Intro
Contents
This is the second version of Primare’s music streamer. The Primare NP5 is a streamer only, with no DAC. The fire at AKM’s factory in Japan forced Primare to find another supplier for the re-clocking chip. This new version is the result of that search.
Of course Primare uses its Prisma platform; the software that allows playback of your own files and from streaming services. This platform can be found in many of Primare’s products. The NP5 is the standalone streamer and offers the same streaming options as amplifiers and CD players with Prisma on board.
An unobtrusive square box
The NP5 is a simple-looking black box with rounded corners. Small LED indicators on top show whether the device is turned on, has network connection or is playing music. On the back is an input for the 5Volt plug from the included (switching) power adapter, an Ethernet port, a USB input jack, two digital outputs and a RS232 connection for connecting to older Primare devices. The USB port is for connecting a hard drive or USB flash drive with audio files, not for connection to a DAC. For connection to a DAC, you have two options: SPDIF or TOSLink.
Installation and operation
You install the Primare NP5 with the Google Home app. You can connect the NP5 either via WiFi or with an Ethernet cable. Primare recommends playing wired. You use the Primare Prisma app to access the NP5’s configuration options. There you can set, for example, after how much time the NP5 goes into standby when not playing music.
The most important option is whether you set the SPDIF and TOSLink output variable or fixed. If you are using an amplifier or DAC with which you control the volume, it is best to set the output fixed. With variable, you can control the volume in the Prism app.
In the Prisma app, you also choose which source to play music from. For streaming services such as Qobuz and Tidal, that service’s app is opened, so it must be installed on your phone or tablet. You don’t have to use the Prisma app to play Qobuz or Tidal, you can do that directly from their respective apps. The Prisma app is going to be important for these two streaming services though, but more on that later.
The NP5 does not have a remote control, everything is done through the Prisma app or the app you use to stream music to the NP5.
Excellent…
Thank you Martijn! This was all very helpful. I’ve incorporated your suggestion of a d-link switch to the Ethernet chain btw. Big improvement at such a low cost investment. Now wondering what I should get as a streamer upgrade. Really appreciate your help. And what you guys have been doing with your testing and reviews 👍🏼🙏🏼
Feel a bit weird as the only commenter! And sorry to ask this as I know it would not be a simple answer but: Would Volumio Rivo be a considerable or marginal step up from this network streamer in your opinion? As in with at least an Ifi power supply upgrade. Many thanks 🙏🏼
Hi John. The Primare NP5 MKii is better than the Rivo when used with SPDIF out. The Rivo is better with AES or USB out. Having said that, the differences on SPDIF show up – in general, it depends on the specific equipment it is paired with – with DAC’s in the plus 1200 Euro range, or amplifiers with DACs in the plus 2500 Euro range.
The Primare doesn’t have AES or USB out, only SPDIF (on coax or toslink). So it depends for what connection type you are looking for.
In software, Volumio is clearly better.
Before I forget: Primare made some software updates. Qobuz and Tidal are integrated now in the Primare app, but the presentation in the app and the way you select music from either service is very rudimentary as compared to the way Volumio works with Qobuz and Tidal integration, or to other third party options out there, like the JPlay app for iOS, Audirvana or Roon.
A search entry field has been added to the radio section, so you can search on a radio station name now. The radio station selection and the way you can bookmark stations works nice. I’m not a big internet radio listener, but I have used this a few times with the Primare app. Their selection of high quality radio streams is quite nice.