Volumio Rivo digital streamer really surprised me!

[@Volumio.]

What a competent review! You're making a significant contribution to the audiophile community. I thoroughly appreciated both the subjective explanations (which closely align with our own perspectives) and the more general insights. Keep up the excellent work!

[@word2RG]

lol

[@mikegoddard7354]

Volumio is a horrible company and does not honor currency exchange rates. They just generate their own price based on whatever imagination they possess. I've purchased from them and that was my experience, also support team had no response to why I am being charged more money than what the currency exchange rate showed. Even after showing them multiple legit websites showing the currency rate for the day I purchased it, and even the day after since the time zone difference. I paid 50 dollars more US than the advertised price on the website.

[@jungtarcph]

if Volumio was stable I would have kept using it... 😅 but I gave up

[@cheeky1664]

As usual, thank you! There's no one (NO ONE) else that does such brutally honest, detailed and sincere reviews, all mixed in with some razor sharp wit! Brilliant! 👍😁👍😁👍

[@joseangelbracho]

Thanks! Clear and straight to the point!!!

[@iiWiReviews]

Thanks for your support!

[@wolfmanjacksaid]

The Rivo blows away my old Bluesound Node. Very happy with the Rivo. Added an LHY LPSU and it's just awesome

[@a3marketing991]

I've been waiting on a review of the Volumio Rivo. I really like the AES output. Thank you

[@daviderb1642]

Thanks!

[@iiWiReviews]

Welcome!

[@sloboat55]

Thanks! I'll keep this one at the top, for now. Excellent vid.

[@iiWiReviews]

Thanks for your support!

[@Firebottleman]

Excellent review as usual. I really like your sense of humor. It is refreshing. Keep up the good work!

[@Immersive-r4c]

Srboljub, thank you for your straightforward assessment of the Rivo. You continue to seem to me a reliable source of evaluation of available products which is important when many components prior to purchase cannot be evaluated in home or without risk and wasted expense. About the Rivo…I know….how about “The Iwii Merit of Honor” 😉. This would be high endorsement indeed coming from you, one of the best audio reviewers online.

[@toddh95008]

Where did the WiFi antenna's go ? I had a unit from early production last year (RIVO) and it had 2 WiFi antennas if you were wondering. The Spdif output is not the best here as it comes directly from the small board computer without re-clocking. They definitely focused on the USB output with this design. Never saw any actual measurements on the coax out but probably high jitter like the older Primo which was very high. Never got this to sound right in my system with 2 different Bryston DAC's and the Gustard A26 perhaps (may have been after the SBC in the RIVO died). The sound signature was all about the mid-range which was smooth & clean but lacked the both high & lows and that did not work for me. Now replaced with the Eversolo DMP-A6 which is good on its own but better with an external DAC. The Gustard A26 is great connected via USB and the coax into an older Bryston BDA-1 is better sounding Vs the Rivo... The older Bryston is very sensitive to jitter and almost every digital transport I have used sounded different (bits ain't always bits). Wonder if other changes happened when they removed the WiFi external ? My $.02, your mileage may vary.

[@BKWarren]

Really good review. It's worth noting that for SPDIF and AES/EBU the quality of the clock in the sender is determinative, while for USB the quality of the clock in the receiver is usually determinative and the USB implementation. So for SPDIF the Rivo's clock is likely playing a significant role in which interface you prefer. Then again Alpha Audio also wasn't impressed by the SPDIF but was with the AES/EBU which likely uses the same clock! Hmm.

[@wolfmanjacksaid]

Good point. Spdif is 1 way and USB is 2 way communication.

[@bootlegboy1]

Based upon your YT review I purchased one of these recently and am very happy, I run this into my Lampizator TRP DAC also running ROON on a fanless mini PC. Overall I am very happy with the unit and will be changing the power supply to a LPSU in the near future

[@brooksc900]

Good one, thanks. It looks like you have the Eversolo DMP-A6 with a silver badge. I understand the more expensive Eversolo Master Edition (with a gold badge) has improved filtering/clock and gives slightly better sound quality. I wonder how the Master Edition compares with the Volumio Rivio?

[@antoniomontesu5341]

Þhe streamer part of eversolo ME is the same of the regular eversolo. Eversolo ME improve analog part

[@heI666]

Thanks for your honest reviews! The price point looks a bit expensive for a streamer without an internal power supply. With denafrips arce or holo audio red there's some strong competition in that regards. But, the digital connections seems well implemted, the sound signal aspects are above other streamers and the software package seems to be a good maintained, complete solution, the device has a good value.

[@Pete.across.the.street]

No internal power supply is a good thing.

[@veniceog]

It has been surprising to me as well. I upgraded from a Bluesound Node N130. I didnt expect much, and to be honest I didnt hear much at first. After a couple of weeks, the improvements started to register. The darker background; the tonality of the bass and a lot of low level detail are so much clearer. All while retaining robust tonality. 😮Its not what I expected, and I’m liking it ah-lot.

[@truman4956]

Hobos of the world unite! Love your sense of humor and thank you for all your reviews.

