Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp - Dreamedia AV
Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp - Dreamedia AV
Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp - Dreamedia AV
Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp - Dreamedia AV
Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp - Dreamedia AV
Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp - Dreamedia AV
Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp - Dreamedia AV
Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp - Dreamedia AV
Vendor: Primare

Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp

Compact Network Preamp with Multi-Zone Streaming
$1,900.00
$1,900.00

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Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp

Unveiling the Harmony of Design and Technology

In an era where living spaces are becoming more compact, and the pursuit of high-fidelity audio is unceasing, the Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp stands as a testament to the harmony of design and technology. It is a centerpiece that embodies the essence of modern living—where elegance meets innovation, and where every note and nuance in your music is given the stage it deserves.

A Symphony of Connectivity

The Primare SC15 Prisma is more than just a preamp; it's the maestro of your home audio experience, orchestrating a wide array of connections that bring your music to life. With an extensive selection of inputs and outputs, it bridges the gap between traditional high-fidelity systems and the streaming era.

  • Versatile Inputs and Outputs: Connect your cherished vinyl player, CD player, or other analog sources through the RCA inputs and outputs. Digital aficionados will appreciate the three optical Toslink inputs, a coaxial RCA input, and a coaxial RCA output, ensuring compatibility with a plethora of digital audio sources.
  • USB Connectivity: Two USB ports cater to music playback and DAC functionality, broadening your horizon to include high-resolution audio files stored on USB drives or directly from your computer.
  • Network Streaming: With an Ethernet port, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capabilities, you're never far from the vast world of online music streaming. Enjoy seamless integration with services like Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, and more.

High-Resolution Audio, Redefined

The Primare SC15 Prisma isn't just about connecting your devices—it's about delivering an audio experience that's as close to the original recording as possible. The heart of this preamp is the AKM AK4490 DAC chip, which supports up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128, translating digital files into analog sound with astonishing clarity and depth.

  • Support for DSD and PCM: Whether you're a fan of DSD's warmth or PCM's precision, the SC15 Prisma handles both with finesse, ensuring every detail of your music is captured and conveyed with pure authenticity.
  • WiSA Ready: With the inclusion of a WiSA Wi-Fi transmitter, this preamp is ready to connect wirelessly to compatible speakers, offering a cleaner setup without compromising on sound quality.

Customizable Listening Experience

The SC15 Prisma offers a tailored listening experience, with adjustable gain and volume settings that put you in complete control. Whether you want to set the mood for a quiet evening or fill your space with concert-like sound, this preamp adjusts to your preferences.

  • Volume Control: Adjust the volume from 0 to 99, set a startup volume, and even define a maximum volume to protect your speakers and ears.
  • Fixed or Variable Output: Choose between a fixed output mode for a consistent line-level output or a variable output to take advantage of the preamp's full range.

Multi-Room and Multi-Zone Audio

Expand your audio experience beyond a single room. With support for Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, and Roon, you can create a multi-room setup that streams your favorite tunes throughout your home.

  • Chromecast and AirPlay 2: Stream from your mobile devices effortlessly, with high-resolution audio support that ensures the best possible sound quality.
  • Roon Ready: Integrate the SC15 Prisma into your Roon ecosystem for advanced library management and a seamless multi-zone playback experience.

The Elegance of Prisma Technology

Prisma is the crown jewel of the Primare SC15, providing a comprehensive suite of network music player functionalities. With the Prisma app, you can easily navigate through setup menus and control music playback from the palm of your hand.

  • User-Friendly Control: Whether you're tech-savvy or prefer simplicity, the Prisma app offers an intuitive interface that makes managing your audio system a breeze.
  • Future Firmware Updates: The promise of future updates means your SC15 Prisma is an investment that will continue to evolve, ensuring compatibility with the latest in audio technology.

Design That Speaks Volumes

The compact, three-quarters-sized enclosure of the SC15 Prisma is a statement piece that fits perfectly into any living space. The black aluminum case, complemented by a thick cast-metal faceplate available in black and titanium finishes, exudes sophistication.

