A35.8 – eight channel, fully bridgeable, balanced input amplifier

Alpha Audio, The Netherlands, September 2024
SP25 Prisma: SP25 – A35.8 and Perlisten R5t

Primare and Perlisten go well together, as this fine combination proves. The SP25 Prisma is a particularly pleasant surround processor that also performs excellently in stereo. But we knew that about Primare. The Primare A35.8 is a beast that drives the Perlisten R5t excellently. Need more power, or want to bi-amp? Then you can do that perfectly well in bridge mode. Simply flip a switch and you have twice the power. Is it necessary? No… is it fun? Yes it is!

hifi.nl, The Netherlands, September 2024
SP25 Prisma + A35.8: Swedish Enjoyment

High-end audio manufacturer Primare continues to surprise with high-performance surround components. The Primare SP25 Prisma surround processor is intended for audiophile music lovers who desire an immersive movie experience and for cinephiles who want to listen to music in the highest possible sound quality. Unique in its class. Five Stars

Stereo, Germany, November 2024
SP25 Prisma + A35.8: Big Cinema

With the Primare duo, consisting of the 11.2-channel AV preamplifier SP25 Prisma based on the SPA25 amplifier and the separate eight-channel power amplifier A35.8, we have undoubtedly reached the top class of the home cinema world… You can hardly wipe the grin off your face!… Breathtakingly good, if you’ll forgive us for being so enthusiastic… The entire system immediately played at a very high level, tonally with bravura and absolutely seamless all around, which is very important in the cinema… It managed to sound smooth and yet attack out of nowhere… The Primare A35.8 has proven to be an extremely remarkable power amplifier… it delivers incredibly stable performance – and in contrast to some AV receivers, its performance does not drop one iota in ‘surround’ mode… But despite all the multi-channel spectacle, one must not forget that the Primare processor is also an absolutely uncompromising stereo preamplifier that can compete with practically any – or almost any – really good challenger in the four-digit price range in analog two-channel mode. Editor’s Recommendation – Five Stars

FWD, Benelux July 2024
SP25 Prisma: As flexible as it is refined

FWD Excellent Award, 9.0 out of 10 rating “The Primare SP25 is a flexible AV preamplifier that gets a lot right. The designers have made choices that some cinema builders will find less interesting. No HDMI 2.1 will be a dealbreaker for some people, for example. But it is always worth asking whether a certain function is really necessary. Because the slightly different philosophy of Primare does ensure an AV preamplifier that, in combination with the A35.8, comes out very strongly in certain areas. For example, the Primare plays music like a true hi-fi device, with the advantage that those tracks in Dolby Atmos that you find with Apple Music are also very well presented. With surround mixes, the SP25 manages to reproduce complex sound effects clearly and correctly positioned, which keeps the feeling of immersion strong.” 

Stereophile, USA, March 2024
A35.8 – Stereophile Recommended Component

”Class B (solid state) – This eight-channel colleague of the Swedish manufacturer’s stereo A35.2 uses the reliable and powerful Hypex NC500 class-D module, with some modifications. The amplifier features a switch-mode power supply, with its two outputs each feeding four amplifier stages. Pairs of outputs can be run as bridged mono amplifiers. KR auditioned the Primare with three bridged pairs to run his Left-Center-Right speakers and the remaining two channels to run his two surround-channel speakers. While he did try the amplifier in eight-channel mode KR found that bridging transformed the A35.8 “into a much more exciting amplifier” with a better bass balance and superbly stable imaging, even in stereo. He noted that there was never any evidence of the “gray” treble he had experienced with earlier Ncore-based amplifiers: “In my preferred five-channel configuration, the A35.8 equaled other good amplifiers in the treble.” Comparing the Primare with his reference Benchmark AHB2, he felt that the Primare sounded “more convincingly live” than the Benchmark. On the test bench, the A35.8 exceeded its specified power of 150Wpc with two channels driven into 8 ohms, clipping at 200Wpc, and met its 300Wpc specification with two channels driven into 4 ohms. JA’s conclusion was that the Primare A35.8 offers high power, especially in bridged mode, with very low levels of distortion and audioband noise. KR suggests A–; too bad there’s no such rating.”

AV Forums, UK, December 2023
A35.8 – AV Forums Editor’s Choice AV Power Amplifier 2023/2024

“The Primare 35.8 is a corker of a multi-channel power amp. We didn’t need to look any further in 2023 if there was a need to furnish our AV racks with eight or sixteen channels of unbridled power. The Primare might just be an innocuous – although alluring and classy – black box with an on/off switch. But this three-footed slab can elicit extreme levels of detail, massive dynamics and laser-like imaging from all your source material. Bridge your left, centre and right speakers for up to a whopping 700 watts per channel and the performance takes yet another noticeable bump.

