Volumio has launched the Volumio Primo V3, the third generation of the Florence-based company’s flagship streaming DAC, rebuilt around a new engineering platform after gathering feedback from its user community. The Primo V3 keeps the compact form factor of its predecessors while addressing performance right through the signal path, from a new CPU to a completely reworked analogue output stage.
Michelangelo Guarise, founder and CEO of Volumio, said the update is “not an iteration” but “a complete reinvention of our flagship streaming DAC,” built to push performance while keeping the musicality and ease of use the brand is known for.
A new DAC and a quieter power supply
At the core of the Primo V3 sits the ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC, paired with a linear power supply stage that Volumio says lowers noise and improves signal-to-noise ratio compared with the outgoing switch-mode design. A faster quad-core CPU keeps the Volumio OS responsive, while an improved output stage is claimed to deliver lower distortion and noise into a connected amplifier or preamplifier.
NOS mode, filters and adjustable outputs
Audiophiles who prefer a non-oversampling signal path can now switch to a dedicated NOS mode that preserves the raw digital signal before conversion, alongside eight selectable DAC filters for shaping the sound. Output levels on both the balanced XLR (1.0–6.3 Vrms) and unbalanced RCA (0.5–3.15 Vrms) connections are adjustable in eight steps, allowing the Primo V3 to be matched precisely to the rest of a system. Streamers occupy a growing part of the high-end market: earlier this month bestofhighend.com covered the Ferrum BROEN network streaming transport, another product built around getting digital audio cleanly into a DAC.
Streaming, Roon and a 4K display output
The Primo V3 runs Volumio, the company’s own music OS, giving access to local network sources plus streaming services including Tidal, Qobuz, HighResAudio, TuneIn and Spotify, with Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect and Roon also supported. An HDMI output up to 4K mirrors the Volumio app interface onto an external display, while Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.0 and two USB-A ports round out connectivity. Every Primo, like all Volumio hardware, is designed and assembled by hand in Florence, Tuscany.
Pricing and availability
The Volumio Primo V3 is priced at €849, $1,049 and £769, and is available to order now via the Volumio Shop.
Key specifications
- DAC: ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M
- Power supply: linear, ultra-low noise
- NOS mode: switchable on/off, plus 8 selectable DAC filters
- Analogue outputs: balanced XLR (1.0–6.3 Vrms), unbalanced RCA (0.5–3.15 Vrms), each adjustable in 8 steps
- Digital audio: onboard DAC up to PCM 384kHz/32-bit; USB output up to PCM 1536kHz/32-bit and DSD1024
- CPU / memory: quad-core A72 1.5GHz, 2GB DDR4 RAM, 16GB eMMC
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, 2x USB-A, HDMI up to 4K/60fps
- Streaming services: Tidal, Qobuz, HighResAudio, TuneIn, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready
- Dimensions / weight: 27 x 15 x 5cm, 2.5kg
