Usage. Screw in the antenna, plug in the needed signal cables, connect the included power brick to your AC and Primo. Like strong black tea, let it all steep for five minutes. You might miss an idiot light to confirm operational status but in use, Primo behaves idiot proof without it. Find it via browser from your computer. Initial setup occurs via Ethernet or a Primo-hosted hot spot. Afterwards standard WLAN is operational. Create an account via email address and password to turn into a superstar.

Say what? Let's catch up. Whilst premiering at last year's HighEnd Munich show with its optional Lineo power supply upgrade, this project actually dates back to 2013. That's because its 19-headed team around founder/CEO Michelangelo Guarise based in Florence started in software as an open-source music player or form of OS which naturally also runs on Primo. It's compatible with Mac, Windows, Android, iOS and a popular solution for Rasperry Pi-type purist/audiophile micro computer projects. The basic Volumio software is free and only certain upgrades carry a fee. The full-bore package includes CD playback and ripping, free use across six connected devices, integration of Tidal, Qobuz and Highresaudio.com… and goes by MyVolumio Superstar. Think annual fee of €67 for that. But the Primo Hifi Edition includes it. For life. So it's automatically a superstar without any subsequent top-up fees or renegotiating of contracts.

Browser skin and €2.39 app look identical. What surprised me was how on this loaner from our German importer, individual functions and menus came in German with little info boxes. That was useful not only for green beginners. In a review somewhere I once read that this GUI was confusing. That's always a matter of opinion. Personally I think that everything was extremely well sorted and don't see how the wealth of features and intuitive access could possibly be combined any better.

The player's home page, on its lower edge, features access to 'search', 'playback' and 'cued up'. The first connects to all conceivable music sources, the second brings up the current artwork with track navigation and volume setting, the last creates and stores playlists. Confusing? I'd call it well organized, clearly identified and a quick click on any item proves the point. There's Internet radio, subscription streaming which must be activated under 'settings ⇒ sources', USB hard discs aka 'music libraries', NAS aka 'media server' and playback of stored playlists.