Primare R15 MM/MC Phono Preamplifier
R15 is a award winning compact MM/MC phono preamplifier, providing the ideal interface between the low-level output of a moving magnet or moving coil phono cartridge and the line-level inputs of your hi-fi system.
R15 is a award winning compact MM/MC phono preamplifier, providing the ideal interface between the low-level output of a moving magnet or moving coil phono cartridge and the line-level inputs of your hi-fi system.
R15 is a award winning compact MM/MC phono preamplifier, providing the ideal interface between the low-level output of a moving magnet or moving coil phono cartridge and the line-level inputs of your hi-fi system.
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EISA PHONO PREAMP 2020-2021 Primare R15
“It’s the ideal interface between a high-quality record player and the line input of your amplifier.”
We are pleased to announce that, for the third year in a row, one of our new models have been honoured with a prestigious EISA award. It is satisfying to note that the EISA Hi-Fi panel not only recognised the R15 MM/MC Phono Preamp for its superior performance, but also acknowledged the flagship R35 on which its circuit design is based, identifying in each Primare’s signature sound as a “mix of weight and substance allied to detail and resolution.”
Technology
R15 MM/MC phono preamp is designed to amplify with honest fidelity the delicate signal from any cartridge it is paired with.
Although housed in our compact three-quarter sized 15 series cabinetry, the same care and craft that informs the design of the larger and somewhat more capable R35 MM/MC phono preamplifier has informed the design of the R15, allowing all circuits to work sympathetically together for superior sound and greater fidelity. With sufficient gain to amplify the signal from virtually any moving magnet or moving coil phono cartridge, and very flexible input adjustment allows for ideal system matching.
The look and feel of Scandinavia
We believe that every aspect of our products – the way they look, the satisfying feel of the controls – contributes to the overall experience of living with Primare. As a result, Primare products exude the hallmarks of Scandinavian design – simple, elegant designs, with approachable and easy to understand functionality.
An example of this is the standby button discretely placed within the Primare logo on the faceplate of our R15, R35 and A35.2 models – or as we say lagom, not too much not too little, everything in balance, proportion, and harmony.System Building
With the 15 Series, we offer a carefully considered array of models in order to allow for the best selection to fit any of your system needs. For example, the ultimate 15 Series system might be the DD15 CD transport, SC15 Prisma preamplifier and network player, I15 analog integrated amplifier, and R15 MM/MC phono preamplifier, allowing for the best performance, analog or digital, with the greatest number of connection options. However, there may be no need for additional digital inputs, MC phono preamplification may not be requirement, or simply to address budget or size considerations, a system composed of CD15 Prisma CD and network player with an I15 MM integrated amplifier with MM15 MM phono module installed could be assembled. This compact and reasonably priced system provides multiple analog source playback, including vinyl disc, as well as digital disc, stored or streamed media playback, with remarkable power, control, and connection flexibility.
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MM/MC moving magnet and moving coil
Gain adjustment up to 45db MM and 65db MC
Load adjustment capacitive and resistance
RCA 1 x stereo pair input
RCA 1 x stereo pair output
Dimensions 350x73x339mm (WHD)
Weight 6.5 Kg
Finishes black or titanium
For more detailed specifications see the design brief and user guide.
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FWD, Benelux, April 2024
R15 – Seductive phono preamplifer“Its price tag of 1,050 euros does not make the Primare R15 a phono preamplifier that you ‘just pick up’ when you buy a record player. It is an investment that fits in a better music system with a record player from a higher category (or an affordable but good turntable with a better cartridge). In that context, you not only discover a phono amplifier in a beautiful housing, but above all a very competent phono stage that stands out for its quiet background and excellent detail reproduction.”
AVTech media 2020/2021
R15 named AVTech Media 2020/2021 Best Phono StageWe are proud to announce that our R15 phono preamplifier has won the AVTech Media award 2020/2021 for best phono stage. The AVTech media awards are presented by the UK’s premium AV magazine brands – Home Cinema Choice, Hi-Fi Choice, and Hi-Fi News & Record Review.
The following official award citation has been issued by AVTech Media:
“Here’s an affordable MM/MC phono stage that adopts the low-noise, short-path circuit design of Primare’s costlier, full-size R35. The R15 offers impedance and capacitance settings for both pick-up types, a subsonic filter to tackle vinyl warp frequencies, and a choice of two gain settings for both MMs and MCs. The robust steelcasing inspires confidence, the Scandinavian design chic inspires envious looks, and the sound performance inspires lengthy vinyl listening sessions. Able to resolve detail, throw a light on dynamic contrasts and pull you into the music without adding its own character, it’s an ideal bridge between your vinyl player and amp.”
HiFi+, UK, October 2021
HiFi+ Innovation Award 2021Primare 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
Mint, Germany, May 2021
R15: Phono Pre-Amplifier Primare R15“What is really impressive, however, is the lack of distortion and the resulting wide and at the same time contour-sharp spatial reproduction of the device: every mixing console track, every percussion or piano sprinkle, the small individual reverb spaces that occasionally envelop voices and instruments – all this gets and retains its fixed place. This creates a clear, confident order to the sound, from which even cheap pickups benefit enormously.”
Audio Review, Italy, September 2020
R15: Primare R15“I listened to this phono preamp with great interest and I must say I was impressed. The high level of construction and, above all, its performance would suggest a much higher price than the one thousand euros required to own it. Over the years I have had several phono preamps and, especially at the beginning of my audio adventure, my gripe was that I could not afford the expense necessary to purchase a suitable phono. If there had been the Primare R15, I would have solved the problem.”
Salon Audio Video, Russia, November 2020
R15: The Science to Win“The first impression is that the musical balance is perfectly maintained, the instruments sound natural, with a rich spectrum, and nothing is “overheated” – neither the midrange nor the top… There are many more technical aspects, but the result is the same, rich and lively sound both in MM and MC modes.”
Music Emotion, The Netherlands, November 2020
R15, SC15, I15 MM, CD15 Prisma: The Swedish Approach“The 15 Series includes after all, relatively many models, so that anyone can build a system which suits their needs… And that fits in perfectly with Primare’s focus on ‘lagom’ (read: exactly what is needed), which is the Swedish approach.”
HiFi+, UK, September 2020
DD15, SC15 Prisma, R15, I15 MM: Primare 15 System“For my part, I’d be happy with the system whichever way it was put together… In other words, if you want to keep your options open and have all of those options sound good, don’t be surprised if all your electronics end up with a Primare logo on the front.”
Stereo, DE, August 2020
R15: Simple & Moving“The R15 masters the art of combining transparency with tonal cohesion, which makes a significant contribution to the sophisticated aura exuded by the pleasantly discreet Primare, whose equally unaffected and stylish design found an equivalent in the sound. The R15 performs beyond its price range and was also not overwhelmed by high-quality pickups – regardless of the type. So, the supposedly simple Primare turned out to be quite moving in the end. Price/Performance – Outstanding.”
Hi-Fi Choice,. UK, May 2020
R15: Prime Candidate“Nine minutes of “Comfortably Numb” isn’t just atmospheric but utterly mesmerising with a sense of air and unfettered bandwidth that captures the scale and magic of the music and the venue… This has nothing to do with the hyped presence some phono stages employ to pep up proceedings, but a precision and focus that doesn’t blunt edges, blur textures or drag tempos and presents the solid and the spacious as a coherent whole with the full spectrum of tonal colours and accurately rendered instrumental timbres. Recommended, Five Stars.”
Stereoplay, Germany, February 2020
R15: Schwedenhappen“But the R15 enchanted us. It was warm, soulful, quick, brilliant – the best of both Worlds. By the standards one would have our best list quite double for that quality. Therefore, a highlight and a loud one. Buy recommendation.”