Primare I15 Amplifier

Primare I15 is included into a new line of compact components with a slightly different philosophy of building speaker systems. Formally, this is a stereo amplifier with 60 watts per channel. It got the prize from the EISA association as an amplifier particularly. In fact, this is an all-in-one device, which requires only loudspeakers to create a complete system.

Primare I15 is equipped with its own network audio player and a DAC, which supports files up to 384 kHz PCM and DSD128. Accordingly, it can act as a DAC for external sources, including a computer and TVs. In addition, it easily connects to mobile devices via Bluetooth and AirPlay. But the most interesting thing is that it can be controlled by voice!

Such advanced capabilities of this amplifier appeared due to the proprietary technology Prisma - a special software from Primare, which combines the usual functions of a streamer and Google Chromecast. The amplifier is connected to the local network (better - cable, but also via Wi-Fi) and through the application on iPad or Android-tablet (for smartphones it will appear a little later) connects to any "smart" speaker that supports Google Assistant - for example, inexpensive Google Home, which for Primare becomes a microphone. After that, you can control all the main functions of the amplifier: turn on, switching inputs, volume control, searching and selecting music in the library and connected services.

Thanks to Prisma technology, the amplifier works as a very versatile streamer. It supports many streaming services, including Spotify and Tidal, works with any Internet radio and acts as a Roon client. In other words, there is no the Roon player itself, but the amp connects with devices on which it can be installed, for example, computers, and acts for them as a streamer.

One more scenario seems to me very interesting - working in tandem with a TV! Today, many refuse to deploy multi-channel systems because of the fuss with the tens of meters of wires, the need for a special arrangement of furniture and an obscure result in the end. Unpretentious listeners choose soundbars instead, connoisseurs of good sound - the usual stereos. The only problem is that most of the time you need to use several remote controls when watching or to buy more universal ones, and then to program it.

Here you don't need to do this. TV is connected as you wish: by analog, by coax or optics; although the latter option, of course, is preferable, fortunately the most modern models are equipped with the appropriate connector. And having connected, we boldly use one remote control, at least for most operations - the amplifier will turn on simultaneously with the TV, select the appropriate input and set the user's preferred volume, which is set in two clicks through the application in the settings section of the inputs. And if TV will have the functions of Smart TV, then the "remote" in such a system will be generally one - a tablet with the appropriate application for the TV. Isn't it cool?!

However, the main result, I'll repeat, will be exactly the dramatic increase in sound quality. What will it be in the end, if you evaluate all the sources? Let's put it this way: neutral, without coloring and embellishment, but with decent dynamics. The Swedes from Primare used standard reliable components for their amplifier. DAC is AKM AK4490.

The output stages are on Hypex digital amplifiers, which today many manufacturers use even in very expensive components. The power supply is the branded, with a pulse source and huge capacitors for such a device.

I tried the shelf KEF LS50, and the huge KEF Reference - lack of power, expressed in a rushed attack or the inability to produce fast and accurate bass, was not observed at all. Microdynamics was also perfect - Primare I15 honestly showed the nuances of the recording without adding anything. There was no emphasis on stiffness and dryness in the sound. Everything depended on the recording, on the music and on the source.

Specially for contrast, I managed to listen to this unit with another, external professional DAC, and even with two Studer tape recorders: a transistor and a tube - each time the amplifier gave exactly what it sent to all of these sources. And this is one of its main advantages - it is universal in relation to different styles of music and does not have a clear genre specialization. And it is compact and eye candy, you don't want to hide it in a quiet corner. That, you see, is also important.

Primare I15 amplifier is an excellent variant for those who want to enter the world of good sound without a peep, but do not intend to abandon the comforts offered by modern wireless and network technologies. It has everything you need to organize a stereo system, and there are even more possibilities than in other amplifiers with built-in tape drives.