Primare PR35 black

Primare PRE35: modular stereo preamplifier

Solid chassis, minimalist front panel, two large symmetrical knobs: the PRE35 follows in the tradition of Primare preamplifiers where nothing sticks out and every element has its rightful place. This purely analog version is the starting point for an upgradable system, capable of later receiving a digital-to-analog converter (DM36 module) or a network player (SM35 Prisma module), depending on needs and system evolution.

Fully balanced topology

The PRE35 uses an end-to-end balanced architecture, from the XLR inputs to the preamplifier outputs. This design duplicates the signal and cancels out interference picked up along the way, resulting in a particularly low noise floor (signal-to-noise ratio over 100 dB) and harmonic distortion below 0.002% across the entire audible band.

The four-layer motherboard, with one layer dedicated exclusively to ground, allows for the shortest possible signal paths. The small-sized surface-mount components limit their antenna effect and help preserve signal integrity. Input switching is done by mechanical relays rather than CMOS circuits, a more expensive approach but one that ensures better isolation between sources.

Linear power supply and optimized volume control

The power supply is based on a custom-wound R-core transformer. This type of transformer, less common than traditional toroidal models, stands out for its reduced electromagnetic radiation and high efficiency. Standby mode uses a switching power supply to limit consumption to 0.3 W, but as soon as the unit is powered on, the circuit switches to the linear supply.

The volume control deserves particular attention. Primare uses an 8-channel integrated circuit (2 × 4 in balanced mode) selected for its channel balance and low-level accuracy. This circuit remains outside the signal path when not in use. The scale changes in 1 dB steps between levels 21 and 54, then becomes more precise at 0.5 dB from 55 to 99, providing finer control where the ear is more sensitive to variations.

Generous connectivity and multiple outputs

The rear panel provides two balanced XLR inputs (30 kΩ impedance) and three unbalanced RCA inputs (15 kΩ impedance), allowing several analog sources to be connected simultaneously. On the output side, there are two pairs of XLR and one pair of RCA preamp outputs, plus a fixed-level RCA line output useful for a recorder or a secondary system.

A WiSA output lets you connect compatible wireless active speakers, with high-resolution audio quality (24-bit/48 or 96 kHz) and virtually zero latency. This feature, still rare on preamplifiers in this category, opens up installation possibilities without speaker cables.

Each input can be configured individually: adjustable gain from -30 to +30 dB, fixed or variable mode, custom alias. The fixed mode (0 dB, equivalent to level 66) turns the input into a bypass to integrate the PRE35 into a multichannel home theater system where the processor handles volume control.

Ergonomics and home automation integration

The brushed aluminum front features a small monochrome OLED display, two knobs with carefully calibrated inertia (source selection and volume), and four discreet buttons. The display can simply show the name of the active source or, if the system evolves to a streaming configuration, display metadata for the track currently playing.

The C25 system remote reproduces all functions. For integration into a home automation environment, the PRE35 provides an RS-232 port and infrared inputs/outputs for third-party control systems. Auto-standby kicks in after a user-adjustable period of inactivity, and startup behavior (last used volume or predefined level) can be configured to suit preferences.

Modularity and system evolution

Modular architecture is one of the key pillars of Primare’s 35 series. The analog version of the PRE35 can accommodate two optional modules:

The DM36 module adds a digital-to-analog conversion section based on an ESS ES9068A chip, with optical inputs (4 × TOSLINK), coaxial (2 × RCA), asynchronous USB-B, and AES/EBU. It supports PCM formats up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD up to DSD256, with upsampling options and MQA decoding.

The SM35 Prisma module turns the preamplifier into a full-fledged network player, with access to Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, built-in Chromecast, and Bluetooth. The dedicated Prisma app allows control from a smartphone or tablet, as well as multiroom and multizone management.

These modules can be installed at purchase or added later, allowing the investment to follow evolving needs without replacing the unit.

Integration in a Primare system

The PRE35 naturally pairs with the A35.2 power amplifier (200 W into 8 Ω, UFPD 2 Class D technology), via balanced XLR connection to make full use of the balanced architecture. Vinyl enthusiasts can round out the system with the R35 phono preamplifier, designed for balanced operation and with matching looks.

The DD35 CD transport or CD35 CD player (itself compatible with the Prisma module) are natural source components within this ecosystem. The visual coherence between the units, with their clean front panels and signature knobs, reflects the Scandinavian philosophy of the Swedish manufacturer.

Technical Specifications

Audio Performance

• Analog frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz: ± 0.1 dB
• Total harmonic distortion + noise: < 0.002%, 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 100 dB (AES17 filter)

Gain

• Preamplifier output: 16.5 dB
• Line output: 0 dB
• Speaker output: 42.5 dB

Connectivity

• Balanced inputs: 2 × XLR, impedance 30 kΩ
• Unbalanced inputs: 3 × RCA, impedance 15 kΩ
• Preamplifier output
  • 2 × XLR, impedance 380 Ω
  • 1 × RCA, impedance 100 Ω
• Line output: 1 × RCA, impedance 100 Ω
• 1 × wireless stereo output WiSA

Control Interfaces

• C25 system remote control
• RS-232
• Infrared (IR) input/output

Physical Characteristics

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

Power Consumption

• Off: 0 W
• Standby: 0.3 W
• Operating: < 28 W