Recommendation
Contents
The original Rivo remains a relevant streamer. For DACs in the price range under 1500 Euros equipped with a Sabre ESS DAC, the Rivo is the better partner in our opinion. There are always exceptions, but mostly these DACs sound clear and detailed and that is enhanced by the Volumio Rivo+.
The new series of AKM DACs and most R2R DACs sound a bit more relaxed in the highs. The Volumio Rivo+ then brings more transparency to the sound.
The Lineo5 power supply is a good match with both streamers. It just looks a bit big and clunky next to the Rivo or Rivo+, but if you can put it out of sight or you don’t mind the looks, it is definitely the recommended power supply.
As in the review of the original Rivo: depending on the DAC, either the USB or the AES/EBU connection will give the best result. Above all, test both yourself to judge the result in your situation.
Conclusion
Volumio succeeds in providing top-tier DACs with a suitable signal with the Rivo+ and Lineo5. Especially combined with Roon, Volumio delivers excellent value for the price. The matter of fact and confidence that the Rivo+ brings to the sound of the DAC is particularly striking.
The difference with the original Rivo is quite significant, but surprisingly, also in the character of the sound that ultimately reaches your ears. The Rivo+'s emphasis on transparency makes it somewhat taste sensitive. After hours and hours of listening, we are impressed with what Volumio has achieved with the Rivo+ and Lineo5. Alpha Audio Approved Plus.
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 👍