Italian hi-fi maker Volumio has just launched a new audio device, the Motivo Streamer, Transport & Headphone Amplifier, which can best be described as a high-resolution music streamer and iPad in one compact and stylish package.
To control the device, Volumio has combined a sleek-looking 8-inch touchscreen with a retro-style haptic control button, making the entire entertainment experience feel more immersive. It features a range of software and hardware connectivity options, meaning you can use it with any of the top music streaming services. Thanks to its wide connectivity options, it also works great with your current home entertainment system and one of the best noise canceling headphones.
Under the hood you will find a Saber ES9038 DAC (which is a digital to analog converter), which supports all high-resolution music files of the best quality. It also features dual-output analog XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced outputs.
Volumio’s Premium software, included as part of the device, gives you access to all your favorite streaming services, including Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz and more. In short, the Volumio Motivo is built for audiophiles, and wireless streaming compatibility to the best Sonos speakers and Google Cast speakers means it fits seamlessly into wired or wireless setups.
Sleek styling and smart suggestions
We’ve covered Volumio’s products before, and we always fall for the mix of state-of-the-art audio housed in modern designs with artisanal touches. But Volumio’s new technology makes its latest products even more compelling as they bring AI smarts to your listening experience.
We first reviewed the company’s ChatGPT-powered Supersearch tool in 2023 when it was added to the super-compact all-in-one hi-fi box Volumio Integro. But Supersearch will also be available in the Volumio Motivo. What makes it interesting is that it claims to give you smarter recommendations via ChatGPT, and then play them from the streaming service of your choice.
When we first wrote about Supersearch, we said that you could of course just use the ChatGPT app and ask for music recommendations, but this experience is much slicker and simpler. The Motivo also comes with Volumio’s ‘Infinity Playback’ tool, which will continue to bring you music you like once you reach the end of the recommendations. Sure, this all sounds similar to the experience you already get from Spotify and Tidal, but again, having all these features built right into one product makes it infinitely easier.
We don’t have any pricing or availability details on the Volumio Motivo yet, but it won’t be cheap. The Volumio Integro launched for around $1,400 / £1,025 / AU$2,499 and while it’s a different kind of device, it should give you a rough idea of what to expect.