NOW PLAYING · HI-FI SINCE 2021
Amplifiers

Premiera D1 Packs Class D Power, Sabre DAC and MM Phono Into a Compact Chassis

Premiera’s compact D1 integrated amplifier delivers 101 watts per channel into 4 ohms while accommodating digital, analog, vinyl and TV sources.

Premiera’s compact D1 integrated amplifier delivers 101 watts per channel into 4 ohms while accommodating digital, analog, vinyl and TV sources.

Premiera has expanded its compact D-series range with the D1, an integrated stereo amplifier combining Class D output stages, an ESS Sabre digital-to-analog converter and a moving-magnet phono preamplifier. Despite measuring just 270mm wide, the unit also provides HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.0 and dedicated outputs for a power amplifier or active subwoofer.

Compact Class D Amplification

The Premiera D1 is built around a new Class D amplifier module rated at 101 watts per channel into a 4-ohm load, with total harmonic distortion below 0.08% at that output. Premiera specifies a frequency response of 5Hz to 35kHz, a damping factor above 115 at 50Hz into 8 ohms and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 90dB.

Further published figures include total harmonic distortion of 0.025% from 30Hz to 20kHz when delivering 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms, along with channel separation greater than 98dB. The speaker terminals support one pair of speakers with nominal impedance between 4 and 8 ohms. They can accept banana plugs, spades or stripped cable.

At 270 x 70 x 277mm and 3.2kg, the D1 is substantially narrower than a conventional full-width integrated amplifier. Its dimensions also make it a visual and functional match for other components in Premiera’s D-series lineup, including the company’s compact disc player and network streamer.

A compact integrated amplifier with a built-in DAC and phono preamplifier
A compact integrated amplifier with a built-in DAC and phono preamplifier

ESS Sabre Conversion and MM Vinyl Support

Digital conversion is handled by an ESS Technology ES9018K2M Sabre DAC. The chip uses ESS’s 32-bit HyperStream architecture and processes signals arriving through the amplifier’s optical and coaxial digital inputs, as well as its HDMI ARC connection.

The inclusion of HDMI ARC allows the D1 to receive audio from a compatible television, broadening its role beyond a conventional two-channel music system. It can therefore serve as the central amplifier for physical sources, digital components and TV sound without requiring a separate converter.

Vinyl playback is addressed by an integrated moving-magnet phono stage. It has a standard input impedance of 47 kilohms and is intended for MM cartridges with sensitivity from 3.5mV. This dedicated input means a compatible turntable can be connected without an external phono preamplifier.

Analog, Digital and Wireless Connections

The rear panel carries three stereo analog inputs on RCA connectors. Two are line-level inputs, while the third is assigned to the MM phono stage. Digital sources can connect through one optical input, one coaxial input or HDMI ARC.

Although the new product's power characteristics are very close to those of the Premiera MINI AMP XL and MINI AMP L models, it uses higher-end components and different circuit design solutions, which is why the Premiera D1 offers superior sound quality.
Although the new product's power characteristics are very close to those of the Premiera MINI AMP XL and MINI AMP L models, it uses higher-end components and different circuit design solutions, which is why the Premiera D1 offers superior sound quality.

Wireless playback is provided by Bluetooth 5.0. Premiera specifies a module based on a 32-bit RISC core with BR/EDR support. A rear USB-A port is also included, although it is reserved for firmware updates rather than direct music playback.

Output options include a stereo preamplifier connection on RCA sockets and a mono analog subwoofer output. The pre-out allows the D1 to feed an external power amplifier or another compatible component, while the subwoofer connection supports expansion into a 2.1-channel system. A 3.5mm headphone socket is positioned on the front panel for private listening.

The rear panel switching unit includes three analog stereo RCA inputs (two line-level and one phono preamplifier), three digital inputs—optical, coaxial, and an HDMI ARC port —as well as a USB-A port for firmware updates.
The rear panel switching unit includes three analog stereo RCA inputs (two line-level and one phono preamplifier), three digital inputs—optical, coaxial, and an HDMI ARC port —as well as a USB-A port for firmware updates.

Front-Panel Controls and Setup Options

Premiera has equipped the D1 with two large front-panel control knobs. The left encoder selects inputs and places the amplifier in standby, while the right handles volume adjustment and menu navigation. Both controls are illuminated in blue during operation.

A centrally mounted matrix display presents source, volume and setup information. Menu options include loudness control, tone adjustment, automatic standby settings and brightness control for the display and illuminated controls. The supplied remote can also operate the amplifier’s main functions.

The D1 completes Premiera’s compact D-series as its integrated amplification component. Its combination of speaker amplification, digital conversion, phono playback, Bluetooth and HDMI ARC is designed to reduce the need for additional boxes while retaining connections for future system expansion.

The built-in DAC is based on the well-known ESS Technology ES9018K2M Sabre chip with 32-bit HyperStream architecture. The onboard phono preamplifier has a standard input impedance of 47 kOhm and is designed to work with moving magnet (MM) cartridges with a sensitivity of 3.5 mV or lower.
The built-in DAC is based on the well-known ESS Technology ES9018K2M Sabre chip with 32-bit HyperStream architecture. The onboard phono preamplifier has a standard input impedance of 47 kOhm and is designed to work with moving magnet (MM) cartridges with a sensitivity of 3.5 mV or lower.

With 101-watt-per-channel Class D amplification, an ESS Sabre DAC, MM phono input and a broad selection of wired and wireless connections, the Premiera D1 is configured as a compact hub for mixed-source stereo systems. Pricing and market availability have not been specified in USD.

FRESH FROM STEREOINDEX
TESTED

Reviews

See all →
DISCOVER

Product Spotlight

A closer look at interesting new hi-fi.

LEARN

Essential Guides

All guides →
EDITOR'S DESK

Recommended

Products, systems and stories worth your attention.

HEAD TO HEAD

Compare before you choose

All comparisons →
KEEP EXPLORING

Across Stereoindex

More from the categories that matter.

Headphones

View all

Speakers

View all

Amplifiers

View all

Streaming

View all