The Rivo is quite impressive. I am using it with the ToneWinner AD-1PRE+ DAC/Preamp. This is probably the best DAC I have owned, and I have had a few through here, from $79 to $6000, Denafrips, PS Audio, Bel Canto, etc., and the ToneWinner mopped the floor with them all. I paired the Rivo with the Farad Super3 linear power supply, very noticeable improvement, and I knew that going in, it needs a good power supply. What kicked the Rivo over the top was the Roon Nucleus One, now it is sounding incredible. The focus, the separation, the dynamics, depth and soundstage are incredibly good. The reason I went with the Rivo is for the sole reason it is one of the few network bridge streamers out there in this price range. And I know, you spent this and that on a power supply and a Nucleus One... Again, I knew this going in. But to purchase say a Lumin, I would have that much invested in the streamer alone, and would have still did what I did... Very happy. Oh, I purchased the "Black" version of the Rivo, and it looks much nicer than the blue faced one. Again, very happy!
What a pleasure it is to hear someone educated speak & perform this type of testing, while maintaining a neutral position. I recall when my friend and I, were asked to A/B sound testing for Sony & Phillis (CD PLAYERS)... in the 1980's yes basically the "birth of the CD Player" we used 1 high end amps and a pair of ADS L2030 Monitors, and a pair of Infinity Reference Standard IRS. Both CD players were tested, end result the Sony was the winner 10 out 10 times, judge by 14 different audiophiles. Secondly, we put the Sony CD player, up against high quality Vinyl.. all 14 preferred the Vinyl, which was played on the current model Oracle Delphi, turn table. The Sony was warmer sounding, had reasonably fair depth, and but lack considerably in stage presentation, and separation. Phillis on the other hand, sounded cool to cold, and analytical to the degree of being somewhat Harsh. Whoops, I'm getting of point here, forgive me. To cut this short I'll except your verdict on the Streamer(s) test results, but for the best Dollar deal I would personally... paid the extra $400 bucks for all the bells and whistles.... I believe it to be an exceptional value, give whats currently available. Furthermore I believe Ever Solo has basically raised the BAR, in the audio world. Yes everything is subjective, and so are opinions. If you know of anyother piece of Audio gear that can perform the same Operations & Functions as the DMP-6A Masters Edition....... please by all means let us know. Thanks
Thank you for this video. My interpretation of your testing results is as follows: If both streamers sound identical using Roon with the Volumio on AES and the Eversolo on USB and if the Volumio sounds 'significantly' (as you put it) better on USB vs AES, then, by triangulation and simple logic i have no choice to conclude that the Volumio sounds better.
Good morning and thank you for the comment. Thats a fair intepretation. Both are great and potentially appealing to slightly different buyers. Cheers, Mark
I'm buying the Rivo on Monday because I want a streamer that can match my DAC . I have to admit that at this point it's intellectual curiosity or OCD finish what I started as two weeks ago I bought an Sbooseter mrk 2 with the upgrade in preparation for my new streamer. while I am waiting to get my streamer I am powering my Wiim pro through it and frankly it is the biggest single upgrade to my sound I have made. I find that astonishing when you consider things like going from a budget integrated amp to an integrated valve amp costing thousands. Speakers, DAC cables etc all my importantly earlier steps but all smaller than the addition of a linear power supply.
I buoght rivo to connect to it my ssd HD with all my music in it. I’ve done this in the aim to shorten how much is possible the way of the audio signal that now I can transmitt directly to my dac by a silver cable. Well in this situation the use of a linear power supply make a great difference! Surely with the money used to buy the linear supply You added to the money to buy Rivo perhaps Uou could buy a better streamer but non all the streamers can accept hd by their USB2a port ( usially they accept usb pen drives) Good music to All!!!!!
Thanks Mark I am getting a Rivo on Monday. (Expect a call). It would be a fun follo up video comparing the Rivo to a better Eversolo the A8 or/and the Master edition and rank them using the best output from each. Ps I bought the Sbooster BOTW mk 2 (+upgrade)in preparation for my new streamer and running my Wiim pro through it is the biggest improvement in my sound so far, so much so that if I was not curios about 768 and other high streaming rates I need not bother as I finally have my ideal sound.
Hi Mark, The rabbit hole is definitely gonna get deeper with the A8, almost bit the bullet with the Master, not sure if I’ll resist the A8 🤭 Keep up the great work 🎉
Hi Greg, the A8 should be the one, got them on order and pre-orders will soon surpass our initial allocation!!! Message me if you want to go on the list ;) Cheers, Mark :)
Please don’t overlook the upcoming everSOLO DMP-A8, which is priced at US $1.999, I’m inclined to think that said $2000 is the sweet spot for said type of devices, at least it’s where I’m looking to tap out.
Hi! Thank you for the review. I’m still trying to decide if I should keep my pre-ordered eversolo dmp-a8 or should I go with the nad c658, or the nad m10 v2… or should I save more and go up to m33… actually I’m only interested in the best sound for tidal streaming in my stereo system. Focal aria 948, sub svs sb-1000 pro, preamp/amp Pioneer c73/m73 class a/b from the 90s. Of course, the m33 if it sounds better will replace the Pioneers. Hard to decide… I also have the Meze Empyrean headphones with node x coax through fiio k9 pro ess. These two sound very good in my stereo too, but the headphones audiotions are in my bedroom. :) I would appreciate any advice! Thank you!
Good morning and thank you for the comment and question. My experience of the Eversolo products suggest they are hard to beat. My advice is keep your order and then compare, make sure your dealer gives you a return option, that way you make a choice based on actual listening experience :) Cheers, Mark
Was it plugged into usb or toslink/ coaxial going from streamer into DAC? Is it really on clock from streamer or Dac? Is the sound better going through usb or toslink/ coaxial on the eversolo when using internal clock of eversolo or the dac?
Mark, thank you for all the hard work... I'm wondering if you guys hear a notable difference between listening to local files (stored on hard disk or NAS), vs streamed files (qobuz). I stream Deezer HIFi and Apple Music (lossless) files (using Airplay). Theese don't sound as detailed, natural or 3-Dimensional as the local files going through the Volumio App (streamer: MagnaMano Mk2) (I haven't tried Qobuz going through the Volumio app, or Tidal connect) thanks, Martin
Good morning Martyn and thank you for the message. The Volumio app supports native Tidal and Qobuz and should give you comparable performance to local files (assuming a decent network switch etc). Why not take out a trial membership (cancel to avoid payment) and see how that compares. Airplay will be a limiting factor in the performance. Hope that helps :) Cheers, Mark
Good morning and thank you for comment. The rabbit hole just gets deeper and deeper!! ;) Its definately something that has mileage for future videos. Cheers, Mark :)
Thank you for sharing your experiences with these 2 devices.🙏 I never had a chance to compare these directly, but it was the two I was choosing between. I chose the Eversolo Master Edition based on the complete package and now I'm even more pleased hearing your conclusion 😅 Possibly, I can add an external DAC in the future if I feel the urge to. I guess that will eventually be the case at some point in the future 😊 Cheers guys, greetings from Sweden 👋 Subscribed.
God morning and thank you so much for the feedback, it is appreciated. It was a very interesting comparison as the video demonstrates. Good choice there and thank you for subscribing! :) Cheers, Mark
When comparing two streamers connected to the same DAC, the output should theoretically be identical, provided that neither device is intentionally altering the digital signal through software processing. In such cases, the DAC is solely responsible for converting the digital signal to analog, and any perceived differences in sound quality can only arise from factors like jitter, power supply inconsistencies, hardware malfunctions, or more likely than not psychological factors such as the placebo effect. In fact, a simple Raspberry Pi running Volumio, when connected to the same DAC, will deliver the same audio quality under these conditions.People talk a lot about jitter and internal clocks, etc... but modern DACs can deal with jitter and neither a dedicated hifi streamer nor a Raspberry Pi is likely to suffer from jitter to such a level that it will be an issue. The Volumio Rivo might be beautiful, but in essence it will produce the exact same results as an old Raspberry Pi. The reason to get a dedicated high end streamer over a Raspberry Pi is not sound quality, it is support, ease of use, and looks. I'm a huge fan of Volumio's hardware, it looks BEAUTIFUL! Much nicer than any Raspberry Pi out there, in that sense it is worth the money, plus you get the Volumio license to go with it.
I know, when I started on the video (none are scripted), I thought, oh, this is going to be short and sweet! My concept of time when talking to the camera is clearly on another dimension! Cheers, Mark :)
The SOtM sMS-200 Ultra Neo SE costs a lot more that either of these, but easily sets a great benchmark. Its one of the best transport only devices on the market currently. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Mark :)
Hi Howard and thank you for your comment and your perspective. We understand that speakers play a crucial role in the overall audio experience and can indeed impact the sound quality and distinctions heard. In our reviews, we aim to use speakers that are well-regarded in the industry for their wide frequency response and accuracy to ensure that they do justice to the equipment being reviewed. However, we acknowledge that due to variations in personal preferences and listening environments, experiences may differ. We appreciate your input and will continue to refine our testing process to provide the most accurate and reliable information to our viewers. Cheers Mark :)
The Rivo is quite impressive. I am using it with the ToneWinner AD-1PRE+ DAC/Preamp. This is probably the best DAC I have owned, and I have had a few through here, from $79 to $6000, Denafrips, PS Audio, Bel Canto, etc., and the ToneWinner mopped the floor with them all. I paired the Rivo with the Farad Super3 linear power supply, very noticeable improvement, and I knew that going in, it needs a good power supply. What kicked the Rivo over the top was the Roon Nucleus One, now it is sounding incredible. The focus, the separation, the dynamics, depth and soundstage are incredibly good. The reason I went with the Rivo is for the sole reason it is one of the few network bridge streamers out there in this price range. And I know, you spent this and that on a power supply and a Nucleus One... Again, I knew this going in. But to purchase say a Lumin, I would have that much invested in the streamer alone, and would have still did what I did... Very happy. Oh, I purchased the "Black" version of the Rivo, and it looks much nicer than the blue faced one. Again, very happy!
Good to see the various people auditioning the equipment, brings confidence in the process
Thank you for the comment and feedback - it really is a team effort :) Cheers, Mark :)
Please consider to connect a good power supply to the volumio and do the test again. It could be surprising….
With a good power supply, the Rivo has made a big step forward in my system.(Farad super 3)
What a pleasure it is to hear someone educated speak & perform this type of testing, while maintaining a neutral position. I recall when my friend and I, were asked to A/B sound testing for Sony & Phillis (CD PLAYERS)... in the 1980's yes basically the "birth of the CD Player" we used 1 high end amps and a pair of ADS L2030 Monitors, and a pair of Infinity Reference Standard IRS. Both CD players were tested, end result the Sony was the winner 10 out 10 times, judge by 14 different audiophiles. Secondly, we put the Sony CD player, up against high quality Vinyl.. all 14 preferred the Vinyl, which was played on the current model Oracle Delphi, turn table. The Sony was warmer sounding, had reasonably fair depth, and but lack considerably in stage presentation, and separation. Phillis on the other hand, sounded cool to cold, and analytical to the degree of being somewhat Harsh.
Whoops, I'm getting of point here, forgive me. To cut this short I'll except your verdict on the Streamer(s) test results, but for the best Dollar deal I would personally... paid the extra $400 bucks for all the bells and whistles.... I believe it to be an exceptional value, give whats currently available. Furthermore I believe Ever Solo has basically raised the BAR, in the audio world. Yes everything is subjective, and so are opinions. If you know of anyother piece of Audio gear that can perform the same Operations & Functions as the DMP-6A Masters Edition....... please by all means let us know. Thanks
Love your passion and honesty. Thanks for the info
Good morning. Thank you for the feedback, it is really appreciated. We are a passionate bunch here! Cheers, Mark :)
Thank you for this video. My interpretation of your testing results is as follows: If both streamers sound identical using Roon with the Volumio on AES and the Eversolo on USB and if the Volumio sounds 'significantly' (as you put it) better on USB vs AES, then, by triangulation and simple logic i have no choice to conclude that the Volumio sounds better.
