Additional info: The Motivo control app and its UI can run somewhat slow if you use a 100Mbit connection. Using a 1Gbits wired connection or stable WiFi will make it snappy. By the way - WiFi has one of the best implementations I've seen. It sounds every bit as good as my wired connection over the Gustard N18 Pro switch with Supra LAN cables. WiFi is usually worse so I was surprised by this. I forgot to mention it in the video but Volumio did a great job with the WiFi module here.
Thank you for the video. I missed some more images or recording about the device and the screen. It's extrange in a device that is mainly a big screen, no see it enough. Just as sugestion ;-) In the other hand, if, as you mentioned, the Motivo is better than the Rivo, it's including a very good the DAC and the headphone aplifier... the Rivo could be a better buy if you aready have DAC and headphone amp, but in case you haven't, seams that Motivo is a better choice. I am habituated to that XLR/TRS combined inputs because I use mixers, and my mixer also has that XLR/TRS. Also I had a Musical Fidelity HPA-MX headphone amplifier with the same conections. In the MF, the TRS conectors work as 6,3 mm TRS jack stereo single ended outputs, same as in the Motivo, but normally these combined connectors also works as balanced, that means that you can connect with XLR balanced cables, or you can use 2 TRS cables, one for each conector (right and left) to get also balanced output. Are you sure, the MOtivodoesn't work as I described? In the other hand, the device is interesting, but I think it would be more interesting if would include an HDMI input/output that allows to connect easilly a TV, both for use Motivo as DAC or to play the MOtivo interface in the TV Regards.
I have been burning in a sparkler-audio model S512 "perceive" DAC/XLR with Raspberry Pi5/NVMe SSD, PI2AES 2.0 via XLR and Volumio running for 5 days now without any issues. This Sparkler-Audio DAC is spacious.
Hans Beekhuyzen also reviewed the motivo on his channel and was equally impressed. He tried using an upgraded power supply but was surprised to find that it sounded worse . So it seems Volumio also did a very good job with the power supply.
Hmm..Hans and Alpha Audio are friends in the Netherlands, Alpha Audio has a good relationship with Volumio so hard to not get biased. Besides, Hans shows the technical part in detail but when it comes down to sound description you are lucky to get more then two words 😅
Seems like all manufacturers left the audio as is and switched their efforts to video, investing in ever growing screens which are not useful since what’s easier than buying a very simple cellular and declare it as your remote. running the music from an app is the easiest way, which can be done from the comfort of your couch. I had a chance to compare my ifi streamer to a much more good looking eversolo 6, I must admit the the eversolo with it’s shining screen looks convincing but, using an external DAC , I think only a trained bat can sense the audible difference between the two. The ifi stands somewhere , well hidden while doing what it has to do (stream music) while I enjoy the music without being obstructed by too many screens
The Motivo was developed as a headphone DAC , and requirements were set by the Volumio user community. So, that’s how Volumio ended up with this design.
Another terrific review Srbo! Question: I just watched your excellent review of the Holo Cyan 2 dac. For someone who wants an expansive soundstage with excellent imaging and natural tone, would the Cyan 2 be a noticeable (or significant) upgrade over the Motivo's internal delta sigma dac? Thank you!
I totally agree with the tax and customs issue, for me it is also a relevant aspect. Thank you very much for everything. By the way, volumio on Raspberry 4+ does not index 2TB external drives well.
You mentioned the Eversolo. Were you given a sample of the new Zidoo UHD8000 to review--which is pretty much a cross between their Z media players and the Eversolo DMP audio units? Complete with a brand new ESS 9069 chip... Sounds like they got the movie cataloging down but I want to know how it sounds on the audio side...
Phenomenal review, as always! So appreciate your splitting those hairs (and important to do so) to get at comparative value propositions. Speaking splitting hairs, and must apologize for doing so…but in that comparison with Rivo, was that including an upgrade power supply? I got an LHY 50va LPS for my Rivo and it was a complete game changer in terms of improvement 🙏🏼👍🏼
They were both with their factory power supplies. Rivo does get better with a better PS, but so is Motivo most likely. I just didn't have any good 4A PS needed for Motivo so I couldn't make a fair LPS comparison for both.
I couldn't get my eyes off the Mon Platimon speaker behind you. I'm eager to hear your impressions and evaluation of the Platimon speakers. This Volumio is the latest flavor of the month on streamer dacs combo.
Hi, The display not advancing is likely a UPnP issue. I see the same thing when streaming to a Wiim Pro using Audirvana Studio. Speaking of Audirvana and Wiim, that combination is fantastic at this point in their respective release cycles. I output the Wiim to an SMSL-SU1 and think the combination is excellent value for money. What's interesting is that streaming to the Wiim with UPnP Kernel Mode sounds better than connecting to the SU1 via its USB input.
Besides perhaps in a desktop setting I can´t imagine anyone is waiting for this and don´t think there´s a future for this device 🤷 I looks cheap and stupid and even with the high price you need to upgrade the power supply 🙈 seems they have lost the plot at Volumio 😅 A plea to all manufacturers (WiiM, Eversolo,...)stop producing all-in-one devices please! 🤢🙏
I've noticed more and more stuff is being released targeted to desktops. The way this sits with that very slight slant once again that's definitely the case. This is not meant for a HiFi component rack... If it was it would have set up with the LCD facing the front instead.
And also I don't really see this type of product aimed at the core target of this channel.. but I guess it's the latest do-it-all product that generates a lot of traffic. So in the end it's perhaps good for the channel.
Thanks for this very good and informative review, Srbo! I believe that the Motivo sounds very nice, but it seems that Volumio is still quirky as it was back in my RPi days. That made me move away from that system, even though I liked the sound very much.
Please do review the Volumio linear PSU! Does it noticeably improve the sound of Volumio products? Do other non-Volumio products benefit from it as well? Comparison with other brands of PS units existing on a market will be, of course, greatly appreciated as well. Thumbs up!
This is a great review, makes me very interested in trying it out! I currently have an Orchard Pi+, very 'bare bones' but, I do like it's sound, quality & price point. Have you ever reviewed any Audiophonics equipment? I am looking at their amplifiers, I was wondering what you think of their AUDIOPHONICS EVO-TOUCH Streamer Squeezelite Balanced DAC?
Crazy! €1700.-!! No Way. Which Marketing Newbie told the Manufacturer that the World needs another DAC? For a hoorrible Price like this? Respect. A Genius is born.
@@clegsmate6094 sorry but you don´t get the point. Nobody it´s calling it a mere DAC, on the contrary, we are saying we don´t want another all-in-one streamer, dac, headphone amplifier 🙈
Very interesting and complete test .. thank you … now would be interesting to position volumio primo 2 between the complete motiva solution and the streamer one ? 😉
I would love to see a Rivo (streamer only) with a screen! It could be a touch screen - but it could be "just" a screen. The Rivo and the Motivo seem to be amazing streaming devices; based on your reviews. But I have my DAC that I *love* - the Geshelli Labs Dayzee with an LPS, and I have upgrade the op-amps to the amazing Sparkos SS2590's.
You can attach the Rivo to a screen or TV, there is an HDMI output. I am listening to my Rivo right now. I have the Rivo with the Farad Super 3 LPS with the Roon Nucleus One and an Sbooster 19v LPS. It sounds fantastic over my ToneWinner AD-1Pre+ DAC/Pre out to the ToneWinner AD-2Pro+ integrated amplifier. I have the Fyne F500SP bookshelf, along with a pair of Maggie LRS+ and a pair of Zu DW6 Supremes. What kicked the Rivo over the edge was the introduction of the Roon Nucleus One, and then the power supply. The Rivo really needs a quality power supply.
@@michaelwright1602 - thanks - I had forgotten that detail. I think that with a external LPS. the Rivo might rival the Motivo as a streamer? My only hesitance on the Rivo is the ability to *sign in* to my Radio Paradise account, so I can stream my Favorites from RP. I can do this on my Node 2i, which with an LPS sounds much better than it does stock.
@@michaelwright1602 It is simply stunning - with the stock TI OPA1655 op-amps; with an LPS. When I upgraded to the Sparkos SS2590 (after about 3 months listening with the TI units) - it opens up *even* more, and I am simply floored when I listen to music that I have heard for decades. The level of clarity and layering and fantastic dynamics - miniscule to massive - it is almost like a new piece of music.