[@stephencosta6814]

Once again, you are one of the best on KZbin, he provide a great service and a wealth of information for us. Thank you so much.❤👏🏼👍🙏🏻

[@audiorick841]

Great review. Thank you. You do have a good point about the included shipping. That’s excellent. For buyers outside Europe don’t forget that you will probably have to add the import customs tax and duties.

[@Volumio.]

Import customs tax are included in the price worldwide. We want to offer the simples purchase experience to our customers ;)

[@audiorick841]

@@Volumio. Oh, that is really good! Very few offer this. Thank you for the clarification.

[@sgonz2016]

Thanks a lot for a superb and complete review!!! It would be an interesting comparison between Volumio Rivo and Holo Audio Red maybe the best sounding streamer/Digital transports in 1K€ range.... please let's try it!!!

[@pablovi77]

I want to buy the Eversolo, because I use mostly local library and Apple Music, but it’s still too expensive for me. I’ll keep using Volumio on RPi 4.

[@mortimersnerd1348]

Just received my EverSolo DMP-A6 a week ago and knowing the sound quality bar was set very high, I concluded that (for the price) it would be good enough for me. Include the fact that it has a feature I needed more than anything, that is a storage bay for an NVME card (containing my entire music library). I've tried streaming over the network using Upnp/Dlna protocols, but found them to be unstable. I kept getting disconnected and dropouts during the stream. The best experience was when a laptop or, in this case, a streamer is directly wired to my DAC do I get an uninterrupted signal. Loving the DMP-A6 so far and looking forward to loading up future firmware updates that correct its few and minor failings.

[@Thoughtflux]

How large is your nvme card? How exactly were you using your upnp/dlna stream? I will be setting up my first partly diy streamer in two weeks and want the upsampling happen in my pc than in the streamer.

[@mortimersnerd1348]

@@Thoughtflux My NVME card is 2TBs. My music library is 1TB in size. So lots of room for expansion. Before I got the streamer, I was using a Sonore UltraRendu as a network bridge plugged into my external Denefrips Pontus II dac. In a separate room I have my office computer which runs JRIver music software. I was using JRiver to stream playlists to the UltraRendu over the network. However, that setup was fraught with issues. For me, the best way to eliminate the issues was to connect a laptop or this streamer directly to my dac. As for upsampling...I'm not a fan. The other wonderful thing this streamer does is send a native unchanged signal for every track to my dac. That's what I wanted.

[@2HatHudders]

I have just got mine a week ago too and I completely agree with you!

[@mortimersnerd1348]

@@2HatHudders Happy to hear I'm not the only one who has experienced these issues. At least I now know I'm not going crazy.

[@reticulatedralphie7176]

Greetings. Is the playback quality from the NVME card equal to, or at least close to, the playback quality of the of the streamed audio?

[@bobb.9917]

Interesting..l am currently running Qobuz via LHY-SW-8 Network Switch to Mercury Streamer V.1 (Linear Pwr . Supply) which is running Volumio, then I²S cable to Pontus II DAC… I have been very happy with the sound quality in all areas! 😀 Thanks for reviewing this streamer…like you…I did not have any interest in it really, I did not think it was something significant …but now I do! 👍🏼 OH…and thanks for the music!🎉

[@iiWiReviews]

Great digital chain you have there. 👍

[@bobb.9917]

@@iiWiReviews…but based on your great Rivo Review…not quite good enough! 😮😅

[@andreacountry8471]

In Italy the Rivo is offer at 799€ for November!

[@pinkyfloydyfan1]

Like you said: "wait for my Volumio Rivo review" in a previous video, Rivo is a step up from iFi Zen streamer that i got. I had an eye on the Eversolo as a streamer transport, but now Rivo takes the pole place. So, if i go with: 1. Volumio Rivo plugged 2. with the iFi PowerX power supply to a USB cable (suggestion?) 3. to the Denafrips Pontus 2 12th anniv. 4. to my Hegel H190 5. to my SVS Prime Pinnacle... does it will produce the best sound that i can get from Tidal connect for my system? It will be my last audio system for the rest of my life because i want to spent also my money elsewhere!!! Thanks again for your so good reviews and answers!

[@tedroy13]

Did you ever find out the answer? , thinking whether to buy this..

[@vladimirjovanovic2803]

Great work Srbo, as usual! As always, you raise the bar (we've become to expect that from your reviews by now 😎) and I think some other reviewers with more followers should learn something from you and this channel. So, it looks like the Rivo is a player, eh? (pun intended 😁😁😁😁😁😁). If you take into account the sound quality you've talked about in the review together with the purchasing terms, the proposition looks even better. But, when you take into account that you need to purchase an equally potent DAC to go with it (for a few €€€ or $$$), things begin to look pretty different - would it still be the same great value and would it still compare favorably to those other streamers (if you level the playground) you've mentioned in the review? On a personal level, my experience with VolumioOS is not that great - I've used it for 3 years and had a lot of issues with it. Instability and software bugs were a normal when I used it on 2 Raspberry PIs I've had. And since I still receive news from the Volumio Society, I can see that there still are issues that are not solved. Hopefully, the full version on the Primo is better and more stable than the ones (even the paid ones) used on the Raspberries.

[@dusandraskovic9441]

Jesi koristio Primo? Razmisljam se sto uzeti, Eversolo A6 ili Primo sa Ifi power X napajanjem. Svi pricaju o tome da A6 zna biti previse napadan u visocijim tonovima, posebno sa sistemima gdje je to vec malo izrazeno. Svaka pomoc dobrodosla 🙂

[@vladimirjovanovic2803]

@@dusandraskovic9441 Nisam koristio Primo. Moj komentar se odnosio na Volumio OS koji je upravljački sistem u Primu i koji mi se uopšte nije svideo. Kvalitet zvuka je opisao Srba u svom prikazu i tu mislim da nema greške. Što se tiče poređenja koje si napravio sa Eversolo, pretpostavljam da bi kvalitet zvuka mnogo zavisio i od ostatka sistema koji imaš. Ako tvoj sistem naginje "detaljnom" zvuku sa istaknutijim visokim tonovima, ne znam da li bi DMP-6 bio za tebe. Neko je na Forumu prokomentarisao da je DMP-6 odličan kao strimer, ali da mu DAC nije na tom nivou.

[@weeragardens]

Great review as always. Just wondering if you had a chance of checking the sound quality when playing from a portable usb drive connected. Thanks

[@EvgeniyRC]

Hello. Glad you reviewed this device. Great review. It was important for me to hear your opinion because I trust you. Throughout the month I was choosing a streamer for myself and this one was among the contenders for purchase. I'm not a big fan of its colorful body design, but if it does its job well, that's more important. I'll buy it, thanks for helping me make this choice.

[@MrWindmad]

What a great review! Looking forward to know about the Denafrips Arce streamer

[@jugobetrugo4168]

Hi! Is it possible to stream KZbin premium music with it and what do you think about tube streaming quality when you compare it with tidal or something similar? Thanks, very good reviews!

[@augustinvaclavik6282]

Hello dear sir, i just want to say how much i appreciate everything you do for us lost audiophiles, you helped me tremendously when my audio electronics choices... just out of curiosity, is there a chance for you to review smsl vmvd2r, new vmv with rohm chip...again, thanks alot

[@iiWiReviews]

I'll see if I can get a review sample.

[@augustinvaclavik6282]

@@iiWiReviews would've done the same as your fan did with the arendals, if only I had the funds for that....nevertheless, thank you for your attitude

[@wolfmanjacksaid]

What would be a reasonable step up from the Rivo? Could you compare it to the Auralic Aries G1.1 or others?

[@slowestrider4918]

Thank you for the review and compares to the Eversolo A6. Would you be reviewing the BluSound Node Icon soon and compares to this Volumio Rivo with linear power supply?

[@larryh9525]

You're funny. I couldn't care less about your lighting. I'm here because you have wide knowledge when it comes to DACs and streamers.

[@PaoloCaminiti]

Please review Holoaudio Red, cause after earing an eversolo (master edition) I'm confused at how much difference I heard most of the time in favour of the eversolo (holo eth over usb and eversolo wifi over coax).

[@ajitsank]

Is it Tad better than Eversolo becuase you where using the external DAC R26. Whereas Eversolo comes with internal DAC. So the cost shoots up by miles. Thanks for all your good work.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

True that. So, this would be a good choice for those who already have a good DAC and are willing to spend a bit more

[@NeilBlanchard]

He said that he compared these with the Eversolo as a streamer - he used the same external DAC on both, I think.

[@paulwg2112]

Thanks for this review!

[@roni801129]

Благодаря за ревюто Серболюб! Аз използвам Rivo с Mytek Liberty 2 Dac и съм много доволен...Също като вас открих,че USB изхода е по добър в моя вариант.UPNP и Audirvana също звучи много добре...Rivo е страхотен... 😊

[@b00m3rh4nd_sol]

Good review. Sounds interesting but I am holding out for DSD1024 support over I2S.

[@Djk0t]

Thank you for the insightful and honest reviews. I am considering to get a streamer. My setup is KLH Model 5 / Atoll IN300 with DAC/ Old dac Teac UD501. All this time I ve been using mainly an iPad Pro connected to the DAC's through USB or my MacBook Pro using audiorvana. As there is not any reviews to compare the iPad as a streamer vs the various streamers I was wondering whether you have tried it. I am leaning towards the Rivo but I would prefer to spend the money on a REL sub. Thank you in advance.

[@reptidan]

I hope you will test magna mano ultra mkiii streamer

[@i.r.degustor4817]

Your Video is as always so convincing and brillant.

