Motivo features a no-compromise headphone section that includes the flagship class-AB TPA6120A2 amplifier from Texas Instruments. The headphone amplifier is connected differentially to the Sabre DAC ES9038 to minimize common-mode noise. The output stage of the headphone amplifier has been fine-tuned for both high-impedance and low-impedance headphones, with two dedicated outputs.

Thanks to these optimizations and the clean, high-headroom supply voltage for the amplifier, it is possible to drive any kind of headphones, even the most demanding ones, with astonishing performance across the entire frequency spectrum.

This setup ensures that every listener can experience music with clarity, depth, and precision, regardless of their headphone choice.

Motivo can be operated via the multitouch display, Volumio mobile apps (available for Android and iOS), or any browser by simply typing motivo.local.

All three operational methods are equivalent and can be used simultaneously.

The Raspberry PI is a generalized platform which can serve various purposes, including audio projects. However, it lacks the specialized, high-quality components and audio-specific optimizations that are integral to Motivo.

To match the features of Motivo, a Raspberry Pi user would need to buy and configure multiple additional components such as:

– Raspberry PI

– Touch Display

– USB Recklocker unit

– Digital outputs Hat

– ESS 9038 I2S Hat

– I2S to HDMI converter hat

– Galvanic isolation hat

– 6X Linear regulators

– 2X Headphone amplifiers

This not only potentially makes this solution more expensive than Motivo but also adds complexity in setup and operation. Not to mention that it will not include Volumio Premium features, which cost 70 euros\year.

Motivo is instead a premium, high-end audio device specifically designed for audiophiles and ready to play. Volumio OS is highly optimized for enhanced audio performance and user experience. Crucially, Motivo includes all its premium features without requiring any subscription, offering full functionality immediately upon purchase.

So, in short, the level of optimizations, overall value for money and sound quality of Motivo cannot be matched with a Raspberry PI based setup.

We wanted Motivo to be the best possible Volumio experience yet. This is why Volumio OS has been tweaked extensively to maximize Motivo’s sound quality and usability.

Some notable features of the custom Volumio OS you will find on Motivo:

• DAC Filter selection: The Sabre 9038 offers a selection of 6 digital filters to tweak slightly its sound features. Select the one that better fits your tastes.

• Selective standby function: you can decide Motivo’s standby behaviour. By default, Motivo will go into power-saving mode after 10 minutes of idling. You can configure this to your liking.

• Auto Power-On: in case of power outages, you can have Motivo to turn on automatically shall you want it to.

• HDMI I2S Mode: I2s over HDMI is a standard that each DAC manufacturer implements in a slightly different way. With Motivo you will be able to select the appropriate protocol for your DAC.

• Status LED and Display brightness: Tune the brightness of the 8” Display and the Status LED to your liking.

Motivo requires no additional subscriptions to enjoy the full goodies of Volumio Premium, as all premium features are already included. There’s little if nothing the Motivo can’t play, which puts it above many rivals – including more expensive ones. Native DSD support is included and makes the most of the format. Logging into Qobuz, TIDAL and Spotify is a breeze, and these are as easy to navigate as your own digital music library (if you have one).

Its lovely display makes it a joy to select and browse music – bringing up artist and album info, and giving you jump-off points to discover more. It’s easy to go down a musical rabbit hole, and if you like what you discover it’s simple to create playlists and add favourites.

And there’s more:

• Motivo supports all major streaming services: TIDAL, QOBUZ, Spotify, Radio Paradise, and all file types. ROON Ready certification is expected to land soon.

• With our AI-powered Supersearch, you can ask Motivo what you want to listen to, for example, “A Playlist for a Party”, “Artists similar to Tame Impala”, “Jazz with Female voices” , and it will create a playlist for you.

• Infinity Play: Hit the infinity symbol when you’re playing a track and Volumio will take you off on a musical tangent: your own personal radio station.

• CD Playback and Ripping: connect a USB CD Drive and you can listen and copy your CDs.

• Play to Sonos and Chromecast: want to listen to your soundbar in another room? With Motivo you can cast your music to any SONOS or Chromecast endpoint.