… extreme levels of detail, massive dynamics and laser-like imaging The exposition on movies is relentless and yet articulate in the extreme. Two-channel music recordings come off as almost tangible with a delightfully analogue quality for a Class D design. This is all a surprise. As a consumer, you must prepare to spend big on the best amplifiers for a dedicated home cinema. But note that these are the components that will probably take up residence in your AV room for the longest haul. If you’re at the decision stage for purchasing eight (or sixteen) channels of no-holds-barred power, we say don’t overlook the Primare 35.8.”

AVForums, UK, August 2023
A35.8: Primare A35.8 Eight Channel Power Amplifier Review

Stereophile, USA, April 2023
A35.8 – Stereophile Recommended Component

”Class B (solid state) – This eight-channel colleague of the Swedish manufacturer’s stereo A35.2 uses the reliable and powerful Hypex NC500 class-D module, with some modifications. The amplifier features a switch-mode power supply, with its two outputs each feeding four amplifier stages. Pairs of outputs can be run as bridged mono amplifiers. KR auditioned the Primare with three bridged pairs to run his Left-Center-Right speakers and the remaining two channels to run his two surround-channel speakers. While he did try the amplifier in eight-channel mode KR found that bridging transformed the A35.8 “into a much more exciting amplifier” with a better bass balance and superbly stable imaging, even in stereo. He noted that there was never any evidence of the “gray” treble he had experienced with earlier Ncore-based amplifiers: “In my preferred five-channel configuration, the A35.8 equaled other good amplifiers in the treble.” Comparing the Primare with his reference Benchmark AHB2, he felt that the Primare sounded “more convincingly live” than the Benchmark. On the test bench, the A35.8 exceeded its specified power of 150Wpc with two channels driven into 8 ohms, clipping at 200Wpc, and met its 300Wpc specification with two channels driven into 4 ohms. JA’s conclusion was that the Primare A35.8 offers high power, especially in bridged mode, with very low levels of distortion and audioband noise. KR suggests A–; too bad there’s no such rating.”

Audio, Germany, February 2023
A35.8 – The Power of Eight

“A look under the bonnet of the Primare 35.8 power amp reveals that eight cylinders, sorry, power amps are at work here. The analogy to potent V8 engines is obvious, but only the 35.8 can be converted to an even more powerful four-cylinder…

Up to this point, the topic of multi-channel terminal mares had not particularly appealed to me. Until now. The Primare 35.8 convinced me with its power, sound, and unbelievable versatility. Design and workmanship are also at the top level.

Sound Judgement: 110 POINTS / Price/Performance: OUTSTANDING”

HiFi Test, Germany, June 2022
A35.8 – Power Amplifier of the Extra Class

“In addition, the Primare A35.8 not only brings a lot of power to the speaker terminals, but also a squeaky-clean signal. Vanishingly low distortion factors and other measured values attest to the Swedes’ excellent engineering… EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) recently named the Primare A35.8 “Best Product 2022-2023″. And rightly so: superior performance, flawless sound and a wide range of applications also give the eight-channel amp our absolute recommendation!”  Reference Class, 1+

Stereophile, US, November 2022
A35.8 – 8-channel amplifier

“The Primare A35.8 amplifier surprised me. Its performance in my system corroborated Primare’s claim that they can make a great amplifier from Ncore modules, one that can rival amplifiers based on the newer Purifi technology as well as amplifiers utilizing traditional, nonswitching technology. Its eight channels and bridged gain options endow it with tremendous versatility. To me, the Primare A35.8 is worthy of an audition in any multichannel setup. It is a pleasure to use and to listen to.”

Heimkino, Germany, Jun 2022
A35.8 – Power Amplifier with Extra Class

For Film and Music – Our test home cinema confirms the excellent impression from the laboratory. The Primare masters the delicate tones and knows how to please with its balanced, sensitive sound. When it’s time to turn it up and the walls are supposed to shake, it doesn’t show any weaknesses and lets the cinema tremble with brute dynamics. A big movie theatre! 

Incidentally, the Primare A35.8 is also excellent for enjoying music. High-fidelity sound characteristics paired with seemingly unlimited power reserves also delight demanding listeners. If you bridge all four channel pairs, the eight-channel power amplifier is also ideal for driving a stereo system in bi-amping mode. With a whopping 1.5 kW total output! The A35.8 is therefore recommended not only for use in the home cinema, but also for the sophisticated stereo listening room. 