Good morning and thank you for the comment. Thats a fair intepretation. Both are great and potentially appealing to slightly different buyers. Cheers, Mark
Thank You for the video!
Have You used an external Linear power supply for the Volumio Rivo in this test?
Thanks again
Good morning and thank you for the comment - not yet, but there is no doubt it will raise the performance even further :) Cheers, Mark
I'm buying the Rivo on Monday because I want a streamer that can match my DAC .
I have to admit that at this point it's intellectual curiosity or OCD finish what I started as two weeks ago I bought an Sbooseter mrk 2 with the upgrade in preparation for my new streamer. while I am waiting to get my streamer I am powering my Wiim pro through it and frankly it is the biggest single upgrade to my sound I have made. I find that astonishing when you consider things like going from a budget integrated amp to an integrated valve amp costing thousands. Speakers, DAC cables etc all my importantly earlier steps but all smaller than the addition of a linear power supply.
I buoght rivo to connect to it my ssd HD with all my music in it. I’ve done this in the aim to shorten how much is possible the way of the audio signal that now I can transmitt directly to my dac by a silver cable. Well in this situation the use of a linear power supply make a great difference!
Surely with the money used to buy the linear supply You added to the money to buy Rivo perhaps Uou could buy a better streamer but non all the streamers can accept hd by their USB2a port ( usially they accept usb pen drives)
Good music to All!!!!!
Thanks Mark I am getting a Rivo on Monday. (Expect a call).
It would be a fun follo up video comparing the Rivo to a better Eversolo the A8 or/and the Master edition and rank them using the best output from each.
Ps I bought the Sbooster BOTW mk 2 (+upgrade)in preparation for my new streamer and running my Wiim pro through it is the biggest improvement in my sound so far, so much so that if I was not curios about 768 and other high streaming rates I need not bother as I finally have my ideal sound.
Hi Mark,
The rabbit hole is definitely gonna get deeper with the A8, almost bit the bullet with the Master, not sure if I’ll resist the A8 🤭 Keep up the great work 🎉
Hi Greg, the A8 should be the one, got them on order and pre-orders will soon surpass our initial allocation!!! Message me if you want to go on the list ;) Cheers, Mark :)
Please don’t overlook the upcoming everSOLO DMP-A8, which is priced at US $1.999, I’m inclined to think that said $2000 is the sweet spot for said type of devices, at least it’s where I’m looking to tap out.
We have these new units already on order, so look out for a review in the very near future :)
Hi! Thank you for the review. I’m still trying to decide if I should keep my pre-ordered eversolo dmp-a8 or should I go with the nad c658, or the nad m10 v2… or should I save more and go up to m33… actually I’m only interested in the best sound for tidal streaming in my stereo system. Focal aria 948, sub svs sb-1000 pro, preamp/amp Pioneer c73/m73 class a/b from the 90s. Of course, the m33 if it sounds better will replace the Pioneers. Hard to decide… I also have the Meze Empyrean headphones with node x coax through fiio k9 pro ess. These two sound very good in my stereo too, but the headphones audiotions are in my bedroom. :) I would appreciate any advice! Thank you!
Good morning and thank you for the comment and question. My experience of the Eversolo products suggest they are hard to beat. My advice is keep your order and then compare, make sure your dealer gives you a return option, that way you make a choice based on actual listening experience :) Cheers, Mark
@@EliteAudioUK Thank you so much! I will pickup next week the A8. I’m really looking forward to it.
for simple, you dont have experience between the stages, chips and circuits.you are nice honest guys without real experience!!!!!!!!!!!
Was it plugged into usb or toslink/ coaxial going from streamer into DAC? Is it really on clock from streamer or Dac? Is the sound better going through usb or toslink/ coaxial on the eversolo when using internal clock of eversolo or the dac?
From our testing and using our equipment, both sounded best on USB. Cheers, Mark :)
@@EliteAudioUKUSB is Asyncronous mening you are usin the clock in the DAC.
