HIFI Choice, United Kingdom, Oct 2022
NP5 Prisma MK2 – Prime time
“Primare’s new streaming bridge is a thing of sonic beauty… No larger than it needs to be, devoid of fanciful boasts, the NP5 Prisma MK2 has all the functionality most of us will ever need teamed with ease of use and seriously good sound. As painless and affordable a path to quality streaming as it comes.”
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ROON, US, September 2022
Primare NP5 Prisma MK2 Review
“Primare of Sweden has applied a uniquely Scandinavian approach to audio manufacturing for nearly forty years – winning them awards and loyal customers. Their components meld premium sound quality with refined, timeless aesthetics. Primare practices the Swedish principle of Lagom (“laah-goam”), which translates to “just the right amount.” It’s an appreciation of harmonious, proportional balance – in all things.
Fortunately for us, Primare puts that into practice in its components. Their 2022-2023 EISA Best Streamer winning NP5 Primsa MK2 continues their penchant for striking the perfect blend of technology, functionality, and ease of use. “Just the right amount,” as defined by Primare, turns out to be quite generous.
The NP5 Prisma MK2 is the latest version of their standalone Prisma technology – the feature-rich platform at the heart of Primare’s most prestigious hi-fi components. The app reveals that the NP5 Prisma MK2 is an impressive hub of features, not just a streamer.
Even better, it’s a perfect candidate for this DAC + Streamer pairing how-to. There are a few critical factors to remember when selecting a streamer or bridge. They apply to our scenario as well.”
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EISA AWARDS, Aug 15, 2022
EISA STREAMER 2022-2023
“Primare’s NP5 Prisma MK2 makes it easy to introduce streaming capabilities to any outboard DAC or other component with a digital input/DAC. This well-priced device is based on the multiroom audio platform the Swedish brand utilises in even its most expensive hi-fi components, meaning there’s slick control via the dedicated Prisma app, playback from local USB and networked storage, and streaming over Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast and Roon. Also a fine upgrade for legacy Primare gear thanks to its RS232 control port, the NP5 Prisma MK2 supports DoP with Roon and MQA passthrough, various output sample rates, and hi-res files to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD128. This streamer may be compact, but sure is mighty when it comes to possibilities.”
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Audiograde, UK, June 2022
Primare NP5 Prisma MK2 streamer review
“The NP5 Prisma MK2 is another example of Primare’s adherence to the ‘Lagom’ philosophy of not too much and not too little, with this unassuming little device providing considerable functionality enhancements to a system without drawing unnecessary attention to itself. It is a testament to Primare’s nimbleness in turning a potentially major supply problem into an opportunity to not only keep production on the rails, but also introduce additional feature enhancements while many competitors saw their production crawl to a halt.
In times where everyone is watching their wallets, the Prisma stands out in offering a sensible spread of functionality and capability while keeping costs down. For the price, the Prisma makes for a considerable enhancement to any system that has a DAC to match.”
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Audio Arkitekts, US, April 2022
HiFi Music Streamer Review | Primare NP5 Prisma MK II
“Music streamers have become the new normal for many music listeners. Primare has manufactured a well-built device that can stream all of your favorite tunes to the destination of your choice. Paired with an awesome DAC, this streamer is a definite performer!”
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Hifi Test, March 2022, Germany
NP5 Prisma MK2 – Chip Tuning
“The NP5 Prisma is just right for getting started at the highest level. Convenient to set up and integrate into an existing system, the Primare is up and running quickly and offers HiRes streaming from hard drive, NAS or Internet as desired. Conclusion: The second version of the small Prisma NP5 from Primare is the Swiss army knife for quickly integrating a complete streaming solution into your home system.”
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FWD, The Netherlands, February 2022
FWD NP5 Prisma MK2 Review
NP5 Prisma MK2: Primare NP5 MK2 – Durable Expansion
The Primare NP5 MK2 is a very specific type of device that can be useful in a number of situations. To breathe new life into older but still high-performing audio equipment, for example, or as a network player with zone controls in a custom install project. Its compact size and many streaming options are real advantages. The NP5 MK2 differs from a number of rivals in its focus on digital output and support for streaming technologies that will appeal to audiophiles. At the same time, it also has the mainstream options on board so that everyone can get started with it.
9.0 / FWD Award – Excellent
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HIFI & Musik, March 2022, Sweden
HIFI & Musik NP5 Prisma MK2 “Great buy” review
“Primare NP5 is the network player for you who want to stream music without problems, and already have a D / A converter in the system. It’s hard not to recommend this small, flexible and versatile player and we look forward to upcoming big tests where it can, for example, take on the latest version of Bluesound’s Node player – one of the few serious competitors in the price range. Everyone who already has a Prisma device installed in their Primare product, is only to be congratulated. All of us can choose to buy a NP5 Prisma MK2”
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Stereo+, January 2022, Norway
Stereo+ Årets Product NP5 Prisma
“NP5 Prisma MK2 sounds open and precise, and not least analog and smooth. The tends to be a good sign that the device is in control of noise, jitter and analog noise components that can interfere with the music flow along the way.
