CD35 – CD player

HiFi Choice, UK, February 2023
CD35 – Group Test

“This flagship with space for a streaming module proves that excellence is more than just a state-of-the-art DAC. Oozing Scandi cool, the CD35 is an out-and-out winner in every way.

A clear round? I doubt any Group Test will ever witness one, but here’s the Primare CD35 and that’s close enough. Think reverse perfect storm, a rare union of positive attributes – let’s call it best-of-all-worlds syndrome – that combine to nail ‘dead right’. First off, the CD35 is supremely confident and comfortable in its own skin and its sonic assets are truly all-encompassing.

Naturally 7 really live up to their name via the CD35. Far from being an artfully blended but amorphous vocal mass, the Primare’s powers of resolution and separation more accurately portray an ensemble of fewer singers in a larger space with more lung power, tonal nuance and easily understood expression. No blurring or artificial smoothing – it all just sounds stunningly natural.

Moreover, the CD35’s skills are seamlessly transferable. As you might imagine, Goodbye Pork Pie Hat sounds stellar, Jeff Beck’s dizzying speed, dynamic tension and effortless melding of delicacy and bite aren’t just thrilling, but truly jaw dropping. The urge to lean heavily on the volume is irresistible.

The Primare CD35 looks rather self-effacing. Neat, clean, minimal. It doesn’t sound it. If you want to discover just how glorious your CDs can sound, this is the one to get.”

HiFi+, UK, October 2021
HiFi+ Innovation Award 2021

Primare have received an Innovation award from HiFi+ with the following citation:

“First founded in 1985 by industrial designer Bo Christensen, Primare’s is perhaps one of the most recognisably Scandinavian brands in audio. Its combination of minimalism and good performance all point to a Swedish brand.

So, when Primare uses a Swedish word to describe its ethos, perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised. That word is ‘Lagom’ (pronounced ‘laah-goam’) and roughly translates to ‘just the right amount.’ In Primare’s world this means keeping everything in balance, harmony and proportion, and that the music – rather than the technology or the box in which it comes – should be the focus of audio.

Salon AudioVideo. Russia, March 2021
I35 and CD35

“But the most interesting thing is that, choosing an intermediate solution (I35 only with DAC, and CD35 – in the full version, with a network board), but while having to pay a bit extra, you get the most flexible option. First, the system has two different DAC characteristics… Secondly, with additional digital inputs, it is possible to use not only more sources, but also alternative signal paths between the amplifier and the universal network CD player (one of them can be configured by cables specifically for some musical genre). After all, the SM35 Prisma streaming board can be moved from source to integrated if you want to try out a different configuration or part with the CD player altogether.”

EISA, International, August 2019
EISA STEREO SYSTEM 2019-2020 PRIMARE CD35/I35 PRISMA

“Recipient of a previous EISA Award, Primare continues its winning ways with this I35 amplifier and CD35 Prisma CD/network player. The amplifier is a simple, but fabulous- sounding, all-analogue design that delivers plenty of power using the company’s UFPD 2 amplification. Its modular design means you can add Primare’s DAC stage, and the Prisma network/multi-room module, when required. The CD35 Prisma CD player is also fully networked, offering wired and wireless connectivity for AirPlay, Bluetooth and Spotify Connect, as well as Chromecast built-in to access thousands of streaming services. This is so much more than a simple CD player/amp system: It’s the future of hi-resolution home hi-fi.”

HiFi Musik, Sweden, April 2019
Effortless streaming – Primare’s new talents

“I have myself never heard a amplifier in this price class that sounds so explosive and powerful in the low end, yet sounding so subtle and detailed with precision.”

Audio Video, Poland, December 2018
CD35: CD with potential

“So, success? Of course. It is enough that CD35 offers a potentially attractive and interesting expansion option for the Prisma network player module, which will turn this disc player into a true multi-format source, in addition to being a class-leading player. A CD about free, open, natural and – most importantly – engaging sound. Feeling the sound of progress, without a doubt. RECOMMENDED.”