Volumio Primo V2 gray

Network Player: Volumio Primo V2

The Volumio Primo V2 is a compact and versatile network audio player developed by the Italian brand Volumio. As the successor to the Primo, it builds on the strengths of its predecessor with hardware and software improvements. Its goal is to provide easy and high-quality access to digital music, whether from locally stored files or streaming services.

Design and Build Quality

The Primo V2 features an elegant and refined design, with an anti-magnetic aluminum chassis. The front panel has a dark wood texture, complemented by a status LED and a power button, creating a visually appealing aesthetic. The player’s compact dimensions allow for easy integration into various audio systems.

Volumio collaborated with Design Narratives Ltd., a Red Dot Award-winning design company, to create the refined appearance of the Primo V2. The attention to detail in design and build quality reflects Volumio’s commitment to delivering a high-end product.

Audio Performance

At the heart of the Primo V2 is the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M digital-to-analog converter (DAC), renowned for its exceptional audio fidelity. This high-end DAC is connected to the digital input section via I2S, ensuring bit-perfect audio playback up to a resolution of 192 kHz and 24 bits.

The Primo V2 supports a wide range of audio formats, including DSD, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, Vorbis, Cue, and MP3. This versatility allows users to enjoy their music collection in high-resolution formats without compromise.

The player’s analog audio outputs are available in both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) configurations, offering flexibility for connecting to various audio systems. The analog output level is rated at 2V RMS, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers and preamplifiers.

Connectivity and Streaming

The Primo V2 offers numerous connectivity options to meet the diverse needs of users. It features a USB 3.0 port and a USB 2.0 port, allowing the connection of external storage devices and peripherals. The Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000M) ensures fast and stable wired network connectivity.

For wireless connectivity, the player supports Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with 2x2 MIMO and RSDB technology, providing reliable and high-speed wireless streaming. Additionally, Bluetooth 5.0 is integrated, enabling wireless audio playback from compatible devices.

The Primo V2 functions as a UPNP DLNA player with Open Home support, allowing seamless integration with compatible media servers and devices. It also supports popular streaming services such as Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Qobuz, providing access to a vast music library.

Airplay compatibility via Shairport Sync allows wireless audio streaming from Apple devices. The player also supports various plugins, including YouTube, Squeezelite, Radio Paradise, Podcasts, Pandora, Fusion DSP, Roon Bridge, SoundCloud, and Mixcloud, expanding its features and content options.

Side Output and User Interface

The Primo V2 features an HDMI 2.1 output with HDCP 2.2 support, capable of delivering video resolutions up to 4K at 60 frames per second. This video output allows users to connect the player to an external display for a complete playback interface.

The player runs on Volumio OS, a Linux-based operating system specifically designed for audio playback. The latest version of Volumio, known as Volumio AI, incorporates Supersearch, an AI-powered search function that optimizes music discovery.

Volumio OS offers a user-friendly and intuitive interface, allowing easy navigation and control of the player’s features. The interface is accessible via the official Volumio apps for iOS and Android, enabling remote control from mobile devices.

Hardware Specifications

The Primo V2 is powered by a quad-core Amlogic S905D3 processor clocked at 1.9 GHz, ensuring efficient and fast audio reproduction. It is equipped with 2 GB of DDR4 RAM and 16 GB of internal eMMC storage. The player’s power supply is rated at 5V DC, 3A, providing stable and clean power for optimal audio performance.

Benefits of the Volumio Primo V2

• Exceptional audio quality with the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC
• Bit-perfect audio playback up to a resolution of 192 kHz and 24 bits
• Versatile connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
• Support for a wide range of audio formats and streaming services
• HDMI output for connection to an external display
• User-friendly interface with Volumio OS and mobile app control
• Sleek and refined design with high-end build quality
• Compact dimensions for easy integration into audio systems
• AI-powered music discovery with the Supersearch feature
• Expandable features through various plugins and integrations

Technical Specifications

Audio

• Bit-perfect audio playback up to 192 kHz / 24 bits
• HDMI 2.1 / HDCP 2.2 video output up to 4K 60 Hz
• Analog audio output RCA, XLR: 2 V RMS

Formats and Services

• Supported audio formats: DSD, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, Vorbis, Cue, MP3
• UPnP DLNA with Open Home support
• Streaming services:
  • AirPlay via Shairport Sync
  • Spotify and Spotify Connect
  • TIDAL and TIDAL Connect
  • Qobuz
• Available extensions:
  • YouTube
  • Squeezelite
  • Radio Paradise
  • Podcasts
  • Pandora
  • Fusion DSP
  • Roon Bridge
  • SoundCloud
  • Mixcloud

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Amlogic S905D3, quad-core 1.9 GHz
• SABRE Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC): ESS 9038Q2M
• RAM: 2 GB DDR4
• Internal storage: 16 GB eMMC
• Power supply: 5 V, 3 A

Connectivity

• Analog outputs: Unbalanced RCA, balanced XLR
• Coaxial digital output
• 5 V DC input
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps