NP5 Prisma Tips and Tricks

[@efrain5687]

Outstanding instructions.

[@stephenoakes1240]

Excellent presentation as usual, Terry! S-booster makes quite an improvement I think, but, out of pure laziness I am using the variable output so I can alter the volume when I'm using Bubble UPNP as a control. I must try the fixed output and expend some extra energy using my amplifier's remote control 😂

[@PrimareAB]

Stephen, the S-booster is very good, and the laziness factor is the very reason we offer both fixed AND variable output - both still sound good, but would be curious to hear your thought when you have the chance to give it a try and any of the other tweaks described. In the meantime, enjoy!

[@PrimareAB]

@@KeZs0 Your questions are answered in the video, and to see auto-translated captions do the following: click the CC symbol to turn on Closed Captioning click the cog wheel symbol to open Settings menu click the Subtitles/CC tab click on Auto-Translate to select the language

[@NosEL34]

I felt there was a pretty clear difference in sound quality when comparing the variable and fixed volume output. Fixed volume being much better... especially in regards to the lower frequencies. My ears opinion anyway.

[@quickuploads3971]

I know this post is old - but I’ll try regardless. I’ve picked up a i15 MK1 Prisma which should be delivered tomorrow. First entry into the brand and super excited! a) Is the NP5 essentially the prisma section of the i15 ? There’s no difference (other than MK1 and MK2 having different DAC chips)? b) I’ve got KZbin & Apple Music streaming. KZbin doesn’t have lossless and Apple uses AirPlay which limited depth & resolution. I’m looking at getting Tidal as an option. Do you support Tidal lossless? And further to this - is Apple the reason that no 3rd party actually offers Apple Lossless? It seems that although Apple have a lossless service - it’s difficult and complex to access it!

[@pablotorres9260]

I have a couple of issues with my np5. First, the sound through embedded tidal is not as clear as when played via chromecast ( it's not bad sounding. It's that the high frequencies are rolled off on the embbeded tidal. The second issue is that there is a one second signal skip at the beginning of each song when listening to an album. It happens in the first 5 seconds after it transitions to the next track. But there is no issue when the track is selected manually. There are abolutely no issues at all when played via Chromecast

[@kristofferhjalmarsson2607]

Where can I get a Primare T-shirt. I need one😆 Excellent video Terry. Very informative.

[@PrimareAB]

Thanks for the kind words and compliments on the t-shirt. Working on making them available, but shipping costs right at the moment are making it a more expensive item of clothing than we would like. Sign up for the newsletter, if you haven't already so, at the link to follow to be alerted when we might be able to make them available as well other information you might find useful: primare.net/about/primare-newsletter/

[@reyiiteleco]

Hello Primare team, congrats on such a great Streamer. Are there any plans on including I²S (iis) outputs on the NP5?, other manufactures seem to agreed that I²S provides better sound quality...True or not, I'd like to know. Thank you.

[@PrimareAB]

No plans at this time, and I would caution you to be a bit wary of manufacturers' claiming of better sound with I2S, because this may be more a sales and marketing feature that is being promoted than something that in ALL circumstances will result in better sound. For example, there are standards for internal implementation, but not for external output and input. Implementation of any technology is always more important than the technology itself. It may be helpful to take a look at the NP5 Prisma MK2 video at this link for more information that might help better understand the design philosophy behind this network player: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2K8qpqLjdqBn6c With the hope that clarifies, but feel free to contact us for any further assistance by submitting a help request found at this link: helpdesk.primare.net/hc/en-us/requests/new Terry

[@MoiNo68]

Hello Terry, Is Spdif RCA better than Toslink? Thanks for your answer. I have one and I love the product but I’m not really sure that the sound is better with I Power X from Ifi audio.

[@PrimareAB]

Our preference is for coaxial RCA in part due to the fact that Toslink was originally designed with a 24/96 kHz resolution limit, although it can transmit 24/192 kHz if conditions are right, but that does not mean the Toslink can't provide excellent results.

[@pironi2405]

Hello Primare, i have a Marantz pm8006, can i conected NP5 ? Thanks for the answer👍

[@gottrekk5798]

No. You need an external DAC, a minimum would be topping E30.

[@wil4536]

Thanks for this and your other videos. I have the NP5 connected to my DAC with the PCM 1792a inside and consider to upgrade the power supply that comes with the NP5 in the box. What are your thoughts regarding an upgrade to the iPower X 5v which is a kind of a budget one or the sBooster BOTW P&P ECO MK II 5v power supply which is of course more expensive. Would one of these upgrades improve the sound quality in your opinion.

