Primare I15 User Manual

I 1 5 I N T E G R AT E D A M P L I F I E R

User Guide

CAUTION

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE WITH THE
SAME TYPE AND RATING OF FUSE.

ATTENTION

UTILISER UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE MÊME TYPE.

Safety compliance

This product has been designed to meet the IEC 60065
international electrical safety standard.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an





CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock do not
remove cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

WARNING:

do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

CAUTION:

shock, match the wide blade of the plug to the wide slot
in the socket and insert the plug fully into the socket.

This product is designed and manufactured to meet strict
quality and safety standards. However, you should be aware
of the following installation and operation precautions.

equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated 'dangerous voltage' within the
product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is

intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the product.

To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock,

In Canada and the USA, to prevent electric

1. Take heed of warnings & instructions

You should read all the safety and operating instructions
before operating this appliance. Retain this handbook
for future reference and adhere to all warnings in the
handbook or on the appliance.

2. Water and moisture

The presence of electricity near water can be dangerous.

Do not use the appliance near water – for example next to
a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement or
near a swimming pool, etc.

3. Object or liquid entry

Take care that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled
into the enclosure through any openings. Liquid-filled objects
such as vases should not be placed on the equipment.

4. Ventilation

Do not place the equipment on a bed, sofa, rug or similar
soft surface, or in an enclosed bookcase or cabinet, since
ventilation may be impeded. We recommend a minimum
distance of 50mm around the sides and top of the
appliance to provide adequate ventilation.

5. Heat

Locate the appliance away from naked flames or heat
producing equipment such as radiators, stoves or other
appliances (including other amplifiers) that produce heat.

6. Climate

The appliance has been designed for use in moderate
climates.

7. Racks and stands

Only use a rack or stand that is recommended for use with
audio equipment. If the equipment is on a portable rack it
should be moved with great care, to avoid overturning the
combination.

8. Cleaning

Unplug the unit from the mains supply before cleaning.
The case should normally only require a wipe with a soft,

damp, lint-free cloth. Do not use paint thinners or other
chemical solvents for cleaning.

We do not advise the use of furniture cleaning sprays or
polishes as they can cause indelible white marks if the unit
is subsequently wiped with a damp cloth.

9. Power sources

This appliance must be connected to a mains socket
outlet using the supplied power cord. To disconnect
this apparatus from power, you must disconnect the
power cord. Make sure the power cord is always easily
accessible.

Only connect the appliance to a power supply of the type

described in the operating instructions or as marked on
the appliance.

This is a Class 1 device and must be earthed.
The power switch is a single-pole switch. When the switch

is in the “Off” position, the appliance is not completely
disconnected from the main power.

10. Power-cord protection

Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon
or against them, paying particular attention to cords and
plugs, and the point where they exit from the appliance.

11. Grounding

Ensure that the grounding means of the appliance is not
defeated.

12. Power lines

Locate any outdoor antenna/aerial away from power lines.

13. Non-use periods

If the unit has a stand-by function, a small amount of
current will continue to flow into the equipment in this
mode. Unplug the power cord of the appliance from the
outlet if left unused for a long period of time.

14. Abnormal smell

If an abnormal smell or smoke is detected from the
appliance, turn the power off immediately and unplug the
unit from the wall outlet. Contact your dealer immediately.

15. Servicing

You should not attempt to service the appliance beyond
that described in this handbook. All other servicing should
be referred to qualified service personnel.

16. Damage requiring service

The appliance should be serviced by qualified service
personnel when:

A. the power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged, or
B. objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the

appliance, or
C. the appliance has been exposed to rain, or
D. the appliance does not appear to operate normally or

exhibits a marked change in performance, or
E. the appliance has been dropped or the enclosure

damaged.

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide2

The CE symbol indicates that this Primare product
complies with the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of the
European Community.

The WEEE symbol indicates this Primare product complies
with the European Parliament and Council Directive
2002/96/EC concerning Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE). This product must be appropriately
recycled or processed in accordance with these directives.
Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance.

The RoHS symbol indicates that Primare products are
designed and manufactured to comply with the Restriction
of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) as stated in the European
Parliament and Council Directive 2002/95/EC.

Copyright and acknowledgments

Copyright © 2019 Primare AB.
All rights reserved.

Primare AB
Limstensgatan 7
21616 Limhamn
Sweden

http://www.primare.net
Issue: I15MM/1
The information in this guide is believed to be correct as

of the date of publication. However, our policy is one of
continuous development and so the information is subject
to change without notice, and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Primare AB.

