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We still have the great Audiolab 6000a so let’s pass the same albums again. This amplifier is very engaging and goes so well with our Audio Vectors that they seem to be made for each other. The Audiolab stands up well to the twice as expensive Primare. The Audiolab can not stream and is not so suitable to keep floorstanders in check but with a good monitor you get nothing short. From a sound point of view, the bass that is tight and dry on the I15 differs from the rather continuous bass on the 6000a. The dac in the Primare also sounds better than the Audiolab which has better analog inputs.
Our reference Bryston B60r is a full analog class A/B amplifier and therefore a completely different beast than the digital Primare I15 Prisma. Functionally both amplifiers are miles apart but soundwise there are many similarities like punch, drive and speed. However, the Primare is a lot lighter than the neutral, rather down-to-earth Bryston.
For whom
The biggest competitor for the Primare I15 Prisma is probably the Hegel H90. The fact that the I15 can easily compete with this formidable opponent is the biggest compliment we can give. Despite the many similarities (price, functionality) there are also enough differences (type of reinforcement, type of dac) to list. If you are looking for a small all-rounder that also produces a particularly mature sound, then the Primare I15 Prisma is the right choice. The many features and the excellent app complete the picture.