[@PrimareAB]

Thanks for the kind words. Both the iFi and sBooster will improve the performance of the NP5 Primsa, with the iFi being a great switch mode power supply budget option, while the somewhat more expensive sBooster will provide even greater performance enhancements due in part its linear topology. With the hope that answers the question, but feel free to submit a help request at the link that follows should you need further assistance or advice, Terry helpdesk.primare.net/hc/en-us/requests/new

[@nenadb7731]

Thanks for review. Terry, which connection is best with Parasound P6? What is max TB from external HDD? I have 4TB HDD. Will it work normally? And I have to write. I have Primare A30.5, which works perfectly. Thanks in advance.

[@PrimareAB]

Sorry for the late response, particularly given the kind words expressed for the A30.5. Use RCA Coax connection with your very capable P6. As for hard drive, if using it in a NAS configuration there is virtually no limit (we have many clients using 12 TB, with a few with even larger libraries, so 4TB should be ideal. However, if you are planning to use the USB A input, 4TB is too big, if for no other reason than the potential power draw from the USB port. We have tested up to 2TB with good results, but would recommend setting up a NAS for the reasons outlined in the video at this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGKlc2igfpiXfbs With the hope that answers the questions, but if not, and for more timely responses, please feel free to submit a help request at the link below, selecting the category Technical Questions, Product Questions, or Other and it will get directly to my inbox - helpdesk.primare.net/hc/en-us/requests/new?

[@tadas_val]

Thanks for the vid. Is there a way to connect my pc (one lan port) with primare so everything would be connected via lan cable?

[@PrimareAB]

Tadas, I think I have already responded to your the request you submitted to our help centre, which is the best way to communicate with us for assistance, but will repeat the answer here for your convenience. You should be able to setup a music folder on your computer to be available on your network that can be accessed from by a Prisma device. Search the web for the best instructions as to how to do this based on your particular computer and software you are using, Terry

[@martylewismcfly]

Hi Terry, any word on when or if Tidal connect is coming? regards

[@PrimareAB]

We are in the final stages of embedding both Tidal HiFi, for Master file, Qobuz, for full 24/192 kHz, and gapless, for both, playback. The recent update that included the new Radio function served as a test for the system, revealing we have a little tweaking to do, but we are working hard to have it all wrapped up and out as soon as possible, first though needing to finally get Roon Ready certification done, which has been in the pipeline for much longer. If you haven't signed up for our newsletter to be kept informed of updates and other news, please consider doing so at this link: primare.net/about/primare-newsletter/ Terry

[@martylewismcfly]

@@PrimareAB Brilliant Terry. Your customer support is second to none! Still enjoying my NP5 immensely. All the best

[@alexanderokonnikov2480]

Hi, Unfortunately some topics are not explained at all. You say that one or another third-party power supply will improve performance of NP5. Which parameter(s) will be (perhaps) improved? Is it about reducing jitter? Anything else? What if my DAC has de-jitter buffer and takes samples from the buffer according to its own internal clock? How power supply can improve digital signal in this case? Could you, please, share some links where I could read about how performance of digital signal depends on power? Another topic - you are talking about rate/resolution of output signal. What about toslink vs coax? Vendor of my DAC tells regarding its DAC implementation that coax could be better, but could be worse in case of source and DAC have different grounds. For this reason they recommend toslink input on that DAC. My conclusion here is that if source (NP5) and the DAC have common ground, then there should not be problems with coax, and thus coax could be superior to toslink? But how can I implement common ground, provided that NP5 is powered via DC plug, which doesn't have ground pin. Moreover, power wall plug (EU) doesn't have that plug as well. So, what output of NP5 - coax or toslink - do you recommend? Thanks for video.

[@JustBrowsing777]

The performance improves as much as you believe it improves. Or imagine it to improve I'd say.

