Primare NP5 Prisma MK2 network player launched

A newly revised version of Primare’s popular NP5 Prisma network player, the NP5 Prisma Mk2, is now available from Karma-AV.

As previously reported, the development of the new model was necessitated primarily by the AKM chip factory fire, which caused long-term disruption of the supply of the critical sample rate converter (SRC) chip at the heart of the NP5 Prisma design.

To maintain supply of what has become one of Primare’s most popular models, the company turned its focus to the readily available SRC chip, and redesigned the circuit to maintain the performance of the original NP5 Prisma.

New features on the new iteration include a DSD over PCM (DoP) output, as an available setting option when using Roon Ready and a DoP ready DAC, and MQA passthrough, allowing for Tidal Master and MQA files from a NAS to passthrough for higher resolution processing by a connected MQA capable DAC.

All other functionality remains the same as in the original version, with connection and control features that include AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in, Roon Ready and Spotify Connect (plus Spotify HiFi when it becomes available).

We’re told all future updates will be applicable to both the original NP5 Prisma and the new NP5 Prisma Mk2 models, including anticipated playback of Tidal Master files and Qobuz at 24/192 kHz resolution. Currently Chromecast can be used as a Roon endpoint for Tidal Master file and gapless playback, but file resolution is limited to 24/96 kHz.

The Primare NP5 Prisma Mk2 network player sells for £550, available from November.