A DYNAMIC DUO: Primare NP-5 Streamer + Synergistic Tranquility Pod

When one of our favorite component manufacturers, Primare, announced release of their stand alone, very affordable NP-5 Digital Streamer Module we got excited. The NP-5 allows you to add a high quality streaming feature to any DAC-based system for just $600.

The sound quality of the NP-5 is outstanding, call it incredible for the money. Paired with your favorite DAC, you are now connected to the streaming world of Hi-Rez audio, i.e. Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc. Through the Primare Prisma app, you have full control over the NP-5 as well as access to any hard drive-stored content on your network. Or control through ROON if that’s your interface of choice. Of course the NP-5 also accepts Bluetooth streaming from any Bluetooth enabled device. An easy recommendation.

Around the same time Primare released the NP-5 streamer, Synergistic Research released their Tranquility Pod ($749). Frankly in no small part because the Tranq. Pod and the Primare NP-5 arrived at almost the same time, and look almost the identical - both are approx. 6" black squares about an inch tall -  we couldn't help but think to pair them up to see what would happen. 

We simply placed the Primare NP-5 Streamer on top of the slightly larger SR Tranquility Pod. Although conceived for use on top of components, used as pictured as a base for the Primare streamer the 'Pod acts as a mini isolation platform which, like the larger SR Tranquility Bases,controls EMI and RFI noise inside the NP-5 as well as dealing with physical vibration. The difference with the 'Pod in place is not subtle. The sound of the Streamer becomes both more powerful (as if the power supply was upgraded) and more "Analog." For a combined cost of $1349 you have reached a "world class" level in streaming audio.  2 thumbs up on the combo!

Already have a streamer? We encourage you to try adding the Tranquility Pod. Just place it on top of your unit (assuming the chassis is larger than a 6” square; beneath if it is tiny like the Primare). There is a lot of processing going on inside a streaming device making this an ideal place to assess the impact of adding the Tranquility Pod to act as a "conductor" for all of the competing electromagnetic fields inside of your device.

Once we get through the horrible pandemic and we reopen our Cable Company Library both the Primare NP-5 Digital Streamer and Synergistic Research Tranquility Pod will be available for your in-home audition. If you just can’t wait, and believe that this is exactly what you have been waiting for, both products are ready for prime time and are shipping now.