Conclusion – The EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) recently named the Primare A35.8 Best Product 2022-2023. Quite rightly so: superior performance, flawless sound, and a wide range of possible uses also give the eight-channel monster our absolute recommendation!” 

Fidelity, Germany, September 2022
A35.8 – Customized Performance

EISA AWARDS, Aug 15, 2022
EISA POWER AMPLIFIER 2022-2023

*Joint award with Home Theatre audio expert group*

“Designed for both the home theatre audio and hi-fi worlds, Primare’s multichannel 35 Series amplifier deploys eight bridgeable channels of potent, dynamic Hypex Ncore amplification, and then lets the user decide what to do with them. For a home cinema, the A35.8 can spread its output across a surround array or be used to bi-amp the front LCR speakers; in a two-channel system, bridged pairs bring phenomenal power and grip, and all eight amps can be put to work on loudspeakers with a split crossover. This is a flexible, innovative, and imperious-sounding amplifier, in a stylish, understated chassis typical of the brand.”

Sound & Vision, July 2022, USA
Primare A35.8 Eight-Channel Power Amplifier Review

“There are many uses for power, and in my months with the A35.8, I explored most of them. At no point did Primare’s eight-channel design fall short in quantity or quality of amplification, making “bigger without change” and without complaint, no matter what I sent its way. That earns the A35.8 a straight “A” in my book”

HiFi Musik, Sweden, June 2022
A35.8: Complete Freedom

“In the final analysis I can state that Primare has succeeded very well in their intentions to produce a high-quality and supremely flexible multi-channel amplifier. And the number of channels was not simply taken out of thin air, as it can, for example, be run fully bridged to bi-amp a pair of speakers with two sets of speaker connectors, and thereby use all of those eight channels.”

Sempre Audio, June 2022, Austria
A35.8 Power Amplifier

“According to the ideas of the Swedish high-end hi-fi manufacturer Primare AB, the new Primare A35.8 Power Amplifier is an eight-channel power amplifier that can be used alone or as a pair with the two-channel power amplifier Primare A35.2 Power Amplifier can supply any multi-channel system with adequate performance for the highest audiophile demands in surround playback of music and films.Above all, a sophisticated circuit design and an extremely potent power supply should ensure this.”

LowBeats, June 2022, Germany
Primare A35.8 – flexibly configurable 8-channel power amplifier

“The Primare A35.8 is a cleverly made and highly potent 8-channel power amp for multi-channel, multi-room or ambitious stereo.”

Alpha Audio, May 2022, Netherlands
Primare A35.8 – the bridge between film and music

“What a wonderfully fast, lively and flexible amplifier the A35.8 is. Not only can it control eight speakers, it is possible to control four power-hungry speakers via bridge mode. Or bi-amp a stereo set. And yes: that works great! However, you have to take into account the standard low gain. And you do need a preamp with four outputs. The Primare Pre35 can do that job. All in all a beautiful duo that can do much more than most enthusiasts will think!”

Review available in both English & Dutch.

Home Cinema Choice, June, 2022
Home Cinema Choice A35.8 Review

“Overall, Primare’s A35.8 is a classy bit of kit, with a performance (plus a luxurious design and build) that feels commensurate with its not inconsiderable asking price. It’s more than capable in terms of power output to handle hungry speakers, and does so while keeping distortion or unwanted colouration at bay. Being able to bridge its amp channels to suit your requirements is another feather in its cap, as is its refined and insightful nature with music. I rate this an A-grade amplifier.”
Five Star / Best Buy

FDW Magazine, April 2022, The Netherlands
Primare A35.8 – Eight times more muscle power

“The Primare A35.8 is above all an output stage where each channel delivers an insane amount of power and a sound quality to enjoy. Eight times 150 Watts is already very nice. Where it really gets interesting for stereo enthusiasts is when you take those eight channels and start bridging”

Homecinema Magazine, April 2022, Netherlands
Homecinema Magazine A35.8 Review

“With the A35.8, the Swedes show that they are back again. And that with a very special device. The Swedish brand goes one step further, delighting both music lovers looking for ultimate power and those building a high-level home cinema.”

HiFi News, UK, March 2022
A35.8 HFN Review

“The channel count reaches eight because, sensibly, Primare has built it around bridgeable pairs, which means none need go to waste in a home cinema environment. Primare’s most powerful amp to date will service the most ambitious bi-, tri- or quad-amp loudspeaker solutions… a rare product that straddles the worlds of multichannel and hi-fi with aplomb. Its amp stage delivers scads of umblemished, responsive power, while its bridging ability is there to keep hungry loudspeakers well fed – and all this comes from a box no bigger than some monoblocks…”