Volumio Primo Plus Dual-Mono Streaming DAC & Preamp

Volumio Primo Plus Dual-Mono Streaming DAC & Preamp

Primo Plus is Volumio’s higher-spec streaming DAC, using two ESS ES9039Q2M converters in dual mono, expanded digital inputs, balanced XLR and RCA outputs, selectable output levels and hardware preamp control.

Primo Plus sits above Primo V3 for systems where the analogue stage is expected to do more of the heavy lifting. The dual-mono DAC architecture, revised power and clocking, preamp mode and additional source inputs make it a genuine digital control centre rather than simply a network streamer with analogue outputs.

It can take network music, USB-C audio from a computer or compatible source, USB storage, optical or coaxial digital inputs, then feed an integrated amplifier, preamplifier, active speakers or power amplifier through RCA or balanced XLR.

Dual-Mono ESS Conversion

Two ES9039Q2M DACs with separate channel paths

Each channel gets its own ESS ES9039Q2M, backed by refined power regulation, precision clocking and upgraded analogue components. Eight DAC filters and a switchable NOS mode provide optional fine tuning without needing to change the rest of the signal chain.

Preamp Mode

Run directly into a power amplifier or active speakers

Hardware volume control and eight selectable analogue output levels make Primo Plus much easier to match to different downstream gain structures. XLR can be set from 1.00 to 6.30V RMS and RCA from 0.50 to 3.15V RMS.

More Than a Network Input

USB-C, optical and coaxial sources can join the system

USB-C accepts up to PCM 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512, while coaxial and optical inputs handle conventional digital sources. USB output remains available for an external DAC, so Primo Plus can also be used primarily as the streaming platform later.

Volumio Premium and Everyday Control

Streaming, libraries, display and remote

The platform brings TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, UPnP/DLNA and local storage together. A 1.3-inch OLED, front rotary controls, included IR remote, HDMI interface display and 12V trigger make the hardware easier to live with in a main system.

Key Features

• Dual-mono 2 × ESS ES9039Q2M DAC architecture
• Balanced XLR and RCA analogue outputs
• Hardware preamp/volume control
• Eight selectable analogue output levels
• Eight DAC filters and NOS mode
• USB-C input up to PCM 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512
• USB output up to PCM 1536kHz/32-bit and DSD1024
• Optical and coaxial digital inputs
• 1.3-inch OLED display and included remote
• 12V trigger output
• Volumio Premium included

Specifications

Detailed Technical Specifications

For those who like to drag out all the useful bits

Important Notes

• The highest analogue output voltage is not automatically the best setting; choose the level to suit the gain and input sensitivity of the downstream equipment.
• Preamp mode allows direct connection to a power amplifier or active speakers, so system gain and startup behaviour should be planned carefully.

The Audio Experts Take

Primo Plus is the Volumio model we would choose when the streamer is also expected to be the digital preamp. The extra inputs, dual-mono conversion and hardware level control make it much easier to build a clean system around active speakers or a power amplifier without giving up traditional digital sources.

Primo V3 remains the simpler value choice when you mainly need network streaming into an integrated amplifier. Primo Plus earns its extra cost when the additional inputs and preamp role are actually useful.