[@MrModulus]

How does the volumio compare to the innuos pulse mini? I was about to pull the triger on the innuos but I have doubts now!!! Thanks for your reviews

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

It’s really nice sounding and I tend to agree with the shanti connected it sounds better than the eversolo alone (it’s about equal to the eversolo imo with my h390 and pmc speakers with an Aune s9c dac and sc1 clock) too but the software can have its foibles and glitches. I felt you should have said this as you prob know it…your video kind of implies the Volumio is as easy to use in software as the Eversolo. I definitely don’t think this is the case. I’ve had for instance buttons that you press and nothing happens, album art flickering and glitching on an update, having to turn the unit on and off again so it can be found in Roon and Volumio and not drawing any Ethernet with my switch lights flickering, when the eversolo just does it without need to be turned on and off. You do get the Rivo working reliably but it’s a bit like an older Alfa Romeo car - you have to know what the software is doing and the foibles like not recognising the player, and why, and at times it can be a little infuriating when you don’t know what it’s doing as you get used to it.

[@iiWiReviews]

I haven't encountered those kinds of problems. It was actually rock solid in my setup. I now that one case doesn't make a rule but it is what it is. That said, I spent very little time in Volumio software itself because I just don't like it very much. So I can't say much about its long time user experience. On the other hand I used it much more extensively with Bubble UPnP, and even more with Roon. I even subscribed to Roon because of how well it works with Rivo. That kind of finicky behaviour you're mentioning I had with iFi Zen Stream but never with Rivo... Or most other streamers for that matter.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@iiWiReviews the ifi zen stream is awful. Anyone would be brave to review that one after my review. I might be experiencing it because I have primo and Rivo and they don’t seem to work together well in the Volumio app when you are interchangeably moving between the app to adjust settings and Roon for playback, with players being recognised and flicking between players in the app. I always test the app and everything as could be missing something and I’ll be trying the Volumio Rivo alone to see if issues settle down in use, especially as a roon transport. It does have a few foibles to get used to. I do agree with you with the shanti which I have too, but the eversolo doesn’t have so much air, so without the shanti I think the eversolo is the equal. I think it’s so close you could prefer one or the other. I’m testing with pricey amps and speakers than you are using. Dac about the same.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@iiWiReviewsyou surely must have played around with the software like tidal, Spotify etc if you are doing a review on it as a reviewer ? I’m encountering so many issues with stability of the app because people might buy it for this…….

[@alexvlach4897]

Does Volumio 3 support folder view? I want to play local files on a USB drive and i need the software to respect the folder structure i created (Genre/Artist/Album/Track) without re-tagging, re-indexing, etc. basically i want the software to play my folders as they are and leave them alone. I don't want to have to rename thousands of songs until they comply with the software's behavior. Thank you.

[@zoranjovancic9816]

Thanks for a great review 👌 Will you be reviewing either volumio primo hifi edition or volumio primo v2

[@ekjellgren]

Did you compare it to a dac like A26? I guess there should be no difference putting this before it as a streamer vs using built-in streaming..?

[@mattsmith3135]

I'm probably going to seem like an idiot here, but I'm struggling to understand which components in a streamer would make a change to the sound. And furthermore, how a software interface (e.g. Volumio, Roon) could make a noticeable impact to sound unless it's using some kind of EQ. This Rivo doesn't contain a DAC or anything that processes audio, does it? Can anyone enlighten me?

[@MrSplit57]

Hi! What DAC you used in this review?

[@gerryb5459]

I was wondering that too.

[@iiWiReviews]

- Gustard R26 - My DIY Tube DAC (similar to Lampizator Baltic 3)

[@subcoded]

which digital outputs used? USB or COAX?@@iiWiReviews

[@aso_x6]

Hi! Lindemann Limetree Bridge 2 vs Volumio Rivo? Does anyone have experience? Thx (Great review!)

[@michaelwright1602]

After more research for a simple stand alone streamer, not many out there... And having reservations on software, I pulled the trigger on one of these Rivo black units. Your review kicked me over the edge after viewing it again, and seeing that they have an all black unit. I hope the Volumio software is no longer a PIA to use. It sounds like many improvements have been made. Finger's crossed. Thanks again for the work you do sir.

[@jeffinnh76]

You happy with it?

[@michaelwright1602]

@@jeffinnh76 Yes, but it needs a good power supply, I picked up a Farad Super 3. I then added the Roon Nucleus One and it really worked some magic on improving the overall sound quality, very impressed with the Roon device. Funny, I have the WiiM Ultra running in the same system, hooked up to the Roon Nucleus One on the network. I am using the Ultra USB output to my DAC, and it is very difficult to distinguish any faults in its streaming sound quality. It is a bit brighter than the Rivo, but the WiiM can EQ much of that out. Choosing between the two, irregardless of cost, I would take the Rivo, my power supply and the Roon nucleus One. On a budget, the Ultra and the Roon Nucleus One would be my first recommendation. That combo, for the money, is going to be very very hard to beat.

[@rosenlazarov]

@@michaelwright1602 Try adding a network switch just before the streamer. It will be interesting....

[@michaelwright1602]

@@jeffinnh76 Very

[@sean_heisler]

I wonder how the new Wiim Pro Plus would hold up against all of these streamers you are reviewing? I have a Pontus II and currently have a Zen Stream, which I love, but as you likely know it's buggy and glitchy and so I would be interested in getting a new digital transport. Before I pull the trigger on the EverSolo it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on the Wiim Pro Plus.

