Интегральные усилители — Primare I25 Prisma

The I25 Prisma is the fully equipped version of the Primare I25 integrated amplifier, combining the analogue amplifier platform with a DAC stage and the Prisma network player in one chassis. Primare, based in Limhamn in Sweden, currently sells it as the I25 Prisma DM36 at EUR 4,000. The first I25 Prisma of 2018 used an AKM AK4497EQ converter, while the present version takes the DM36 DAC module and the SM35 Prisma module, which can also be added later to a plain I25.

Key specs that matter

UFPD 2 amplification delivers 2 x 100 W into 8 ohm and 2 x 200 W into 4 ohm. The DM36 module uses the ESS ES9068A chip, converts PCM up to 384 kHz and 32 bit and DSD256, and offers selectable upsampling and MQA decoding. Digital connections are four Toslink inputs, two coaxial RCA inputs, a USB-B input for a computer and one coaxial output. On the analogue side there are five RCA input pairs plus an RCA line output and an RCA preamp output. The unit measures 430 x 106 x 420 mm, weighs 11 kg and is sold in black or titanium.

Engineering and use context

Prisma brings AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and Chromecast built-in, with Roon Ready status planned through a firmware update. The module has two Ethernet sockets and Wi-Fi, plus a USB-A port for files on a memory stick or drive. Chromecast connects the amplifier directly to the chosen streaming service over the network, so resolution is set by that service, and the amplifier can wake up when a cast signal arrives. The dedicated Prisma app switches every analogue and digital input, adjusts volume and input sensitivity, renames sources and links the I25 Prisma to further Prisma units in a multi-zone setup. When an analogue source is playing, the digital output can be set to 48 or 96 kHz, which helps with recorders that cannot accept the default 96 kHz. Power for the amplifier comes from Primare's APFC switching supply, and the Class D modules sit close to the speaker terminals.

Pairing

Since conversion and streaming are already inside, a CD transport without its own DAC is enough to add discs, and Primare designed its DD35 drive, with digital outputs only, for that role. Vinyl requires a separate phono preamplifier because no phono input is fitted, while an active subwoofer or a bigger power amplifier connects to the pre out. Control is also possible from the C25 remote, a 12 V trigger output and an RS232 port.

Alternatives

The Primare I35 Prisma is the more powerful integrated amplifier with the same Prisma streaming platform built in.