JL Audio Primacy CS

Part Number 010-03794-00

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SOUND AND SIMPLICITY IN HARMONY

Control and enhance your JL Audio Primacy audio system.

STEREO SYSTEM CONTROL

SOURCE CONNECTION COMPONENT

STREAM VIA YOUR CONNECTED DEVICE

CREATE USER PROFILES

ENABLES ROOM OPTIMIZATION FEATURES

INCLUDES TABLETOP REMOTE CONTROLLER

WHAT YOU'LL LOVE

USER PROFILES

Fine-tune your audio experience based on your room’s acoustics, seating position and frequency response preferences.

HIGH-RESOLUTION CONNECTION

The stereo centerpiece connects to your compatible loudspeakers via Dante networking, preserving a high-resolution digital signal flow.

DEVICE STREAMING

Connect to your compatible smartphone or computer via Ethernet, Wi-Fi connectivity or Bluetooth technology, and stream audio from your favorite online sources.

ROOM OPTIMIZATION

When paired with your Primacy loudspeakers, you’ll get Primacy Automatic Room Optimization (P.A.R.O.), which measures and optimizes the entire system — as well as any additional powered subwoofers — for your room and listening position.

REMOTE CONTROLLER

Control the system from your listening chair via the included tabletop remote controller with Wi-Fi — or from anywhere with the JL Audio Primacy app on your compatible smartphone or computer.

TURNTABLE-READY

Connect to your turntable with the built-in phono preamp. Plus, easily optimize the moving magnet and moving coil cartridge with the Primacy app.

CENTERPIECE DESIGN

SLEEK AND ELEGANT

The stereo centerpiece blends into its surroundings. It features a compact glass-wrapped enclosure with a self-dimming display.

OLED DISPLAY

A high-resolution OLED display shows the volume setting, selected source, profile and other system data.

TOUCH CONTROLS

When you approach the stereo centerpiece with your hand, a proximity sensor activates the display.

COOLING TECHNOLOGY

A sophisticated active cooling system quietly circulates air through critical areas.

DIGITAL AUDIO

HIGH-PERFORMANCE DSP

The stereo centerpiece employs a high-performance, triple-core DSP, operating at 32-bit/192 kHz audio resolution, matching the DSPs in each loudspeaker.

HDMI INPUT

You can connect all your sources and streaming services on your TV to the stereo centerpiece via a single HDMI cable with support for ARC/eARC.

OPTICAL DIGITAL INPUTS

Three optical inputs are provided, compatible with S/PDIF audio up to 24 bits/192 kHz.

USB-C CONNECTION

Connect your computer or other USB digital audio component to the stereo centerpiece’s universal plug-and-play USB-C connection.

ANALOG AUDIO

ANALOG INPUTS

Connect additional source components via 2 pairs of analog inputs, each precisely optimized via discrete circuitry to drive the stereo centerpiece’s dual-mono ESS analog-to-digital converters.

DISCRETE SIGNAL PATHS

The stereo centerpiece uses no op-amps or coupling capacitors in its analog signal paths — only highly optimized discrete circuitry.

ANALOG OUTPUTS

Connect 2 subwoofers or an external amplifier to the included analog outputs. Dual-mono ESS digital-to-analog converters drive these outputs for maximum performance.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE A/D CONVERTERS

A dual-mono pair of ESS analog-to-digital converters generate 32-bit/192 kHz digital audio streams for your Primacy loudspeakers (sold separately).

P.A.R.O. FEATURES

POWERFUL OPTIMIZATION

P.A.R.O. provides DSP optimization for each individual driver section of a Primacy loudspeaker (sold separately).

DUAL-FFT + DSP

Advanced analysis techniques conduct precise measurements in the frequency and time domain, allowing for DSP optimization of the passband and roll-off of each driver section.

TAILORED TO YOUR SPACE

Once the driver sections are optimized, the entire loudspeaker is measured and calibrated to reproduce the target response at your listening position.

CONNECT A SUBWOOFER

P.A.R.O. also includes any of your subwoofers connected to the stereo centerpiece for precise timing, impactful transients and seamless integration.

PHONO PREAMPLIFIER

HIGH-BANDWIDTH, LOW-NOISE DESIGN

The phono preamplifier in the stereo centerpiece delivers up to 70 decibels of gain and the low noise performance required for low-output, moving coil cartridges.

MADE FOR MOVING MAGNET CARTRIDGES

Optimize your moving magnet phono cartridge with 2 gain settings, 2 capacitive loading settings and 2 input grounding options, all adjustable via the Primacy app.