[@NeilBlanchard]

You can upgrade the WiiM with a linear power supply; though I have no way to know if it then is in the same league as the Rivo?

[@sean_heisler]

@@NeilBlanchard That is very true. A WiiM PP with a high quality linear ps. Who knows but I’m betting it might not get up to the Rivo level but if it can surpass my Zen Stream and I’d be happy. Im seriously going to look into the WiiM and a power supply.

[@myaudioquest]

I have the WiiM Pro using a Keces power supply and it sounds excellent with the Bifrost 2. However, I did own the Zen Stream briefly (with upgraded iFi power supply) and if memory serves it was noticeably better sounding than the Wiim Pro with Keces power supply. I found the Zen WiFi too buggy at the time so I returned it.

[@sean_heisler]

@@myaudioquest thanks for chiming in! I appreciate it. Wow, that’s a nice power supply, crazy. This is good to know. I don’t think anyone can deny the Zen Stream sounds amazingly good, it’s just such a shame that it has so many issues. Thanks!

[@palocunderlik794]

@@myaudioquest my only problem with Zen Stream was when using wifi..once connceted via ethernet cable and wifi set to off it works fine

[@altangasi4665]

Pozdrav Prijatelju.. hvala na lep video 👍 Jer si imao mogucnosti da cujes ili usporedis Jf mx-3 sa Rivo?? Sta bi reko koji je bolji? Pozdrav

[@iiWiReviews]

Pozdrav, nisam Jf čuo nikada pa ne znam kako rade i zvuče, tj. nisam od pomoći u ovom slučaju.

[@Dima24684]

Hi,i have Node 2i streamer and B&W Formaton Duo,if i buy Volumio Rivo,i don't need other to play music? or i must buy enything other? is it sound better then Node 2i? Thanks

[@D1N02]

Missed this one. Really interesting. Pro's great sound, free Volumio (plus, pro premium whatever) con need to get a better power supply to get the most out of it. No toslink, no I2S.

[@datdudeinred]

I would love a video on your diy tube dac.

[@34332]

Lol, who cares about the (sun)light? Your descriptions give plenty of contrast 😉

[@AudioThings]

Great reviews, congratulations! Could you please test again vs the Eversolo after installing the new PSU upgrade for the DMP A6 (if you get one)? Only interested between these 2 products, need a transport, don't know which one to buy. Thanks!

[@2madamimadam290]

I appreciate the comments on Volumio. Maybe it has matured. It was so buggy in my Zen Stream and Intel based NUC. Constant drops, stops, disconnects. I gave up on Volumio. Zen sounded good when it was working. Sold it.

[@iiWiReviews]

Zen Stream's software was very unpolished when I tested it. Rivo on the other hand works flawlessly so far.

[@Volumio.]

As I mentioned above: I regret to learn about your negative experience. The device you've mentioned utilize unauthorized software, lacking any licensing agreement with us. Consequently, we advise against their use, as achieving optimal reliability necessitates the tight integration of software with the hardware, a process we execute through our official OEM program. Manufacturers who operate without proper authorization, are therefore unable to provide the optimal Volumio experience.

[@2madamimadam290]

@@Volumio. Was the Zen Stream considered a Volumio authorized system? Whenever I contacted iFi, it was always to install the latest firmware OR default back to the shipping firmware and "sorry for the inconvenience". Maybe a Volumio manufactured HW system would have been more stable? Tried various recommended settings, cache size etc. Had to move on. I'll agree that the NUC is not authorized but hoped the Zen was a stable functional unit but Ifi support could not make it so. Constant freezes, gaps, needed reboots etc. Wiim Pro just plain works.

[@Volumio.]

@@2madamimadam290 No, we did not authorize iFi and we have serious perplexities about the software package on such systems.

[@robertverbanac8776]

Thank you for presentation. Eversolo A6 ME (streamer only)or Volumio Rivo using with active speakers?

[@iiWiReviews]

I haven't tried ME version so I can't comment on it. I can only tell you that Rivo sounds slightly better than the standard A6 version.

[@Spywon]

nice review, very well done. but one thing i dont quite get yet. Why do you need a DAC if you have speakers with AES inputs

[@iiWiReviews]

If speakers have digital AES input that means they have a DAC integrated inside of them already. So you don't need an external one.

[@frittfrall3220]

Can I ask why you never compared it to the Limetree bridge that you also praised?

[@iiWiReviews]

It has been some time since I had a Limetree Bridge so it's not in my comparison fleet... But that one was same as iFi Zen Stream... Very open and deteiled, but not as full tonally, and not as big soundstage as with Rivo.

[@alfredtolentino8614]

Has anyone used a Chord Qutest with both the Eversolo A6 vs Volumia Rivo?

[@wolfmanjacksaid]

Cool thing about the video output with HDMI...you can connect a touchscreen and actually control the Rivo through that HDMI. I personally connect that to my TV while streaming so I can just see the album art

[@jalovecjoffrey9542]

Thanks for this good review. I think the Price is too high. I used octavio, and bluesound streamer, and now i use my computer with audirvana. Is by far the best streamer !

