The Volumio Preciso is the Italian brand’s first non-streamer digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This high-precision DAC embodies the culmination of Volumio’s expertise in designing award-winning digital audio players. With its dual-mono configuration using two ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DACs, its hyper-symmetrical architecture, and its exceptionally low total harmonic distortion (THD+N) of -122.5 dB, the Preciso aims to deliver digital-to-analog conversion of remarkable purity and precision, without compromising musicality.
A Revealing Dual-Mono Architecture
At the heart of the Volumio Preciso lies a true dual-mono architecture, utilizing two ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M converters in perfectly symmetrical and isolated circuits. This hyper-symmetrical design ensures absolute separation of the left and right channels, virtually eliminating any crosstalk between them. The main advantage of this approach is the creation of a soundstage that is significantly wider, deeper, and more natural than what is achieved with single-chip DACs.
Complete channel separation guarantees clear imaging and a fully developed three-dimensional soundscape. Each DAC handles its respective channel exclusively, with optimized and isolated signal paths. This meticulous design achieves a THD+N (total harmonic distortion plus noise) of -122.5 dB, a value that reaches the limits of the most sensitive modern audio test equipment, ensuring exceptionally transparent sound reproduction.
A Carefully Designed Power Supply for Optimal Performance
The Preciso features a dual internal linear power supply, with separate regulation for the analog and digital subsystems. This complete isolation significantly reduces interference, lowers the noise floor, and improves dynamic range. Unlike many DACs that require external power supply upgrades to reach their full potential, the Preciso offers an optimized power supply right out of the box.
This approach to power reflects Volumio’s uncompromising design philosophy: every component is chosen and implemented to maximize audio signal integrity without resorting to superfluous solutions. Independent regulation for the analog and digital paths ensures a noise-free signal, contributing to the clarity and sonic precision that define the Preciso.
Comprehensive Connectivity for All Digital Sources
The Volumio Preciso offers a full range of digital inputs to accommodate virtually all modern audio sources:
The USB input supports PCM formats up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD512, using the same dedicated USB ASIC controller found in Volumio’s RIVO+ streamer. This interface ensures bit-perfect data transfer with ultra-low jitter.
The coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs support PCM formats up to 192 kHz/24-bit, providing compatibility with a wide range of traditional digital devices.
The I2S input via HDMI is a particularly attractive option for audiophiles, supporting PCM formats up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD512. This connection, less common but technically superior, separates clock and data signals for increased precision.
On the output side, the Preciso offers both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) options, allowing flexible integration into any high-end audio system. The balanced output delivers up to 4 Vrms, while the unbalanced output provides up to 2 Vrms, offering enough power to drive a power amplifier directly.
Seamless Integration into the Volumio Ecosystem
The Preciso has been designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Volumio streamers, notably the RIVO and RIVO+. When paired with these devices, the Preciso becomes an integral part of a fully optimized digital chain. The use of the same USB ASIC controller as the RIVO+ ensures perfect compatibility and optimal performance.
Beyond its primary function as a DAC, the Preciso can also be used as a preamplifier with hardware gain control, allowing direct integration with power amplifiers. This versatility makes it a potential centerpiece for a minimalist yet high-performance audio system.
Components Selected for Absolute Precision
The Preciso’s accuracy starts with a unique high-precision MEMS clock that drives both DACs, ensuring flawless synchronization and perfect coherence. This approach eliminates synchronization issues that can arise with multiple clocks and helps reduce jitter to negligible levels.
In the analog stage, Volumio has selected OPA1612A operational amplifiers, renowned for their linearity and outstanding dynamic performance. These components help preserve the integrity of the analog signal after conversion.
The design uses SMD (Surface Mount Device) components chosen not only for their compactness but also for their superior electrical performance. C0G capacitors ensure stable, distortion-free performance over time and at different temperatures, a detail that reflects the attention paid to every aspect of the design.