The only one who has said the real and serious problems that this software has. The equipment they sell has a high cost and comes with problems. cannot be admitted. I use paid Volumio, $70 a year to have Tidal Connect and most of the time it fails and you have to restart. And we must add the problems discussed in this video. If they want to get paid, it should be stable and bug-free software.
I don't think it's worth that kind of money to be honest.. i'm also not happy about all these pricey all-in-one integrated mini-boxes that leave you with sparce connectivity options .. Also, external power supplies.. super annoying!
Should be closer but the thing with the Motivo is that it's the result of a collaboration of many people from their forum that know what they are doing, the implementation is highly optimized.. Besides that, It has some upgrades over the Rivo harwarewise. The Motivo will be better and the price ends up being similar if you buy the Rivo and a good LPS. I spent a lot of time looking into this and ended up doing just that :)
@@renatomorais8136 I have to say the Motivo looks impressive. But, I would still add an outboard LPS, that is just a given. Have you tried Roon with the Motivo? I picked up the Roon Nucleus One and the Sbooster 19v LPS and was blown away at the sound quality improvement with the Rivo. Even my WiiM Ultra sound quality went to another level. Fun hobby to say the least.
Your channel makes me cringe a bit, you don’t do any measurement nor ABX testing, you rely only on your feelings and your hearing which is well known to be subject of biais and psychoacoustic phenomenons studied since many years. You seem truly passionated by this subject so I doubt you do this as a merchant but I advise you to inject more science in your domain, and you will be surprised about what you thought to be true.
Then go away... Why even post, much less watch? Some of the best sounding gear I have, and own, would never pass your measurement tests. Go listen to your oscilloscope... We, on the other hand, will enjoy the music. ;-)
You must be fairly new or completely. I can understand your points & concerns with this channel...I also rely on data & measurements to a degree with certain products. But I will say this, & I think many of the regular watchers of this channels will agree, my man here is one of The Best subjective reviewers on TH-cam. He definitely knows his stuff & is very articulate with his descriptions in terms that most audio lovers can interpret & appreciate. I love measurements & ABX testing but I appreciate this channel just as much & feel that his opinion on products holds weight. Much better than some/many other subjective channels. Just my opinion of course.
@@NosEL34 But subjective is subjective to so many biais that he probably would have a different opinion of the same product in an other context, that’s what I meant.
@@michaelwright1602 Im happy for you if you are happy with your gear but I want people to avoid spending too much money on things sounding the same. Also something can sound good and mesure bad if we mesure distortion since what you like in the sound is probably tube or r2r harmonic distortion. But many things sound the same, and this channel seem to say otherwise, which is totally normal since it only relies on subjective hearing which is subject to a lot of biais ( volume matching being the first of many )
Additional info: The Motivo control app and its UI can run somewhat slow if you use a 100Mbit connection. Using a 1Gbits wired connection or stable WiFi will make it snappy. By the way - WiFi has one of the best implementations I've seen. It sounds every bit as good as my wired connection over the Gustard N18 Pro switch with Supra LAN cables. WiFi is usually worse so I was surprised by this. I forgot to mention it in the video but Volumio did a great job with the WiFi module here.
Agreed! I was using wired first then changed to WIFI and its pretty good.
Thank you for the video.
I missed some more images or recording about the device and the screen. It's extrange in a device that is mainly a big screen, no see it enough. Just as sugestion ;-)
In the other hand, if, as you mentioned, the Motivo is better than the Rivo, it's including a very good the DAC and the headphone aplifier... the Rivo could be a better buy if you aready have DAC and headphone amp, but in case you haven't, seams that Motivo is a better choice.
I am habituated to that XLR/TRS combined inputs because I use mixers, and my mixer also has that XLR/TRS. Also I had a Musical Fidelity HPA-MX headphone amplifier with the same conections.
In the MF, the TRS conectors work as 6,3 mm TRS jack stereo single ended outputs, same as in the Motivo, but normally these combined connectors also works as balanced, that means that you can connect with XLR balanced cables, or you can use 2 TRS cables, one for each conector (right and left) to get also balanced output.
