We’re big proponents of Roon and while we understand the arguments against it by those who already own dedicated music servers and are using something like Volumio OS or prefer casting using TIDAL Connect or Spotify Connect directly from their smart devices — we still find enormous flexibility in the platform.
Why?
In my particular case, I have over 6,300 albums saved across TIDAL and Qobuz, 2,000 CDs ripped to an external HD that is connected to a Roon Nucleus Music Server, and I prefer the simplicity of using network players or wireless loudspeakers that are Roon Ready and I don’t have to use any other platform to enjoy my digital music collection throughout the house.
That convenience comes with a steep price but it was one that I was willing to pay.
Once. With apologies to Johnny Dangerously.
The hardware side of the equation has a long and growing list of manufacturers who also see the value in Roon. It adds a rather good one with Primare.
The Swedish manufacturer has announced that three of its streaming amplifiers — i15, i25 and i35 — have received Roon Ready certification from Roon Labs. Each offer a modular integrated amplifier and network player combined into one unit, which mainly vary by output power capabilities.
Owners of these models will find the update automatically downloaded and installed on their electronics.
“We feel it is essential to offer modular design in as many of our products and in as many forms as we can, whether in hardware or software options,” says Terry Medalen, Primare marketing. “We see the addition of Roon as an extension of this philosophy, in that It’s integration of digital music libraries with high-res. streaming services, ability to control multiple zones, and extensive use of metadata when available, make it a natural addition for Prisma owners who invest in the best available equipment to enjoy their favorite music.”
“We are delighted to welcome the Primare i15, i25 and i35 into the Roon Ready ecosystem. From the very beginning, Primare have proven to be a great partner to work with, overcoming any obstacles to ensure that we can bring Roon’s rich browsing experience and high-resolution playback to even more Primare devices and in turn, delight many more music lovers. Together, Roon and Primare make a potent combination,” adds Lee Broderick, Roon’s Head of Communications.
Being Roon Ready means that Primare network players transparently discover and connect to Roon with bit-perfect audio delivered from Roon to the network player.
Primare’s Prisma network player platform is composed of a bundle of technologies that provide high-fidelity sonics throughout the home, with complete control of stored and streamed media, whether wired or wireless via a dedicated system app, by casting from hundreds of music streaming service applications, and now by using Roon.
Together, Roon and Primare Prisma deliver the power, flexibility, and performance of networked audio, with the easiest setup and highest reliability available.
The initial phase of Roon certified Primare integrated amplifiers includes the compact (3/4 size) I15 Prisma 60 WPC, modular I25 Prisma 100 WPC, and I35 Prisma 150 WPC models.
Upcoming Primare products scheduled for Roon Certification include the SC15 Prisma and PRE35 Prisma models, followed by CD15 Prisma and CD35 Prisma CD players, and, later, the SP25 Prisma and SPA25 Prisma integrated amplifiers.
For further information, visit primare.net.
Price & Availability
- i15 Prisma 60 WPC – $2,100
- i25 Prisma 100 WPC – $4,500
- i35 Prisma 150 WPC – $5,500
About Primare
For over thirty years, Primare, based in southern Sweden, has been designing and producing award-winning stereo and home cinema components that bring the Scandinavian attributes of honest integrity and timeless design to a global audience.
With a modular, environmentally conscious approach that complements core values of lasting quality, ease of use, and deeply satisfying performance, Primare effortlessly delivers today’s ever-expanding music and visual experiences in all their richness and variety, whether the source is analog or digital, wired or wireless, stored or streamed.