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

all my music sounds better when my PC has been removed from the signal chain. in fact i only ever use my PC for music when i’m working. this is not a result i anticipated or was talked into-it’s something i never noticed until i stopped using my PC for source. i wouldn’t lie to anyone on Earth about this. maybe investigate some cheaper options, but for god’s sake don’t settle

[@The.Dream.Builder]

Allo digione w/ shanti vs Rivo vs wiim pro plus(w/linear psu) who wins. I have the digione and love it how I was thinking about switching to wiim just to get multiple for zones

[@zackpetrovic3029]

14:40 what is that DIY tube DAC? you have video of it?

[@iiWiReviews]

It is Lampucera by Lukasz Fikus but done in an end-game fashion with three separate power supplies, with oversized transformers, Miflex output capacitors, etc. I do plan to make a video about it sometimes.

[@gryphongryph]

What would it cost to build?

[@paulwg2112]

curious to what is different between Rivo and Primo. Primo is player and DAC and cheaper than Rivo.

[@JustBrowsing777]

Man I had just decided on the Eversolo, to upgrade from my Bluesound Node N130, pairing it with my existing Audiolab 7000A amp. Now you're screwing with my mind here 😅 I am now unsure of if I am better off getting the Rivo and using the Audiolabs internal DAC (ESS ES9038Q2M single chip) or the Eversolo as transport or possibly it's DAC (same chip but two). 😅

[@SeanChong-q7q]

what is your opinion to pair Rivo with D90III and compare to A6?

[@iiWiReviews]

Rivo and D90III will have more clarity, more spacious soundstage and more dynamics. But the price is more than twice so decide for yourself...

[@SeanChong-q7q]

Thanks. Basically I have wiim pro with D90III and hope that this would worth for the upgrade. Once again thanks and I like your channel.

[@johnh539]

I am/was so close to buying the Lindemann Limetree Bridge, should get the Rivo which is better ? any price difference does not matter as they are so close. While I'm here I might as well ask any other sub £1000 streamer that are better than ither of these two?

[@iiWiReviews]

Rivo is better than Lindemann Limetree Bridge in my opinion. If you use any other connection than SPDIF it's probably the best sounding streamer I tried bellow 1000. If you're OK with using SPDIF with its sample rate limitation then Allo DigiOne signature backed by linear power supply is the best sounding streamer in my opinion.

[@Ranghocsing]

Is that a eversolo Dmp-A6 master edition or normal one?

[@iiWiReviews]

It's not ME but a regular DMP-A6.

[@wolfmanjacksaid]

I wonder how it compares to the Mercury V2 streamer.

[@riccitone]

So, have been looking at replacing my Pi2 Design Mercury, if even just to get away from a Pi board. But Volumio Premium for life, and even better than DMP A6? I was considering the Masters Edition DMP A6. Wondering how that one would compare with Rivo, now. Nonetheless, this seems a better way to go regardless. And, gotta say you're awfully brilliant for a "KZbin hobo" 😊🙏

[@terranovaestudio]

If you could choose between a streamer with a screen and one without, which would you choose?

[@iiWiReviews]

I don't use the screen, it distracts me because I often listen to music in a dark room. But I could keep it off on EverSolo so I didn't mind.

[@frederf69]

good move on including tax 👍 & a good review for us hobos ✌😎👍 thank you

[@Harvy75a]

How to connect a TV without Optical / hdmi Arc ?!?

[@xstensl8823]

waiting for the Rivo mk2 with i2s

[@michaelwright1602]

I used the Volumio software a few months back on a Mercury v2 streamer and it was terrible. I thought I was a beta tester and immediately moved over to RoPieeeXL. I believe ifi uses a version on their Zen streamer, which I could never get stable enough to work. I hope they have improved this as you stated. To add, my network is all hard wired for the audio gear, no wifi in the mix.

[@iiWiReviews]

Yes, I preferred RoPieeeXL on Pi2AES and Mercury too. But it seems they optimized it really well for Rivo. It works some three weeks in my system without a hitch. It makes sense since its their own device.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@iiWiReviewsGood to hear, it was a very frustrating OS on the Mercury. Keep the videos coming sir!

[@Volumio.]

I regret to learn about your negative experience. The two devices you've mentioned utilize unauthorized software, lacking any licensing agreement with us. Consequently, we advise against their use, as achieving optimal reliability necessitates the tight integration of software with the hardware, a process we execute through our official OEM program. Manufacturers who operate without proper authorization, are therefore unable to provide the optimal Volumio experience.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@Volumio. Thank you for the reply, I was wondering why so many raved about Volumio when my experience was the opposite.

[@jungtarcph]

@@michaelwright1602 similar experience here but on Raspberry Pi. I tried several installs, cards and different Pi. Using Volumio native app is OK,but once you include Spotify or anything that is not Volumio it crashes and hangs killing the passion. Super sad.

