Volumio Primo V3 – Third generation with ESS ES9039Q2M, NOS mode and variable output level

With the Volumio Primo V3, Volumio S.r.l. introduces the third generation of the product that first brought the company’s software platform and its own streaming DAC hardware together in a single component. This is not a case of retaining the existing design and changing a few parts around its edges. The computing platform, D/A conversion, power regulation and analogue output circuitry have all been reconsidered. The result is intended to respond more quickly, process higher-resolution material and offer far more precise matching to amplifiers and active loudspeakers through configurable output levels. Yet the Primo V3 remains firmly centred on network audio, bringing local libraries, streaming services and external USB DACs under the control of one interface. As before, the new model was developed in Florence, where Volumio conceives both its hardware and software products.

Key Facts Volumio Primo V3

• Third generation of the Volumio Primo Streaming DAC
• Quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor running at 1,5 GHz
• 2 GB DDR4 RAM and 16 GB eMMC storage
• ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M with Hyperstream IV architecture
• Network playback up to Linear PCM 32 Bit and 384 kHz, plus DSD256
• USB audio output up to Linear PCM 32 Bit and 1.536 kHz, plus DSD1024
• Selectable NOS Mode and eight DAC filters
• Balanced XLR output with eight levels from 1 to 6,3 Vrms
• Unbalanced RCA output with eight levels from 0,5 to 3,15 Vrms
• Internal linear voltage regulation and low-noise master clock
• Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0
• TIDAL with TIDAL Connect, Qobuz with Qobuz Connect and Spotify with Spotify Connect, plus HIGHRESAUDIO, TuneIn internet radio and Roon Ready certification
• HDMI output up to 4K at 60 frames per second
• Two USB-A ports, microSD slot and 12 V trigger
• Price: € 849,-

More than a routine model change

Volumio is quite explicit in presenting the Primo V3 as something more substantial than a continuation of the existing range. The third generation moves to a new hardware platform while adopting technical ideas that the company has already explored elsewhere in its portfolio. According to Volumio, feedback from its user community also played a part, alongside the practical experience gathered from the first two Primo generations.

Its outward proportions remain restrained. At 270 × 150 × 50 mm, this is still a comparatively compact component that should fit comfortably into smaller systems and desktop installations. A weight of 2,5 kg, however, suggests that Volumio does not regard it as a lightweight streaming bridge. The intention is plainly to offer a proper HiFi source rather than a computer board placed inside a decorative enclosure.

“Primo V3 is not an iteration. It is a complete reinvention of our flagship streaming DAC. Built on Volumio’s latest development platform, it reflects our commitment to pushing performance boundaries while remaining true to the musicality and ease of use our users expect.”

Michelangelo Guarise, founder and CEO of Volumio

Quad-core Cortex-A72 processing

At the centre of the new architecture is a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor running at 1,5 GHz, supported by 2 GB of DDR4 memory and 16 GB of internal eMMC storage. Compared with the previous platform, this combination is intended to improve navigation through large music libraries, shorten interface response times and provide more stable handling of concurrent network, control and audio processes.

Processing power in a streamer is not merely there to make album artwork appear more quickly. A modern network source must coordinate network traffic, buffering, library management, user commands, service authentication and real-time audio output without allowing one task to compromise another. Volumio has therefore chosen a processor intended to provide sufficient headroom for precisely this kind of workload.

That matters increasingly as streaming platforms become more elaborate. Local libraries grow larger, metadata becomes richer and users expect several control methods and network services to coexist without hesitation. The new processor does not alter the fundamental purpose of the Primo, but it should give Volumio OS a more capable foundation on which to operate.

ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M with Hyperstream IV

D/A conversion is handled by the ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M, a current two-channel converter based on the Hyperstream IV architecture developed by ESS Technology Inc. The design is intended to reduce distortion and lessen the converter’s sensitivity to timing errors.

Volumio pairs the DAC with a master clock specified for particularly low phase noise. The digital and analogue circuitry has also been arranged with the aim of keeping signal and power paths as short as practicable. According to the manufacturer, this should help contain interference, voltage losses and high-frequency noise within the chassis.

