Good to know
Contents
Booting up the Integro takes a minute. The Integro has a computer inside that runs the Volumio software and apparently the startup takes that long.
Powering down is really down, with the exception of the LED light in the button glowing red. Other than that, the Integro hardly uses any power.
Limitations of the Volumio software
Some limitations have been noted, but they are only relevant if you are using a UPnP server or want to connect a NAS. If you only use streaming services or you have your own music files on a USB hard disk or USB flash drive, these limitations are not relevant.
UPnP/DLNA servers
The search function works fine and shows results by streaming service or from your own library. The search function does not work on UPnP/DLNA servers, which is inconvenient if you use them and have a large library of music files.
The search feature is part of the Volumio software and relevant to all devices using Volumio software. The exclusion of UPnP sources for search is confirmed by Volumio, but it was also indicated that this is being worked on. Browsing the library of your UPnP server works as expected.
The Integro is seen as a player by other UPnP/DLNA apps, so you can use other apps to control your server. Apps that do allow you to search your own library.
NAS volume linking
Linking the music folder on the Synology NAS is a frustrating experience. You reviewer has previously mounted this folder directly in other software, such as in Audirvana, but Volumio almost requires you to be an IT administrator to establish this. With the help of a Volumio software engineer, who pointed out a topic in the Volumio Community Forum and your reviewer’s understanding of how permissions and shares work in Synology, it worked. For a consumer product, this is actually not acceptable.
Fortunately, though, linking a USB drive with music files is easy. You connect the drive to the USB port, go to the “music library” tile, choose the USB drive, and you can select from the files on the drive.
Looking for the compromise
With amplifiers in this price range, the manufacturer has to compromise in the design and choice of components to limit costs to the required budgeted level. This begs the question where Volumio made the compromise, and it turns out to be the power supply. The moment we connect a better power supply to the Integro the amplifier sounds richer in sound and especially less sharp in the highs.
We do not expect that consumers who buy an Integro are willing to invest in a replacement power supply of many hundreds of Euros. It is a bit of a missed opportunity though, because the Integro can sound better than what you get fresh out of the nicely designed box. We understand the need to keep a sharp eye on the cost level. With a better power supply, the Integro will have to be put on the market at a much higher price and then it becomes more difficult to compete.