NP5 Prisma Network Player

[@sonicmainliner]

Well done guys, people with mm30 felt stuck, you did the right thing!

[@cablebrain9691]

Is there gapless playback other than through Roon for all streaming sources? And in what way, in respect to sound quality or functionality, does The NP5 have an advantage over the Google Chromecast Audio dongle for wi-fi streaming from Tidal? I do understand that it has advantages in other areas.

[@TnTMedalen]

Gapless playback is available from NAS using the Prisma application and any streaming service that provides that feature using AirPlay, Bluetooth or Spotify Connect. Chromecast built-in does not offer gapless playback, with the exception of when used as a Roon endpoint, which in that capacity offers both gapless and Tidal Master file playback. The NP5 Prisma simply sounds better and offers a far greater array of other functionalities, including Tidal Connect by future update for playback of the full first MQA unfold of Master files for resolution of up to 24/88.2 or 24/96 dependent on the particular file.

[@eliasgranse1481]

If the NP5 is connected to an amplifier with an RS232 cable, can the volume then be controlled from the Google home app or via a Google Assistant? Thanks!

[@PrimareAB]

Elias, yes, as a Chromecast built-in device the NP5 Prisma allows for all control features with Google Home and Assistant, including control of volume of the Primare model connected by RS232.

[@eliasgranse1481]

@@PrimareAB Amazing, thanks a lot!

[@EarlPartridge]

Super, just super!

[@PrimareAB]

Many thanks!

[@EarlPartridge]

@@PrimareAB However, it doesn't make my decision any easier... ;) I am choosing between a new I32 (with everything+np5+phonostage) or an even newer i35 Prisma (+phono):) Have to talk to my main hifi-dealer at Jämtljud :). I am however certain that it will be Primare! Decisions, decisions...but fun ones!

[@PrimareAB]

@@EarlPartridge You do have some fun tough decisions to make, as there is probably a very attractive price on the I32, which I assume has the MM30 board installed when you say "with everything." As you might imagine, the I35 Prisma will give you subtly better performance overall and the most complete latest features, but that said there was never any thing really wrong with the I32 MM30, particularly with an NP5 Prisma. Good luck, and enjoy!

[@EarlPartridge]

@@PrimareAB Thank you for your kind answear. I know I’ll be happy with both choices.

[@artemkir7510]

What is the difference in sound quality between it and chromecast audio when using an optical output ?

[@PrimareAB]

Artem, there is a subtle improvement in performance when using the optical cable, but an even greater one, and the capability of effectively transferring 24/192kHz files, when using RCA coaxial connection. In addition, there a many other features and functionalities with Prisma than with a Chromecast audio dongle, Chromecast built-in being only one of those many, Terry

[@brentonappleby9836]

If streaming Qobuz through the NP5, is playback limited to 24bit/96khz because of Chromecast? If Qobuz is played through Roon will it be 24bit/192khz once the firmware with the Roon Ready update has been uploaded?

[@PrimareAB]

Brenton, thanks for asking, as contrary to what we were led to understand, it now seems that Qobuz with Chromecast will playback up to 24/192kHz. It is Chromecast enabled speakers that have the 24/96kHz limit found in their published specifications. As for Roon Ready, there are no surprises there, as playback up to 24/192kHz is a given, noting that the NP5 Prisma Roon Ready update (v1.77) launched this Monday, 18 January.

[@brentonappleby9836]

@@PrimareAB Thanks for the reply. I have just recently purchased an NP5 to connect to my DAC and currently only use Spotify connect, but am about to get Qobuz and was hoping that it would stream direct at full hi res, as I'm not quite ready to pull the trigger on purchasing Roon just yet.

[@PrimareAB]

@@brentonappleby9836 if using Qobuz casting to Prisma/Chromecast and Spotify connect serves your needs, there may be no need for Roon, but if you want to take advantage of all the many features Roon offers then that is certainly something to consider. When I can get the time I will be working on posts and newsletters outlining why we like Roon, so if you have not already done so, head over to the website and sign up for the newsletter so we can fill you in-box ;-) primare.net/information/news/

[@Wildgift1956]

Looks great guys. When will this be available for purchase in California? I take it that this can serve as a Plex client in light of the Chromecast, right?

[@PrimareAB]

Thanks for the kind words. For best assistance obtaining an NP5 Prisma, contact our distributor for North America, MoFi Distribution, at [e-mail]. And yes, it can serve as a Plex client. With the hope you enjoy it!

[@meteoronearth]

What Bluetooth version is it and what profiles are supported? Does it support aptX HD, LDAC?

[@PrimareAB]

Sorry for the late response. We use a standard Bluetooth Codec (4.1, Low Energy) as any of the other Bluetooth codecs, no matter how advanced, do not deliver true high resolution and are available only to those who have that technology in both receiver and transmitter. Meaning that this technology is not accessible by too many customers (including all iPhone users) who may wish to enjoy a quick connection for less critical listening, while being able to use other higher resolution and better sounding connection options available without the need for special hardware (such as AirPlay for true 16/44.1kHz and Chromecast built-in for up to 24/96kHz resolution).