[@datdudeinred]

The main reason to get volumino is their software. Wish this had hdmi arc in & and i2s out

[@V2760]

What about VMV D1se 2 ?

[@ekjellgren]

I don't think much can beat a nuc in a fanless case, running Roon Rock (provided you use Roon). This feeds my Pegasus through Usb to an Aes converter.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

This sounds interesting. The Pegasus is no cheap DAC -- (1) do you not think you'd do better with at least a cleaned-up USB signal as source? (2) out of curiosity, did you compare different connections or were you just so happy with the sound of USB to AES that you stuck with that?

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

what makes you not think this

[@pinkyfloydyfan1]

Can you answer to my previous question: "Like you said...If i go with... does it will produce the best sound that i can get from Tidal connect for my system?" Thanks a lot!

[@iiWiReviews]

I have to say that I didn't spend time comparing Tidal Connect performance of Rivo with other streamers. It's simply because Tidal connect still can't match the sound quality of UPnP, or Roon, or native Volumio player... So I compared them using better sounding options and didn't get critical with comparing Tidal Connect performance.

[@pinkyfloydyfan1]

@@iiWiReviews I didn't so much ask for an assessment of Tidal connect as to know if my components: 1. Volumio Rivo plugged 2. with the iFi PowerX power supply to a USB cable (suggestion?) 3. to the Denafrips Pontus 2 12th anniv. 4. to my Hegel H190 5. to my SVS Prime Pinnacle... will produce the best sound that i can get? Probably I should have written the complete question instead of... As you can see, my components come from the different sites that offered them to me. Again, thank you very much for your EXCELLENT work and your informed answers as an audiophile like me.

[@iiWiReviews]

I never listened to SVS prime pinnacle, but the rest of that chain is great and should result in fantastic sound together with Rivo.

[@pinkyfloydyfan1]

Thanks a lot. I don't think my iFi PowerX supply will be as good as your Shanti LPS... AND hopping the Rivo will really increase the sound better then the iFi Zen stream...@@iiWiReviews

[@pablovi77]

The problem I have with Volumio on RPi 4 is that it corrupts the image every few months, so I have to reinstall and start over every time. I’m afraid it will happen to that streamer as well. I have it on an RPi 4 connected to an SMSL Sanskrit II DAC.

[@massivemikeh]

I find power outages corrupt Volumio on Rpi4. Not every time but after a couple often times Volumio either is dead or loses network drive settings on reboot. Not reliable at all.

[@pablovi77]

@@massivemikeh Yeah, that’s why it happens, I have since bought a wifi power outlet, and I keep it powered off, and only turn it on when using it, it seems to be helping. The only downside is you have to wait like 5-8 minutes for it to boot every time before you can listen to music. And the software is very unreliable as well, it crashes a lot.

[@massivemikeh]

@@pablovi77 I've been reading up on this problem and its recommended to do just that, power down after every use. I have started doing this also. It's a damn pain, but hopefully saves reinstalling all the time.

[@Volumio.]

The SD Card is the weak point of Raspberry PI. If you don't have a really good PSU and the SD Card is not good quality, you'll get the experience you mention (even though Volumio is heavily optimized to minimize SD Card wear). But SD Cards were never designed to be reliable mass storage... On our products we don't use Raspberry PI, but a different platform which has integrated EMMC mermory which does not suffer from such degradation and its way faster, both in reading and in writing speeds.

[@massivemikeh]

@@Volumio. Thanks for this, it is very helpful. I will boot from ssd now.

[@wolfmanjacksaid]

I had some trouble at first setup...I recommend for everyone to first disable all options in Volumio and only enable what you need. Once it's working it is a great streamer.

[@NeilBlanchard]

WOW! I have been hoping to hear about a really great stand alone streamer! And now I have only one question; which probably would have to be answered by me trying it: if it has a Radio Paradise app - and it *probably* does - then IF you can sign into your RP account and listen to My Favorites stream - then I will probably buy this! And I might even subscribe to Roon. Thank you Srba! Edit: I can confirm that the purchase price is $989 to the US; with free shipping. They have a 30 day return policy, but it doesn't mention a fee; though I have to think there is one?

[@a3marketing991]

I'd like to know what the import tax is to the US. I'm guessing around $2-300

[@toddt5562]

​@@a3marketing991In the case of hifi gear, we don't have import taxes here in the US. That's some protectionist EU stuff.

[@iiWiReviews]

Import duties and taxes are included in the price as the website claims.

[@a3marketing991]

@@iiWiReviews That's a huge deal. Thank you for pointing that out.

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@iiWiReviews I am curious about the HDMI display - I think that seeing a large screen would be great. I think that another reviewer (Hans B?) mentioned that if the display was a touch screen, that can be hooked up with a USB - if so, then this is would be *great*. Also, if you have access to a Node, and can get either the PD Creative adapter/interface with a 5V linear power supply (this is what I have, and it makes a big difference over the stock internal switch mode PS) - or the one from a sister company of Denafrips. Both these replace internal switch mode PS with an interface circuit board that adds filtering and capacitance, and lets you plug in an external linear power supply. If you were able to do this, and compare it to the Rivo - that would be awesome!

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🙋‍♂️ SRBJ , I HOPE ALL IS WELL 🤗💚💚💚

[@ivanm1800]

Please try Lumin U2 mini streamer !

[@sean_heisler]

KZbin hobo! 😂😂😂😂 I think you and I would get along well, we see the world the same way.

[@Thoughtflux]

Given your experience, it will be a great help to everyone if you made an in depth tutorial on how to set up upnp & dlna or other completely free options. Please :)

[@iiWiReviews]

Then that's an idea for a future video...

[@robertmatuszczyk551]

I have the same feeling when comparing the Eversolo DMP-A6 with Moode Audio on the RPI4 with AlloShanti. The Eversolo streamer plays dryly and with less detail compared to Moode. This is the same difference between Volumio on RPI and Moode. Once again, Moode blows away Volumio's sound quality. This is probably related to the difference in software architecture because Moode is 64-bit. This gives an advantage over 32-bit Volumio in that there is much less rounding in processing - this was explained by one of the testers somewhere. It is quite possible that in the case of this tested RIVO streamer, the commercial project is based on an unpublished 64-bit version and therefore sounds better than Eversolo. But this is just my unproven theory. I performed the tests on USB with SMSL M500MKII with the replaced electrolytic capacitors. I will add that here too Eversolo lost out on sound quality when comparing the DAC to this SMSL. Yes, the sound stage was wider, but it lost its depth and, for me, the treble was too insistent. My priority was the sound quality of local Hi-Res flac files, not fireworks like a million streaming services or the screen on the device. Moode has a great interface with the ability to navigate by letters (important if we have hundreds of discs and scrolling the content to the letter, e.g. W, is problematic). My current set is Moode RPI with AlloShanti and Musician Pegasus as a USB DAC.

[@shipsahoy1793]

Yeah, it’s not cheap for sure, but it does in my experience seem like the cheapest streamers don’t quite sound as good, with a flatter duller sound than the ones that have better chips, clocking circuits, and power supplies. I’d like to know how the V. Primo and the E. DMP-A6 compare..😉

[@justasimplefox]

You forgot the Limetree Bridge in the comparison 😊

[@iiWiReviews]

I can't keep that long of a trail. That one was on pair with Zen Stream so Rivo should be easily better.

[@zsvrljuga1]

I am Roon lifetime owner, licence owner for Audirvana and Amarra Lux, also I was user of JRiver Media Player and HQPlayer. HQPlayer have best sound quality, Audirvana is second best, than ROON. But ROON have the unbelievable big joy of use and my choice is ROON for a liftime probably best of both worlds would be integration of ROON and HQPlayer, which is possible but costly. BTW, for me, Eversolo, bluesound... every streamer with DAC is a wrong way to go if you are chasing sound quality and joy of use, it's good only for idea of simplicity... No software can touch ROON in joy of use, learning about music and new artists to you, presenting you your artist.... ROON is a like really good friend which knows you and know music like none else and will help you to have more diverse music life...

[@bruunm1975]

Hahahah "you're a youtube hobo.." Lost it... hahah!

[@SimpleMailWork]

No I2s, no Toslink, no linear power supply, no DAC... for $1100 ???

[@petarst]

G-dine Stojanovicu gde zivite? Koji su ovo zvucnici iza vas?

[@fierychilipeppers494]

This review has been totally discredited by the lighting. :)

[@iiWiReviews]

Yes, blue backlight is untrustworthy. 👀

[@EgonB325]

With all due respect, I think the Wiim, like the Chromecast audio before it, renders all streamers +$100 a waste of money if you have a DAC. Has all the functionality you need. I suspect Volumio realised this competition is unbeatable and the raspberry solutions are unattractive in comparison. The company seems to have abandoned the budget audience they once targetted, with supposed "high-end" streaming solutions for people willing to shell out extraordinary amounts for streamers. On the other hand, I'd be curious about your opinions with regard to digital room correction.

[@pablovi77]

But Volumio can index and play a local library in a NAS or network HDD. Wiim can’t.

[@michaelmityok1001]

You mean in YOUR system, and more broadly on the budget side of the hifi realm. In a $70K system - for example - the Wiim would be audibly the weak link, and not by a small margin. Go hear an expensive hifi system at a high-end dealer or hifi show (AXPONA or Munich) and come to realize your sonic horizons are limited by YOUR budget, which doesn't apply to other folks with the means to purchase high-end components.

[@EgonB325]

Good point.@@pablovi77

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

Egon, how extensive is your experience with streamers pricier than Wiim

[@NosEL34]

Taxes and shipping fee's from the US is ridiculous. That is way too much money for a KZbin Hobo. Great subjective review though..and it was a little surprising. The price and basic external power supply turned me away from it a couple months ago..as i was thinking it was basically a Pi in a nice enclosure. Maybe it actually is worth a listen

[@AWEG-qu8bz]

I think that Volumio tried to create a Licence to Print Money.