Primare I35 DAC black

Bringing power amplification and a serious digital conversion stage together in a single chassis, without compromising on space or understated design: that is the aim of this Swedish integrated amplifier, successor to the I32. It relies on in-house UFPD 2 amplification technology and a converter capable of reading high-resolution files. Its modular construction keeps the door open for future upgrades, in step with your system.

A Scandinavian chassis with a metal front panel

The Primare style comes down to a few elements: clean lines, a thick aluminium front panel, controls reduced to the essentials. No mechanical switches; each button sends an electronic command, and the large rotary selector controls both volume and source selection. An OLED display provides information on the unit’s status, isolated from the rest of the electronics to limit interference. The chassis measures 430 mm wide, 420 mm deep and 106 mm high, weighing 11 kg. This model comes in a titanium finish with a silver appearance.

UFPD 2 Class D amplification

The power stage operates in Class D, renowned for its high efficiency and low heat generation: plenty of watts in a slim format, without bulky heatsinks. Primare adds its UFPD 2 technology (Ultra Fast Power Device, second generation), a fully analogue control loop that maintains linear amplification across the entire audible range. Output reaches 2 × 150 W into 8 ohms and rises to 2 × 300 W into 4 ohms. This doubling indicates a comfortable current reserve for more demanding speakers. The switch-mode power supply incorporates active power factor correction (APFC), which draws current from the mains more evenly. The construction remains symmetrical from the beginning to the end of the signal path.

Built-in digital conversion

The conversion module is built around an AKM AK4497EQ converter. Via the USB input connected to a Mac or PC computer, it reads PCM up to 768 kHz at 32 bits and DSD streams up to DSD256. Optical and coaxial inputs accept PCM up to 192 kHz at 24 bits, enough to connect a CD player, television or games console. Upsampling options and MQA format decoding complete this digital stage.

Connecting analogue and digital sources

On the analogue side, two balanced XLR inputs sit alongside three RCA inputs. The XLR connection links a source via a balanced cable that better rejects interference over long distances. Digital inputs include four optical sockets and two coaxial sockets, in addition to the computer USB input. Two RCA outputs expand its uses: a fixed-level line output for a recorder, and a preamplified output to drive an external power amplifier or active speakers. Finally, a coaxial digital output passes the received signal on to another device.

An upgradeable modular platform

Primare’s modular approach allows the unit to evolve over time. This model already includes the conversion stage; all that remains is to add the SM35 Prisma network module when the time comes. The operation is carried out by the retailer and transforms the I35 DAC into an I35 Prisma, with network playback and streaming services. The integrated amplifier also communicates with other Primare components from the same series, such as the CD35 player or the DD35 CD transport, to build a consistent single-brand system.

Control and system integration

The supplied C25 system remote controls the I35 DAC and other compatible Primare devices via infrared. For a neat installation, a 3.5 mm jack infrared input and output, a 12-volt trigger output and an RS232 port connect the integrated amplifier to a home automation system or devices that need to switch on together. The OLED display menus allow inputs to be renamed according to the sources actually connected and their levels to be matched to eliminate volume differences from one source to another; display brightness can also be adjusted.

Technical Specifications

Amplification

• Output power:
  • 2 × 150 W at 8 Ω
  • 2 × 300 W at 4 Ω
• Class D amplification
• AK44977EQ converter
• Primare UFPD 2 amplifier module
• Primare APFC power supply

Connectivity

• Analog inputs:
  • 2 XLR
  • 3 RCA
• Digital inputs:
  • 4 optical
  • 2 coaxial + 1 output
  • 1 USB for computer (MAC/PC)
• Analog outputs:
  • 1 RCA line
  • 1 RCA preamplifier

Control and connectivity

• C25 infrared (IR) system remote control
• Infrared (IR) input/output, 3.5 mm connector
• 12 V trigger output (3.5 mm connector)
• RS232 system control port

Physical characteristics

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 420 × 106 mm
• Weight: 11 kg