[@PrimareAB]

Alexander, thanks for you comments and questions. There is only so much that can be put into a short video, and the discussion of jitter alone, let alone power supply, could occupy two very long videos. Briefly noting here, the power supply is like the engine of a car, responsible for getting things moving, while jitter reduction, to follow the analogy, like the suspension, to keep you most effectively on the road. So, related, but different. In either case, a better power supply and lower jitter should always improve performance. I don't have any good links to refer you to, but Robert Harley's book "The Complete Guide to High End Audio," now in a new updated edition, is a good recommendation as a starting point. As for digital connection, that is a bit easier, as our recommendation is for coaxial connection. Toslink can sound very good, but in our experience coaxial provides not only subtly better performance overall, but far greater options when it comes to higher quality cable choices. With the hope that answers your questions, but should you have more or require additional help, please submit a help request form at the link below for us to better assist you, Terry helpdesk.primare.net/hc/en-us/requests/new

[@Ali_Shafai]

I am very interested in the NP5, but my use case is WiFi only, and after watching this it seems to me that you are talking me out of buying it because of performance issues. Is that a fair conclusion to come away from?

[@PrimareAB]

Ali, sorry to give the impression that performance might be compromised using WiFi, as nothing could be further from the truth. Our recommendation to use ethernet cable is global, and not unique to our network players. The reasons for this recommendation is that immediate connection to the network is achieved the second you plug in the cable, where with WiFi some setup is required (although this is quite simple and easy in most cases). Additionally, ethernet connection avoids the issues that all too often effect home networks that have not been effectively installed and setup, resulting in inconsistent connection and control issues that cable avoids. With a properly setup network, WiFi can easily perform at the level of cable. For more information see our Coffee Comparison video at the link below, and with the hope this helps to clarify our position and allow you to consider our very capable and great sound network player, whether connected wirelessly or by wire ;-) Terry kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqPJkn5reMd6r6s

[@Ali_Shafai]

​@@PrimareAB Hi Terry - Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I use the very latest mesh networking system [Pro 6] by eero. I think I should be good, and if push comes to shove, I can place one of my access points right next to the NP5 and go direct into it. The eero system does have some optimization options for conferencing and gaming, so I could maybe experiment with that if I notice any performance issues. However, I just noticed that the NP5 does not output via USB, which is the way I would want to feed my Chord M Scaler from it. So, that will not work for me, unfortunately. Would USB output be considered for the NP5's next iteration? Lastly, I loved your coffee/networking video. And, it made my Nespresso machine seem so pedestrian this morning. 😆

[@PrimareAB]

@@Ali_Shafai Sorry for the late reply, but things too easily slip by my attention here. For here now, your eero Pro 6 is a great and more than capable system and should serve your well. As we are in the process of developing the next generation of products, all things are being considered, which makes it impossible to confirm what features and functionality will ultimately be offered, but will certainly do my best to keep everyone informed as I know more. Finally, my apologies for diminishing your morning coffee experience ;-)

[@gryphongryph]

Hi Terry, I use my Mac mini to stream Roon with usb into the Dac 30. I want to use my second system with Roon too, would the Dac 30 sound better with the streamer in the chain, or would the Dac 30 sound better with usb ? Love your videos Thanks.

[@PrimareAB]

Sorry for the late response, particularly given your kind words (thanks for that!). I went through a similar path, in that I was using a Mac Mini for streaming purposes, both video and audio, as well as with Roon, connected by USB, but found that when I switched to the NP5 Prisma MK2 (as well as the Roon RAAT prototyping software I was testing for certification) and used the Mac Mini only as a core sound quality improved considerably. And then when I replaced the Mac Mini with a Roon Nucleus as core benefited from even greater performance enhancements, which could have been the result of getting the Mac's less than ideal power supply out of my AC feed. With the hope that makes sense, but if not, and for more timely responses, please feel free to submit a help request at the link below, selecting the category Technical Questions, Product Questions, or Other and it will get directly to my inbox - helpdesk.primare.net/hc/en-us/requests/new?

[@gryphongryph]

@@PrimareAB Thanks for replying although not sure you meant using the Primare Dac 30 with your equipment! On the Primare Dac 30! How does it stack up against your newer offerings, I can not see a dedicated dac in your lineup, I would guess a dac with a dedicated and carefully implemented power supply would be better than the offerings you have now?

