Volumio – Primo
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Volumio’s Audiophile Music Player and Streamer: a superbly balanced sound in an elegantly simple form factor with an impressive set of input and output capabilities. This is the Music player we’ve always dreamt of.
In stock
“When you consider the flexibility and outstanding sonic performance on offer, the Volumio Primo looks like a very attractive option at the price.” – Hi-Fi Choice
“Most importantly, the Primo sounds excellent. Used via the RCA connections it is one of the nicest sounding digital front ends under £1,000 I can remember testing…
It’s a seriously impressive product that comes enthusiastically recommended.“ – AVForums
“The Sound Quality is remarkably good… Soundwise, the Primo is a winner in its class.
… The Primo offers very good Sound Quality and Build Quality for the Money.” – Hans Beekhuyzen, The Hans Beekhuyzen Project
“Volumio is exceptional powerful, expandable and reliable; it is about one of the best software music systems in the world.” –BUG Magazine
“This is very quickly turning into one of the best bits of hardware I’ve had the pleasure to review.” – The Art of Sound
“The Volumio Primo is an excellent streaming/player software in a modest device with outstanding sound characteristics and a neat GUI with many possibilities.” – AVGuide
“It is probably the best overall experience I had with this type of device so far. It does nothing badly.” –Digiphonix
“The Volumio Primo is a class digital all-in-one solution – versatile and easy to use. It might be difficult to find something more convincing at this price.” – HIFI Statement Magazine
“An excellent combination of a potent hardware that integrates a software incredibly easy.” – HIFITest.de
“The heart of the Volumio Primo is the software and, consequently, its design is absolutely minimalist, clear and looks great.” – Lite Magazin
“Volumio Primo has some bright ideas implemented at a very nice price point.” – Audiophile Style
“An out-of-the-box solution that impresses with its versatility, ease of use and, last but not least, sound quality.” – Sempre-audio
For Music Lovers, By Music Lovers
Uncompromised Bit-Perfect Audio Playback
Hi Quality Audio Output powered by ESS ES9028Q2M DAC
USB Audio Output up to PCM 32 bit 768 kHz and DSD512
SPDIF Audio Output up to 24 bit 192 kHZ
Supported Formats: DSD, WAV, FLAC, Alac, Aac, Vorbis, Cue, Mp3 and more
Playback control and configuration via Web-app from anything with a browser
Powered by ASUS Tinkerboard S
HDMI Video Output
UPNP DLNA Renderer with Open Home support
Integrated WebRadio directories
CIFSSMB and NFS Network Attached Storage compatibility
Multilanguage
Alarm and sleep function
Wireless and Wired Network Connectivity
Engineered for Audio Quality
1. Voltage Isolator
2. 2x Low Noise Voltage Regulators
3. Low Dropout Voltage Regulator
4. ESS90x8Q2M DAC
5. High Precision Clock Oscillator
6. DAC Microcontroller
7. 26B RAM
8. Dedicated USB BUS
Versatile Output Options
Play Any Digital Material You Want
As Volumio, Primo is a universal player: from mp3s to Hi-Resolution flacs, Internet Radios, DSD files and of course Hi-Res Music Streaming services like TIDAL and Qobuz.
If that wasn’t enough, Volumio’s plugins store offer a variety of other third party integrations like Spotify, YouTube, TuneIn Radio and much more
First Class Networking
Being Primo a network music player, its networking capabilities must be up to the task. And they do: Gigabit Ethernet for ultra-fast transfer speed and an external Wi-Fi antenna for optimal signal.
First Class Performance
The core of Primo is the ASUS Tinkerboard S which is simply the best integrated computer available. Thanks to its fast CPU, dedicated USB path and integrated memory it offers unmatched performances.
Volumio Primo Hi-Fi Edition
A special Volumio Primo edition, for the discerning Audiophile
Together with our network of distributors and dealers, we created a special Volumio Primo version with exclusive benefits: the Primo Hi-Fi edition, available only in selected phisical stores.
