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Volumio Primo Plus Arrives: Italy’s Hand-Built Streaming DAC That Declares War on the Midrange Market

Florence moves from Renaissance art to high-end digital audio with a bold, dual-DAC statement piece.


Gray audio device with "PRIMO PLUS" and "NET" display on a white shelf. Potted succulent on the left, green vase on the right. Minimalist setting.


From Michelangelo to Music Streaming


Florence has given the world Renaissance masters, Michelangelo’s David, and even the piano. Now, the Tuscan capital is exporting something far more digital: Volumio — the boutique software company behind VolumioOS, beloved since 2013 by Raspberry Pi tinkerers and serious audiophiles alike.


Its newest creation, the Volumio Primo Plus, takes the original Primo streamer and rebuilds it from the ground up, aiming for premium performance with unmistakable Italian craftsmanship.


A Completely New Machine — Not an Upgrade


Volumio CEO Michelangelo Guarise (yes, that’s his real name) describes the Primo Plus as “a completely new design”, the result of two years of obsessive engineering.


Bold Hardware Changes


  • Dual-mono ESS ES9039Q2M DACsA massive jump from the single-chip design of the original Primo

  • Near-zero crosstalk, higher resolution, cleaner separation

  • Upgraded power supply

  • Improved op-amps for even lower distortion

  • New clock circuitry promising “jitter-free playback”


Why the ES9039Q2M Matters


Unlike the flagship ES9039PRO, the Q2M is a lower-power chip — but still boasts the same HyperStream IV architecture.Volumio includes:


  • 8 DAC filters

  • NOS (non-oversampling) mode


Meaning users can finely season the sound to match their taste.



White speakers with black accents flank a gray audio amplifier on a white shelf. The display reads "PRIMO PLUS" and "NET." Minimalistic design.

Inputs, Outputs & Gain Mastery


Digital Inputs


  • TOSLINK

  • Coaxial

  • USB-C

  • HDMI (output only — not ARC).The HDMI port lets you put VolumioOS on your TV, which is great for large-screen control.


Analogue Outputs


  • Balanced XLR

  • RCA

  • Eight selectable output voltages (0.5–6.3V)A huge win for solving gain-staging problems in finicky hi-fi setups.


Software Is Still the Secret Weapon


The biggest strength of the Primo Plus isn’t the hardware — it’s VolumioOS.

Beloved by the DIY streaming crowd, it brings:


  • Roon Ready support

  • Spotify Connect

  • Tidal Connect

  • UPnP/DLNA

  • AirPlay

  • A growing list of streaming services accessible via app or browser


This means:If you’ve outgrown Raspberry Pi streaming but still love open-source flexibility, this unit is directly aimed at you.




Audio device back panel with various ports: analog out, coax, USB, LAN, HDMI. Black with white labels on a sleek gray background.

Hand-Assembled in Florence — and Proud of It


In a world where most streamers come from the same factories in Shenzhen, Volumio makes a bold play:


Every Primo Plus is hand-assembled in Florence.


That alone will be a selling point for buyers who prefer boutique, non-mass-produced audio gear.


Pricing, Positioning & Competition


Pre-orders are now open, with pricing at:


  • €1199

  • US$1399

  • £1049


This places the Primo Plus directly against competitors like the Bluesound NODE Icon, though Volumio clearly prioritises sound quality over screens and extras.


The big question:

Can a hand-built Italian streamer justify its four-figure price in a market dominated by budget brands like WiiM and tech-forward rivals like Eversolo?


Time — and listening tests — will tell. But the intent is unmistakable:

Volumio is aiming for premium listeners, not bargain hunters.



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