Technical Specifications
Architecture and Design
Digital-to-Analog Converter
Dual SABRE ESS ES9039Q2M DAC in true dual mono architecture
Ultra-low total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) of -122.5 dB
Hyper-symmetrical design with perfect left/right channel isolation
Completely independent analog circuits
Dual linear power supply architecture
Dedicated regulation for analog and digital sections
Reduced background noise and increased stability
Selected high-end components
Ultra-precise MEMS clock
Audiophile-grade operational amplifiers
Connectivity
Digital Inputs
USB
Supports PCM up to 768 kHz / 32 bit and DSD512
USB 2.0 type B connector
Optical S/PDIF
Supports PCM up to 192 kHz / 24 bit
TOSLINK connector
Coaxial S/PDIF
Supports PCM up to 192 kHz / 24 bit
RCA connector
I2S over HDMI
Supports PCM up to 768 kHz / 32 bit and DSD512
Analog Outputs
Balanced stereo output
Output level up to 4 Vrms
XLR connectors
Unbalanced stereo output
Output level up to 2 Vrms
RCA connectors
Trigger ports
Trigger input
3.5 mm jack, positive polarity on tip
Trigger output
3.5 mm jack, positive polarity on tip
Compatibility and Features
Compatible with RIVO+ and other digital transports
Can be used as a preamplifier with integrated hardware volume control
High-performance USB interface with perfect bit-to-bit transfer and ultra-low jitter
Power Supply
Input voltage: 5 V DC / 2 A
Power connector: 5.5 mm (outer) / 2.1 mm (inner) diameter
Polarity: positive
Physical Specifications
Dimensions: 27 x 15 x 5 cm
Weight: 2.25 kg
Design: Design Narratives Ltd.
Box Contents
Volumio Precise
USB cable
NFC information card
5 V, 3 A power supply
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the concrete advantages of a dual-mono architecture compared to a conventional DAC?
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A dual-mono architecture uses two completely separate digital-to-analog converters, each dedicated to one channel (left or right). This separation virtually eliminates any crosstalk between channels, resulting in a wider, deeper, and more precise soundstage. In the Preciso, this design enables exceptional stereo separation and a three-dimensional sound reproduction that single-chip DACs generally cannot achieve.
Is the Preciso compatible with streamers from other brands?
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Absolutely. While the Preciso has been optimized to work with Volumio’s Rivo and Rivo+ streamers, it is fully compatible with any digital transport or streamer equipped with the appropriate outputs (USB, optical or coaxial S/PDIF, or I2S via HDMI). Its universal design allows it to integrate into virtually any quality digital audio system.
What is the difference between S/PDIF and I2S connections, and which should I use?
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S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) combines audio data and clock into a single signal, which can introduce jitter. I2S (Inter-IC Sound) separates clock and data signals, significantly reducing jitter and improving timing accuracy. If your source has an I2S output via HDMI, this is generally the best option for optimal sound quality. However, S/PDIF remains an excellent alternative for sources that do not offer I2S.
Why is a dual linear power supply preferable to a standard power supply?
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A dual linear power supply provides separate, regulated power for the analog and digital circuits. This separation prevents interference between these two domains, reducing noise and improving dynamics. Unlike more common switching power supplies, linear power supplies produce less high-frequency noise, contributing to a lower noise floor and better resolution of fine details.
Does the Preciso support the MQA format?
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The specifications do not explicitly mention support for the MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) format. The Preciso focuses on high-resolution PCM formats up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD up to DSD512, which cover the vast majority of available audiophile recordings. If MQA decoding is important to you, check with Volumio for potential updates or use an upstream MQA-compatible streamer.
User reviews
Carlo
Fantastic DAC, insanely detailed for the asking price without sounding sterile, thin
or analytical, it is a wonderful companion for my Gold Note HPA-10, a match made
in heaven, 2 units from Italian brands paired together can only sound great right ;-)
Also compared this to similar priced standalone Dacs from chinese brands
Topping & SMSL and outperformed those in detail & musicality.
Again flawless shipping from HS Team, nothing to complain at all!
Comment from April 24, 2026 — Experience from March 28, 2026
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