Volumio Primo Community Edition
The Streamer for Volumio lovers
€ 479
Free Shipping Worldwide
Features
Bit-perfect Playback of files from USB or Network
Webradios directory powered by Shoutcast and Tune-In
UPNPDLNA Playback and Browsing
Airplay 1 Playback Support
Plugins for Spotify Connect, Squeezebox and Radio Paradise
TIDAL, QOBUZ and Highresaudio.com Integration (*)
CD Playback and Ripping (*)
AD2P Bluetooth Audio Input (*)
Alexa Integration (*)
USB Audio Input Support (*)
(*) Those features are available via MyVolumio, which subscription is not included
Support
Dedicated e-mail support from Volumio Team
Volumio Primo HI-FI Edition
The Streamer for for the discerning Audiophile
€ 619
Suggested Retail Price
Features
Bit-perfect Playback of files from USB or Network
Webradios directory powered by Shoutcast and Tune-In
UPNPDLNA Playback and Browsing
Airplay 1 Playback Support
Plugins for Spotify Connect, Squeezebox and Radio Paradise
TIDAL, QOBUZ and Highresaudio.com Integration
CD Playback and Ripping
AD2P Bluetooth Audio Input
Alexa Integration
USB Audio Input Support
All features included thanks to the MyVolumio Superstar lifetime plan included (value of 199 euros)
Support
Dedicated e-mail support from Volumio Team
Dedicated support from Retailer
Dedicated Support from Distributor
The Ideal Partner for MyVolumio
Already Empowering 200k Devices
Technical Specifications
| Analog output | ES9028Q2M DAC via I2S, PCM 24 bits 192kHz , DSD128 via DoP |
| SPDIF output | PCM 24 bits 192kHz |
| USB output | 4X USB 2.0 , PCM 32 bits 768kHz |
| CPU | Quad core 1.8 GHz ARM Cortex-A17 with passive heatsink |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Internal Memory | 16GB Emmc |
| Video Output | HDMI, up to 4K resolution |
| LAN | Gigabit |
| Wireless Networking | 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi with External Antenna |
Share your thoughts!
Let us know what you think...
QUESTIONS
REVIEWS
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It really sounds great!!
It really sounds great!! Maybe I got to buy better speakers to get even better soud quality. Looks like my speakers now are the weakest limp of my audio equipment 😉
(0) (0) Watch
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absolute magic sound machine and superb supported
Received that well reviewed small device last week to exchange my volumio Rhasperry linked to a dying DAC.
I must admit, needed some support from volumio to get the machine running due to me being impatient – hey first big surprise. Do not expect a typical technical and emotionless hotline – I was instead hosted by Michelangelo with a superb technical service … and a sympathic and empathic patient partner on the other side. That alone is worthwhile to move from a big music machinery to that small gem in Firenze.Connected the PRIMO with the fantastic DAC to a NAD amplifier and LINN music boxes. Unfortunately I use the WLAN – expect an even higher quality using LAN.
In a nutshell:
– the Volumio Primo box sits like innocent on the amplifier, has a wonderful design and quality materials.
– the GUI be it via Web or App easy to use, lean without any unnecessary widgets and gadgets, just what it takes to operate music channels and
again very patient to user handling.
– the music quality Primo delivers using the plug-in Tidal (currently “only” the regular quality level) is awesome. Not technical and computerized sounding; more like the analog fine tones and atmosphere. So far I experienced some classics like Simon Rattles Beethoven Symphonies and a R&B and Soul playlist as well as some Jazz classics. Big surprises.Volumio Primo can be discussed up and down on pure technical details I myself got a real fan of Primo in only a few days just listening to the quality of music which is transported with that little box.
Edmund
(0) (0) Watch
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Absolutely a splendid Hi fidelity product
I’m a true audiophile and I give tid product 5 stars.
(0) (0) Watch
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The streamer i always dreamed
I’m extremely satisfied with it, no need to speak about great sound quality (everybody will speak about it) but there’s another important point to speak about… real easy and plug & play out of the box system.
The sound is very clean and detailed. A lot of separation between the different instruments. The voices are warm and natural. In summary, a very realistic sound. I am enjoying it very much.
The installation and setup was straightforward. I just leaved the Primo loading all the software for the first use a little bit more time than specified in the instructions. It took at least 15 minutes to be ready.
This little device is amazing. I have it installed in a very good system with an Hypex Ncore NC122MP as ampli and KEF ls50 loudspeakers and it makes superb music.
(0) (0) Watch
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Real easy and plug & play out of the box system.
I am another (one of 20) lucky owner of Primo. I’m extremely satisfied with it, no need to speak about great sound quality (everybody will speak about it) but there’s another important point to speak about… real easy and plug & play out of the box system.