Primare is a trademark of Primare AB.
This guide was produced by

Human-Computer Interface Ltd.
http://www.interface.co.uk

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide 3

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide4

CONTENTS

Welcome! 6

Getting Started 7

1 Unpack the I15 7

2 Connect speakers 7

3 Connect inputs 7

4 Connect power 7

Back-panel connections 8

Using the remote control 9

Selecting I15 mode 9

Fitting the batteries 9

Using the I15 10

Front panel controls 10

Changing the volume 10

Selecting a source 10

Changing the display brightness 10

Technical specification 13

Speaker outputs 13

Analog inputs 13

MM15 phono stage (optional) 13

Analog outputs 13

Performance 13

General 13

Additional information 14

Phase 14

Burn-in 14

RS232 and trigger 14

Using the I15 with a CD15 14

Factory reset 14

Error messages 14

Index 15

Configuring the settings 11

Using the settings menus 11

INPUT SETTINGS 11

AUDIO SETTINGS 12

GENERAL SETTINGS 12

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide 5

WELCOME!

Congratulations on selecting your new
I15 Integrated Amplifier

This user guide describes the features and explains how
to set up the amplifier for the best sound quality and ease
of operation in order to allow for the most enjoyable
reproduction of sound from all your sources.

For additional support and assistance please contact your
local authorized Primare dealer, or visit our website at
www.primare.net.

6

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide

GETTING STARTED

1 Unpack the I15

Your I15 is supplied with:

Mains cable

l

IR/Trigger cable

l

C25 remote control with batteries

l

AC Polarity Pen (with batteries)

l

If any of these items are missing please contact your
supplier. We recommend you retain the packaging in
case you need to transport the unit at a later date.

Note that the II5 is supplied with a protective film on the
display glass. Remove the film for a clearer whiter display.

2 Connect speakers

The I15 is designed to be connected directly to a pair of
loudspeakers.

Connect the red wire from each speaker to the red

l

terminal marked + and the black wire from each
speaker to the black terminal marked –.

The terminals can accept speaker cables terminated with
spade terminals, banana plugs, or bare wires.

To connect bare wires unscrew the terminal, pass the bare
wire through the hole in the terminal bolt, and clamp the wire
in place by screwing the terminal back down hand tight.

Analog outputs

The I15 provides a variable-level analog output on the
ANALOG OUT output on RCA connectors, to allow you to
connect to active speakers.

3 Connect inputs

You can connect a up to five line-level analog sources to
the inputs on the back panel.

Analog sources

Connect up to five line-level analog sources to inputs

l

A1/PHONO to A5 using high quality RCA cables.

4 Connect power

Plug one end of the mains cable supplied with the

l

I15 into the power connector on the back panel, and
connect the other end to a wall socket.

If this cable is not suitable for your power outlets please
contact your supplier for an alternative cable.

Note: See
the best sound from your I15.



l

To switch on from standby

l

The display shows:

Phase

, page 14, for information about getting

WARNING: Always disconnect the I15 from the

mains power before connecting or disconnecting
any cables.

Switch on the I15, using the switch on the back panel.

Press O on the front panel or remote control.

PRIMARE

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide

Moving Magnet cartridge

If you have the MM15 module fitted you can connect a
Moving Magnet cartridge to the Phono input A1.

Connect the cartridge to A1 (Phono), using a high

l

quality RCA cable.
Connect the earth connection to the GND terminal.

l

7

BACK-PANEL CONNECTIONS

A1/PHONO A2 A3 A4 A5 LINE PRE IR OUT

IR IN

GND

TRIG
OUT

RS232

RIGHT SPEAKER

LEFT SPEAKER

ANALOG OUT

ANALOG IN

Right

speaker

A1 analog or

phono input

Fixed

output

Variable

output

Trigger
output

RS232 Left

speaker

Analog

line inputs

Power and fuse

On/off

Phono

ground

IR

in/out

The following diagram explains the function of each of the
connectors on the back panel:

8

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL

Switch between on and standby
Press and hold to switch all
Primare products to standby

Step between dim levels

Navigate right in settings menus or
select next input

Increase the volume,
or navigate up in settings menus

Reduce the volume,
or navigate down in settings menus

In the settings menus navigates back
or cancels editing a setting

Press briefly to

mute the sound

Select item in settings menus

Navigate left in settings menus or

select previous input

Select remote mode.

