SC15 Prisma MK2 – network player and DAC

The Ear, UK, October 2024
Primare SC15 MK2: A Well Connected Streamer

Rounding up Overall, the Primare SC15 Mk2 is musically satisfying, with a fresh energetic, dynamic and well timed presentation playing either digital or analogue sources. I’d describe the sound quality as well paced and lively, with a fine sense of clarity and rhythm. The Primare SC 15 Mk2 is all one would need for a digital and analogue hub for use with conventional analogue amps and passive speakers, active speakers, WiSA enabled active speakers, or analogue speakers at this entry-level price point. It offers the benefits of multi-room functionality, digital EQ and room correction thrown in for good measure, providing a wide range of inputs. It does not have a dedicated phono input, but that is easily dealt with by an external phono stage, and the line-level input and analogue circuits are clearly excellent. The network player and WiSA module are also capable of superb results with suitable WiSA speakers. The internal DAC is as good as can be expected at this level and relatively neutral. While listening, I’d assumed it was priced at about £2,500, but realised it’s only £1,800. That’s a lot of functionality and an enjoyable performance in a neat package at a competitive price. Best Buy

HiFi-IFAs, Germany, April 2024
SC15 Prisma MK2: All-in-one preamplifier

”All-in-one preamplifier Primare SC15 Prisma MKII – analog and digital with DAC, streaming, WiSA & Room EQ Conclusion: The Primare SC15 Prisma MKII streaming preamplifier can be used universally in the stereo music chain, and its range of applications is extremely wide, not least because of the selectable variable or fixed RCA outputs. With its configuration options and interfaces, the SC15 mk2 represents a fully-fledged preamplifier, a network player and a DAC. With its elegant and compact housing, the SC15 mk2 seems predestined to be a stand-alone device that can fully exploit its independence through Bluetooth, WLAN and streaming from the home music network as well as online services. It is even possible to control WiSA-compatible speakers wirelessly. Thanks to the numerous digital and analog inputs, the preamplifier also invites extensive cabling, for example as in the test of a CD drive or a pre-amplified record player. No matter which source is selected, the preamplifier creates a lush, cleanly structured space. The sound is crisp and transparent, which is particularly noticeable with voices. The sound remains neutral in a positive sense without embellishment or exaggeration and is also convincing in analogue. If necessary, room correction supports it. The Primare SC15 Prisma MKII is a strong recommendation in the price range of around 2,000 euros for anyone looking for a powerful and user-friendly control center with an excellent app for their system concept.”

Alpha Audio, Benelux, May 2024
SC15 Prisma MK2 – Review System Audio Legend 40.2 Silverback and Primare SC15 Mk2 – an active combination

“The Primare SC15 Mk2 is almost three times more expensive than the Stereo hub offered by System Audio, but brings benefits: better audio quality on all fronts, especially due to the better power supply used by Primare and the Prisma streaming platform with the Prisma app that has Qobuz and Tidal built in… For most households, an active speaker is preferable, even if they often do not know it. It is the least “hassle” and the best audio quality you can get for your money, especially with options like Room EQ. Put it carefully in the optimal spot in your room, adjust it once (or have it adjusted) with Room EQ and you are done. Combined with the Primare SC15 MK2, the entire system of Primare and System Audio speakers is very stable. During the review period of several weeks, the WiSa connection did not give a single problem and Primare’s Prisma platform delivers reliably.”

FWD, Benelux, March 2024
SC15 MK2 Prisma – Lots of talent for music

“CONCLUSION – The term ‘smart’ is often used for devices with a lot of functionality, especially in the field of smart home and streaming. The SC15 MK2 Prisma also deserves the label ‘smart’, but mainly because Primare has thought very carefully about which functions to offer. A good balance has been achieved, because many inputs, the right software and the WiSA module make the SC15 MK2 extremely versatile. The great thing about this is that you don’t end up with something complex, ease of use was clearly a priority. Add a handsome design and you are talking about a preamplifier-streamer-DAC that is very different from Asian alternatives. Less geeky and with a focus on sound. The most important thing is of course the sound quality. The new DAC implementation at the heart of the MK2 update delivers a very successful result in this regard.”

