Primare CD15 Prisma CD Player and Network Player

Discs and streaming, from one source

The Primare CD15 Prisma is the DD15's more complete sibling: the same Philips CDM-M10 slot loading drive, plus an AKM VELVET SOUND converter and the full Prisma network platform. It has analogue outputs, so it connects straight to an amplifier, and digital outputs if you would rather use your own converter. For a system that still has a CD collection and also streams, this replaces two boxes with one.

Why You'll Love It

• Both halves of a music collection. The disc you own and the album you are streaming come from the same box, through the same converter and the same analogue output stage.
• Roon Ready, and everything else. Roon Ready certification sits alongside AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth and UPnP, so it fits whatever you already use.
• Two network sockets. A pair of Ethernet ports means the CD15 can pass the connection through to another component, which saves a switch behind the rack.

Under the Hood

• AKM AK4490 converter with VELVET SOUND architecture and OSR Doubler filtering, handling PCM to 192kHz and 24-bit and DSD128.
• Philips CDM-M10 slot loading drive, with analogue output at 2.2V rms and 370Ω switchable between fixed and variable.
• Custom linear power supply combined with a separate switch mode standby supply, drawing 0.5W in standby and 10W in use.

CHT Insider Verdict

Of the two 15 series disc machines this is the one most people should buy, because it works on its own and the DD15 does not. The converter tops out at 192kHz and DSD128 rather than the higher figures on Primare's newer models, which in practice matters far less than it reads, since almost nothing is released above it. The variable output also means it can drive a power amplifier directly if you want a very short system.

Pro Tip: Leave the output on fixed and use your amplifier's volume control unless you are running straight into a power amplifier. Digital volume control gives up a little resolution at low levels, and there is no reason to accept that when a preamplifier is already in the chain.