A Brittish Audiophile, UK, Aug 2022
Primare CD15 & I15 System Review
The ‘A British Audiophile’ video blog reviews CD15 Prisma and I15 Integrated Amplifier.
View full reviewI15 is an all analog integrated amplifier, featuring 60 watts of power per channel, and the option of adding the MM15 moving magnet phono stage at any time.
With the three-quarter-sized compact cabinet of I15, even greater possibilities open up for providing the highest quality music performance in even the smallest of living spaces.
I15 utilises the same Hypex all analog class D power module as used in the award winning I15 Prisma. But, without the need to provide power to the digital to analog conversion stage and network player found in the I15 Prisma, the power supply has been configured to allow I15 to perform with even greater drive and detail.
We believe that every aspect of our products – the way they look, the satisfying feel of the controls – contributes to the overall experience of living with Primare. As a result, Primare products exude the hallmarks of Scandinavian design – simple, elegant designs, with approachable and easy to understand functionality.
An example of this is the compact, essentially three-quarter sized, of the 15 series, cabinets creating the sense of perfect proportions being just right for allowing placement within any living environment – or as we say lagom, not too much not too little, everything in balance, proportion, and harmony.
With the 15 Series, we offer a carefully considered array of models in order to allow for the best selection to fit any of your system needs. For example, the ultimate 15 Series system might be the DD15 CD transport, SC15 Prisma preamplifier and network player, I15 analog integrated amplifier, and R15 MM/MC phono preamplifier, allowing for the best performance, analog or digital, with the greatest number of connection options. However, there may be no need for additional digital inputs, MC phono preamplification may not be requirement, or simply to address budget or size considerations, a system composed of CD15 Prisma CD and network player with an I15 MM integrated amplifier with MM15 MM phono module installed could be assembled. This compact and reasonably priced system provides multiple analog source playback, including vinyl disc, as well as digital disc, stored or streamed media playback, with remarkable power, control, and connection flexibility.
In this video we review the features and functionality of the I15 integrated amp, its optional MM15 phono preamplifier module, and R15 moving magnet and moving coil phono preamplifier that may make perfect additions to your system.
For more detailed specifications see the design brief and user guide.
The ‘A British Audiophile’ video blog reviews CD15 Prisma and I15 Integrated Amplifier.
View full review“Flexible streaming options enhance the appeal of this sleek-looking integrated amplifier/DAC with serious audiophile pedigree and performance.”
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I15 Prisma MK2: Practical and Sounding (Praktisk og Vellydende)
The sound of the Primare I15 Prisma has impressive control in the bass area providing a very good foundation on which the rest of the sound image can be built. The bass is also deep and powerful, and it cannot really be tipped off balance even on such grandiose speakers as Triangle Number 40th. Given that you do not play loud all the time.
The midrange has something of the same playing style as the bass. It is precise and very controlled, while being detailed and open. The treble can best be described as neutral, and it plays fine and detailed without anything sticking out in the soundscape or becoming synthetic and artificial. The amplifier in combination with the built-in digital converter has an analog character that makes it easy to listen to music and which is nimble and flattering. The amplifier is still suitably detailed and open, and it has more than enough energy in all situations, but you never get it to fall on the bright side of neutral almost regardless of the choice of music.
9 points / 5 Stars / Impressive
View/download full review as PDF“First founded in 1985 by industrial designer Bo Christensen, Primare’s is perhaps one of the most recognisably Scandinavian brands in audio. Its combination of minimalism and good performance all point to a Swedish brand.
So, when Primare uses a Swedish word to describe its ethos, perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised. That word is ‘Lagom’ (pronounced ‘laah-goam’) and roughly translates to ‘just the right amount.’ In Primare’s world this means keeping everything in balance, harmony and proportion, and that the music – rather than the technology or the box in which it comes – should be the focus of audio.
To this end, Primare employs a very modular approach to its product design, such as its latest Ultra Fast Power Device module (used throughout the range), which shows what Class D can do in the hands of very competent design engineers.“
Link to announcement: HiFi+200 Innovation Award
“We have experienced the Primare I15 and CD15 Prisma as a wonderful duo. We praise the balance that the manufacturer has managed to find in construction, optics and performance… The Prisma App is one of the best streaming apps on the market and soon all streaming Prisma products will even be ROON certified. When we weigh everything up, this Primare 15 Series reviewed by us is hard to beat. The sound quality is of an amazingly high level and the sound character particularly appeals to us.”
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Hej! Have a question or need assistance? Contact your local dealer or distributor found at the list at the link above or go to the Primare Help Centre to browse through our FAQ database for the answers to your questions or if you don’t find what you are looking for there, submit a Help Request.
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