Source options
Connecting direct sources
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These methods of playing music from the SPA25 involve connecting the source to the SPA25 via a cable, and don’t require Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth.
To play music from a source
- Connect the source via a suitable cable:
Source | Cable |
Analogue | Phono RCA cable |
Digital optical | Digital optical cable |
Digital | Digital coax cable |
- Select the source from the front panel, or using the remote control.
If you have a phone or tablet on the same Wi-Fi network as the SPA25 you can also use the Prisma app to select and control sources.
To use the SPA25 as a PC/Mac sound output device
- Connect the computer’s USB port to the USB-B input on the SPA25 using a USB A to USB B cable.
PC
Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10 (32/64-bit) is required. You need to install the Primare xmos audio driver, available on primare.net.
Macintosh
OSX 10.4 or later is recommended. No driver is required.
The SPA25 will then appear as a sound output device called SPA25 in the Sound control panel (PC) or Sound system preferences panel (Macintosh).
- Set the Audio Output for the preset you want to use to SPA25 in the Preset Settings menu.
- Select SPA25 as the sound output device in the Mac Sound system preferences panel or the PC Sound control panel.
Playing music from a drive or music server
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You can play audio files from a USB flash drive, external USB hard disk, or a network drive. These options are ideal if you already have a digital library of CDs or music files.
On a USB flash drive or USB hard disk the files can be organised into folders, giving you one way of classifying your music; eg by Artist.
On a NAS drive you have the option of running a media server program, which will catalogue your music library and give you the option of organising it in different ways; eg by Artist, Genre, Album, or Composer. One free option is MinimServer; see http://minimserver.com/.
To play audio files from a USB flash drive or hard drive
- Connect the USB drive to the USB-A input on the SPA25.
The USB drive can contain folders and music files in any of the popular formats; see Technical specification for details.
- Use the Prisma app to browse, play, and control the music.
To play audio files from a NAS (network) drive
- Connect the NAS drive to the same network as the SPA25.
The NAS drive can either contain folders and music files in any of the popular formats, or it can run a music server. See Technical specification for details of the supported file formats.
- Use the Prisma app to browse, play, and control the music.
Alternatively you can select and play music from a Mac or PC using a music server program such as JRiver or Foobar2000.
Streaming music from a phone, tablet, or PC
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The SPA25 can use Chromecast to connect directly to a music service that supports Chromecast, such as Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, or TuneIn Radio. The music is streamed direct to the SPA25; once set up you can use your phone to make calls, or play other audio.
With a phone, tablet, or Mac/PC you can also play the audio wirelessly to the SPA25, using Bluetooth or AirPlay (iOS only), so the sound from any apps you run on your device will be played through the SPA25.
Although you can stream music over Wi-Fi, for best results connect the SPA25 to your home router via an Ethernet cable. If necessary, use the Google Home app to configure the network settings on your SPA25.
To stream using Chromecast
The SPA25 has Chromecast built-in, which means you can stream (cast) music over your network directly to the SPA25 from any Chromecast supported music service, using the music service’s app on your desktop or mobile device as a controller.
- Click the Cast button within your music service’s app and select the SPA25 in the device list.
To stream using AirPlay
Use AirPlay to send audio over the network from your Apple device to the SPA25. AirPlay is only available on Apple devices.
To stream using Bluetooth
Use Bluetooth to send audio directly to the SPA25 from your Bluetooth device using Bluetooth connection. You don’t need a network to stream using Bluetooth.
To stream using Spotify Connect
The SPA25 supports Spotify Connect, which means you can stream music directly to the SPA25 from the Spotify music service over your network, using the Spotify app on your desktop or mobile device as a controller.
Use your phone, tablet, or computer as a remote control for Spotify. Go to http://spotify.com/connect to learn how.
Roon
Roon is music playback software available for a monthly subscription, and it runs on iPad, iPhone, Android tablet and phone, Mac, and Windows. The SPA25 is “Roon Ready”, which means that it has been certified by Roon. It is discoverable using the Roon app, and can be used as a playback device for a Roon system.
For more information see https://primare.net/network-and-technology/roon-ready/