Primare NP5 Prisma MK2 does what it is supposed to, and in all its simplicity is exactly what a hi-fi enthusiast on a budget needs.”
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Stereo+, Norway, December 2021
NP5 Prisma MK2 – Stereo+ awards it 5 Stars – Highly Recommended!
“Instead of pushing a DAC and an analog output section into the device as most others have done, absolutely all the money has gone to make as good a streamer as possible, and it immediately sounds like they have succeeded in delivering a product with pleasant sound quality for the price. For no matter how strange it sounds, there is a difference between streamers even if they only send zeros and ones on to the DAC. Why does NP5 sound more distinct and more precise than a Bluesound Node in the latest version, and why does it sound like Sonos’ equivalent device is both grey and matte compared to the NP5, even though they send out a digital signal?
Conclusion: With the NP5 Prisma MK2, Primare has created a smart and user-friendly streamer. Just what a budget HIFI enthusiast needs.”
5 Stars – Highly recommended!
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HiFi+, UK, October 2021
HiFi+ Innovation Award 2021
Primare have received an Innovation award from HiFi+ with the following citation:
“First founded in 1985 by industrial designer Bo Christensen, Primare’s is perhaps one of the most recognisably Scandinavian brands in audio. Its combination of minimalism and good performance all point to a Swedish brand.
So, when Primare uses a Swedish word to describe its ethos, perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised. That word is ‘Lagom’ (pronounced ‘laah-goam’) and roughly translates to ‘just the right amount.’ In Primare’s world this means keeping everything in balance, harmony and proportion, and that the music – rather than the technology or the box in which it comes – should be the focus of audio.
To this end, Primare employs a very modular approach to its product design, such as its latest Ultra Fast Power Device module (used throughout the range), which shows what Class D can do in the hands of very competent design engineers.“
Link to announcement: HiFi+200 Innovation Award
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Hificlass, Poland, June 2020
NP5 Prisma: Primare NP5 Prisma
“If anyone is planning to upgrade their system with network functionalities, then they should consider the Primare proposal. With a good DAC, NP5 Prisma transport is able to offer the sound that is natural, musical, but also dynamic and detailed, with convincing space and impeccable stereo.”
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Audio PL, March 2020
NP5 Prisma: Streaming Different
“Ease of use, Chromecast, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and compatibility with Roon create very large functional possibilities, and the natural, almost “analog” sound – obtained even from lower quality streaming services – is a real surprise and also the biggest advantage of this inconspicuous device. Colours and micro dynamics mean that emotions from listening to music, despite some restrictions of objective quality, are guaranteed. Again, it turns out that not the specifications, but the right concept and its efficient implementation matter the most. Bravo!”
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Le Blog d'Eric, France, April 2020
NP5 Prisma: NP5
“The Primare NP5 is a HiFi streamer with three essential qualities. It integrates perfectly with any existing system thanks to its tiny format and digital outputs. It is universal in its operation by ensuring compatibility with all music services via Chromecast, AirPlay 2 , UPnP/DLNA and Roon. Finally, it delivers a catchy sound without being tiring. The NP5 offers smooth reproduction to play any type of music, whatever your tastes. The ideal companion for a HiFi system wishing to go digital.”
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Qobuz Magazine, France, April 2020
NP5 Prisma: test of a mini network player that knows how to do the maximum
“The Primare NP5 Prisma is fast becoming a staple in the world of small, accessible network players. Its universality with the support of Chromecast for Android and AirPlay 2 for iOS already make it a device without constraint. For those wishing to go further, the NP5 is Roon Ready for high-resolution playback and access to your file library. Thanks to Chromecast and AirPlay 2, the NP5 is directly accessible from the Qobuz app. On the sound side, we can describe this player as an audiophile by its ability to get the smallest detail for a precise and lively exploration of music.”
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ON-MAG, France, May 2020
NP5 Prisma: an ultra-complete Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and Roon mini streamer
“NP5 fulfils several offices. First of all, it will allow users of Primare products from previous generations to easily update their amplifier or preamplifier by providing them with the connected function thanks to a direct link between the two devices. Then, for audiophiles who have based their streaming system on Roon, the NP5 is a quality Roon Endpoint, ready to use and simple to implement. Finally, this small audio player can also be inserted into any system and facilitate use thanks to AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Spotify Connect. Anyone in the household can easily send it music. Connected to quality equipment, that makes HiFi to live with, without constraint.”
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Alpha Audio, The Netherlands, October 2019
NP5 Prisma: Primare Prisma NP5 compact network player
“The new Primare Prisma NP5 is a network player intended to be easily integrated into any existing hi-fi system. Your installation is immediately up to date. The Primare Prisma NP5 is an extensive network player in a compact size. The device is among others Roon ready and can handle AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast and Spotify Connect. You can connect the player to any existing system, the only condition being that a digital input (coax or optical) is available somewhere.”
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