[@aliaxandrragovin]

So, it’s digital out and have not DAC inside? How to connect it to I32 that time (I have not MM30 installed).

[@PrimareAB]

The SC15 Prisma was designed for you - Prisma network playback capabilities with DAC, offering superior features and performance than available with MM30, for the same retail price as the older module. For more information go to www.primare.net/products/sc15-prisma/

[@rrameshtvi]

We don't have a dealer here in Toronto to buy NP5. Can we order directly from you?

[@PrimareAB]

For best assistance obtaining an NP5 Prisma in North America, contact our distributor, MoFi Distribution, at [e-mail] With the hope you enjoy it!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Hi Terry, if you’d like me to give it a shot in one of my videos I’d be happy to help. I concentrate on what products do best, selling the USP, and honest reviews. I have high production values too. I currently have a node 2i and a friend referred me to you saying he thinks your unit sounds better. I could also potentially try your unit against a sms-neo 200 too. Regards Simon

[@kayueyeung]

USB output?

[@PrimareAB]

No, RCA/coaxial and Toslink/optical digital output.

[@mactrix9659]

Can you configure the device via a web interface or only via the app? Is it possible to deactivate WiFi and Bluetooth?

[@PrimareAB]

Only via the Prisma app. You can make Bluetooth invisible, and use ethernet to connect the NP5 Prisma to the network, but the mobile device used for control will connect by WiFi. With the hope that answers the questions, Terry

[@mactrix9659]

@@PrimareAB Thanks. You should still consider a web interface, something that works universally and beyond the lifespan of an app

[@mactrix9659]

Oh, and requiring the Google Home app to configure the network settings is also not great. The Google Home app requires a Google Account and not everyone wants this spying and tracking company in their homes and on their devices.

[@PrimareAB]

​@@mactrix9659 Only via app. You do not need a Google account, simply opt out in the field where it is asked if you want to link to a Google account and disregard the statement that the setup is not complete, as that refers to the account setup.

[@mactrix9659]

@@PrimareAB But I cannot even start the Google Home app on iOS without signing in with a Google account.

[@andrewsolo2561]

Can np5 output data to apm using usb(np5) to usb(amp) connection?

[@PrimareAB]

Andrew, sorry, not sure what you mean by "apm" (actions per minute?), but USB A on NP5 Prisma is input only, with digital output being a choice of Toslink optical or RCA coaxial. With the hope that answers the question, but if not feel free to contact us at [e-mail] at any time, Terry

[@andrewsolo2561]

@@PrimareAB Thank yoy for quick response! Answer is ok. It will be great , if np5 had usb output for usb dac, because many people have great usb dac's but with out support modern service like tidal and etc. Sorry for my English ;)

[@FFrrEEddRRiiKK1]

Tidal Masters support?

[@PrimareAB]

Yes, through AirPlay (AirPlay 2) and Roon, either immediately through Chromecast built-in functioning as Roon endpoint for up 24/96 playback (and sounding very good, particularly if you use Roon's DSP set to max upsampling) and full Roon Ready capabilities once certification is complete, which is expected shortly after shipping of the NP5 Prisma at the end of October.

[@gryphongryph]

Primare AB - playing 192 from Roon not supported ?

[@PrimareAB]

@@gryphongryph 24/192 will be supported with Roon Ready certification, which should be coming soon after we ship NP5 Prisma by way of free automatic update. For now, Chromecast built-in is a Roon endpoint offering playback up to 24/96 and sounds great!

[@PrimareAB]

Hej! Have been notified of an additional comment - "Primare AB - that’s a bummer, I was hoping for usb out to my Dac 30 !!!" - but can't see it here. So, just thought I would write to suggest that given the output characteristics of the NP5 Prisma, there is no advantage to USB output/input, and in fact the RCA connection may actually sound as good or better into your DAC30.

[@kristwi37]

Tidal Masters suck, I compared to Qobuz and it sounded much better.

[@opiusclay]

Hello, via Android tablet or my handy mus tri cca 50x to connetc once corectly :-((( With my iPhone 12 i was not able to connect yet. With my old Node i hawe no problem ...newer had problem to connect... I dont know why are problems with NP5... I am Primare fan (had hawe i21, i22 with CD22, then i32 amp...therefor i bought this Prisma... But I am wery dissapointed with this device ...

[@PrimareAB]

Setup and configuration is usually easy and quick if all is in order and the instructions provided followed. Have you contacted your dealer for assistance? If this is not an option, please contact us at [e-mail] with as many details regarding your installation and system setup as you can and we will do our best to assist. Tack! Terry

[@birgerolofsson2347]

Is it also for my SP33?

[@PrimareAB]

Yes, it is! I'll put your name on one ;-)