Technology

SC15 Prisma MK2 continues a Primare tradition of delivering astonishing performance from compact and elegant devices for easy installation into virtually any living environment, and with the three-quarter-sized cabinet of SC15 Prisma, even greater possibilities open up for providing the highest quality music performance and access to any and every room in the house.

SC15 Prisma MK2 is a full-featured network player and digital to analog converter, providing digital to analog conversion with up to PCM 384kHz and DSD 256 capabilities, as well as complete digital media access and system management by way of the Prisma connectivity and control technology.

Prisma – Network and Multiroom Technology

New to the SC15 Prisma MK2 is automatic Room and Manual EQ function using a program built-in to the Prisma application. The EQ function can be used with any iOS mobile device, while Android devices require the use of the Zen microphone (currently on back-order until March 2024).

Room EQ automatic optimisation method is easy to use. During the measurement sequence, the speakers will play back pink noise for 60 seconds while the iOS device or Zen mic is moved around the room in large circular motions. The EQ function samples all positions in the room to identify each room mode.

When the measurement sequence is complete, the speaker compensation will be automatically calculated, and a bass filter will be applied to the system to counteract boundary effects, compensating for the interference caused by the room.

Once the room has been measured and the system calibrated using the automatic Room EQ, it is possible to manually adjust the speakers’ response to meet personal preferences.

The look and feel of Scandinavia

We believe that every aspect of our products – the way they look, the satisfying feel of the controls – contributes to the overall experience of living with Primare. As a result, Primare products exude the hallmarks of Scandinavian design – simple, elegant designs, with approachable and easy to understand functionality.
An example of this is the compact, essentially three-quarter sized, of the 15 series, cabinets creating the sense of perfect proportions being just right for allowing placement within any living environment – or as we say lagom, not too much not too little, everything in balance, proportion, and harmony.

System Building

With the 15 Series, we offer a carefully considered array of models in order to allow for the best selection to fit any of your system needs. For example, the ultimate 15 Series system might be the DD15 CD transport, SC15 MK2 Prisma preamplifier and network player, I15 analog integrated amplifier, and R15 MM/MC phono preamplifier, allowing for the best performance, analog or digital, with the greatest number of connection options. However, there may be no need for additional digital inputs, MC phono preamplification may not be requirement, or simply to address budget or size considerations, a system composed of CD15 Prisma CD and network player with an I15 MM integrated amplifier with MM15 MM phono module installed could be assembled. This compact and reasonably priced system provides multiple analog source playback, including vinyl disc, as well as digital disc, stored or streamed media playback, with remarkable power, control, and connection flexibility.

Reviews

The Ear, UK, October 2024
Primare SC15 MK2: A Well Connected Streamer

Rounding up Overall, the Primare SC15 Mk2 is musically satisfying, with a fresh energetic, dynamic and well timed presentation playing either digital or analogue sources. I’d describe the sound quality as well paced and lively, with a fine sense of clarity and rhythm. The Primare SC 15 Mk2 is all one would need for a digital and analogue hub for use with conventional analogue amps and passive speakers, active speakers, WiSA enabled active speakers, or analogue speakers at this entry-level price point. It offers the benefits of multi-room functionality, digital EQ and room correction thrown in for good measure, providing a wide range of inputs. It does not have a dedicated phono input, but that is easily dealt with by an external phono stage, and the line-level input and analogue circuits are clearly excellent. The network player and WiSA module are also capable of superb results with suitable WiSA speakers. The internal DAC is as good as can be expected at this level and relatively neutral. While listening, I’d assumed it was priced at about £2,500, but realised it’s only £1,800. That’s a lot of functionality and an enjoyable performance in a neat package at a competitive price. Best Buy

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HiFi-IFAs, Germany, April 2024
SC15 Prisma MK2: All-in-one preamplifier

”All-in-one preamplifier Primare SC15 Prisma MKII – analog and digital with DAC, streaming, WiSA & Room EQ Conclusion: The Primare SC15 Prisma MKII streaming preamplifier can be used universally in the stereo music chain, and its range of applications is extremely wide, not least because of the selectable variable or fixed RCA outputs. With its configuration options and interfaces, the SC15 mk2 represents a fully-fledged preamplifier, a network player and a DAC. With its elegant and compact housing, the SC15 mk2 seems predestined to be a stand-alone device that can fully exploit its independence through Bluetooth, WLAN and streaming from the home music network as well as online services. It is even possible to control WiSA-compatible speakers wirelessly. Thanks to the numerous digital and analog inputs, the preamplifier also invites extensive cabling, for example as in the test of a CD drive or a pre-amplified record player. No matter which source is selected, the preamplifier creates a lush, cleanly structured space. The sound is crisp and transparent, which is particularly noticeable with voices. The sound remains neutral in a positive sense without embellishment or exaggeration and is also convincing in analogue. If necessary, room correction supports it. The Primare SC15 Prisma MKII is a strong recommendation in the price range of around 2,000 euros for anyone looking for a powerful and user-friendly control center with an excellent app for their system concept.”

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Alpha Audio, Benelux, May 2024
SC15 Prisma MK2 – Review System Audio Legend 40.2 Silverback and Primare SC15 Mk2 – an active combination

“The Primare SC15 Mk2 is almost three times more expensive than the Stereo hub offered by System Audio, but brings benefits: better audio quality on all fronts, especially due to the better power supply used by Primare and the Prisma streaming platform with the Prisma app that has Qobuz and Tidal built in… For most households, an active speaker is preferable, even if they often do not know it. It is the least “hassle” and the best audio quality you can get for your money, especially with options like Room EQ. Put it carefully in the optimal spot in your room, adjust it once (or have it adjusted) with Room EQ and you are done. Combined with the Primare SC15 MK2, the entire system of Primare and System Audio speakers is very stable. During the review period of several weeks, the WiSa connection did not give a single problem and Primare’s Prisma platform delivers reliably.”

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FWD, Benelux, March 2024
SC15 MK2 Prisma – Lots of talent for music

“CONCLUSION – The term ‘smart’ is often used for devices with a lot of functionality, especially in the field of smart home and streaming. The SC15 MK2 Prisma also deserves the label ‘smart’, but mainly because Primare has thought very carefully about which functions to offer. A good balance has been achieved, because many inputs, the right software and the WiSA module make the SC15 MK2 extremely versatile. The great thing about this is that you don’t end up with something complex, ease of use was clearly a priority. Add a handsome design and you are talking about a preamplifier-streamer-DAC that is very different from Asian alternatives. Less geeky and with a focus on sound. The most important thing is of course the sound quality. The new DAC implementation at the heart of the MK2 update delivers a very successful result in this regard.”

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