Mark, thank you for all the hard work...
I'm wondering if you guys hear a notable difference between listening to local files (stored on hard disk or NAS), vs streamed files (qobuz).
I stream Deezer HIFi and Apple Music (lossless) files (using Airplay). Theese don't sound as detailed, natural or 3-Dimensional as the local files going through the Volumio App (streamer: MagnaMano Mk2)
(I haven't tried Qobuz going through the Volumio app, or Tidal connect)
thanks, Martin
Good morning Martyn and thank you for the message. The Volumio app supports native Tidal and Qobuz and should give you comparable performance to local files (assuming a decent network switch etc). Why not take out a trial membership (cancel to avoid payment) and see how that compares. Airplay will be a limiting factor in the performance. Hope that helps :) Cheers, Mark
To continue down this rabbit hole you should shoot out the Eversolo as DAC only against the iFi Zen Stream w. different power supplies…
Good morning and thank you for comment. The rabbit hole just gets deeper and deeper!! ;) Its definately something that has mileage for future videos. Cheers, Mark :)
i would like to compare the Rivo Lineo5 power supply against the Farad power supply
Thank you for sharing your experiences with these 2 devices.🙏 I never had a chance to compare these directly, but it was the two I was choosing between. I chose the Eversolo Master Edition based on the complete package and now I'm even more pleased hearing your conclusion 😅
Possibly, I can add an external DAC in the future if I feel the urge to. I guess that will eventually be the case at some point in the future 😊
Cheers guys, greetings from Sweden 👋 Subscribed.
God morning and thank you so much for the feedback, it is appreciated. It was a very interesting comparison as the video demonstrates. Good choice there and thank you for subscribing! :) Cheers, Mark
When comparing two streamers connected to the same DAC, the output should theoretically be identical, provided that neither device is intentionally altering the digital signal through software processing. In such cases, the DAC is solely responsible for converting the digital signal to analog, and any perceived differences in sound quality can only arise from factors like jitter, power supply inconsistencies, hardware malfunctions, or more likely than not psychological factors such as the placebo effect. In fact, a simple Raspberry Pi running Volumio, when connected to the same DAC, will deliver the same audio quality under these conditions.People talk a lot about jitter and internal clocks, etc... but modern DACs can deal with jitter and neither a dedicated hifi streamer nor a Raspberry Pi is likely to suffer from jitter to such a level that it will be an issue.
The Volumio Rivo might be beautiful, but in essence it will produce the exact same results as an old Raspberry Pi. The reason to get a dedicated high end streamer over a Raspberry Pi is not sound quality, it is support, ease of use, and looks. I'm a huge fan of Volumio's hardware, it looks BEAUTIFUL! Much nicer than any Raspberry Pi out there, in that sense it is worth the money, plus you get the Volumio license to go with it.
Great content but maybe try to focus on the essence to shorten the videos a little 🙏
I know, when I started on the video (none are scripted), I thought, oh, this is going to be short and sweet! My concept of time when talking to the camera is clearly on another dimension! Cheers, Mark :)
Should I expect to hear a big step up if an SOTM device were to be used as a transport, and if so, in which areas ?
The SOtM sMS-200 Ultra Neo SE costs a lot more that either of these, but easily sets a great benchmark. Its one of the best transport only devices on the market currently. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Mark :)
Using USB the DAC will become Master Clock.
I always thought usb was asynchronous so how is this happening ?
The speakers you use can't reveal the difference
Hi Howard and thank you for your comment and your perspective. We understand that speakers play a crucial role in the overall audio experience and can indeed impact the sound quality and distinctions heard.
In our reviews, we aim to use speakers that are well-regarded in the industry for their wide frequency response and accuracy to ensure that they do justice to the equipment being reviewed. However, we acknowledge that due to variations in personal preferences and listening environments, experiences may differ.
We appreciate your input and will continue to refine our testing process to provide the most accurate and reliable information to our viewers.
Cheers
Mark :)
Nice review
One simple fact,one is made in Europe and another is made in China. I wouldn’t support and buy things made in China never ever!