MADE FOR MOVING COIL CARTRIDGES

Optimize your moving coil phono cartridge with 3 gain settings, 12 resistive loading settings and 2 input grounding options, all adjustable via the Primacy app.

PASSIVE RIAA EQUALIZATION FILTERS

Separate low- and high-frequency passive networks perform RIAA equalization without altering gain or feedback in the amplifier circuits, maintaining accuracy to the RIAA spec within a fraction of a decibel.

SELECTABLE INFRASONIC FILTER

Using the Primacy app, you can seamlessly engage a 20 Hz infrasonic filter for improved playback of warped records.

CONNECTIVITY

COMPATIBLE WITH YOUR DEVICES

Easily share and stream audio from your compatible Airplay 2 feature from Apple along with the Google Cast kit.

BLUETOOTH AUDIO

Stream audio from any device with Bluetooth connectivity, with support for SBC and AAC codecs.

ROON READY

Roon Ready devices have Roon’s streaming technology built in and are certified by Roon Labs to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming (subscription may be required).

SPOTIFY CONNECT

Access millions of songs from anywhere in your home by using Spotify Connect and the Primacy or Spotify apps (subscription may be required).

QOBUZ CONNECT

Use the Qobuz or Primacy app to stream their extensive audio library. Discover new artists and albums with high-resolution audio up to 24 bits/192 kHz (subscription may be required).

TIDAL CONNECT

Enjoy unmatched sound on more than 110 million songs with high-quality FLAC and Dolby Atmos content streamed seamlessly to your loudspeaker (subscription may be required).

CONTROL

PRIMACY MOBILE APP

The Primacy mobile app provides simple, convenient control of the setup and operation of your Primacy system.

PRIMACY PC AND MAC APPS

When connected to the stereo centerpiece from your computer, you can set up and control your Primacy system, including P.A.R.O.

TABLETOP REMOTE CONTROLLER

Your stereo centerpiece includes a tabletop, Wi-Fi technology-enabled remote controller, featuring a weighted volume knob and touch buttons to select source, profile and more.

YOUR TV REMOTE

A simple 1-cable HDMI ARC/eARC connection to your compatible television enables a TV remote to adjust the volume level of the stereo centerpiece when you’re watching TV or streaming content.

SMART HOME CONTROL

Consult with your home automation professional to see how Primacy can connect to RTI, Crestron, Control4, Savant and Nice smart home systems.

PROFILES

PROFILE CREATION

Create, store and name your own listening profiles optimized for different listening positions, EQ preferences, accent lighting and activities.

EASY TO SWITCH

Seamlessly select your saved profiles from the Primacy app, the stereo centerpiece control panel or the tabletop remote controller.

The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license. USB-C is a registered trademark of USB Implementers Forum. Airplay, Mac and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google is a trademark of Google LLC. SPOTIFY and the Spotify logo are among the registered trademarks of Spotify AB.

