Primare PRE35 Pre-Amplifier
Description
Technology
PRE35 modular balanced is an exceptional system control center, providing umprecedented low noise and distortion free selection and transmission of any analog input, as a result of the carefully circuit design benefitting from the use of a four layer main board to achieve the shortest possible signal path.
In addition to comprehensive input and output options, featuring both XLR and RCA connection, the modular design of the PRE35 also allows for a sophisticated digital to analog converter module, DM36, as well as a Prisma network player module, SM35, to be added to the amplifier at any time for unprecedented system customization.
The look and feel of Scandinavia
We believe that every aspect of our products – the way they look, the satisfying feel of the controls – contributes to the overall experience of living with Primare. As a result, Primare products exude the hallmarks of Scandinavian design – simple, elegant designs, with approachable and easy to understand functionality.
An example of this is our signature control knob, known throughout the industry for both its appearance as well as how it feels in the hand as an input is selected or volume adjusted. – or as we say lagom, not too much not too little, everything in balance, proportion, and harmony.
Modular Design and System Building
We feel it is essential to offer modularity whenever possible in order to have just the right features, both now and for the future. Modular design is featured in the I25 and I35 modular integrated amplifiers, as well as the PRE35 modular preamplifier, all of which can be updated with DAC and Prisma modules, as well as the CD35 CD player that can have the Prisma module added, either at the time of purchase or at a later date. As a result, we are able to offer a carefully considered array of models and configurations in order to allow for device selection that best fits any system need. For example, a CD35 with Prisma module installed can be paired with an I35 integrated amplifier, allowing for a separation of analog and digital stages. Or, an I35 with DAC and Prisma modules installed can be paired with a DD35 CD transport, allowing for multi-room and multi-zone playback of every input, whether analog or digital source.
Specifications:
| XLR | 2 x stereo pair analog inputs |
| RCA | 3 x stereo pair analog inputs |
| XLR | 2 x stereo pair analog PRE outputs |
| RCA | 1 x stereo pair analog PRE output |
| RCA | 1 x stereo pair analog LINE output |
| C25 remote |
IR system control |
| IR | 3.5 mm input/output |
| 12V Trigger |
3.5 mm output |
| RS232 |
outboard system control port |
| Weight | 11.3 Kg |
| Dimensions |
430 x 106 x 420 mm (WHD) |
| Finishes |
black or titanium |
DM36 – Digital-to-Analog Converter Module
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) module for I25 and I35 integrated amps, and PRE35 preamp that features advanced digital to analog conversion and full MQA processing.
The DM36 is a completely new and thoroughly designed digital-to-analog converter (DAC), utilising an ESS ES9068A chipset with resolution of up to PCM 384 and DSD 256, significantly improving overall performance over its predecessor DM35, providing a sound that is more richly detailed and lifelike, with more precise three dimensionality within a larger soundstage.
DM36 replaces the previous DM35 DAC in our modular models, resulting in the new model’s name designating the inclusion of the new DAC module as listed below:
- I25 DAC DM36
- I25 PRISMA DM36
- I35 DAC DM36
- I35 PRISMA DM36
- PRE35 DAC DM36
- PRE35 PRISMA DM36
Inputs include 4 Toslink optical and 2 RCA coaxial for resolution of up to 192kHz/24 bit, and 1 USB B input for computer connection with resolution of up to 384kHz/32 bit and DSD256 (11.2MHz).
An RCA coaxial output provides native output for digital inputs and selectable 48 or 96kHz output for analog inputs.
A new feature found in the DM36 is the PCM up-sampling option, which when the setting is enabled allows 16/44.1 and 24/48 kHz signals to be up-sampled to 24/88.2 kHz and 24/96 kHz respectively for improved internal digital conversion and digital output, noting that 24/96 kHz and 24/192 kHz files will not be up-sampled regardless of setting.
Additionally, the DM36 provides full MQA processing capabilities with both Prisma and Primare CD sources.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download.
This means that, with the associated Prisma application update, embedding both Qobuz and Tidal, the Prisma models listed above with the DM36 module will allow for the final MQA unfold to 384 kHz when playing Tidal Master files. Noting that for all other Prisma models, including those using the DM35 DAC module, the update will allow for the first full MQA unfold to resolution up to 96 kHz, Qobuz resolution up to 192 kHz, and gapless playback for both platforms.
In our CD players and transports, MQA CD playback is supported with CD15 Prisma DD15, CD35 Prisma, and DD35 when using Toslink optical or RCA coaxial digital out connection to the DM36.’
Visit mqa.co.uk for more information.
DM36 or DM35 module required to use Prisma module.
Specifications:
| Chip Set | ESS ES9068A |
| Inputs | |
| • 4 x TOSLINK (optical) up to 192kHz / 24 bit | |
| • 2 x RCA up to 192kHz / 24 bit | |
| • 1 x USB-B up to 384kHz / 32 bit; DSD 256 / 11.2MHz | |
| Digital Output | 1 x RCA |
| • Analog input = 96kHz output | |
| • Digital input = pass-through if up-sampling is disabled | |
| Frequency Response | |
| • 44.1kHz +0.1 / -0.4 dB from 20Hz - 20kHz | |
| • 48/96/192kHz +0.1 / -0.2 dB from 20Hz - 20kHz |