PRE35 – modular preamplifier

PRE35 modular preamplifier features dual XLR inputs and outputs, fully balanced analog preamplification circuitry, and modular construction allowing for sophisticated DAC and Prisma network modules to be added to the all analog preamplifier at any time.

MSRP: € 3200

Primare PRE35 modular preamplifier technology inside

Technology

PRE35 modular balanced is an exceptional system control center, providing umprecedented low noise and distortion free selection and transmission of any analog input, as a result of the carefully circuit design benefitting from the use of a four layer main board to achieve the shortest possible signal path.

In addition to comprehensive input and output options, featuring both XLR and RCA connection, the modular design of the PRE35 also allows for a sophisticated digital to analog converter module, DM36, as well as a Prisma network player module, SM35, to be added to the amplifier at any time for unprecedented system customization.

The look and feel of Scandinavia

We believe that every aspect of our products – the way they look, the satisfying feel of the controls – contributes to the overall experience of living with Primare. As a result, Primare products exude the hallmarks of Scandinavian design – simple, elegant designs, with approachable and easy to understand functionality.
An example of this is our signature control knob, known throughout the industry for both its appearance as well as how it feels in the hand as an input is selected or volume adjusted. – or as we say lagom, not too much not too little, everything in balance, proportion, and harmony.

Primare PRE35 modular preamplifier front titanium

Modular Design and System Building

We feel it is essential to offer modularity whenever possible in order to have just the right features, both now and for the future. Modular design is featured in the I25 and I35 modular integrated amplifiers, as well as the PRE35 modular preamplifier, all of which can be updated with DAC and Prisma modules, as well as the CD35 CD player that can have the Prisma module added, either at the time of purchase or at a later date. As a result, we are able to offer a carefully considered array of models and configurations in order to allow for device selection that best fits any system need. For example, a CD35 with Prisma module installed can be paired with an I35 integrated amplifier, allowing for a separation of analog and digital stages. Or, an I35 with DAC and Prisma modules installed can be paired with a DD35 CD transport, allowing for multi-room and multi-zone playback of every input, whether analog or digital source.

SM35 – Prisma module

DM36 – Digital-to-analog converter module

PRE35 Preamplifier and A35.2 Amplifier

In this video we review the features and functionality of both the A35.2 amplifier and the PRE35 modular preamplifier platform that may make them the perfect addition to your system.

XLR2 x stereo pair analog inputs
RCA3 x stereo pair analog inputs
XLR2 x stereo pair analog PRE outputs
RCA1 x stereo pair analog PRE output
RCA1 x stereo pair analog LINE output
C25 remoteIR system control
IR3.5 mm input/output

12V Trigger3.5 mm output
RS232outboard system control port
Weight11.3 Kg
Dimensions430 x 106 x 420 mm (WHD)
Finishesblack or titanium

For more detailed specifications see the design brief and user guide.

FWD, Benelux, March 2025
PRE35 + CD35 + A35.2: Primare – Striking hifi in Scandinavian design
“Beautiful and timeless designs that you will enjoy looking at for years. Beautiful and high-quality sound reproduction, which you can enjoy for years to come. Everything is solidly built. If you study the entire delivery program of Primare, you will be amazed. A multichannel amplifier? A home cinema processor? eARC and Dirac DSP options? Dolby Atmos and DTS X? The Swedes also deliver all of that. You don’t have to shop around any further. Highly recommended, and given the high sound quality and finish, I find the Primares very competitively priced.”
View full review
FWD, The Netherlands, November 2023
PRE35 Prisma DM36 + A35.8: A dose of extra resolution
Conclusion This review is aimed at two audiences: existing Primare owners considering the new DM36 card, but also people thinking about a new PRE35 and A35.8 system. After all, the new DAC will now be built into the DM36 and PRISMA versions of this preamplifier as standard.

If we then look at the system as a whole, we must conclude that the combination PRE35 in its new PRISMA DM36 version with the A35.8 output stage is significantly better than the previous version. If we then reflect on the chosen speakers that can certainly be called high-end at 12,000 euros per pair, we do not find that the Primare system falls through the cracks. On the contrary, the brand has achieved a new height with this DM36, which makes this system even more suitable for demanding, critical reproducers.
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Stereophile, USA, March 2024
PRE35 Prisma – Stereophile Recommended Component
“Class A – The Primare PRE35 Prisma is a finely honed, well-made, and—considering the state-of-the-art technologies it incorporates—fairly priced streaming preamplifier. Its simple Scandinavian aesthetic belies its rich functionality and flexibility. If you are looking for a streaming preamp with its feature set and have a budget and system to match, you should put the Primare PRE35 Prisma on your short list for audition. Recommended. Lagom!”
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Stereophile, USA, April 2023
PRE35 Prisma – Stereophile Recommended Component
“Class A – The Primare PRE35 Prisma is a finely honed, well-made, and—considering the state-of-the-art technologies it incorporates—fairly priced streaming preamplifier. Its simple Scandinavian aesthetic belies its rich functionality and flexibility. If you are looking for a streaming preamp with its feature set and have a budget and system to match, you should put the Primare PRE35 Prisma on your short list for audition. Recommended. Lagom!”
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Stereophile, USA, March 2023
PRE35 Prisma – Primare PRE35 Prisma streaming preamplifier
“The Primare PRE35 Prisma is a finely honed, well-made, and—considering the state-of-the-art technologies it incorporates—fairly priced streaming preamplifier. Its simple Scandinavian aesthetic belies its rich functionality and flexibility. If you are looking for a streaming preamp with its feature set and have a budget and system to match, you should put the Primare PRE35 Prisma on your short list for audition. Recommended. Lagom!”
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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.

To this end, Primare employs a very modular approach to its product design, such as its latest Ultra Fast Power Device module (used throughout the range), which shows what Class D can do in the hands of very competent design engineers.“

Link to announcement: HiFi+200 Innovation Award

View/download full review as PDF
FWD, Benelux, Yearbook 2020
PRE35 + A35.2: Ultimate Price/Quality Ratio
“But the real knockout follows at the end this time and that is the unbelievably competitive price. I don’t know how they did it. But this PRE35 pre and A35.2 stereo power amplifier definitely belongs to the select group of best products of their kind that you can buy in this price range! For those who are not that traditional and have more to spend, there is ultimately also the more expensive PRISMA version with all possible DAC and network functionalities. Wow!”
View/download full review as PDF

Manuals and documents

Primare Help Centre

Hej! Have a question or need assistance? Contact your local dealer or distributor found at the list at the link above or go to the Primare Help Centre to browse through our FAQ database for the answers to your questions or if you don’t find what you are looking for there, submit a Help Request.