General
Construction	Primary cast aluminum alloy enclosure with secondary machining, glass top, and fascia Volume control: machined aluminum rotary dial with active lighting ring and push-button center cap
Display	RGB AMOLED dead front, 640 x 320 pixels, 198 ppi, 70 x 43 mm active area
Circuitry shielding	Modular architecture with isolated power supply and dedicated, fully shielded secondary enclosures for analog and phono subsections
Thermal management	Active, quiet-flow fan cooling system with user-serviceable air intake filtration
Streaming Functionality
Key supported functions	Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, SPOTIFY Connect, TIDALSMConnect
Network standard	UPnP/DLNA
Source level trim	–12 dB to +12 dB in 0.5 dB steps
Digital Signal Processing and Conversion
Analog to digital converters	ESS SABRE PRO x 2 (operating in mono mode)
Digital signal processor	AKM triple-core with Velvet Sound technology with local input switching/routing and line output processing
Processing bit depth/resolution	32 bit/192 kHz
Sample rate conversion	Dedicated, hardware asynchronous sample rate converters for rate matching non-analog inputs to core 32 bit/192 kHz processing
Digital to analog converters	ESS SABRE Reference DACs x 2 (operating in mono mode)
Primacy Automatic Room Optimization (P.A.R.O.)
Measurement engine	Dual FFT measuring time, frequency and amplitude
Measured results	Frequency response (RTA, magnitude), impulse response (Lin IR, Log IR, ETC IR) and phase
Computer requirements	Computer running the Primacy Desktop application: Windows 10 (OS Build 1809 or later), 11 Mac OS 14, 15, 26
Audio Settings
Balance	Left/right channel slider
Tone controls	Off/on Bass: -6.0 dB to +6.0 dB in 0.5 dB steps Midrange: -6.0 dB to +6.0 dB in 0.5 dB steps Treble: -6.0 dB to +6.0 dB in 0.5 dB steps
Extreme Low Frequency (E.L.F.) Trim	–12 dB to 0 dB in 0.5 dB steps
Network Digital Audio Transport
Protocol	Dante audio over IP
Standard	802.3ab compliant (1000BASE-T)
Connections	Four RJ45 (Four port switch redundant or daisy chain Dante + control)
Bit depth/resolution	2 Channel @ 32 bit/192 kHz
Unbalanced Analog Inputs (RCA)
Type	Two sets of left and right RCA input jacks
Design	Bipolar transistors with enhanced bias in a cascode configuration and proprietary gain/feedback topology (1 dB to 20 dB variable gain); maintains nearly continuous feedback and high-frequency bandwidth (> 1 MHz) Input amplifier with fully differential input attenuator and discrete 1% resistors and precision analog switches
Input impedance	47 kΩ
Input ground lift	Grounded or isolated
Analog input sensitivity	1: 8.0 V (+18 dBV) 2: 4.0 V (+12 dBV) 3: 2.0 V (+6 dBV) 4: 1.0 V (0 dBV), default setting 5: 0.63 V (-4 dBV) 6: 0.45 V (-7 dBV) 7: 0.32 V (-10 dBV)
Source level trim	–12 dB to +12 dB in 0.5 dB steps
Frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 0.02 dB) 2 Hz to 80 kHz (+0, -3 dB)
THD+N, 20 Hz to 20 kHz	< 0.027%: 8.0 V, 4.0 V, 2.0 V sensitivities < 0.011%: 1.0 V, 0.63 V, 0.45 V, 0.32 V sensitivities
Signal to noise ratio (10 Hz to 96 kHz, referred to 0 dBFS)	Unweighted: > 98 dB (2.0 V, 1.0 V sensitivities) A-weighted: > 101 dB (2.0 V, 1.0 V sensitivities)
Phono Inputs (RCA)
Type	Left and right RCA input jacks, plus grounding terminal
Design	Four pairs of matched JFETs per channel, connected in parallel for increased gain and reduced noise. A fifth JFET pair is connected in a cascode configuration, allowing the other JFETs to operate at a constant voltage, regardless of the input signal, to reduce distortion and increase the bandwidth of the input section. The output section employs bipolar transistors, also in a cascode configuration, operating with enhanced bias current for reduced distortion and high slew rate. The main phono input amplifier features 61 dB of gain and a high frequency bandwidth of 700 kHz, resulting in reduced input noise for compatibility with low-output moving coil cartridges. The fully differential signal path is maintained from input to output, for decreased noise and distortion.
RIAA equalization method	Two separate passive networks per channel, one each for low and high frequencies, perform RIAA equalization without altering the feedback or gain structure of the amplifier circuits. Separate networks eliminate interdependency that can cause deviations from spec. 1%-tolerance resistors and 2%-tolerance polypropylene capacitors deliver +/-0.2dB accuracy.
RIAA frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 0.2 dB)
Capacitance loading	100 pF or 430 pF
Moving coil settings	Input loading: 10, 20, 33, 50, 67, 100, 140, 200, 330, 500, 1k, 47 kΩ Gain: low (+49 dB), medium (+59 dB), or high (+69 dB)
Moving magnet settings	Input impedance: 47 kΩ (nominal) Gain: low (+29 dB) or high (+39 dB)