Are you sure, the MOtivodoesn't work as I described?
In the other hand, the device is interesting, but I think it would be more interesting if would include an HDMI input/output that allows to connect easilly a TV, both for use Motivo as DAC or to play the MOtivo interface in the TV
Regards.
I own one, it's truly a phenomenal product.
I have been burning in a sparkler-audio model S512 "perceive" DAC/XLR with Raspberry Pi5/NVMe SSD, PI2AES 2.0 via XLR and Volumio running for 5 days now without any issues. This Sparkler-Audio DAC is spacious.
I love this device, Did not think it would be so good
Hans Beekhuyzen also reviewed the motivo on his channel and was equally impressed. He tried using an upgraded power supply but was surprised to find that it sounded worse . So it seems Volumio also did a very good job with the power supply.
Hmm..Hans and Alpha Audio are friends in the Netherlands, Alpha Audio has a good relationship with Volumio so hard to not get biased. Besides, Hans shows the technical part in detail but when it comes down to sound description you are lucky to get more then two words 😅
@@justasimplefoxAlpha Audio has a good relationship with Volumio? ?? Maybe we can ask Jaap Feenstra
@@justasimplefox Maybe use your own ears then? Measurements are published on the Alpha Audio review, so you can check those yourself.
Seems like all manufacturers left the audio as is and switched their efforts to video, investing in ever growing screens which are not useful since what’s easier than buying a very simple cellular and declare it as your remote. running the music from an app is the easiest way, which can be done from the comfort of your couch.
I had a chance to compare my ifi streamer to a much more good looking eversolo 6, I must admit the the eversolo with it’s shining screen looks convincing but, using an external DAC , I think only a trained bat can sense the audible difference between the two. The ifi stands somewhere , well hidden while doing what it has to do (stream music) while I enjoy the music without being obstructed by too many screens
The Motivo was developed as a headphone DAC , and requirements were set by the Volumio user community. So, that’s how Volumio ended up with this design.
🙋♂️SRBJ , thanks for helping the community🤗💚💚💚
Super Video ,samo napred 😉👍
Another terrific review Srbo! Question: I just watched your excellent review of the Holo Cyan 2 dac. For someone who wants an expansive soundstage with excellent imaging and natural tone, would the Cyan 2 be a noticeable (or significant) upgrade over the Motivo's internal delta sigma dac? Thank you!
THANKS for the music! 👍🏼
I totally agree with the tax and customs issue, for me it is also a relevant aspect. Thank you very much for everything. By the way, volumio on Raspberry 4+ does not index 2TB external drives well.
You mentioned the Eversolo. Were you given a sample of the new Zidoo UHD8000 to review--which is pretty much a cross between their Z media players and the Eversolo DMP audio units? Complete with a brand new ESS 9069 chip...
Sounds like they got the movie cataloging down but I want to know how it sounds on the audio side...
Phenomenal review, as always! So appreciate your splitting those hairs (and important to do so) to get at comparative value propositions. Speaking splitting hairs, and must apologize for doing so…but in that comparison with Rivo, was that including an upgrade power supply? I got an LHY 50va LPS for my Rivo and it was a complete game changer in terms of improvement 🙏🏼👍🏼
They were both with their factory power supplies. Rivo does get better with a better PS, but so is Motivo most likely. I just didn't have any good 4A PS needed for Motivo so I couldn't make a fair LPS comparison for both.
I couldn't get my eyes off the Mon Platimon speaker behind you. I'm eager to hear your impressions and evaluation of the Platimon speakers. This Volumio is the latest flavor of the month on streamer dacs combo.
I have a crush on them. 😅
Great review.
A lumin review is long pending! Looking forward to you comparing atleast a lumin U2 mini with all of this !!
Hi, The display not advancing is likely a UPnP issue. I see the same thing when streaming to a Wiim Pro using Audirvana Studio. Speaking of Audirvana and Wiim, that combination is fantastic at this point in their respective release cycles. I output the Wiim to an SMSL-SU1 and think the combination is excellent value for money. What's interesting is that streaming to the Wiim with UPnP Kernel Mode sounds better than connecting to the SU1 via its USB input.
