Primare SP25 Prisma Home Cinema Processor at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY USA

The SP25 Prisma is a multi-channel home cinema preamplifier processor from Primare (Malmö, Sweden), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Engineered for both the cinephile and the audiophile, it combines 11-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio processing, built-in Dirac Live room correction, and the full Prisma network streaming platform in a single elegantly styled chassis. Dual ESS ES9026PRO 8-channel DAC chips deliver professional-grade digital-to-analog conversion across all outputs. Awarded EISA Best Home Theatre Processor 2024-2025, the SP25 Prisma is the most versatile and high-performance home cinema processor Primare has ever produced.

11-Channel Immersive Audio and ESS DAC Architecture

The SP25 Prisma processes up to 11 channels of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing the full three-dimensional soundscape required for configurations from 5.1.4 through 7.1.4 and beyond. At the core of the analog output stage sit dual ESS ES9026PRO 8-channel converters — the same professional-grade DAC chips used in Primare's flagship amplification. Every output channel, from the front mains to the height surrounds, benefits from this conversion quality without compromise. A USB-B digital input adds USB DAC functionality, making the SP25 Prisma equally at home as a two-channel source component.

Dirac Live Room Correction and System Flexibility

Dirac Live is built in as standard, applying its patented algorithms to correct both frequency response and impulse response simultaneously — resulting in a wider listening sweet spot, precise stereo imaging, clear dialogue intelligibility, and tighter bass in both stereo and multi-channel modes. Seventeen customisable input presets and five speaker setup presets accommodate virtually any system configuration. Dual Front Left and Right analog outputs support bi-amping of the main stereo pair, while additional Front Left, Front Right, and Centre RCA outputs allow seamless integration of separate power amplifiers for those channels — a topology optimised for pairing with Primare's A35.8 multichannel power amplifier.

Prisma Network Streaming Platform

The integrated Prisma network player provides access to major streaming services including Tidal HiFi, Qobuz, and Spotify Connect (HiFi Ready), alongside multi-room and multi-zone control managed via the dedicated Prisma app on iOS or Android. AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Chromecast built-in are all supported natively, and Roon Ready certification is available via a future firmware update. Prisma Radio is embedded for direct radio access, and network-connected hard drives are supported for local library playback. The included PRISMA Universal IR Remote is backlit and supports OTA firmware updates.

Key Features

• 11-Channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Processing: Supports configurations up to 11.2 channels for a fully immersive three-dimensional home cinema soundstage.
• Dual ESS ES9026PRO 8-Channel DACs: Professional-grade converters across all analog outputs, shared with Primare's flagship amplification lineup.
• Dirac Live Room Correction: Corrects frequency response and phase simultaneously; upgradeable to full-bandwidth correction for the most demanding listening environments.
• 4 × HDMI 2.0b Inputs with eARC: Full HDMI connectivity including one eARC-equipped output for seamless integration with modern display devices.
• Prisma Network Streaming: AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Tidal HiFi, Qobuz, and Roon Ready (via future firmware).
• 17 Customisable Input Presets: Accommodates virtually any combination of digital and analog sources in a complex home cinema installation.
• Bi-Amp Capability: Dual Front Left and Right analog outputs enable bi-amplification of the main stereo pair.
• PRISMA Universal IR Remote: Backlit remote with OTA firmware update support, compatible with all current and past Primare models.
• RS232 and 12V Trigger: Full custom installation support for integration into professional control systems.
• Available in Black or Titanium: Classic Primare industrial design at 430 × 405 × 145 mm, 10 kg.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 4 × HDMI 2.0b Inputs (HDCP 2.2)
• 2 × HDMI Outputs (1 × eARC, 1 × Auxiliary)
• 5 × Analog RCA Inputs (includes 7.1 multi-channel)
• 1 × Coaxial S/PDIF Input
• 1 × Toslink Optical Input
• 1 × USB-B Digital Input
• 1 × USB-A
• 2 × Ethernet (In/Out)
• Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
• 12V Trigger Output (3.5mm)
• IR In / Out (3.5mm)
• RS232 System Control
• Dual Front L/R Analog Outputs (bi-amp capable)
• Additional Front L, Front R, and Centre RCA Outputs

Awards and Critical Recognition

• EISA Best Home Theatre Processor 2024-2025 — Expert Imaging and Sound Association (EISA), 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Primare SP25 Prisma?

The Primare SP25 Prisma is an 11-channel home cinema preamplifier processor from Primare (Sweden) featuring Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dirac Live room correction, dual ESS ES9026PRO DACs, 4 HDMI 2.0b inputs with eARC, and the full Prisma network streaming platform. It is a preamplifier processor only, with no built-in amplification, designed to be paired with one or more external power amplifiers.

How does the Primare SP25 Prisma compare to the Anthem AVM 90?

The Primare SP25 Prisma and Anthem AVM 90 are both flagship-level separates processors, but they differ in their approach to room correction and DAC architecture. The AVM 90 uses Anthem Room Correction (ARC Genesis), which is a highly regarded DSP platform. The SP25 Prisma uses Dirac Live, which corrects both frequency response and phase simultaneously — a distinction that matters particularly for transient accuracy and imaging precision. The SP25 Prisma also integrates the Prisma network streaming platform with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect natively, whereas the AVM 90 requires a separate streaming source. Both support 11-channel Atmos and DTS:X processing.

How does the Primare SP25 Prisma compare to the Arcam AV41?

The Primare SP25 Prisma and Arcam AV41 are close competitors in the premium separates processor segment. The AV41 uses Dirac Live as well, but the SP25 Prisma differentiates itself with dual ESS ES9026PRO 8-channel DACs across all outputs, the integrated Prisma multiroom streaming platform, and a more flexible bi-amp output configuration. Both units support Dolby Atmos 11-channel processing and eARC HDMI. The SP25 Prisma's EISA Best Home Theatre Processor 2024-2025 award reflects its standing among a competitive field that includes the AV41.

Does the Primare SP25 Prisma support Roon?

Roon Ready certification for the SP25 Prisma is available via a future firmware update. Tidal HiFi and Qobuz direct streaming are also being added via firmware. In the meantime, the unit fully supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect as native streaming protocols from day one.

What is Dirac Live and how does it work in the SP25 Prisma?

Dirac Live is a room correction system that analyses the acoustic behaviour of your listening room and applies digital filters to correct both frequency response and impulse response simultaneously. Unlike EQ-only correction systems that address frequency imbalances alone, Dirac Live also corrects phase and time-domain errors, which improves stereo imaging, widens the sweet spot, and tightens bass performance. In the SP25 Prisma, Dirac Live operates in both stereo and multi-channel modes and is upgradeable to full-bandwidth correction beyond the default sub-500Hz range.

Can the Primare SP25 Prisma be used as a two-channel stereo preamplifier?

Yes. The SP25 Prisma includes a USB-B digital input for use as a high-resolution USB DAC, and its dual ESS ES9026PRO converters deliver audiophile-grade stereo performance. The dual Front Left and Right analog outputs support bi-amping the main stereo pair, making it a capable two-channel preamplifier and DAC within a full home cinema system.

What amplifiers pair well with the Primare SP25 Prisma?

Primare designed the SP25 Prisma specifically to partner with its EISA Award-winning A35.8 eight-channel balanced power amplifier for a full multichannel system, and the A35.2 stereo amplifier for the front mains. The additional Front L/R/Centre RCA outputs make it straightforward to integrate separate stereo amplifiers for those channels. Because the SP25 Prisma is a preamplifier with no built-in power stage, it is equally compatible with power amplifiers from other manufacturers including Hegel, Parasound, and NAD.

Where can I buy the Primare SP25 Prisma in Buffalo, NY?

The Primare SP25 Prisma is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Primare dealer located in Buffalo, NY, USA. The Vinyl Sound team provides expert advice on system configuration, amplifier pairing, Dirac Live setup, and full home cinema installation. Visit vinylsound.com or contact the Buffalo showroom directly for availability and demonstration.