Is Volumio dying? (NO)

It feels like there is no drive here in the forum anymore, on other hifi forums it seems everyone left for WiiM.

Wrote with like 1.5 week apart regarding something with the DSP, not a single answer.

Feeling kind of dumb that got the lifetime deal recently if this is it.

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Volumio is far from death.
But you ask a very specific question regarding FusionDSP, which needs @balbuze to answer.
Since he is a community member like you and me, he’s entitled to have a few days of, especially during the holidays…

So mentioning “Feeling a kind of dumb” for something a community user creates for you free of charge in his private time… Not helping.

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I dont think you understood the last part. It means I’M feeling kind of dumb who bought the lifetime subscription recently.

Obviously its not completely dead as im playing music right now successfully. But perhaps you’ve also noticed a difference as of lately compared to lets say 2 years ago? Im just wondering at what point its not justifiable to stay when so much is based on heroes like Balbuze.

Im itching to give WiiM a try but i also dont want to know if its super smooth and I own lots of cool Hats and subscriptions that gets smashed by a new generation chromecast audio… thats it. I guess i hoped for some re-assurance since its more fun with the tinkering, sourcing of parts etc. but I want the basics to keep up with the competition hopefully :slight_smile:

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I can’t argue on the WiiM, it seems they plugged a hole in the market perfectly.
It’s priced for the value for the buck, not so on audio quality.

But you can’t compare apples and peers.
The WiiM is a OEM product, Optimized for only their hardware. While Volumio is an OS built for multiple SBC’s and Hat’s. (so there are 1000+ combinations) Because of this, Volumio is way more vulnerable for glitches, which are addressed by a wonderful team.
The WiiM should for this matter be compared against a Primo, Holo Audio Red, … Not as the DIY built system VS an OEM product.

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totally get that, and I think this is way cooler and more fun. and like you said that is because an incredible group of people chips in and made it happen, I was just feeling like that group is perhaps less active/motivated or perhaps im just imagining, I’m hoping the latter. Got super impressed now that I know that the DSP hero does it all in his spare time, thought for sure at least him was an employee :stuck_out_tongue:

Trust me they are active and motivated. Because things are not visible at the front end, magic happens at the back end.

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awesome, sometimes my ADHD get the best of me and I come across as something I did’nt mean to. now I have to pay for it as usual with my questions coming across as rude and my wishes all the way down the priority order. I thought perhaps i could just add more files named pre-set or something :crying_cat_face: Good thing is I had a google frenzy and learned how to do some things myself in the meantime and now atleast i can play around a bit more on my own but via the macbook at least. so ill be more ready the day its possible on the streamers :smiley: Thanks Wheaten!

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The core Volumio OS is open source and freely available, ensuring its longevity and resilience against obsolescence. Unlike WiiM, which generates significant buzz due to its focus on entry-level consumer products that sell in large volumes, Volumio caters to a different audience. It is either integrated with higher-end hardware or appeals to more tech-savvy users who seek greater customization and advanced audio features. This distinction naturally results in less widespread activity around Volumio compared to WiiM, but it reflects the unique niches both platforms serve.

Anyway, in summary, no it isn’t dead and won’t be dead for a long time.

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Same here. I have bought my licenses, I expect some support outside of community forums. Not much luck lately.

@boris.yordanov
If you have a subscription your entitled to premium support.
Did you raise a ticket for support?

If so, we just past the holiday season and team is also working on a new project.

There’s your answer. This is a laid back company that doesn’t prioritize quick responses to inquiries/problems and shows little evidence of proactive support. “We don’t pay the guy that can solve your problem” says it all. Not even the courtesy of a “we’ve received your request and are working to resolve it” reply.
Wiim sends a full list of updates and what problems they’ve resolved. Their website is easy to use and search for us code ignorant folk.
As an audiophile I just want to hear good sounding music on my Motivo. I’m willing to put up with the glitches for superior sound. The question for Volumio is how many customers are willing to pay $1800 and get no replies from support?

I think this is a mostly fair assessment. WiiM has definitely lowered the bar to get into high quality stereo.

I would argue though, having completed last year a Volumio system on a Pi with a high quality DAC and some monoblock balanced amps and maybe $100 more than the WiiM Ultra, and that the bar was pretty low to assemble and get the system running, I’m much happier. The sound quality is noticably better. The only negative is the ongoing annual cost of Volumio, but based upon what I’m getting I’m pleased to support the project.

Hi Mike, Really sorry to hear this! Can you please tell me with which email address did you request support? I’m going to check it right now. Very strange you didn’t receive any replies for your issue!
Thank you for sharing your feedback anyway and I want to assure you that we are here to assist you.

If you’d like to address your concerns directly, please feel free to write to me at “marco@volumio.org”.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention,

Best regards,
Marco
Volumio Support Team

Hi, I just reviewed the tickets and came across yours: [GDSC-3445]. I replied on the 5th of December, but till now got no response. You may have probably missed it or please check the spam folder in that case. Kind regards, Marco

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I don’t think Volumio is going anywhere in the near future. I have their Rivo transport, use it with a Roon Nucleus One and have had no real issues with either the Volumio or Roon. And, I do have two WiiM Ultra streamers in play too, which have also been trouble free. It is a good time to be alive in regards to audio gear! :wink: