Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier - Class D amplifier with integrated streaming client
Volumio srl. describes the new Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier as a particularly compact, elegant and, above all, extremely versatile amplifier in Class D, which brings with it the complete functionality of a streaming client based on Volumio OS and thus functions as a so-called Just add Speakers Device.
- Streaming client plus amplifier in Class D, this is what the new Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier combines.
With the new Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier, the Italian company Volumio slr. is breaking completely new ground. Up to now, they have concentrated on their own streaming platform Volumio OS, an operating system specially designed for bit-perfect streaming based on Linux, as well as streaming systems based on it, such as a streaming client and – brand new – a streaming bridge. Now, the range is extended by an amplifier that has a streaming client on board, of course based on Volumio OS, in the form of the aforementioned new Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier.
Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier – Just add Speakers Device
Volumio slr. is in line with the growing trend towards hi-fi solutions that consist of a single, compact electronic component plus a pair of loudspeaker systems. This is often referred to as a just-add-speakers device.
For many users, expansive hi-fi systems with numerous components are not very appealing; instead, they want simple, straightforward solutions that nevertheless combine all the functionality and flexibility that the most modern consumer electronics systems now offer. And it is precisely this target group that these Just Add Speakers devices, such as the new Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier, address.
Amplifier in Class plus Streaming Client in the Most Compact Form
Probably the most essential feature that the new Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier has to offer for this product group is a very compact and also very slim housing. It is made of aluminium and has a black front, on which the two rotary encoders in red set a very striking accent. Centrally located, there is also a display that clearly shows at least the most relevant information.
Volumio OS as operating system
The most important component of the new Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier is, of course, its streaming client, where Volumio OS provides the necessary flexibility. This streaming platform relies first and foremost on the industry standard UPnP, whereby the Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier is designated as a dlna-certified and Open Home-compatible solution.
This means that access to your own content on the web is available, but in addition there is support for TIDAL via TIDAL Connect and Spotify via Spotify Connect. Apple AirPlay is realised here via Shairport Sync and the new Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier can also access Qobuz directly.
In addition, the Volumio OS software offers the possibility to install various plug-ins that provide access to additional services and functions such as YouTube, Radio Paradise, Pandora, Soundcloud or Mixcloud. In addition, the Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier can be turned into a so-called Roon Bridge by means of a plug-in, which means that it is Roon-ready and can be used directly with the media management and multi-room audio streaming software from Roon Labs LLC.
Central control via the Volumio App
As befits a streaming solution, a suitable app is of course essential, and this is available here in the form of the Volumio App for Apple iOS and Google Android. This not only allows for simple configuration and intuitive control, but also for use in a multi-room network, provided that other solutions based on Volumio OS are in use.
Simple integration into the network
The new Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier can be integrated into the network either by means of a Gigabit Ethernet interface and thus cable, or via the integrated WiFi module according to IEEE 802.11ac.
CD playback and CD ripping via external USB drive
A microSD slot is available for direct playback of audio data from a storage medium, and external storage media can be connected via a USB 3.0 and another USB 2.0 as well as a CD drive, which can be used directly for playback of audio CDs but also for ripping audio CDs.
It should also be mentioned that Volumio OS also provides an automatic sync function backup option.
All relevant interfaces
Of course, the new Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier only offers a manageable number of interfaces, but in essence it offers everything a compact HiFi system needs.
First and foremost, there is an analogue input in the form of a pair of cinch sockets, but there are also two digital inputs in the form of coaxial and optical S/PDIF interfaces.
The Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier can be connected directly to a TV set via HDMI, which is then used to display the user interface on a large screen, but also to play back videos. It is an HDMI 2.1 interface that supports HDCP 2.2 and content up to 4K with 120 Hz.
If desired, a subwoofer can be brought into play here, which is integrated via a dedicated output. Directly on the front, there is also a connection for headphones in the form of a 6.3 mm stereo jack.
It should also be mentioned that the new Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier also has Bluetooth, namely in the form of a Bluetooth 5.0 module. This module supports SBC and AAC as well as aptX and aptX LL.
For the connection of the loudspeaker systems, there are solid screw terminals on the back of the Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier, despite the rather flat housing.
High-quality components for converter and amplifier
A WM8805 converter from Wolfson Microelectronics, which has been part of Cirrus Logic Inc. since 2014, is responsible for signal processing. This converter can process signals in linear PCM with up to 24 bits and 192 kHz.
By the way, signals at the analogue input are converted directly, whereby a Texas Instruments PCM1861 ADC with 24 bits and 192 kHz is responsible for this.
The Class D amplifier comes from Infineon Technologies AG and uses two Infineon MA12070P amplifiers in a dual-mono configuration. The output stage relies on WiMA polypropylene capacitors and delivers a power of 50 watts twice to loudspeaker systems with an impedance of 8 ohms or 70 watts twice if they have an impedance of only 4 ohms.
It should also be mentioned that the Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier’s headphone amplifier, already mentioned, is built using a Texas Instruments PCM5122 DAC and a Texas Instruments TPA6120A2 Headphone Amplifier. The subwoofer output uses a Texas Instruments PCM5121 DAC and an OPAMP-based circuit for the mono downmix.
Prices and availability
The new Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier should be available in specialist shops within the next few days, as well as directly on the manufacturer’s website. Volumio srl. quotes the price for the new amplifier with integrated streaming client at € 1.199,-.
Getting to the point
It is an exciting concept that Volumio srl. is now pursuing with the new Volumio Integro Integrated Network Amplifier. For the first time, the Volumio OS streaming platform, which has been further developed for years, is combined with a compact, yet sufficiently powerful amplifier and thus presents a solution that can clearly be assigned to the Just add Speakers Device category, which seems to be particularly attractive for many users.
| PRODUCT | VOLUMIO INTEGRO INTEGRATED NETWORK AMPLIFIER |
|---|---|
| Price | € 1.199,- |
| BRAND | VOLUMIO |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Volumio |
| Distribution | audioNEXT GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
