VOLUMIO PRIMO+

Network streamer with integrated DAC and preamplifier function, designed to combine digital source management, digital-to-analog conversion and volume control in a single unit. The device uses two ESS ES9039Q2M converters in a dual-mono configuration, with one chip dedicated to each channel, and features a fully balanced output stage.

The DAC section supports high-resolution signals up to PCM 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD512. Signal management uses a high-precision clock with a specified phase noise of 90 fs, designed to minimize jitter and maintain stable timing of the digital stream. Eight selectable DAC filters are also available, together with a NOS (Non-Oversampling) mode, which allows conversion without oversampling.

The power supply uses a dual-linear configuration with LC filtering and dedicated regulation for the analog and digital sections. This architecture keeps the different circuit sections separate and helps reduce noise on the power supply lines. The conversion section also uses upgraded operational amplifiers compared with the original Primo design.

Source management is handled by Volumio OS, a platform that provides access to major streaming services, local music libraries and sources connected directly to the device. The system supports Tidal and Tidal Connect, Qobuz and Qobuz Connect, Spotify and Spotify Connect, HighResAudio, TuneIn, DLNA/UPnP, AirPlay, Roon Ready and Audirvāna. Music libraries can be played from NAS devices, hard drives, SSDs and USB storage devices, while a computer can be connected via USB-C.

Network connectivity includes a Gigabit Ethernet interface with 10/100/1000 Mbps support and Wi-Fi according to the 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards. Multiroom compatibility also allows the Primo+ to be integrated into distributed audio systems consisting of other Volumio or compatible devices.

The device features an HDMI video output with support for resolutions up to 4K/60 fps, allowing the Volumio OS interface to be displayed on a TV or monitor. This function allows playlists, album artwork and system settings to be managed directly on the screen.

The digital input section includes a USB-C port for computer connection, two USB-A ports for external storage devices, a coaxial S/PDIF input and an optical input. USB-C supports signals up to PCM 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD512, while the USB-A ports can handle output to an external DAC up to PCM 1536 kHz/32-bit and DSD1024. The optical and coaxial inputs support PCM signals up to 192 kHz/24-bit. Bluetooth 5.0 is also available for wireless playback.

The analog section features stereo unbalanced RCA outputs and stereo balanced XLR outputs. The fully balanced design helps maintain good channel separation and reduce the influence of interference along the signal path. The integrated volume control also allows the Primo+ to be used as a preamplifier, connected directly to a power amplifier.

The 12 V Trigger Out with a 3.5 mm jack connector allows the power-on and power-off operation of other compatible system components to be synchronized. The device can therefore be integrated into traditional systems with separate preamplifier and power amplifier stages, as well as into more streamlined configurations in which the Primo+ directly controls the signal level sent to the power amplifier.

The front panel features a 1.3-inch OLED display with adjustable brightness and two rotary push controls, which can be used for volume control, input selection and menu navigation. The system can also be controlled via the Volumio app for iOS and Android, through a web browser or using the supplied aluminum remote control.

The hardware platform uses a 64-bit ARM Cortex-A72 SoC running at 1.5 GHz. The combination of its connectivity, dual-mono DAC section, balanced analog outputs and volume control allows the Volumio Primo+ to function as a digital source, DAC and preamplifier within a Hi-Fi system.

Technical specifications:

• Type: Advanced Streaming DAC
• DAC: Dual-mono with 2 x ESS ES9039Q2M
• Maximum Network resolution: PCM 384 kHz / 32-bit
• Maximum USB-C resolution: PCM 768 kHz / 32-bit; DSD512
• Maximum USB-A resolution: PCM 1536 kHz / 32-bit; DSD1024
• Maximum Coaxial resolution: PCM 192 kHz / 24-bit
• Maximum Optical resolution: PCM 192 kHz / 24-bit
• Clock: high precision; ultra-low phase noise 90 fs; reduced jitter
• Power supply: 5 V DC / 3 A; dual-linear stage with LC filtering
• Processor: Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC at 1.5 GHz
• Digital inputs: USB-C (device); 2 x USB-A (host); coaxial; optical; LAN; Bluetooth 5.0; ARC via Volumio OS mirroring
• Stereo outputs: 2 x unbalanced RCA; 2 x balanced XLR
• Trigger output: 12 V; 3.5 mm jack
• Display: dimmable 1.3-inch OLED
• Control: 2 front-panel rotary controls; aluminum remote control; Volumio app; web browser
• Supported services: Tidal/Tidal Connect; Qobuz/Qobuz Connect; Spotify/Spotify Connect; Roon Ready; Audirvāna; HighResAudio; TuneIn; AirPlay; DLNA/UPnP
• Network connections: 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 270 x 150 x 50 mm
• Weight: 2.5 kg