Besides perhaps in a desktop setting I can´t imagine anyone is waiting for this and don´t think there´s a future for this device 🤷 I looks cheap and stupid and even with the high price you need to upgrade the power supply 🙈 seems they have lost the plot at Volumio 😅
A plea to all manufacturers (WiiM, Eversolo,...)stop producing all-in-one devices please! 🤢🙏
I've noticed more and more stuff is being released targeted to desktops. The way this sits with that very slight slant once again that's definitely the case. This is not meant for a HiFi component rack... If it was it would have set up with the LCD facing the front instead.
I can only agree 🫡
And also I don't really see this type of product aimed at the core target of this channel.. but I guess it's the latest do-it-all product that generates a lot of traffic. So in the end it's perhaps good for the channel.
Agree, try to find a stand alone dac. There are some yet selection is dismal.
I agree, the target group for this product is embarrassingly small.
Thanks for this very good and informative review, Srbo!
I believe that the Motivo sounds very nice, but it seems that Volumio is still quirky as it was back in my RPi days.
That made me move away from that system, even though I liked the sound very much.
Beyond excellent. Inflation sucks. Cool runnings
Thanks and enjoying all your reviews - Any chance in reviewing the Hegel H190V amplifier- Best wishes & Regards
Please do review the Volumio linear PSU! Does it noticeably improve the sound of Volumio products? Do other non-Volumio products benefit from it as well? Comparison with other brands of PS units existing on a market will be, of course, greatly appreciated as well. Thumbs up!
This is a great review, makes me very interested in trying it out! I currently have an Orchard Pi+, very 'bare bones' but, I do like it's sound, quality & price point. Have you ever reviewed any Audiophonics equipment? I am looking at their amplifiers, I was wondering what you think of their AUDIOPHONICS EVO-TOUCH Streamer Squeezelite Balanced DAC?
Crazy! €1700.-!! No Way.
Which Marketing Newbie told the Manufacturer that the World needs another DAC?
For a hoorrible Price like this?
Respect. A Genius is born.
You can find an interview with the genius on TH-cam 😉 these guys don´t care about audio...these are lifestyle products developed by marketeers.
Well, they have seemingly sold a fair quantity already!
Since when has a combined streamer, DAC and headphone amp been referred to as a mere DAC ?
@@clegsmate6094 sorry but you don´t get the point. Nobody it´s calling it a mere DAC, on the contrary, we are saying we don´t want another all-in-one streamer, dac, headphone amplifier 🙈
@@clegsmate6094
I doubt very much that many were actually sold.
Or are there any concrete numbers that have been made known?
@@justasimplefox "World needs another DAC?"!!
Should I be interested in things you don't want?
Very interesting and complete test .. thank you … now would be interesting to position volumio primo 2 between the complete motiva solution and the streamer one ? 😉
i will wait for a Rivo MK2 with i2s
How do you rate the volume control?
I have read reviews that found it stiff or uncomfortable in use.
I would love to see a Rivo (streamer only) with a screen! It could be a touch screen - but it could be "just" a screen. The Rivo and the Motivo seem to be amazing streaming devices; based on your reviews.
But I have my DAC that I *love* - the Geshelli Labs Dayzee with an LPS, and I have upgrade the op-amps to the amazing Sparkos SS2590's.
You can attach the Rivo to a screen or TV, there is an HDMI output. I am listening to my Rivo right now. I have the Rivo with the Farad Super 3 LPS with the Roon Nucleus One and an Sbooster 19v LPS. It sounds fantastic over my ToneWinner AD-1Pre+ DAC/Pre out to the ToneWinner AD-2Pro+ integrated amplifier. I have the Fyne F500SP bookshelf, along with a pair of Maggie LRS+ and a pair of Zu DW6 Supremes. What kicked the Rivo over the edge was the introduction of the Roon Nucleus One, and then the power supply. The Rivo really needs a quality power supply.
I need to get that Dayzee... ;-)
@@michaelwright1602 - thanks - I had forgotten that detail. I think that with a external LPS. the Rivo might rival the Motivo as a streamer? My only hesitance on the Rivo is the ability to *sign in* to my Radio Paradise account, so I can stream my Favorites from RP. I can do this on my Node 2i, which with an LPS sounds much better than it does stock.
