Just to clarify: I’m a forum moderator with no affiliation to Volumio. This is purely my personal feedback, but I’m genuinely impressed with the product and think it’s only fair to share that.
Setup
The device booted up and joined the network like a champ—no drama there.
Then came the Raspberry Pi 5 (Bookworm) test… and well, let’s just say the “Switch Device” page decided to take a long vacation on “waiting.”
Thankfully, the new Volumio app swooped in like a superhero and saved the day.
And yes, I should have read the manual… but where’s the fun in that?
DAC Output Level
This adjustable DAC output level? Absolute game-changer.
Finally, I can use more than 15% of my pre-amp’s volume dial without fearing for my eardrums.
Compared to the E50 + Rivo combo, this feels like going from a go-kart to a luxury sedan, smooth and controlled.
Using Primo Plus as a Standalone DAC
I love that the Primo Plus can moonlight as a pure DAC, versatility is always sexy in audio gear.
Next, I paired it with the Rivo and hit play. The E50 starts out feeling like a stiff lab coat, precise, clinical, and needs Fusion DSP into the mix to loosen it, roll up its sleeves, and learn to dance. Meanwhile, the Primo Plus + Rivo combo? Pure magic from the start.
First impression? Detailed sound with a warm hug of character, like swapping fluorescent lights for candlelight. Compared to Rivo + E50, this pairing just feels… alive.
Filter Selection Feedback
Dear GUI, please learn to keep up.
Changing filters feels like shouting into the void until I refresh the browser.
And no, there’s no way to check the active filter on the device itself.
Feature request: make it snappy!
Remote Control
Finally, a remote that doesn’t feel like it came from a cereal box.
Solid build, real buttons, and no squishy rubber nonsense.
Small joys matter
Primo V2 vs Primo Plus (V3.886)
I used multiroom with the Primo Plus as master and switched between them using an analog switch for quick A/B testing.
- Billie Jean / Michael Jackson, Man in the Long Black Coat / Bob Dylan, Terry’s Song / Bruce Springsteen → Primo Plus edges ahead with extra detail (thank you, NOS mode).
- Wildfire / SBTRKT → Primo Plus wins big; those beeps/humps pop like fireworks.
- Pran’s Departure / Mike Oldfield → Primo V2 steals the spotlight.
- Uh Uh / Thundercat → Primo Plus nails the drum detail.
- Angel / Massive Attack → Primo Plus separates vocals like a pro.
- Right Where It Belongs / Nine Inch Nails → Meh, call it a tie.
OLED Screen
Always on, like that one friend who never sleeps.
Risk of burn-in? Yep.
Solution: set brightness to 0%, manual-reading level unlocked.
Summary:
Primo Plus mostly nails the setup (minus the Pi hiccup), shines with its adjustable DAC output, and charms as a standalone DAC with warm, detailed sound. The remote is a tactile delight, though the GUI needs a caffeine shot for filter updates. OLED auto-off would be nice, but hey, brightness tweak fixes it. Sound-wise, Primo Plus generally outperforms Primo V2, though V2 still has its moments.
Special note to me RTFM!!
Once again, the Italians have shown they don’t just make great pasta, they make gear that sings like Pavarotti and kicks like a Ferrari! Well done!!!