Intro
Contents
In the review of the original Rivo, our enthusiasm is obvious. Now there is a plus version of the Rivo. What do you get for that plus?
Let’s give it away in advance: it is a big, fat plus, but there are also a few caveats. We review the Rivo+ (€1299) with the Lineo5 power supply (€349, 10% discount if you order it with the Rivo+). Of course, we also test the added value of the Lineo5 power supply, we are Alpha Audio after all.
The Volumio software
Since the review of the Rivo, there has been one important improvement in Volumio’s software. Connecting a NAS is a lot easier. The software sees the (SMB) share of the Synology Nas and from a dropdown menu in the Volumio interface you choose the folder with the music files shared on the network.
The Volumio software detects that a login name and password are required and displays a pop-up screen to enter those details. Once done, the files are indexed by the Volumio software and Volumio’s music library is populated, allowing you to select music by artist and album.
Configure your Volumio Rivo+ streamer
The Volumio software has many settings and it pays to turn off options in the software you do not use. If you do not use Bluetooth, turn it off. The same is true for WiFi.
The volume control option in the Rivo+ in particular has a big impact on sound quality. Turn it off if you do not use it and use the volume control of the DAC or amplifier.
Got me the Rivo+ & Lineo5 combo recently as an upgrade to my 1st gen Auralic Aries femto.
The Auralic had already been upgraded with an Sbooster PSU, but the Rivo+ and Lineo5 combo is clearly in another league.
The results with two DACs (Denafrips and Norma Audio) are equally impressive.
So much for “bits are bits”. Dang!
The Denafrips is R2R, and has quite a soft sound profile, so I guess the Rivo+ adds the right amount of spice into it. I am curious about the Norma DAC. They have their own design, which is relatively rare. How would compare it soundwise to your Denafrips?
The Denafrips is the 2022 Venus II, upgraded with the latest 2023 “12th” firmware. That moved the sound from “mellow and sweet” a good bit into the direction “modern”.
The Norma REVO DS-2 sounds still a bit more precise, grippy, palpable. It’s really astounding. Drums, snares, plucked guitars… no digitalitis, just engaging sound. Cello and Violins – you can feel the strings under the bow.
I didn’t know the brand at all, but had the chance to borrow it from my brick’n mortar dealer only to buy one after listening to it in my home system.
Great supplementary review of a streamer that’s been tested many times worldwide with more or less the same verdict. No one will say the Rivo+ is a mediocre streamer. Yet, I ultimately opted for the Rivo without the plus. 1 – I only had to pay €600 for it. 2 – I exclusively stream Qobuz and don’t use a NAS. I only use Qobuz Connect, which I prefer. 3 – I already had a nice PDcreative power supply. And 4 – and most importantly – the Rivo is connected via USB to a Denafrips Hermes DDC, which serves as a central hub (Audiolab CD transport is also connected to this, which makes for a beautiful combination). Unfortunately, the Rivo’s front doesn’t look very nice with my black setup, but my wife made a nice solution for that 😊. Thanks for the great review 👍