The Volumio Rivo streamer is a purely digital model developed to ensure optimal playback and transport of Hi-Res music to a DAC (whether external or integrated in a hi-fi amplifier) or AV receiver via HDMI. It supports files via DLNA and USB up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD256, and can access web radios, streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz, or receive music via Bluetooth and AirPlay. The whole system can be controlled remotely from any web browser. Enough to make it the best network player for those with an AV receiver or home theater system?
Introducing the Volumio Rivo
Signal optimization
Winner of the Eisa award for best digital player 2023/2024, the Volumio Rivo is situated between the Volumio Primo 2 and the top-of-the-range Volumio Motivo with its touchscreen. It takes a different approach, with an all-digital, DAC-free architecture. This solution is designed to eliminate any possible interference, optimizing the operation of both the streamer and the associated DAC/amplifier.
All the work done by the Volumio Rivo is aimed at ensuring bitperfect playback and preserving the integrity of the signal all the way to the digital outputs. This includes the use of proprietary error correction and reclocking technology. The main power supply benefits from filtering based on a series of inductors and electrolytic capacitors to maximize current accuracy and stability. Several power supplies are used to isolate the various sections, including a transformer dedicated to the internal clock and its stabilization circuit. All these elements work together to optimize signal purity, resulting in more transparent and detailed reproduction. On the other hand, the included mains transformer doesn’t seem as high-quality as the internal components. The most discerning users will therefore be well advised to replace it with a higher-performance model, such as the iFi Audio iPower X 5V.
Award-winning design
The various components of the Volumio Rivo streamer are protected by a beautiful, thick metal chassis that forms an effective barrier against electromagnetic waves. Its sleek, minimalist style, which won the iF Design Award, combines a sumptuous gray/blue aluminum case with a light blue metallic front panel. At its center is a single control for switching the device on and off. It is complemented by a LED indicator showing the player’s status: standby, on and active. However, we would have appreciated a more comprehensive physical interface for controlling music without going through the web interface.
Hi-Res streaming
Thanks to this design, the Volumio Rivo network player ensures optimum playback of Hi-Res tracks up to 32-bit/768kHz, as well as DSD256 files. These can be played locally from a USB device or micro SD card, but also from the network, thanks to support for DLNA, Open Home and UPnP protocols. Like all the brand’s players, it also benefits from the Roon Ready certification for total integration with the music management software.
Based on the Volumio 3 open-source operating system, the Volumio Rivo network player supports a wide range of plug-ins, including those for major streaming services such as Spotify, Pandora, Qobuz and Tidal, as well as web radio platforms like TuneIn. These services are installed directly from the Volumio web interface or mobile app. In addition, you can stream via AirPlay using a playback app such as Shairport Sync, or via Bluetooth 5.0. However, the latter only supports the Bluetooth SBC codec, which means you can’t take full advantage of the streamer’s audio qualities. It is therefore preferable to reserve this connection mode for occasional use.
IP control and app
Mobile apps are sometimes the bane of streamers’ existence, with the risk of devices becoming obsolete if apps are no longer updated. To avoid this, the Volumio Rivo offers, in addition to its iOS and Android app, control via IP from a web interface. It can be accessed from the browser of any device connected to the same local network, be it a smartphone, tablet or computer. To access it, simply enter the local IP address assigned to the Volumio by the network router or box, e.g. 192.168.92.68. This information is visible in the Volumio mobile app.
The Volumio Rivo features a simple, intuitive interface. The home page serves as a music library, displaying the title, sample rate and album art of the track currently playing. It’s possible to adjust volume, change tracks, add a title to your favorites, include it in a playlist or pause playback. Managing these commands is straightforward, although the interface can sometimes lack fluidity. In particular, a slight loading time is required to navigate through tracks on streaming platforms. What’s more, after long listening sessions, it may be necessary to refresh the page.
The search function uses the latest Volumio AI system to automatically create playlists based on keywords. For example, you can ask for a relaxing playlist, a list featuring only vocal jazz, or an 80s playlist. Volumio instantly creates these playlists from your music library and/or streaming services, allowing you to discover new tracks based on your preferences.
In addition to music management, the Volumio player’s web interface also provides access to a wide range of settings. You can add all your USB and network sources so that Volumio can classify and centralize your different titles and albums. In the advanced settings, the Volumio Rivo allows the installation of multiple plugins to support certain music services or to add additional functions to the player: CD playback and ripping, Roon server, support for an external remote control, USB mouse and keyboard, etc. It’s the ideal solution for enthusiasts who want to equip themselves with a tailor-made machine to suit all their needs.
The Volumio Rivo can also operate completely autonomously by connecting to a screen or TV using its 4K HDMI output. That way, you can enjoy the same display as the Web interface on a big screen. All you need to control it is a USB keyboard and mouse. However, this method is not the most intuitive, depending on the app. A remote control would have been more effective. The 4K HDMI output is mainly reserved for displaying album artwork and information on a large screen during music playback. This output can also be used to transmit stereo audio streams, enabling the Volumio Rivo to be connected directly to an AV receiver, for example.