Press twice to select

device on second line

Decrease the volume

Increase the volume

Display the front panel settings menus

Indicators light when

pressing a button

Top: AMP, PRE, or CD mode

Bottom: AV, SC, or AUX mode

Select an input

Selecting I15 mode

The C25 remote control can operate any other 5-Series
Primare products you have in your system, such as the
CD15 Prisma, I25, and PRE35.

To make the remote control operate the I15

l

To make the remote control operate another product

l

Press once to select the product on the top line of the
button, or twice to select the product on the second line.

The indicators at the top of the remote control light when
pressing a button to show which mode the remote control
is in.

Press the AMP AV button once.

Press the AMP AV, CD SC, or PRE AUX button as
appropriate.

Fitting the batteries

Before using the remote control you need to insert the two
AAA cells supplied with the C25.

Open the cover on the back of the remote control by

l

pressing the back cover gently near the centre of the
remote control, and sliding it towards the edge of the
remote control.

Insert the two batteries, with the polarity as indicated

l

on the bottom of the battery compartment.
Replace the cover and push until it clips into place.

l

Note: Replace only with 1.5V alkaline cells type

AAA or equivalent.



When disposing of old batteries please be considerate to
the environment.

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide

9

USING THE I15

Front panel controls

Standby O

Switches the I15 to standby, or switches it on from
standby.

SELECTOR

Steps between inputs.

A and V

Change the volume.

Settings menus

Pressing A and V simultaneously displays the settings
menus or exits from the menus.

In the settings menus:
Pressing A or V steps between the settings.
Pressing SELECTOR selects a setting or saves an edited

setting.
Holding down SELECTOR navigates back or cancels

editing a setting.

Changing the volume

Selecting a source

The I15 provides a choice of five inputs. Initially these are
labelled as shown in the following table, but you can give
them your own aliases to suit the sources in your system;
see

ALIAS

, page 11.

Label Description

A1–A5 Analog on RCA connectors.
If you have the MM15 module fitted the A1 source will be

labelled PHONO.

To select a source

Press the SELECTOR button on the front panel until

l

the source is indicated on the front panel display; for
example:

A1

Alternatively, press the < or > buttons on the remote

l

control to step between sources, or press one of the
buttons 1 to 5 on the remote control to select the
corresponding source directly.

Changing the display brightness

To change the front panel display brightness

Press the DIM button on the remote control to step

l

through the three levels of illumination and blank.
If you turn the display off it will be restored briefly when

you operate any control.
The display automatically dims after ten minutes; you can

adjust this delay in the settings menus; see

SETTINGS

, page 12.

GENERAL

The I15 allows you to vary the volume from 0 (silence) to
99 (maximum).

To change the volume

Press the A or V buttons on the front panel, or press

l

the + or – buttons or the A or V buttons on the remote
control.

The current volume setting is shown on the front panel; for
example:

VOL 28

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide10

CONFIGURING THE SETTINGS

Using the settings menus

You can view and change the I15 settings from the front
panel or remote control.

To display the settings menu

Simultaneously press the A and V buttons on the front

l

panel, or press the MENU button on the remote control.

The settings menu is displayed:

I15 SETTINGS 20
INPUT

AUDIO
GENERAL

To step between settings

Press the A or V buttons on the front panel or remote

l

control.

The current setting is shown highlighted.

To change a setting

Press the SELECTOR button on the front panel or the

l

SELECT

button on the remote control.

The current value is shown highlighted.

Press the A or V buttons on the front panel, or the

l

A or V or < or > buttons on the remote control, to
change the value of the setting.

As you change it the new value is shown in the menu.

Press the SELECTOR button on the front panel or the

l

SELECT

button on the remote control to save the value

you have set.

To navigate back or cancel editing a setting

Press and hold the SELECTOR button on the front panel,

l

or press the button on the remote control.

To exit from the settings menu

Simultaneously press the A or V buttons on the front

l

panel, or press the MENU button on the remote control.

INPUT SETTINGS

The INPUT SETTINGS menu allows you to customise the
inputs to suit the sources in your system:

A1 SETTINGS 20
INPUT A1

ALIAS A1
STATUS ENABLED

INPUT

Initially the INPUT SETTINGS shows the settings for the
currently selected input. Alternatively the INPUT option
allows you to step between all the inputs. The subsequent
options will change according to the input.

ALIAS

Allows you to give the source a name; eg RADIO.

Highlight the ALIAS item then press the SELECTOR

l

button on the front panel, or the SELECT button on the
remote control.

The RENAME INPUT menu is displayed:

RENAME INPUT 20
A

Press the A or V buttons on the front panel, or the < or

l

> buttons on the remote control, to select the first letter.
Press the SELECTOR button on the front panel or the

l

SELECT

button on the remote control, to select it.