  • OLED Display and Pushbuttons: A front panel with a small OLED display and pushbuttons for standby mode and source selection adds a touch of modernity and convenience.
  • Sleek Form Factor: The compact design doesn't just look good—it's practical, fitting into smaller spaces while still delivering the full-bodied sound you'd expect from larger components.

Smart Home Integration

The SC15 Prisma isn't just a preamp—it's a smart home hub. With Google Assistant compatibility, IR control, and a 12 Volt trigger out, it seamlessly integrates into your smart home ecosystem.

  • Voice Control: Adjust the volume, change the track, or switch inputs with simple voice commands through Google Assistant.
  • IR and Trigger Controls: Integrate the SC15 Prisma with other devices in your home theater setup for a cohesive and automated experience.

Uncompromising Quality and Service

Primare stands behind the SC15 Prisma with a 3-year warranty on both parts and labor, ensuring that your investment is protected. Dreamedia is available to help design and optimize your home theater system, offering support that's as reliable as the products we stand by.

In Conclusion

The Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp is a versatile, high-quality centerpiece for any modern audio system. With its extensive connectivity, support for high-resolution audio, and elegant design, it is the perfect choice for audiophiles seeking a compact yet powerful solution. Dreamedia is here to help bring this exceptional preamp into your home, ensuring an unparalleled listening experience tailored just for you.

Our Review

Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp: Elevating Your Audio Experience

I. Introduction

The Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp is a noteworthy addition to the 15 series, offering a compact design and advanced features to enhance your audio setup. As a crucial component in any home theater or high-fidelity audio system, a preamp plays a pivotal role in signal processing and routing, ultimately influencing the quality of the audio output. In this review, we'll delve into the design, connectivity, audio performance, and user experience of the Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp to help you make an informed decision for your audio needs.

II. Design and Build Quality

The SC15 Prisma's compact form factor and elegant design make it well-suited for modern living spaces where space is a premium. Constructed with a black aluminum case and a thick cast-metal faceplate available in black and titanium finishes, the preamp exudes a sense of sophistication and sturdiness. The front panel features a small OLED display and intuitive pushbuttons for standby mode and source selection, ensuring ease of use. On the rear panel, the preamp offers an array of connectivity options including analog and digital inputs, USB ports, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas, catering to diverse audio sources and streaming preferences. The overall aesthetic appeal and user-friendliness of the design make it a seamless addition to any audio setup.

III. Connectivity and Streaming Capabilities

Equipped with Prisma technology, the SC15 Prisma Preamp seamlessly integrates network music player functionality, allowing for effortless streaming from various services and applications. Its support for Apple AirPlay, Chromecast Built-in, Spotify Connect, and DLNA/UPnP ensures compatibility with popular streaming platforms, while the inclusion of Bluetooth, Ethernet, and dual-band Wi-Fi with 802.11ac support offers versatile wireless connectivity options. The future firmware update for wireless audio transmission to WiSA speakers further enhances its flexibility in multi-room setups. Additionally, the USB Type-B connection for improved sound quality from PC or Mac and Chromecast Built-in and AirPlay support for multi-zone playback elevate its streaming capabilities, catering to audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

IV. Audio Performance

The SC15 Prisma Preamp boasts a high-quality DAC chip, the AKM AK4490, supporting up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD5.6/128, ensuring exceptional digital to analog conversion performance. The inclusion of Class D amplifiers (Hypex UcD) delivering 60 watts per channel, combined with the switching power supply, provides a solid foundation for audio reproduction. Notably, the preamp utilizes Continuous Soundfield Sampling (CSS) to optimize speaker performance based on the room's acoustics, and the room correction process, utilizing the built-in microphone of an Apple iPhone 6S or newer or the dedicated Zen mic (sold separately), further tailors the audio output to the environment. However, it's important to note that the room correction process needs to be redone if speaker placement is changed, which may inconvenience some users.

