards.
That’s why using a low noise external power supply can make a significant difference. You don’t have to buy something expensive and it doesn’t matter if it is a linear or a switching power supply, as long as it is designed to offer effective noise suppression. Since funds are limited, I have opted for the trusted iFi iPower2 which is a cost effective solution (€69 only) for upgrading any stock power adapter. I am using the 12V version to power my modem/router and now I bought the 5V version for the Volumio Primo. The power rating of the Primo is 5V/3A and that of the iPower2 is 2.5A but don’t worry since I have measured the Volumio Primo and its actual power consumption never exceeded 2A even with a hard drive attached to it.
The use of the iFi iPower2 (or any other low noise, audiophile power supply) enhances the overall audio experience by creating a darker and quieter background, allowing for the emergence of finer details from high-quality recordings. The resolution is improved, resulting in a more refined and realistic sound, particularly in the treble, which becomes smoother and less harsh. Additionally, the layering is enhanced, bass definition is increased, and the soundstage gains greater accuracy in positioning and a sense of air around the performers.
While the Volumio Primo is already a competitive and good-sounding DAC, it truly shines when paired with a high-quality external power supply. Whether it’s a switching or linear power supply, the key is that it is well-designed. It’s important to keep this in mind, and when your budget allows, consider upgrading the power supply to elevate the performance of the Primo.
In the end
Volumio is not only known for its exceptional operating system, but also for its top-notch audio devices that offer seamless streaming capabilities. With its user-friendly interface and superior DAC, the Volumio Primo delivers an outstanding audio performance that surpasses all expectations. This all-in-one solution provides an unbeatable price to performance ratio, making it a truly remarkable choice.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Exceptional audio performance + Neutral and transparent + Musical and engaging + Without digital glare + Immersive soundstage + Lifetime subscription to Volumio OS + Fast and stable OS + Friendly UI + Connectivity + Streaming services integration + Scales well with better power adapter + Compact size + Design and build quality + Made in Italy + Price includes shipping, import fees and tax - No digital coaxial input - Without headphone amplifier - No power switch - Somewhat lean and dry texture - Rather unforgiving
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