Предусилители — Primare SC15 Prisma MK2

The SC15 Prisma MK2 is a network player and DAC from the Swedish company Primare that also contains a complete line preamplifier. It combines streaming, digital conversion and switching of analogue sources in one 350 mm wide case, and its output can go straight to active speakers or to a separate power amp. It belongs to the Prisma family, named after the streaming platform Primare builds into several of its products, and it is offered in black or titanium.

Key specs that matter

The DAC section uses an ESS ES9028Q2M Sabre chip built on 32-bit HyperStream conversion with ESS jitter elimination in the time domain, rated for up to 129 dB dynamic range. Over USB-B the unit takes PCM at up to 384 kHz and DSD256, while three Toslink inputs, one coaxial RCA input and a 3.5 mm mini-plug optical input run at up to 192 kHz. Network streams and files from USB-A storage play at up to 192 kHz and DSD128. Two pairs of RCA analogue inputs have 12 kohm input impedance, and the single RCA output switches between fixed and variable level, with 150 ohm output impedance and 16.5 dB of gain. Primare quotes THD+N below 0.005 percent from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and S/N figures of more than 110 dB for digital sources and more than 100 dB for analogue ones. Consumption stays under 15 W in operation and under 0.5 W in ECO standby. The unit is 73 mm tall, 329 mm deep and weighs 6 kg.

Engineering and use context

Primare pairs an ultra-low noise switch mode power supply with short signal paths built from surface-mount parts on two- and four-layer circuit boards. The Prisma software brings AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth and Roon Ready operation, with Qobuz and TIDAL playback up to 24-bit 192 kHz and multi-room grouping. Accepted file types include WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG and DSD. WiSA support sends 24-bit audio at 48 or 96 kHz wirelessly to compatible powered speakers and subwoofers, and when WiSA speakers are used the analogue output can be reassigned as a wired subwoofer feed. Control comes from the Prisma app for iOS and Android, the C25 infrared remote, front panel buttons with automatic input sensing, and an RS232 port that works with Control4.

Pairing

Set to variable output, the SC15 Prisma MK2 can control the level of any stereo power amp or powered monitors fitted with RCA sockets, and the 12V trigger lets the amplifier switch on with it. In fixed mode it becomes a streaming source for an existing integrated amplifier. A CD transport or television connects through the digital inputs, while a record deck connects to one of the analogue pairs through a separate phono preamp.

Alternatives

In the same category Primare also lists the PRE35 Prisma preamplifier.