(0) (0) Watch
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One person found this helpful
The Primo is sounding absolutely splendid
This little device is amazing. I have it installed in a very good system with Linn Amplifier and Q-Acoustics Concept 500 loudspeakers and it makes superb music.
I had a problem.
No problem, Michelangelo received the Primo back and repaired it for me. It is up and running again and sounding splendid.
For the cost, it would be near on impossible to get anything else that performs at this level.
Icing on the cake for me would be Roon End Point capability.Update…
I have just installed Roon Bridge manually and it is working perfectly on the Primo 🙂The Primo is sounding absolutely splendid as a stand alone unit using analogue connection to my Linn Amp. I am very impressed with the music and the way the unit works so fast and very smoothly.
(1) (0) Watch
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One person found this helpful
I received my Volumio Primo few days ago. Although I haven´t had the time to use it for a long period of time, I can say that my first impressions are very positive.
The installation and setup was straightforward. I just leaved the Primo loading all the software for the first use a little bit more time than specified in the instructions. It took at least 15 minutes to be ready.
The sound is very clean and detailed. A lot of separation between the different instruments. The voices are warm and natural. In summary, a very realistic sound. I am enjoying it very much.
Honestly, Michelangelo and the Volumio Primo team have done a great job.(1) (0) Watch
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One person found this helpful
Well worth the wait
Missed out on the first run, pre -ordered for the second production run , waited patiently for International shipping issues to be solved , great communications from the team keeping me in the loop
on the delays..
While I will do a more comprehensive review at a later date just got to say well worth waiting for
set up was incredibly easy. hook up to my existing network shares was way easier than I expected .I”m told I am the first Canadian owner of a Primo , as a fan of the Volumio project and had tried it out on a home rolled HTPC
I was planning to build a silent fan less pc with a linear power supply for my digital music needs when time and budget permitted
but checking out H.B.”s review on YouTube on the Primo convinced me to give it try before spending thousands more.It arrived well packed and on un boxing , you can feel the quality of the build.
It found my Cambridge 851D DAC and within a few min. there was Music..glorious music ..a few tweaks in the settings and it was even better
my old approach of using a computer as both storage and a player was resulting in some jitter and drop out from my NAS and other network share locations
the Primo seems to have cured that right up..Sound quality ..well considering I was using an up market USB cable that I paid almost as much as the Primo for and that i was running that through the Cambridge DAC
I was expecting a noticeable improvement and there was ,very impressive indeedThat was a couple of days ago , today the Cambridge DAC cant seem to connect , it says no signal , so I hooked up the old PC again its seeing the USB signal so I don’t now whats going one yet
I was a little disappointed and was intending to do a reset on the Primo to see if that took care of it , but before doing so i thought lets see what it sounds like
through the Primo RCA outputs and straight into the ampI expected a noticeable drop in sound quality without the Cambridge DAC/USB… except there wasn’t!
I don’t quite understand…while I know the Primo DAC chip is newer than the 851D dual dacs
to me the Primo sounds though its RCA outputs sounds just a little less brittle in the highs and generally a tad warmer
to me the 851d was perhaps a bit better in the bass at lower volumes but once I gave it some volume
it was fine. Of course listening is subjective and everyone ears are different .But I never though the Primo might eventually replace my 851D
It just might . I am a two channel guy an old fart with a love for music
from my very fist single 45of my own when i was five .The Tornadoes “Telstar”
that was the early sixties..I have had a lot of gear over the decades and I don’t impress easy these days
but my thanks to Michelangelo and the projects crewI think you have your self a winner in the Primo and i think its going to be more than a little disruptive
in the sound quality for money spent to achieve it audio space.I would get your name on the wait list , its worth the price and the wait .
and “enjoy the music”(1) (0) Watch
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Pretty special for its price.
I am using the Primo DAC straight into my Linn Kinos Pre-amp via the analogue output. It is sounding quite splendid like this!
I may connect up direct to my Power Amp (Lejonklou Tundra) and try that out, given the hardware volume control on the Primo. I will let you know how that sounds.
I need to spend more time with the Primo, but I can already say that it is pretty special for its price.
