Compared to the Volumio Primo
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In Haarlem we use Roon for the Primo and the Rivo+, which we link to the Preciso with USB. In both cases we use the Lineo5 to power the Primo and to power the Rivo. The software version of the Volumio software is the same on the devices.
With the Primo, Fink’s “Be Forever Like A Curse” has a palpable tension in the buildup of the music. We hear a lot of nuance in the singer’s voice and the dynamics toward the end of the song are wonderful.
Then, playing the same track on the Rivo and Preciso combination, the stereo image grows. More authority descends in the soundstage, more depth in the sound and you hear a lot more detail in instruments. It is a clean sound: transparent and open sounding. But musically less exciting than the Primo, where “Be Forever Like A Curse” puts you on edge.
With the Rivo+ powered by the Lineo5 and Preciso, you get an upgrade in sound, it is a class upward. The Rivo+ does contribute a big part of the final picture here. The price difference between a Primo with Lineo5 power supply (together €1163) and the combination of Rivo with Lineo5 power supply and the Preciso (together €2412) is significant, so you do expect more.