@@michaelwright1602 It is simply stunning - with the stock TI OPA1655 op-amps; with an LPS. When I upgraded to the Sparkos SS2590 (after about 3 months listening with the TI units) - it opens up *even* more, and I am simply floored when I listen to music that I have heard for decades. The level of clarity and layering and fantastic dynamics - miniscule to massive - it is almost like a new piece of music.
does it also stream over Wifi or does it require an ethernet cable to be connected to the internet
It streams over WiFi.
Gustard x30 review ?
The only one who has said the real and serious problems that this software has. The equipment they sell has a high cost and comes with problems. cannot be admitted. I use paid Volumio, $70 a year to have Tidal Connect and most of the time it fails and you have to restart.
And we must add the problems discussed in this video.
If they want to get paid, it should be stable and bug-free software.
I have worked with the Primo and Rivo and never had software issues. For the record: if you buy a Volumio device, the software is included.
I don't think it's worth that kind of money to be honest.. i'm also not happy about all these pricey all-in-one integrated mini-boxes that leave you with sparce connectivity options .. Also,
external power supplies.. super annoying!
Olive Audio did have a similar piece of gear, and guess what, they went bankrupt.
@@goodsound4756 Interesting..
Different speakers????
Monacoustic Platimon VC One. Rreview coming soon.
How about the Rivo with a solid power supply compared to the Motivo?
Should be closer but the thing with the Motivo is that it's the result of a collaboration of many people from their forum that know what they are doing, the implementation is highly optimized.. Besides that, It has some upgrades over the Rivo harwarewise. The Motivo will be better and the price ends up being similar if you buy the Rivo and a good LPS. I spent a lot of time looking into this and ended up doing just that :)
@@renatomorais8136 I have to say the Motivo looks impressive. But, I would still add an outboard LPS, that is just a given. Have you tried Roon with the Motivo? I picked up the Roon Nucleus One and the Sbooster 19v LPS and was blown away at the sound quality improvement with the Rivo. Even my WiiM Ultra sound quality went to another level. Fun hobby to say the least.
Alpha Audio
[Interview] The New Volumio Motivo! An interview with Volumio
th-cam.com/video/wpBiff0h5TE/w-d-xo.html
or use an Iphone
Waste the money Who needs interface?😊
Interface? Should that be an integrated streamer, DAC and headphone amp?
Is it a waste of money if you seek a streamer, DAC and headphone amp?
Your channel makes me cringe a bit, you don’t do any measurement nor ABX testing, you rely only on your feelings and your hearing which is well known to be subject of biais and psychoacoustic phenomenons studied since many years.
You seem truly passionated by this subject so I doubt you do this as a merchant but I advise you to inject more science in your domain, and you will be surprised about what you thought to be true.
Why do you bother watching them? What have you contributed to the Audio community?
Then go away... Why even post, much less watch? Some of the best sounding gear I have, and own, would never pass your measurement tests. Go listen to your oscilloscope... We, on the other hand, will enjoy the music. ;-)
You must be fairly new or completely. I can understand your points & concerns with this channel...I also rely on data & measurements to a degree with certain products. But I will say this, & I think many of the regular watchers of this channels will agree, my man here is one of The Best subjective reviewers on TH-cam. He definitely knows his stuff & is very articulate with his descriptions in terms that most audio lovers can interpret & appreciate. I love measurements & ABX testing but I appreciate this channel just as much & feel that his opinion on products holds weight. Much better than some/many other subjective channels. Just my opinion of course.
@@NosEL34 But subjective is subjective to so many biais that he probably would have a different opinion of the same product in an other context, that’s what I meant.
@@michaelwright1602 Im happy for you if you are happy with your gear but I want people to avoid spending too much money on things sounding the same.
Also something can sound good and mesure bad if we mesure distortion since what you like in the sound is probably tube or r2r harmonic distortion.
But many things sound the same, and this channel seem to say otherwise, which is totally normal since it only relies on subjective hearing which is subject to a lot of biais ( volume matching being the first of many )
Great review, nice to see you like the bass player Brian Bromberg. One of my favourite bass players.