The significance lies not simply in adopting a newer DAC chip. Converter performance depends on the clocking, power rails, board layout and analogue stage surrounding the silicon. Volumio’s work on the Primo V3 therefore extends beyond exchanging one ESS device for another. The supporting circuits have been treated as part of the same signal chain.

Internal linear regulation behind the external supply

Power enters the Primo V3 through the supplied external 5 V and 3 A power adaptor. Inside the player, however, Volumio employs a linear voltage-regulation stage that filters the incoming DC supply before distributing power to the individual circuit sections.

This should not be confused with a conventional internal linear power supply built around a mains transformer. The Primo V3 still relies on an external DC source. Its internal linear regulation operates after that adaptor, with the purpose of reducing high-frequency contamination on the supply rails and providing the DAC and analogue output circuitry with a more stable electrical environment.

Combined with the low-phase-noise master clock, Volumio expects this arrangement to reduce jitter and help maintain a cleaner signal path. It is a pragmatic design: the bulky and potentially noisy mains conversion remains outside the enclosure, while local regulation is handled close to the circuits that require it.

A redesigned analogue output stage

The converted signal is available through balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs. Volumio says that the analogue stage has been redesigned for the third-generation model, with further reductions in noise and distortion as its principal objectives.

The XLR connection will be the natural choice in systems equipped with genuinely balanced amplifier or active-loudspeaker inputs, particularly where longer interconnects are involved. Differential transmission can provide more effective rejection of common-mode noise and interference than a conventional single-ended connection.

Volumio specifies an analogue output impedance of approximately 140 Ohm. That should allow the Primo V3 to work with the great majority of integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers and active loudspeakers without placing unusual demands on the input stage that follows it.

More importantly, the analogue section has not been treated as an afterthought to the DAC specification. The Primo V3 is intended to operate as a complete source component, and its usefulness will ultimately depend as much on the quality and adaptability of its output stage as on the badge printed on the converter chip.

Eight output levels for both XLR and RCA

One of the most useful changes is also among the most practical. Where the previous model provided fixed output levels, the Volumio Primo V3 offers eight selectable voltage settings for each of its analogue connections.

The balanced XLR output can be set to 1, 1,55, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 6,3 Vrms. The RCA output provides settings of 0,5, 0,775, 1, 1,5, 2, 2,5, 3 or 3,15 Vrms. This allows the source level to be matched deliberately to the input sensitivity of an integrated amplifier, preamplifier, power amplifier or active loudspeaker system.

There is more to this than avoiding outright overload. A sensibly chosen source level also permits a more useful operating range from the volume control further downstream. Feed a highly sensitive active loudspeaker or power amplifier with an unnecessarily high signal, and the useful adjustment may be compressed into the first few degrees of the control. Small movements can then produce disproportionately large changes in listening level.

Reducing the source voltage provides greater control and makes direct connection to active loudspeakers or power amplifiers less awkward. Conversely, systems able to accommodate a higher balanced level can make use of the upper XLR settings. It is a seemingly modest feature that addresses a genuine weakness in many digitally controlled systems.

A selectable NOS Mode

The Primo V3 is the first model in this particular product line to offer switchable Non-Oversampling operation. With NOS Mode engaged, audio data is passed to the conversion stage without conventional digital oversampling being applied beforehand.

This option is aimed at listeners who favour a more direct form of digital processing and who would rather avoid the standard oversampling filters. Depending on the recording, programme material and individual preference, NOS operation can alter the perceived treatment of transients and the overall presentation.

It should not, however, be regarded as technically superior by definition. Non-Oversampling conversion involves its own compromises, just as conventional digital filtering does. The meaningful point is that Volumio gives the listener a choice rather than presenting one processing philosophy as universally correct.

That distinction matters. NOS Mode is not being used as a slogan pasted onto an otherwise fixed design; it sits alongside a full selection of digital filters, allowing the user to compare different approaches within the same component.