Moving coil mode specifications	THD+N @ 1 kHz, -0.5 dBFS: < 0.01% (low gain), < 0.02% (medium gain), < 0.06% (high gain) THD+N @ 20 Hz to 20 kHz, -20 dBFS: < 0.08% (low gain), < 0.2% (medium gain), < 0.6% (high gain) Signal to noise ratio, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, referred to 0 dBFS, unweighted: > 90 dB (low gain), > 80 dB (medium gain), > 70 dB (high gain) Signal to noise ratio, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, referred to 0 dBFS, A-weighted: > 98 dB (low gain), > 88 dB (medium gain), > 78 dB (high gain) Maximum output level, output not exceeding 0.5% THD+N: 10.7 mV (low gain), 3.4 mV (medium gain), 1.1 mV (high gain) Input overload threshold: 20 mV (low gain), 20 mV (medium gain), 12 mV (high gain)
Moving magnet mode specifications	THD+N @ 1 kHz, -0.5 dBFS: < 0.009% (low gain), < 0.005% (high gain) THD+N @ 20 Hz to 20 kHz, -20 dBFS: < 0.013% (low gain), < 0.01% (high gain) Signal to noise ratio, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, referred to 0 dBFS, unweighted: > 104 dB (low gain), > 98 dB (high gain) Signal to noise ratio, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, referred to 0 dBFS, A-weighted: > 108 dB (low gain), > 102 dB (high gain) Maximum output level, output not exceeding 0.5% THD+N: 107 mV (low gain), 133 mV (high gain) Input overload threshold: 199 mV
Infrasonic filter	6 dB/octave @ 22 Hz (for playback of warped LPs)
Input ground lift	Grounded or isolated (100 Ω), for hum mitigation
Source level trim	–12 dB to +12 dB in 0.5 dB steps
Optical Input (Toslink)
Type	Toslink (SPDIF) x 3
Input receiver transfer rate	25 Mbps (max)
Input receiver sensitivity (min)	–27 dBm
Input receiver wavelength	650 nm
Digital input data type	44.1 kHz to 192 kHz, 24 bit LPCM
Source level trim	–12 dB to +12 dB in 0.5 dB steps
HDMI Input
Standard	HDMI 2.1/HDMI-CEC
Audio format	2 CH LPCM (ARC/eARC)
Sample rate support	16/20/24/32 bit @ 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz
USB Input (USB-C)
Type	USB 2.0 (high speed)
Audio driver	ASIO 2.3.1 compliant driver (supports audio class 1.0/2.0 and USB 2.0 full-speed/high-speed devices
Sample rate support	PCM: 16/20/24 bit @ 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192/352.4/384 kHz DSD: 1x/2x/4x
Source level trim	–12 dB to +12 dB in 0.5 dB steps
Subwoofer Outputs
Type	Two sets of analog subwoofer output jacks (RCA and XLR)
Design	Line output amplifier with extremely low impedance input with super transistor topology. Subsequent sections add and subtract current signals, converting them into a differential voltage. The output sections of the amplifier are complementary while running at a high-bias current, allowing the amplifier to preserve fidelity while driving virtually any other component, even when using long, capacitive interconnects.
Output source impedance	Balanced (XLR): < 60 Ω Unbalanced (RCA): < 120 Ω
Output voltage @ 0 dBFS	Balanced (XLR): 1.5 V RMS Unbalanced (RCA): 3.0 V RMS
THD+N, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, @ rated output	Balanced (XLR): < 0.003% Unbalanced (RCA): < 0.007%
Signal to noise ratio, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, @ rated output, unweighted	Balanced (XLR): > 104 dB Unbalanced (RCA): > 99 dB
Signal to noise ratio, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, @ rated output, A-weighted	Balanced (XLR): > 108 dB Unbalanced (RCA): > 105 dB
Subwoofer line output level trim	–12 dB to +12 dB in 0.5 dB steps
Subwoofer line output low-pass filter	Variable frequency, 24 dB/octave, Linkwitz Riley
Line output modes	Off, single mono (left), dual mono (left and right), or stereo (left and right)
Network/Wireless Specifications
LAN	802.3ab compliant (1000BASE-T) (for the best streaming experience, a wired LAN connection is recommended)
WLAN	802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2x2 MIMO (Wi‑Fi 6)
Wireless protocol	Bluetooth 5.1 SBC with AAC codec
RST DFU USB-2 USB-3	Service controls
Electrical
Mains voltage	100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power supply design	Worldwide voltage compatibility with synchronized regulated switching power supply
Power cord	Detachable IEC style 125 V: 18 AWG, 10 A 250 V: 17 AWG, 10 A
Power consumption	Standby in Eco mode: < 7.0 W Standby in Faster mode: ~12 W Full operation: ~52 W
Idle power consumption (active with no signal)	120 V: ~34 W 240 V: ~40 W
Trigger	12 VDC input: 1/8" (3.5 mm) mini jack, tip positive 12 VDC output: 1/8" (3.5 mm) mini jack, tip positive, 50 mA max. load
CS Centerpiece Physical Specifications
Overall height (including feet)	3.61" (92 mm)
Chasis height	3.31" (84 mm)
Width	13.10" (333 mm)
Overall depth (including volume control and connections)	11.30" (287 mm)
Chasis depth	10.07" (256 mm)
Net weight	18 lbs (8 kg)
CS Remote Controller Physical Specifications
Height	1.20" (31 mm)
Width	6.61" (168 mm)
Depth	3.98" (101 mm)
Net weight	1.72 lbs (0.78 kg)

Primacy centerpiece
Tabletop remote controller
USB-C cables (4 m and 2 m)
P.A.R.O. microphone
Power cord
Microphone fixturing accessories
Microfiber cloth
Documentation

JL Audio Primacy CS