After adding each character you have the options:

ADD NEW CHARACTER

CONFIRM ‘A’

CLEAR ALIAS

where CONFIRM shows the alias you have entered so far.

Select ADD NEW CHARACTER to add the remaining

l

letters, up to a maximum of six characters.
Select CONFIRM when you have entered the alias you

l

want.

STATUS

Choose between ENABLED (default) or DISABLED to
specify whether the input is enabled.

AUTO SENSE

Setting AUTO SENSE to SELECT allows you to specify that
an input should be selected automatically when an audio
signal starts on that input. To avoid unwanted switching
between inputs due to gaps in the music, etc, the input
must have previously been silent for at least a minute for a
signal to select it.

Selecting WAKE+SELECT will also automatically wake the
I15 from standby, if necessary. OFF (default) will disable
automatic switching on that input.

While the SELECT option remains available, the

WAKE+SELECT

input if the MM15 phono preamplifier board is installed.

option is not available for the A1/Phono

VOLUME

Choose between VARIABLE (default) or FIXED to specify
whether the input should have variable or fixed gain.

FIXED is 0dB gain, equivalent to volume setting 66, and
will overrule all the settings in the AUDIO SETTINGS menu.

Selecting FIXED will show a loud-volume warning. Select

YES

to proceed or NO to cancel the fixed gain setting.

Fixed gain functions as an SSP (Surround Sound Pass­through) allowing the I15 to be used as an amplifier in a
multi-channel system setup

INPUT GAIN

Choose between: -30dB to -1dB, 0dB (default), or +1dB to
+30dB to set the gain for the selected input.

If the gain is set too high on an input clipping may occur.
If a input is set to VOLUME FIXED, the INPUT GAIN is fixed

at 0dB, and will show FIXED in the INPUT GAIN setting.

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide 11

AUDIO SETTINGS

The AUDIO SETTINGS menu allows you to customise the
balance and start-up volume, and the maximum and mute
volume.

AUDIO SETTINGS 20
BALANCE 00LR00

STARTUP VOLUME 30
MAXIMUM VOLUME 99

BALANCE

Allows you to adjust the balance between 00LR-9 (far left),
00LR00 (centred, default) and -9LR00 (far right).

STARTUP VOLUME

Sets the general startup volume to between 0 and 60. The
default is 20.

MAXIMUM VOLUME

Set maximum volume limit between 0 and 99. The default
is 99.

MUTE VOLUME

Sets the volume when unit is muted. You can choose
between 0 (default) and 30.

GENERAL SETTINGS

The GENERAL SETTINGS menu allows you to configure the
general operation of the I15:

GENERAL SETTINGS 20
FRONT PANEL UNLOCKED

AUTO-DIM AFTER 10MIN
STANDBY SETTINGS

SHOW INPUTS

Choose between ALL (default), to show all inputs, or WITH
SIGNAL

FRONT PANEL

Choose LOCKED to lock the front panel buttons, or
UNLOCKED

To unlock the front panel buttons use the remote control to
select this menu, or remove power from the I15 for a few
seconds.

AUTO-DIM

Allows you to choose the delay for dimming the display
after no user interaction, between: AFTER 1MIN, AFTER

5MIN

, to show only inputs that have a signal.

(default) to use them.

, AFTER 10MIN (default), or OFF.

FACTORY RESET

Resets the I15 to the factory default settings.
You are prompted to confirm. Select YES to proceed or

NO

to cancel.

FIRMWARE VERSIONS

Displays the FIRMWARE VERSIONS menu to allow you to
view the versions of firmware installed.

If the current volume is lower than the specified MUTE

VOLUME

, the volume will be set to 0 when pressing mute.

STANDBY SETTINGS

Displays the STANDBY SETTINGS menu to allow you to
specify the standby settings.

AUTO-STANDBY automatically switches the I15 to standby
if there is no user interaction or audio from the current
source for a specified delay: AFTER 10MIN, AFTER

15MIN

, AFTER 20MIN (default), or OFF.

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide12

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Speaker outputs

Power

2 x 60W into 8Ω, 2 x 100W into 4Ω

Analog inputs

5 x RCA, 15kΩ impedance.

MM15 phono stage (optional)

Gain at 1KHz: 40.5dB
Gain Speaker Out: 83dB
Resistance loading: 47kΩ
Capacitive loading: 150pF
RIAA Correction: ±0.2dB
Signal to Noise: 78dB

Analog outputs

Line output

1 x RCA, 150Ω impedance.