[@PrimareAB]

@@gryphongryph I guess I am a little confused by your questions, but as for current offerings the SC15 Prisma effectively replaced both the DAC30 and NP30 in our lineup, as sales for the stand alone DAC did not warrant a direct replacement given that most buyers chose the NP30 network player DAC in far greater numbers. As we do with all new products, we work hard to be sure that they outperform on every level the previous models they replace. So, the SC15 Prisma outperforms the DAC30 as a DAC and the NP30 as network player and DAC. This is not to say that the difference is dramatic, as it is more of a subtle improvement in overall performance. The SC15 Prisma has a dedicated and carefully implemented power supply, which is the foundation for its great performance. - see link to its product page here: primare.net/product/sc15-prisma-preamplifier-and-network-player/ That said, the NP5 Prisma MK2 connected to your DAC30 will provide excellent performance, with or without a more sophisticated second party power supply, essentially equalling that of the SC15 Prisma for all intents and purposes. With the hope that better answers the questions, but again, feel free to submit a help request at the link below, selecting the category Technical Questions, Product Questions, or Other and it will get directly to my inbox - helpdesk.primare.net/hc/en-us/requests/new? to avoid any delays in my responding (you just caught me finishing up KZbin responses here ;-).

[@gryphongryph]

@@PrimareAB Thanks, just what I wanted to know 😜

[@TnTMedalen]

@@gryphongryph Whew! That's a relief! Thanks for letting me know, much appreciated.

[@sjors01]

the life pin on the amplifier is on the left site, litle confusing

[@PrimareAB]

Please see my comment of eleven months ago, Terry

[@sjors01]

dear Terry, this is a bit odd, on the amp the inner pin is positive, and now it's exactly the other way around. why did you not choose the same scheme here, left instead of right?

[@PrimareAB]

Sjors, sorry to confuse, but they are different power supplies, sockets and plugs. Oh, and just a heads up, the A35.8 input socket is reversed due to the nature of that higher powered (20A) socket fixture, further noting that I am planning to do a new AC power orientation video to cover all the options, with the hope that it will prove useful.

[@sjors01]

@@PrimareAB I recently bought the Primera prisma i15 mkii, what a beautiful amplifier this is, perfectly balanced compared to the Denon pma1600ne has too much coloration in basses. I have been acquainted with class D amplification before. The Dali F5 has quite a tendency to boss the Denon and be uncontrolled, but with Class D you get exactly the bass you need, tight and controlled. And the big advantage of class D is the energy efficiency is so good that you have nice sound with the low energy bill. This is my first experience with Primera but I like it very much. I am very satisfied with the class D amplification, it controls the Dali speaker perfectly. After years of wandering with all kinds of class AB amplifiers, I have finally found the amplifier that fits my speaker well. And reproduces a pleasant sound in perfect detail. No colored sound like heavy Bass is that by nature does not even occur in the music. i15, does get warm right in the middle of the amp. unfortunately not completely cold, is that right about that heat? Or is that normal and can he just handle this heat? one finds a neutral and throat but with the right speaker I think it sounds extra good and tight

[@PrimareAB]

@@sjors01 Thanks for your kind words and am happy to hear you are enjoying your I15 Prisma MK2, which should be warm due more to the streaming and DAC modules (right in the middle, as you have found) than the amp modules.

[@andersa3448]

Funderar på att uppgradera min musikanläggning. Har en bra förstärkare men dålig streamer. Har funderat på en i15 Prisma eller ska jag testa en NP5 till att börja med?

[@PrimareAB]

Anders, not knowing the amp or DAC you have, and as you might expect, my easiest recommendation is to get an I15 Prisma MK2 that should soon be Roon Ready. That said, if you like your amp and DAC, the NP5 Prisma MK2 is Roon Ready now, and has a few additional features, such as MQA passthrough and DoP when using Roon that might make it the better choice for you, Terry

[@user-ox1mh3wn9r]

Hello. tell me prisma np5 can transmit MQA to DAC?

[@PrimareAB]

The NP5 Prisma MK2 does allow for MQA passthrough when digital output is set to Native 192 kHz. The original NP5 Prisma does not allow for MQA passthrough.

[@user-ox1mh3wn9r]

Thank you. will there be a primare np5 prisma upgrade for MQA passthrough? very necessary

[@PrimareAB]

@@user-ox1mh3wn9r There will be no upgrade to the original version of the NP5 Prisma as it involves a change to the sample rate converter chip which is effectively the difference between the original and MK2 versions. For more information in video form, see the link below and note that if you want MQA capability only to stream Tidal Master files we will be embedding Tidal into the Prisma app in the next month or so to allow for Master file playback to the first full MQA unfold. The update will provide this feature to all Prisma models, including the NP5 Prisma. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2K8qpqLjdqBn6c

[@user-ox1mh3wn9r]

thanks for the answer. really looking forward to this update. I listen to tidal. and wanted to use it to the fullest. I really like this device.

[@PrimareAB]

@@user-ox1mh3wn9r happy to help and to hear you are enjoying your NP5 Prisma!