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Primare R15
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.
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.”
READ MORE ABOUT THE AWARD
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.
In this video we review the features and functionality of both the R15 and R35 MM/MC phono preamplifiers that may make them the perfect addition to your system.
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Professional Reviews 90/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
91/100
Cartridge Compatibility
92/100
Build Quality
90/100
Value for Money
85/100
The Primare R15 brings vanishingly low noise, forensic transparency and commanding scale to MM and MC vinyl playback. Hi-Fi Choice found its precise, spacious presentation especially compelling with low-output moving coils, while flexible loading, strong dynamics and a confidence-inspiring steel chassis make it a serious analogue partner for listeners who value insight, authority and control.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally quiet, transparent low-output MC performance with precise retrieval of texture and detail.
Spacious, authoritative sound with strong dynamics, convincing scale and accurately rendered instrumental timbres.
Extensive MM/MC gain and loading adjustments, plus a useful subsonic filter.
Robust, confidence-inspiring heavy steel casework.
&
Cons
Its literal, critical balance can sound dry, cool and lean rather than warmly lyrical on less-than-ideal recordings.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
The R15 is presented as a highly resolving, precise phono stage with especially impressive low-level clarity from moving-coil cartridges. Its spacious, authoritative presentation and strong dynamic expression are tempered by a character described as somewhat dry, cool and lean rather than overtly lyrical.
Transparency Noise Floor
94/100
Hi-Fi Choice calls the R15's performance with a low-output Rega Ania moving coil a combination of “vanishingly low noise” and “terrific transparency.” The review also praises its pristine, forensic clarity, focus and ability to reveal textures without blunting edges.
Tonal Balance Musicality
88/100
The R15 is praised for accurate instrumental timbres, a full palette of tonal colours and a coherent presentation of solid images and open space. However, the reviewer repeatedly characterises it as literal, critical and dry, with a slightly cool and lean balance compared with a more fluid-sounding rival.
Dynamics
91/100
The review finds Beverley Knight's orchestral soul big and powerful, while brass is said to have abundant bite and attack alongside harmonic and dynamic contrast. It also credits the Primare's precision with maintaining tempo and avoiding blurred textures.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Pink Floyd is described as atmospheric and mesmerising, with air, unfettered bandwidth and a convincing sense of musical scale and venue. With an Ortofon MM cartridge, the R15 also brings enough solidity and authority to make performers feel physically present.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Cartridge Compatibility
92/100
The R15 supports both MM and MC cartridges, with gain up to 45dB for MM and 65dB for MC. It provides six impedance and two capacitance options for MC, plus two impedance and four capacitance settings for MM, giving owners useful scope to optimise a broad selection of cartridges.
Build Quality
90/100
Hi-Fi Choice finds the heavy steel case notably robust and confidence-inspiring. The review also details a linear low-noise discrete power supply, custom mu-metal-shielded toroidal transformer and four-layer circuit board intended to minimise magnetic interference, distortion and signal-path length.
Value for Money
85/100
At roughly $960 to $1,399, the R15 sits in a competitive upper-mid-price phono-stage market with substantial MM/MC adjustment and carefully specified power-supply design. The review does not directly compare its asking price with rivals or make a clear value judgement.
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Primare R15
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Anagram Audio — online and in-store — Bury St Edmunds, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Atelier 13 Audio — in-store — Forest Hills, Tennessee, United States (website)
- AUDIO 2000 — in-store — Wuppertal, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
and 105 more verified dealers