The Oriveti Primacy

Comparisons

The Primacy vs. the Dunu DN-2000j

While both are technically proficient and top performers within their price range, the Primacy and DN-2000j can be considered polar opposites. Tuned from a very different philosophy, the DN-2000j has a cold and analytic signature with outstanding definition and detail. Its bass is controlled with a cold touch and less mid-bass emphasis, compared to the soft and warm bass of the Primacy.

But its in the midrange where the differences become more apparent; the warm and fuller midrange of the Primacy is not only more lush, but placed in closer proximity to the listener. The DN-2000j’s midrange is leaner, especially lacking the lower midrange fill that gives the Primacy size and deeper and more emotional sounding vocals.

The treble goes to the DN-2000j; while it has an analytical and brighter tone, its resolution, overall clarity and detail retrieval is impressive regardless of price. The upper treble tuning does affect its smoothness, but there’s sparkle in abundance as well as greater transparency with acoustic and string instruments. Though similar in overall size, the DN-2000j has a slightly wider stage.

The Primacy vs. the Fidue A83

Both the A83 and Primacy can be considered smooth-sounding monitors, due to their warm mid-bass and upper treble tuning. The A83’s bass is tuned a bit flatter, while the Primacy’s slightly enhanced mid-bass has more impact and rumble. It also gives more size to the lower midrange, where the A83 is leaner with overall thinner notes.

Due to the Primacy’s midrange hump, vocals are placed in closer proximity to the listener, with more depth. Due to the A83’s emphasis on the upper midrange, it gets the edge for female vocals, displaying good emotional articulation. Both the A83 and Primacy have very similarly proportioned soundstages, although the A83’s instrument positioning is placed more distant on the stage.

The Primacy vs. the Flare R2A

Two iems that have been tuned ‘across the pond’ over in England, that share a tuning oriented towards the midrange. Both iems have a smooth signature, but are overall quite different. The R2A’s bass consists primarily of mid-bass, and lacks the sub-bass punch of the Primacy although its mid-bass is slightly more detailed. Both share a warm tone that gives warmth to the presentation, and contributes to the smoother sound. Whereas the the Primacy’s focus is more on the center midrange, the R2A has a bit more upper midrange emphasis. The R2A mainly gets its clarity from a slightly brighter upper midrange, since its treble is quite attenuated. High hats are subdued, but it also doesn’t have the sparkle on acoustic guitars and string instruments that the Primacy can deliver.

Overall, this makes the R2A even smoother and non-fatuiging than the Primacy, but also less lively and balanced. In addition, Flare tuned the R2A with a more distant stage placement. Instruments are placed further on the stage, and being more distant are smaller in size. The Primacy’s tuning is more upfront, giving vocals more size and power. In soundstage size, the Primacy gets the edge in width, while the R2A has slightly more depth and better separation due to the smaller instrument size.

Concluding thoughts

The Primacy has recently been under scrutiny in a line of reviews on the popular websites, and generally the reviewers tend to reach the same conclusion: Oriveti has done something really right here. I’ve been nitpicking here and there but overall, I’m afraid I’m not going to offer a new or controversial insight. As I mentioned, out of the box I felt this was going to be a signature I can work with. Considering its price range and even beyond, I find the Primacy performs on a high level that will sound appealing to a wide audience. Its smooth signature displays a great deal of refinement, as well as a highly engaging and enveloping sound – not in the last place due to a closer instrument positioning compared to its competitors. The well-balanced signature makes it versatile for a variety of different genres, while excelling with vocals or band-based music relying on the midrange. Quite frankly, it’s become my number 1 recommendation for earphones in this price tier – I think that says enough.