Performance

Gain:

Preamplifier output: 16.5dB
Line output: 0dB
Speaker output: 83dB

Frequency response

20Hz to 20kHz -0.7dB

Distortion

THD + N: < 0.02%, 20Hz to 20kHz, 10W at 8Ω
Signal to Noise: >97 dB
Crosstalk at 10kHz: 80dB

General

Control

C25 system remote control
RS232
IR in/out
Trigger out

Power Consumption

Off: 0W
Standby: <0.5W
Operating: <20W

Dimensions

350 x 339 x 73 mm (wxdxh) with knobs and connectors
350 x 310 x 73 mm (wxdxh) without knobs and

connectors

Weight

6.4 kg

Colour

Black or titanium

Preamplifier output

1 x RCA, 150Ω impedance.

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide 13

Live

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

These instructions help you get the best possible sound
from your I15.

Phase

The phase of the AC supply can make a significant
difference to the sound.

Use the Polarity Pen supplied with the I15 to verify which
pin is live on your AC power cable.

Ensure that the live pin of the AC power cable is
connected to the left-hand pin of the power connector,
viewed from the back panel:

Burn-in

Your Primare will start to sound best after an initial burn-in
of approximately 24 hours.

You will notice a further smaller improvement in sound
quality for at least another 3 days’ playing.

RS232 and trigger

Using the I15 with a CD15 Prisma

Your I15 is an ideal companion to the Primare CD15
Prisma CD Player. For best results link the two products
together as follows using the cable supplied with the I15:

To connect the trigger cable

The Trigger cable ensures that the CD15 Prisma switches
on, or to standby, when you operate the O button on the
front panel of the I15.

Connect the Trigger cable from the I15 TRIG OUT to

l

the CD15 Prisma TRIG IN.

Factory reset

Press and hold the O standby button on the front panel to
display the main firmware version number.

Press and hold the O standby button on the front panel for
10 seconds to perform a factory reset of the I15.

Error messages

The following error messages on the front panel display
indicate an error condition:

DC ERROR

Try the following

1. Power off the I15

2. Disconnect all input and output connections.

If this solves the problem, there is a DC offset on one of
the inputs.

If the problem persists

3. Contact your dealer for service arrangements.

OVERHEAT

Indicates that the amplifier is overheated.

1. Turn off the I15 and let it rest for a few minutes.

2. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation around the

I15.

3. Turn it back on again.

OC ERROR

Indicates that the speakers are causing the amplifier to
use too much current. This could be to due to unusually
loud volumes, or something wrong with the connected
speakers.

The RS232 input allows you to connect the I15 to a
controller system. Use a twisted (null modem) cable. For
more information contact Primare at [e-mail] or
visit www.primare.net.

The Trigger output allows the I15 to switch on other
devices, such as a CD15 Prisma.

1. Turn off the I15

2. Turn the I15 back on.

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide14

INDEX

a

Alias (settings menus) 11
Analog inputs and output 8
Audio settings menu 12
Auto-dim (settings menus) 12
Auto sense (settings menus) 11

B

Back panel 8
Balance (settings menus) 12

C

Clipping 11
Coax input 8

d

Digital inputs and output 8
Display brightness, changing 10

g

General settings menu 12

I

Input (settings menus) 11
Input gain (settings menus) 11
Inputs, connecting 7
Input settings menu 11
IR input 8

m

Maximum volume (settings menus) 12
Menus

Audio settings 12
General settings 12

Input settings 11
Moving Magnet cartridge 7
Mute volume (settings menus) 12

r

Remote control 9

Fitting batteries 9

RS232 input 8, 14

S

Settings menus 11
Show inputs (settings menus) 11, 12
Sources

Selecting 10
Speakers, connecting 7
Standby settings (settings menus) 12
Startup volume (settings menus) 12
Status (settings menus) 11

t

Technical specification 13
Trigger outputs 8

e

Error messages 14

O

Optical inputs 8

U

Unbalanced inputs and output 8

f

Factory reset 14
Factory reset (settings menus) 12
Firmware (settings menus) 12
Front panel (settings menus) 12
Front panel controls 10

I15 Integrated Amplifier User Guide 15

p

Phase 14
Phono input 7
Power, connecting 7

V

Volume (settings menus) 11
Volume, changing 10

L I MS T EN S GAT A N 7 ,

T H E S O U N D A N D V I S I O N O F S C A N D I N A V I A S I N C E 1 9 8 6

2 1 6 1 6 L IM H A M N , S WE D E N

More information at primare.net