Primare I15 Prisma MK2 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

The whole system in one small box

The Primare I15 Prisma MK2 takes the compact I15 amplifier and adds an ESS ES9028Q2M converter and Primare's Prisma network platform, so a pair of speakers and this one chassis makes a complete system. Sixty watts into 8Ω drives the speakers, six digital inputs handle the rest of the rack, and streaming arrives over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. There is no phono stage and no option to add one, which is the one thing to know before choosing it over the I15 MM.

Why You'll Love It

• Nothing else to buy. Amplifier, converter and streamer in a 350mm wide chassis, so the system is this plus speakers plus a network cable.
• Streams the way you already do. Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth mean it works from the apps on your phone rather than requiring you to learn a new one.
• Digital inputs for everything else. Three optical, one coaxial and two USB ports take the television, a computer and a disc player without needing a separate converter.

Under the Hood

• ESS ES9028Q2M 32-bit converter with HyperStream architecture, accepting up to 384kHz and 32-bit and DSD256 over USB-B.
• Class D power module delivering 2 x 60W into 8Ω and 2 x 100W into 4Ω, with THD plus noise below 0.05% and frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz at -0.5dB.
• Prisma platform over Ethernet or dual band Wi-Fi, with Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and DLNA, controlled from the Prisma app.

CHT Insider Verdict

This is the most complete small amplifier Primare makes, and for a lot of people it is the only box the system needs. Two things to weigh up. There is no phono stage and no way to add one, so vinyl means an outboard stage or the I15 MM instead. And Primare lists Roon Ready as coming by future update rather than shipping today, so do not buy it on that basis until it is confirmed.

Pro Tip: Run it on Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi if the rack is anywhere near the router. Streaming at 24-bit over a congested 2.4GHz network is the most common cause of dropouts we see, and a cable removes the variable entirely.