Eight DAC filters for fine adjustment

Beyond NOS Mode, the Volumio Primo V3 provides eight selectable digital filters. These include combinations of Linear Phase and Minimum Phase behaviour with Fast Roll-off and Slow Roll-off characteristics. The selection also includes an Apodizing filter, a Linear Phase option with low ripple and a Minimum Phase filter designed for low dispersion. A Minimum Phase filter is selected as the factory default.

Differences between reconstruction filters are normally less pronounced than the effect of conventional tone controls or equalisation. They may nevertheless influence out-of-band behaviour, the rejection of imaging products and the balance of pre-ringing and post-ringing around transient events.

This makes the filter selection a tool for fine adjustment rather than wholesale tonal correction. It allows owners to choose a response that suits their listening preferences without applying an equaliser curve to the music itself. Some systems and recordings will reveal the distinctions more readily than others, but the choice is there for those prepared to investigate it.

Network playback up to 32 Bit and 384 kHz

Through its integrated network interface, the Volumio Primo V3 can process Linear PCM at up to 32 Bit and 384 kHz, together with DSD256. The internal conversion stage therefore accommodates substantially higher data rates than that of the second-generation Primo.

Music may be played from supported streaming services, a NAS system, attached USB storage or a microSD card. Connection to the local network is provided through Gigabit Ethernet or WiFi conforming to IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac across the 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

The WiFi antenna is integrated within the chassis, so the rear panel remains free of the protruding external aerial found on many network players. Ethernet remains the obvious choice for installations in which a wired connection is readily available, but dual-band WiFi gives the Primo V3 considerably more freedom in rooms where running a network cable would be inconvenient.

The high headline sample rates are unlikely to define everyday use for most owners. Their greater relevance is that the platform is not narrowly restricted and should accept a broad range of present-day file libraries without routine conversion.

A network transport for external USB DACs

The Primo V3 is not confined to its internal ESS converter. One of its two USB-A ports can serve as a digital audio output for an external USB DAC. Used in this way, the Volumio becomes a network transport: it manages local libraries, streaming services and playback control, while conversion is handed to a separate component.

Through USB, Volumio specifies digital output at up to Linear PCM 32 Bit and 1.536 kHz, together with DSD1024. These figures apply specifically to transmission towards a suitably compatible external DAC. They do not describe the maximum conversion rate of the internal ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M.

This distinction is important because it broadens the Primo V3’s useful life. An owner may begin with the built-in converter and later add a separate DAC without having to replace the streaming platform. Equally, someone who already owns a preferred converter can use the Volumio purely for network playback and library management. It also makes the Primo V3 rather less dependent on the sonic preferences associated with any one DAC implementation. The internal converter remains a central part of the product, but it is not the only route to an audio system.

Two USB ports and microSD storage

Two USB-A 2.0 connections are provided on the rear panel. According to Volumio, the first supplies up to 0,56 A and is suitable for USB memory devices as well as a keyboard or mouse. The second can provide up to 1,33 A and is intended for storage devices with higher current demands, including SSDs and portable hard drives. A microSD slot adds another option for local storage. Music files can therefore be kept directly with the player without requiring a separate NAS or a permanently attached USB drive.

This may be particularly useful in compact or self-contained installations. A microSD card allows the Primo V3 to host a modest local collection while retaining access to streaming services and network shares through the same interface.

The two USB ports also have to cover several potential roles, including storage, human-interface devices and digital audio output. Users planning a more elaborate arrangement may therefore need to consider how those connections are allocated.

HDMI output for an external display

An HDMI output allows the Volumio interface to be shown on a television or monitor at resolutions up to 4K and 60 frames per second. The display mirrors the interface used by the Volumio application. When a compatible touchscreen is connected, the Primo V3 can be operated directly from that display. With a conventional monitor, a keyboard and mouse may be attached through USB.

This makes it possible to turn the player into a more visibly self-contained source, particularly in installations where a phone or tablet is not intended to be the only control device. Album artwork, library navigation and playback information can be presented on a larger screen without adding a separate computer.

The role of HDMI must nevertheless be understood correctly. It is intended primarily for video output and user control. The Primo V3 does not provide a conventional HDMI audio input for connecting a television, Blu-ray player or games console.