Multi-room
The Volumio Rivo network player can operate alone or in multi-room mode. It can be combined with various Volumio players or devices equipped with the Volumio open source system to play music throughout the home. What’s more, the Volumio Rivo is capable of casting to Sonos or Chromecast-compatible speakers. As a result, you can enjoy your music library and streaming services on all your connected devices, even if they’re not natively compatible with Qobuz or Tidal, for example. Multi-room management is conveniently handled from Volumio’s playback interface, where you can select the receiving player and group multiple devices.
Digital connectors
In addition to its many streaming options, the Volumio Rivo player can play content stored on a micro SD card or external hard drive thanks to its three USB inputs (two USB-A and one USB-C). These can also be used to connect a CD player for easy playback and to ripping your entire disc collection. As for outputs, the Volumio Rivo provides a 32-bit/768kHz and DSD256-compatible USB-A port for connection to an amplifier’s DAC or to a dedicated DAC. Coaxial, optical and AES/EBU connections are also available, but resolution is limited to 24-bit/192kHz. Finally, the HDMI port lets you enjoy video and audio directly on an AV receiver or TV.
Configuration
To install the Volumio Rivo player for the first time, you need to use the Volumio mobile app. It automatically detects the player and prompts you to begin configuration by following a few quick and simple steps to select the menu language, associate the WiFi network, rename the player if required and connect its streaming services. From then on, the streamer is fully functional and can be controlled from its app or web interface.
We tested the Volumio Rivo network player with Qobuz, and FLAC and DSD files shared over the local network. The streamer was connected via USB (NorStone Arran USB cable) to an Eversolo DAC-Z6 DAC, itself connected to a Pathos New Classic One MKIII tube amp, then to a Cayin SC-6LS MK2 preamplifier coupled with a Tonewinner AD 2500 PRO power amp. The speakers used were the Magnepan LRS+ and Cabasse MC40 Java.
Listening impressions
Transparency was the first word that sprang to mind with the Volumio Rivo network player, which offered complete silence between two musical breaths. There was no perceptible background noise, maximizing finesse and detail. The sound was highly analytical and authentic, perfectly respecting the naturalness of each timbre. Bass was dense, energetic and deep, accompanied by nuanced, textured mids, while highs unfolded with fluidity and an obvious ease.
Although it doesn’t pretend to reach the level of openness of an Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition, the Volumio Rivo offered an impressive soundscape, bringing fullness and airiness to the music. On Dead Can Dance’s album The Serpent’s Egg, the soundstage unfolded with great amplitude, both in width and depth. Each element was precisely positioned, ensuring a well-controlled layering of the different sound levels.
The Volumio Rivo demonstrated meticulous attention to detail, reproducing every tonal variation with great naturalness. On several Stan Getz albums, the midrange was luscious and opulent, brimming with micro-details. The saxophone was magnified by a very realistic rocky texture and a remarkable presence. The contours of the voices and instruments were finely delineated. The sound was imbued with serenity and gentleness. However, the Volumio Rivo can also be authoritative and dynamic when the music demands it. On Phil Collins’ Face Value, the percussion hits were powerful and incisive, effectively setting the rhythm of the music. The resonance of the skins and the impact of the drumsticks were clearly audible.
Eversolo Rivo vs Innuos PULSE mini
Marketed at €1,149, the Innuos PULSE mini has the advantage of integrating a DAC for direct analog connection to a hi-fi amplifier. However, its decoding capacity is limited to 24-bit/192kHz. To enjoy 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 tracks, you’ll need to use a USB connection. As with the Volumio streamer, control is done via a web interface offering a very similar user experience. However, the Volumio’s is a little more comprehensive, thanks in particular to its AI-assisted playlist creation feature.
Who is Volumio Rivo designed for?
The Volumio Rivo is the ideal solution if you already have a hi-fi amplifier with digital inputs, an audio DAC, an AV receiver or a TV. It will let you enjoy Hi-Res streaming and your files shared over the network in the best possible conditions, thanks to efficient signal processing to eliminate interference. Volumio’s open ecosystem will also appeal to users reluctant to use a streamer driven by a mobile app.
Conclusion
At a time when the trend is towards all-in-one systems, Volumio takes the opposite approach with a network player focused purely on music streaming. Like the CD transports that made the compact disc so popular with audiophiles, the Volumio Rivo adopts an entirely digital architecture to limit interference and maximize precision. A recipe that works perfectly, as the Rivo redoubles its efficiency to deliver the purest possible signal to hi-fi amps, AV receivers, DACs and even TVs via HDMI. To get the best out of it, however, it should be ideally paired via USB.
We liked:
- The transparent sound
- The natural tones
- The open software architecture
We would have liked:
- A remote control
- A higher-quality external power supply
- A physical control interface
- A more stable Web interface