SC15 Prisma – Audiograde Best of 2022 / Digital Streamer

“Primare is one of those brands that goes for understated looks and over-expected sonics. The SC 15 Prisma is both a streamer and preamp that’s a breeze to use and is blessed with a neutral musical air that’s a delight to live with long term.”

Audiograde, UK, July 2022
SC15 Prisma – System review: Primare SC 15 Prisma network preamp and System Audio Legend 7.2 Silverback active speakers

“What this system highlights is how hifi’s boundaries have rightly evolved to meet real world needs. When combined, Primare’s SC15 front end and SA’s Silverback speakers will easily give traditional two channel systems at a similar price point a run for their money in terms of sonics and usability, because the underpinning quality of both products hasn’t been compromised.

Leave your preconceptions at the door, as the Primare and SA combination warrants your attention should you be in the market for a flexible solution without the big box count.”

HiFi+, UK, October 2021
HiFi+ Innovation Award 2021

Primare have received an Innovation award from HiFi+ with the following citation:

“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.

Audio Test, Germany, July 2020
SC15 Prisma: Cool Synergies – Phonar P4 Match Air and SC15 Prisma

“The sound is free and sparkling. Especially in the bass, where the ensemble is practicing skillful restraint, however, the performance is not restrained in its liveliness. The performance wins thereby in spatial depth and gives that unmistakable song of abundant Swedish freedom.

Sehr Gut – 88%”

Diapason, France, February 2020
SC15 Prisma: 11 Sources from 499€ to 6700€

“The Primare SC15 network player is a great success, full of balance and not without personality. It is also an excellent preamplifier” – Diapason D’Or 

Music Emotion, The Netherlands, November 2020
R15, SC15, I15 MM, CD15 Prisma: The Swedish Approach

“The 15 Series includes after all, relatively many models, so that anyone can build a system which suits their needs… And that fits in perfectly with Primare’s focus on ‘lagom’ (read: exactly what is needed), which is the Swedish approach.”

HiFi+, UK, September 2020
DD15, SC15 Prisma, R15, I15 MM: Primare 15 System

“For my part, I’d be happy with the system whichever way it was put together… In other words, if you want to keep your options open and have all of those options sound good, don’t be surprised if all your electronics end up with a Primare logo on the front.”

Soundstage Simplifi, Canada, May 2019
SC15 Prisma: Primare SC15 Prisma Streaming DAC-Preamp

“Primare’s SC15 Prisma streaming preamplifier is a beautifully built, fine-sounding component that can accommodate a plethora of digital sources as well as high-quality streaming from mobile devices, and its small footprint makes it very attractive for use in multi-purpose living spaces.”

HomeCinema Magazine, March 2020
SC15 Prisma: System Audio Speakers and Primare SC15, HiFi Without Wires

“Marry the Primare SC15 with the System Audio silverback 5 legend speakers and you get a complete music system that performs very ear-friendly. It is extremely versatile, in particular thanks to Primare’s Prisma platform, which has many streaming options. The great thing about all this is that you enjoy it without the disadvantages of many cables and complex stacks of equipment. Thanks to WiSA technology, you do not compromise on quality, and you no longer have to think about how you will conceal that speaker cable. In short, this makes this system a rock-solid entry for the ‘better sound for the living room for now’ championship.”

Alpha-Audio, The Netherlands, December 2020
I15 MM and SC15 Prisma: Primare duo

“What a great duo this is! We hear loads of details, a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of speed. It is especially the i15 that realizes this. It gets an Alpha Approved from us. Truly a GREAT amplifier.”

Hi fi Stars, June 2019, Germany
SC15 – No small thing

“The versatile Primare SC15 Prisma cuts an excellent figure both as an analogue preamplifier and as a converter and network player. In doing so, it combines useful functions with its priority for high-quality audio playback. As an overall package, I see very few competitors on par for the SC15 Prisma in its price range.”