We tested the Primare Pre 35 stereo and DAC preamp!

Primare Pre 35 amplifier

The Swedish-based company Primare was founded by a Danish designer, Bo Christensen in 1985. Their products made by the brand are well-known for durability, quality components and the beautiful sound. They make audio devices that are responsible for perfect audio performance.

Pre35 and Pre35 Prisma

The Pre35 is an analog version of the Pre25 Prisma, which can be further developed with the DM35 digital analog decoder and Prisma module. The Prisma module is capable of processing data streams from digital sources, so it can be associated with smartphones and tablets, it supports WAVE, FLAC, ALAC, MP3, M84, DSD…, etc. formats.

Primare Pre 35 amp. inside

The integrated DAC circuit processes digital audio data in LPCM format. The Pre 35 preamp has been given an AKM AK4497 chip, which guarantees excellent sound quality and is capable of analog conversion of high-resolution digital signals. It offers multi-room or zone control and connection modes. It has 2 pairs of XLR, 3 pairs of RCA analog inputs, 4 optical Toslink digital inputs, and 2 RCA coaxial and 1 USB -B inputs. Converts signals from analog inputs to 48 kHz or 96 kHz digital format.

Primare Pre35 back panel

The integrated wireless streaming function makes Bluetooth, AirPlay, Spotify..etc available. It is also capable of signal processing of digital sounds of CDs, TVs and computers. The device is equipped with regulated Pre and LINE outputs.

Sound, Design, Execution

Primare Pre35 front panel

The design is by a long chalk not a concern at Primare, and to be honest, there was nothing to our liking in this respect, neither as far as its performance goes. When designing and manufacturing the Scandinavian engineers must have told themselves  “no more, no less”. But what is important to them is impeccable sound, the use of quality raw materials and components. Short signal paths reduce distortion of input and output signals. The stable metal housing of the Pre35 prevents resonance, thus further improving the sound. The aluminium front panel has a black and white OLED display. The device has 2 Wifi antennas. The rear panel houses a 12 V trigger switching controller, RS232 port and IR input and output. The Pre35 weighs 11.3 kg.

Class “D” power of 200 watts

The preamplifier is rated “D”. Class “D” amplifiers have outstanding efficiency and very low heat generation.

Audio Test

Paired with Sonus Faber speakers, we started the tests of the Primare in a home cinema room of a garden house in Pest County. The room needs improvement of the acoustics with diffuser panels in order for the sounds to be scattered evenly in all directions and angles in the closed space. Listening to the fantastic hit of the band Queen, Who Wants To Live Forever, we recalled the story of the movie Highlander movie. Freedie Mercury’s unique voice resonated wonderfully, clearly, we witnessed a wealth of details and dynamics. We got the perfect stereo experience in the mid and high ranges, but the deep tones felt a bit exaggerated. We then put on some Rock ‘n Roll invigorating our session with Little Richard’ Tutti Frutti. The output of the Pre35 was just enough to bring back the atmosphere of the original performance. The bass range was considered intrusive this time as well, and sometimes there we noted some issues with bass tones clearness. At a lower volumes, this flaw tended to disappear, but we were not completely happy with it.

Antonio Vivaldi’s piece Autumn from the Four Seasons followed. The instruments sounded delicate, tasteful, and all movements of the strings were audible. The midrange and treble were excellent, but unfortunately the deeper ranges exaggerated again this time.

Summary

The Swedish manufacturer has come up with a fair product, the performance and functions are just enough, and the model version without the Prisma module can be further expanded modularly, which is rather a positive feature. We recommend it primarily to those who don’t really care about design and wont crave for brutal performances. The sound is almost perfect, but not flawless. The Primare Pre35 doesn’t offer more than it promises, nevertheless, it keeps delivering it to the maximum. The rugged housing ensures resonance reduction, and premium quality components suggest durability and reliability. The preamplifier produced adequate dynamics, accuracy and detailed sound. We would give 4 points out of 5 to the Swedish preamplifier.

G.H.

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