Intro
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Since their inception, Swedish company Primare has stood for innovation and functionality. They do this through patented technology and modular applications. In this way, Primare makes modern audio that is not immediately obsolete. To back up that statement, today we have the Primare PRE35 Prisma pre- and Primare A35.2 power amplifier on our rack. Both have been on the market for a while, but no less relevant for that. On the contrary. Let’s check it out!
Founded by Bo Christensen, Primare specializes in amplifiers and sources. Their portfolio consists of three clear series, each designated by a number. You have the 15, 25 and 35 series along with the separate NP5 streamer. Today two devices at the top of the foodchain.
We start with the Primare PRE35 Prisma. A versatile, modular and fully balanced preamplifier that already has a lot of connections in its standard form. Think five analog inputs (2 XLR and 3 RCA) and four analog outputs (two XLR and two RCA). This basic form can be supplemented via separate modules with a dac and a streamer (Prisma).
Adding the dac adds as many as seven digital inputs and one digital output. The new DM36 module is now based on a Sabre ES9068A and enables oversampling. The Prisma streamer can only be used in conjunction with the dac. You can connect this network player both wired and wirelessly and control it via the Primare app or Roon, among others. In this way, this preamplifier remains ‘future proof’. You decide when and which options you want to add.
Technological highlights
The PRE35’s most logical partner is the Primare A35.2. A hefty Class D stereo power amplifier that delivers 2×200 watts into 8 Ohms. That power doubles into 4 Ohms. Nice! It is possible to bridge the A35.2 but that will only be necessary in a limited number of situations.
For the A35.2, Primare uses their new in-house developed Class D modules to ensure the most linear amplifier possible. This so-called UFPD 2 technology (hence the .2) keeps the gain even more constant than the previous version. Correcting the signal is now done by only one opamp, instead of several in the previous model. Also in the power supply is a correction system, called AFPC, which should guarantee a perfect sine wave and avoid interference. Primare makes every effort to allow as little distortion as possible in their amplifiers.
Each unit is available in black and titanium (silver). We prefer the latter because it makes the lines, buttons and logo stand out better. Also notable is the detached front and the three instead of the more standard four feet at the bottom. The fact that both devices have been available for a while fits completely with Primare’s philosophy of only implementing substantial improvements in new devices. Through much research and innovation, Primare has since patented a number of technologies. Of course, this costs money, time and energy, which is why we think the purchase price is certainly not excessive.