V. Control and User Experience

The SC15 Prisma Preamp offers convenient control options, including the supplied remote control and the Prisma app, ensuring seamless system control and customization. While the Prisma app provides a user-friendly interface for managing setup menus and music playback, some user feedback highlights the need for further refinement, particularly in the software interface and performance. Occasional glitches reported with music playback and switching between streaming sources also warrant attention for a smoother user experience.

VI. Pros and Cons

The SC15 Prisma Preamp offers a myriad of strengths, including its compact size, versatile connectivity options, support for high-resolution audio formats, and future WiSA support. However, its lack of a phono stage and headphone output, occasional software glitches, and the need for additional refinement in the Prisma app pose as notable limitations. Additionally, the limited power output due to the absence of an internal power amp section may impact its suitability for larger setups.

VII. Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp presents a compelling option for audiophiles seeking a versatile and compact preamp with advanced streaming capabilities. Its high-quality DAC chip, multi-room/multi-zone functionality, and compatibility with popular streaming services make it a valuable addition to any audio setup. However, potential buyers should consider its limitations, including the need for further software refinement and the absence of certain features like a phono stage and headphone output. Overall, the SC15 Prisma Preamp offers a blend of elegance, versatility, and advanced audio features, making it a worthy consideration for those seeking a premium audio experience.

Recommendations for Potential Buyers

If you prioritize compact design, versatile connectivity options, and advanced streaming capabilities in a preamp, the Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp is a compelling choice. However, if you require features such as a phono stage or headphone output, or prioritize a polished software interface, it's advisable to explore alternative options to ensure your audio setup aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

This comprehensive review aims to provide a detailed insight into the Primare SC15 Prisma Preamp, empowering potential buyers to make an informed decision based on their audio requirements and expectations.

Specifications

Audio Section

  • Number Of Channels: 2
  • Stereo RMS Power (watts): Not specified
  • THD in Stereo: 0.05 %
  • Frequency Response: 20-20k Hz
  • S/N Ratio (Line): 90 dB
  • DAC Bit Depth: 32-bit
  • DAC Sample Rate: Up to 384 kHz
  • High-performance DAC: AKM AK4490

Inputs

  • RCA Inputs: 1
  • 3.5mm Inputs: 1
  • Optical Digital Inputs: 3
  • Coaxial Digital Inputs: 1
  • USB Type A: 1
  • USB Type B: 1
  • Ethernet Port: Yes

Outputs

  • RCA Outputs: 2
  • Coaxial Digital Outputs: 1
  • Headphone Output: No

Wireless Features

  • Bluetooth: Built-in
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11ac
  • Frequency Bands: 2.4, 5GHz

Streaming Compatibility

  • Apple AirPlay: AirPlay 2
  • Chromecast built-in: Yes
  • Roon: Ready

Music Services

  • Pandora: Yes
  • Qobuz: Yes
  • SiriusXM: Yes
  • Spotify: Connect
  • Tidal: Yes
  • TuneIn: Yes
  • YouTube Music: Yes

Control

  • Apple Control App: Yes
  • Android Control App: Yes
  • Google Assistant: Yes
  • 12 Volt Trigger: Out
  • IR Control: In/Out
  • RS-232: Yes

Other Specs

  • Width (Inches): 13.813
  • Height (Inches): 2.875
  • Depth (Inches): 15.0625
  • Parts Warranty: 3 Years
  • Labor Warranty: 3 Years

Analog Input & Output

  • Unbalanced Stereo Analog Audio RCA Input and Output: Yes

Digital Inputs & Output

  • Three Optical (Toslink) Digital Inputs: Yes
  • One Coaxial (RCA) Digital Input: Yes
  • One Coaxial (RCA) Digital Output: Yes

WiSA Ready

  • Supports Wireless 2-Channel Speaker System: Yes

Fixed or Variable Gain

  • Adjustable from: -30dB to 0dB in 1dB increments

Volume Settings

  • Range: 0 to 99
  • Adjustable Startup Volume: Yes
  • Maximum Volume: Yes
  • Mute Volume Level: Yes

Auto-Sense & Auto Standby

  • Automatically Turns: Yes

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