12 V trigger integration

A 12 V trigger output allows compatible amplifiers, power amplifiers or active loudspeakers to be switched together with the Volumio Primo V3. The connection uses a 3,5 mm jack socket. This is a small but welcome provision in a system built from several separate components. When the Primo V3 is switched on, connected equipment can be brought out of standby automatically, avoiding the need to power up each element individually.

The trigger also strengthens the case for using the Volumio as the central source in a system with active loudspeakers or directly driven power amplification. It is not an audio feature, but it makes the complete installation behave more coherently.

Volumio OS as the central music platform

Control is provided through Volumio OS and the Volumio application. The Primo V3 operates with Volumio Premium, bringing local libraries, network storage, internet radio and streaming services into one user environment. Supported services include TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, HIGHRESAUDIO and TuneIn. Playback can also be initiated directly through TIDAL Connect or Qobuz Connect. Spotify Connect is supported, while Roon Ready certification enables the Primo V3 to function as an endpoint within a Roon system.

Firmware updates will be distributed over the network as Over-the-Air updates. New firmware, functions and device support can therefore be installed without the user having to download update files and apply them manually. Volumio’s principal advantage remains the way in which it brings disparate sources under a consistent interface. A NAS library, attached storage and several streaming services cease to feel like unrelated inputs and instead become parts of the same music catalogue.

The strength of that arrangement depends not only on supported services but on the responsiveness and stability of the underlying platform. This is where the faster Cortex-A72 processor and increased memory may prove more consequential in daily use than the more attention-grabbing DAC specifications.

The Key Benefits at a Glance

• Better system matching: Eight independently selectable levels for both XLR and RCA make it easier to match the Primo V3 to integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers and active loudspeakers.
• A more serious analogue stage: The ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M works with redesigned output circuitry intended to keep noise and distortion low throughout the conversion chain.
• A choice of conversion behaviour: Eight digital filters and switchable NOS operation allow listeners to compare different processing approaches without resorting to conventional equalisation.
• Hi-res network playback: The internal network path handles Linear PCM up to 32 Bit and 384 kHz, together with DSD256.
• Useful beyond its internal DAC: USB audio output allows the Primo V3 to serve as a dedicated streaming transport for an external D/A converter.
• One interface for several music sources: Streaming services, NAS libraries, USB storage and microSD media are managed through the same Volumio OS environment.
• Wired or wireless networking: Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band WiFi allow the player to be installed in a wide range of domestic network arrangements.
• More coherent system operation: The 12 V trigger can switch compatible amplifiers, power amplifiers or active loudspeakers together with the streaming DAC.
• Large-screen control when required: HDMI can place the Volumio interface on a monitor or television at resolutions up to 4K.
• Updates without manual installation: Over-the-Air firmware delivery keeps functions and device support current directly through the network.

Price and Availability

The Volumio Primo V3 is available to order now through specialist retailers. It is priced at € 849,-. The package includes the Volumio Primo V3 and an external power adaptor rated at 5 V and 3 A.

Conclusion

The Volumio Primo V3 is not a cosmetically refreshed version of its predecessor. Its faster processor platform, current ESS converter, internal linear regulation, selectable NOS Mode and eight digital filters amount to a materially more mature streaming source.

The eight-stage output adjustment is particularly convincing because it addresses an everyday system issue rather than merely adding another item to the specification sheet. It should simplify integration with a broad range of amplifiers while making the Primo V3 considerably more attractive for direct use with active loudspeakers and power amplifiers. The option of sending digital audio to an external USB DAC is equally sensible, allowing the streaming platform and conversion stage to be upgraded independently.

Its approach to conventional digital connectivity remains deliberately narrow. There are no coaxial or optical S/PDIF connections, and AES/EBU is absent. The Primo V3 is therefore not designed as a universal digital control centre for a room full of external sources. Instead, it is a network-based music player with an integrated, carefully developed D/A converter and enough output flexibility to sit comfortably in rather more systems than before. Judged on those terms, the package assembled by Volumio S.r.l. at € 849,- appears particularly coherent.

Technical Specifications