(0) (0) Watch
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Primo
Ho il Primo a casa da qualche giorno e, per ora, lo sto ascoltando solo con il suo dac. È collegato ad un ampli cuffie Lake People G100FE e sto usando cuffie varie e di varie tipologie. Posso dire, senza alcun dubbio, che, finora in quelle condizioni, , è il miglior streamer che abbia ascoltato. Migliore anche di concorrenti più blasonati (e costosi)
(0) (0) Watch
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Well I am amazed
I had not enjoyed steaming. It had felt to me to be hard, brittle and unatural. I thought I would try the little Primo and what a suprise, it sounds open, wide, detailed but also analogue. I love the bass and use it far more than I thought I would. I can now understand what all the fuss is about. My Linn power and preamp conected to my Kudos cardea speakers sound wonderful with the primo. I recomend that anyone who wants to “dip their toe” into steaming get hold of one of these. For the price I’m amazed.
highly recomended.(0) (0) Watch
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Amazing streamer (and server)
I have been playing music for a couple of weeks with the Primo. And wow, blown away by the quality of sound. Most of my music are flac files stored on a ssd. The primo is both a server and a streamer, perfect for my needs. Direct playback to my amplifier through the RCA output (very good!) and streaming to other devices via UPnP. At this price point a no brainer, excellent product!
(0) (0) Watch
Peter Kühnlein –
It really sounds great!! Maybe I got to buy better speakers to get even better soud quality. Looks like my speakers now are the weakest limp of my audio equipment 😉
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Edmund –
Received that well reviewed small device last week to exchange my volumio Rhasperry linked to a dying DAC.
I must admit, needed some support from volumio to get the machine running due to me being impatient – hey first big surprise. Do not expect a typical technical and emotionless hotline – I was instead hosted by Michelangelo with a superb technical service … and a sympathic and empathic patient partner on the other side. That alone is worthwhile to move from a big music machinery to that small gem in Firenze.
Connected the PRIMO with the fantastic DAC to a NAD amplifier and LINN music boxes. Unfortunately I use the WLAN – expect an even higher quality using LAN.
In a nutshell:
– the Volumio Primo box sits like innocent on the amplifier, has a wonderful design and quality materials.
– the GUI be it via Web or App easy to use, lean without any unnecessary widgets and gadgets, just what it takes to operate music channels and
again very patient to user handling.
– the music quality Primo delivers using the plug-in Tidal (currently “only” the regular quality level) is awesome. Not technical and computerized sounding; more like the analog fine tones and atmosphere. So far I experienced some classics like Simon Rattles Beethoven Symphonies and a R&B and Soul playlist as well as some Jazz classics. Big surprises.
Volumio Primo can be discussed up and down on pure technical details I myself got a real fan of Primo in only a few days just listening to the quality of music which is transported with that little box.
Edmund
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Mats –
I’m a true audiophile and I give tid product 5 stars.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Francesco Brocero –
I’m extremely satisfied with it, no need to speak about great sound quality (everybody will speak about it) but there’s another important point to speak about… real easy and plug & play out of the box system.
The sound is very clean and detailed. A lot of separation between the different instruments. The voices are warm and natural. In summary, a very realistic sound. I am enjoying it very much.
The installation and setup was straightforward. I just leaved the Primo loading all the software for the first use a little bit more time than specified in the instructions. It took at least 15 minutes to be ready.
This little device is amazing. I have it installed in a very good system with an Hypex Ncore NC122MP as ampli and KEF ls50 loudspeakers and it makes superb music.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Gervasutti –
I am another (one of 20) lucky owner of Primo. I’m extremely satisfied with it, no need to speak about great sound quality (everybody will speak about it) but there’s another important point to speak about… real easy and plug & play out of the box system.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
John Hills –
This little device is amazing. I have it installed in a very good system with Linn Amplifier and Q-Acoustics Concept 500 loudspeakers and it makes superb music.
I had a problem.
No problem, Michelangelo received the Primo back and repaired it for me. It is up and running again and sounding splendid.
For the cost, it would be near on impossible to get anything else that performs at this level.
Icing on the cake for me would be Roon End Point capability.
Update…
I have just installed Roon Bridge manually and it is working perfectly on the Primo 🙂
The Primo is sounding absolutely splendid as a stand alone unit using analogue connection to my Linn Amp. I am very impressed with the music and the way the unit works so fast and very smoothly.
(1) (0) Watch Unwatch
Juan –
I received my Volumio Primo few days ago. Although I haven´t had the time to use it for a long period of time, I can say that my first impressions are very positive.
The installation and setup was straightforward. I just leaved the Primo loading all the software for the first use a little bit more time than specified in the instructions. It took at least 15 minutes to be ready.
