The Volumio Primo V2 is a slick, great-sounding music streamer built for people who really care about how their music sounds. It handles high-resolution files like FLAC and WAV with ease and uses a quality onboard DAC to deliver clean, detailed and natural playback. This ex-demonstration unit is in fantastic condition and is super easy to use thanks to Volumio’s intuitive app, giving you smooth access to streaming services and your local music library. With Wi-Fi and Ethernet, plus USB and HDMI connectivity, the Primo V2 drops neatly into almost any system and makes high-quality streaming refreshingly simple.
The item represented is being sold by a Commercial Member. This means they have certain legal requirements when selling new and second-hand goods, and must provide a statuatory warranty under Consumer Law applicable to their location. These requirements may differ depending on their region, so discuss these entitlements with the Seller prior to purchase.
### Sound Quality
Reviewers consistently highlight the Primo V2's neutral, transparent, and musical sound, driven by the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip in differential configuration with short signal paths to minimize jitter and noise. It delivers crystal-clear mids with lifelike timbre and harmonics, impactful yet lean bass, and an expansive soundstage that extends beyond speakers—especially when paired with a low-noise power supply like the iFi iPower2, which enhances resolution, smoothness, and layering. Technical performance includes precise imaging and good extension across frequencies, though it lacks some holography and ambience compared to higher-end units; some note a slightly dry or unforgiving texture.
### Build Quality
The compact, Made-in-Italy design earns high marks for its clean internal board, premium feel, and thoughtful engineering, such as disableable Wi-Fi/Bluetooth to reduce EMI on wired connections. Connectivity is robust with Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2x2 MIMO), Bluetooth 5.0, USB ports (host/DAC out), and microSD, plus app features like AI search, upsampling, DSP, and volume control turning it into a preamp.
### Reliability
The device is described as reliable, stable, and easy to set up, with a fast Volumio OS offering lifetime subscription, excellent streaming service integration (e.g., Qobuz), and file support; no widespread complaints about crashes or instability in reviews.
### Strengths
- Outstanding price-to-performance ratio as an all-in-one streamer/DAC.
- User-friendly interface and seamless streaming.
- Scales well with upgrades like better power supplies.
- Versatile inputs/outputs and software customization.
### Weaknesses
- No coaxial digital input.
- Lacks headphone amp and power switch.
- Bass can feel lean/dry; slightly unforgiving on poor recordings.
- Minor app gap, like no Qobuz PDF booklet access.
### Overall Reputation
The Primo V2 enjoys a strong reputation as a "bravo, bravissimo" performer in its class, with users noting it exceeds expectations for sound and usability; Stereophile calls it the best in its breed at around $735, and community feedback emphasizes its engaging, natural audio without digital glare. It's positioned as an unbeatable entry-level high-end option for both headphones and speakers.
### Price Range by Condition
- New: $1,199–$1,399 AUD across major Australian hi-fi retailers, including discounts from original list prices (e.g., $1,199 at Groove Central, down from $1,399; $1,399 at The Audio Experts; $1,299 at AV World).
- Used: No recent listings or user-reported prices found; expect 20–40% below new ($800–$1,100 AUD conservatively) if available on secondary markets, depending on condition, but this is an estimate due to lack of data.
### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Retailer promotions: Discounts like Groove Central's reduction from $1,399 to $1,199 directly lower effective prices.
- Condition: New units include full 1-year warranty and accessories (power supply, manual); used would depreciate based on wear, missing parts, or warranty status.
- Features and awards: High-end ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC, hi-res support (PCM 768kHz/32-bit, DSD512), Roon Ready certification, and EISA Best Digital Player 2023/24 award support premium pricing.
- Market availability: Primarily sold through Australian hi-fi specialists (e.g., Groove Central, Audio Trends, Douglas HiFi); limited stock or imports could influence pricing.
Prices may fluctuate with stock, shipping (free over $99 at some retailers), or new models; check retailers for latest quotes.
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