Primare SP25 AV Processor

The Primare SP25 AV Processor is a high-end, Dolby Atmos-capable preamplifier with 11 channels. Additionally, there are 17 customizable inputs that will support virtually any device. That includes both digital and analogue audio components. Moreover, five customizable speaker pre-sets make this unit a versatile and impressive performer.

It is equally good for both audio-only and cinema sound. Various Cinema surround setups can be had with this unit, including 5.1 7.1, and 7.2 systems as well as Dolby Atmos and DTS X.

HDMI connectivity

There are four 4K capable HDMI inputs with the Primare SP25 AV Processor. Additionally, there are two outputs for TVs and Projectors. The inputs also feature HDR and eARC. eARC allows you to control the overall volume with your TVs remote and returns sound from the display device to the Primare SP25 AV Processor.

Audio connectivity

Audio connectivity with the Primare SP25 AV Processor is good with five configurable analogue inputs. There are also two digital optical inputs as well as a digital RCA input. Moreover, there are two line-level subwoofer outputs for 5.2 and 7.2 system

Network player

The built-in DAC features dual eight-channel DAC chips. Each chipset can deliver two separate outputs per channel. This can be used for bi-amping. Hence there are two left and right RCA outputs. Networking features dual Ethernet ports as well as high-gain Wi-Fi using two aerials. There are also two types of USB ports.

Streaming control is via the Primare Prisma network player platform. This player can stream AirPlay2, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Roon*, Spotify Connect, and others. There is also multi-room capability. The onscreen menu can also control network-connected hard drives. Lastly, High-resolution services such as Tidal are supported.

What is Dolby Atmos and DTS X?

The Primare SP25 AV Processor supports eleven output channels for Dolby Atmos systems. There is a left and right pair along with four surround channels and four height or ceiling channels. Dolby Atmos was developed for cinemas and includes height or ceiling channels that create a 3D surround sound environment. “Sound objects” can then be placed anywhere in 3D space by the mixing engineer.

Power supply and trigger inputs

The custom-built power supply provides a clean and stable output. Additionally, a trigger input and output allow you to daisy chain devices so that they can all be turned on by the processor. This includes any connected amplifiers that may be in a remote location.

Dirac Live room correction

The Primare SP25 AV Processor comes with the Dirac live system. This uses a microphone to monitor the sound in the room. As a result, it can correct both the frequency and the phase of the music or movie soundtrack. Room furnishings can cause peaks and troughs in the frequency response. These are corrected by the Dirac live system. Also, any phase differences between speakers are removed. This means that the sound arrives simultaneously at the listening position. The result is great detail and clarity.

What is an AV processor?

Nowadays most music is streamed and the heart of modern music and cinema systems is the DAC and streamer section. Hence the Primare SP25 AV Processor has a premium multi-channel DAC, and HD streaming capability built in. It also comes with its own remote control and app. The app is the renowned Prisma Network player.

Next, an AV processor is concerned with decoding the surround sound signals that are a feature of most films. The Primare SP25 AV Processor can decode and output the many channels needed for Dolby Atmos, for example. Lastly, this unit needs to be paired with a multichannel amplifier to make a full system.