The sound is very clean and detailed. A lot of separation between the different instruments. The voices are warm and natural. In summary, a very realistic sound. I am enjoying it very much.
Honestly, Michelangelo and the Volumio Primo team have done a great job.
(1) (0) Watch Unwatch
Michael –
Missed out on the first run, pre -ordered for the second production run , waited patiently for International shipping issues to be solved , great communications from the team keeping me in the loop
on the delays..
While I will do a more comprehensive review at a later date just got to say well worth waiting for
set up was incredibly easy. hook up to my existing network shares was way easier than I expected .
I”m told I am the first Canadian owner of a Primo , as a fan of the Volumio project and had tried it out on a home rolled HTPC
I was planning to build a silent fan less pc with a linear power supply for my digital music needs when time and budget permitted
but checking out H.B.”s review on YouTube on the Primo convinced me to give it try before spending thousands more.
It arrived well packed and on un boxing , you can feel the quality of the build.
It found my Cambridge 851D DAC and within a few min. there was Music..glorious music ..a few tweaks in the settings and it was even better
my old approach of using a computer as both storage and a player was resulting in some jitter and drop out from my NAS and other network share locations
the Primo seems to have cured that right up..
Sound quality ..well considering I was using an up market USB cable that I paid almost as much as the Primo for and that i was running that through the Cambridge DAC
I was expecting a noticeable improvement and there was ,very impressive indeed
That was a couple of days ago , today the Cambridge DAC cant seem to connect , it says no signal , so I hooked up the old PC again its seeing the USB signal so I don’t now whats going one yet
I was a little disappointed and was intending to do a reset on the Primo to see if that took care of it , but before doing so i thought lets see what it sounds like
through the Primo RCA outputs and straight into the amp
I expected a noticeable drop in sound quality without the Cambridge DAC/USB… except there wasn’t!
I don’t quite understand…while I know the Primo DAC chip is newer than the 851D dual dacs
to me the Primo sounds though its RCA outputs sounds just a little less brittle in the highs and generally a tad warmer
to me the 851d was perhaps a bit better in the bass at lower volumes but once I gave it some volume
it was fine. Of course listening is subjective and everyone ears are different .
But I never though the Primo might eventually replace my 851D
It just might . I am a two channel guy an old fart with a love for music
from my very fist single 45of my own when i was five .The Tornadoes “Telstar”
that was the early sixties..
I have had a lot of gear over the decades and I don’t impress easy these days
but my thanks to Michelangelo and the projects crew
I think you have your self a winner in the Primo and i think its going to be more than a little disruptive
in the sound quality for money spent to achieve it audio space.
I would get your name on the wait list , its worth the price and the wait .
and “enjoy the music”
(1) (0) Watch Unwatch
Riva Antonio (verified owner) –
It sounds great, clear and detailed how I love.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
John –
I am using the Primo DAC straight into my Linn Kinos Pre-amp via the analogue output. It is sounding quite splendid like this!
I may connect up direct to my Power Amp (Lejonklou Tundra) and try that out, given the hardware volume control on the Primo. I will let you know how that sounds.
I need to spend more time with the Primo, but I can already say that it is pretty special for its price.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Giovanni (verified owner) –
Ho il Primo a casa da qualche giorno e, per ora, lo sto ascoltando solo con il suo dac. È collegato ad un ampli cuffie Lake People G100FE e sto usando cuffie varie e di varie tipologie. Posso dire, senza alcun dubbio, che, finora in quelle condizioni, , è il miglior streamer che abbia ascoltato. Migliore anche di concorrenti più blasonati (e costosi)
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
sdarbin@john-lewis.com (verified owner) –
I had not enjoyed steaming. It had felt to me to be hard, brittle and unatural. I thought I would try the little Primo and what a suprise, it sounds open, wide, detailed but also analogue. I love the bass and use it far more than I thought I would. I can now understand what all the fuss is about. My Linn power and preamp conected to my Kudos cardea speakers sound wonderful with the primo. I recomend that anyone who wants to “dip their toe” into steaming get hold of one of these. For the price I’m amazed.
highly recomended.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
John (verified owner) –
I have been playing music for a couple of weeks with the Primo. And wow, blown away by the quality of sound. Most of my music are flac files stored on a ssd. The primo is both a server and a streamer, perfect for my needs. Direct playback to my amplifier through the RCA output (very good!) and streaming to other devices via UPnP. At this price point a no brainer, excellent product!
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch