PRE35 Prisma DM36 – modular preamplifier and network player

Diapason, October 2025, France
PRE35 Prisma DM36 + A35.8 – PRE35 PRISMA DM36 & A35.2

If there are still detractors of digital and Class D, these two electronics could well shake up their convictions. To say that it’s breathable, spatial, linear, harmonically rich, explored down to the smallest signals, and, what’s more, capable of instantaneous dynamics in the most vivid transients, is a fairly modest summary of the situation. If we compare these (too) rarely found capabilities with the total budget required to acquire them, there’s enough to shake even the most reputable references to their foundations.

Are you missing vinyl? The R35 phono stage is the perfect complement. More of a CD player? With the DD35 transport, “the resolution and depth of exploration of micro-information have taken a giant leap forward”.

Do we like this 35 series from Primare? No need to draw you a picture. Extended listening to the preamp/amp pair fully confirms the feeling of musical competence and straightforwardness in the execution experienced so far when listening to the two aforementioned sources. In direct-to-DAC streamer mode, the preamp and amp form a pair that we don’t want to separate. Thus supported, the A35.2 is capable of both delicacy and dazzling bursts. Although the manufacturer says too little about the structure of its preamp, it proves to be of a transparency and rigor – in the sense of respect for the musical content – unheard of in this product range.

Diapason D’Or Award

Stereophile, USA, October 2025
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!”

the Ear, UK, September 2025
PRE35 Prisma DM36: Primare PRE35 streaming preamp with hygge appeal

“I rather liked the Primare PRE35’s even-handed performance, which was naturally balanced and rarely if ever brittle or harsh, it presented music in a very listenable fashion, especially when set to upsampling. It may not seem the most obviously hyper-analytical of streamers, but it did not throw the spotlight onto, or highlight, any one part of the spectrum. Instead the detail was subtly presented, so that one could simply sit back and enjoy the music. When playing from USB or CD sources, this intrinsic musicality was retained, but with greater clarity, and transparency.”

Andrew Robinson Reviews, US, May 2024
PRE35 Prisma DM36 + A35.2: Class D Done Right

“I have really really enjoyed my time with the Primare PRE35 and A35.2 I have relied on them pretty heavily in evaluating many other products you’ve undoubtedly seen on this channel these past few months because they are just very very good at what they do. I believe the designers at Primare have understood their assignment and for the right listener these products will undoubtedly be just right, a minimalist high-fi dream come true.”

Pursuit Perfect System, UK, June 2024
PRE35 Prisma DM36 + A35.2: All new hifi should be like this?

“In this video I am reviewing two HiFi Products from Swedish high end manufacturer Primare the Pre 35 Prisma which is a preamplifier with the Prisma streaming module and DM36 DAC module built in. That is being used with the matching Primare A 35.2 Stereo Power Amplifier. In the review I look at all four of these products individually and how they compare to other market alternatives at similar price points to see whether each adds real value for money, but either way this is very nice HiFi to live with and listen to. However I feel the modular aspect of the PRE35 is what makes it stand out because it doesn’t force the owner into buying features they don’t want or need.”

Audiograde, UK, June 2025
PRE35 Prisma DM36 + A35.2: Primare PRE35 Prisma and A35.2 amplifiers review

In Summary: As flagship pre/power combinations go these take some beating at their price (and considerably more). Primare’s always had a knack for making hifi seem refreshing simple, because its approach is well thought out, and the PRE35 and A35.2 amps epitomise this. Ladened with sensible features and optional upgrades, ease of use and above all, a sonic quality that is hi-end yet so easy to live with, thanks to effortless dynamics and sheer musicality, this is a system that’s worth a serious demo.

Alpha Audio, NL, May 2025
PRE35 Prisma DM36 + A35.2: Power and Glory!

“Conclusion: The Primare PRE35 Prisma and A35.2 fit together very well but are also certainly worth it separately. Both devices are made with care and look timeless and sleek in our opinion. They also remain relevant and only get new technology if it offers added value. In terms of sound, we have heard few shortcomings. These are products for the long term that reproduce music in a captivating way. The price is certainly fair for what you get. Both recommended!”

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.”

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.

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!”

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!”

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!”

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.

Audioreview, Italy, December 2020
PRE35 Prisma & A35.2: Scandinavian Class D, Will it sound “cold”? Maybe not…

There is a remarkable attention to detail and an unexpected sweetness. Wasn’t it just tubes that had such grace? Those who miss the old series of Primare’s AB class amps will finally be able to be convinced of the technical-commercial choices made beyond the Baltic. The warmth in the mid-range is absolutely not trivial. Voices are balanced, open and crisp, perfectly focused on stage. There is no sibilant out of place and at the same time the detail on the cymbals or any other instrument appears millimetric. A clue that confirms the naturalness effect is not achieved through some sweetening.

HiFi News, UK, December 2019
PRE35 Prisma + A35.2: Primare PRE35/A35.2

“Primare’s sophisticated PRE35/A35.2 combination is a class act. Especially in its priciest Prisma guise, it offers plentiful facilities coupled with slick ease-of-use and an enjoyably powerful sound. Furthermore, while optimised as a pair, both pre and power amp remain very competitive in their own right, the PRE35 as a go-to hub for comprehensive digital systems while the A35.2 is an all-round high-value powerhouse.”

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!”

Audio Review, Italy, December 2020
PRE35 Prisma + A35.2: Primare PRE35 Prisma and A35.2

“There is a remarkable attention to detail and an unexpected sweetness. Wasn’t it just tubes that had such grace? Those who regret the old Primare AB series will finally be able to convince themselves of the technical-commercial choices made beyond the Baltic.”

StereoLife, Poland, December 2020
Primare PRE35 Prisma + A35.2

HIFI.NL, Benelux, July 2020
PRE35 Prisma: Primare PRE35 with WiSA and System Audio Legend Audio 40 Silverback

“From the perspective of the discerning music lover, the interesting thing is that this wireless music system makes very few compromises in audio quality. The WiSA system is lossless and hi-res (to a certain extent), and together with a source/hub like the PRE35 you talk about a high-end audio chain that remains completely in the hi-fi atmosphere. Thanks to Primare’s excellent Prisma platform, you are in the right place in terms of streaming options. 4.5 stars out of 5.”

AV High End, Poland, May 2020
PRE35 Prisma and A35.2: Strong and Polished

“Both the PRE35 preamplifier and the A35.2 power amplifier deserve high marks in relation to the quality of their reasonable prices… The power amplifier is fast, detailed, offers high-quality transparency and very good insight into recordings, without the drawbacks or restrictions associated with class D… The additional advantage of both devices is excellent aesthetics and quality of workmanship.”

Vumetre, France, February 2020
PRE35 Prisma + A35.2: PRE35 PRISMA + A35.2

“Musical, full of life and with disconcerting ease in the most delicate situations, this set seduced us …”

Stereoplay, Germany, May 2020
PRE35 Prisma + A35.2: Volcano in Two Stages (English)

“This pre/power tandem conjures up lust and passion, no matter how classically-refined its appearance may be. We were thrilled… We would like to go easy on our proofs of love. But we have really fallen for these two Swedes. As a mix of control centre and powerhouse we don’t know a better tandem in this price category.”

Read the German version here.

Stereoplay, Germany, May 2020
PRE35 Prisma + A35.2: Vulkan in zwei Stufen (German)

“Diese Vor/End-Kombi erzaubert Lust und Leidenschaft, so klassisch-fein sie auch aussehen mag. Wir waren begeistert… Wir wollen sparsamer mit unseren Liebesbezeugungen umgehen. Aber diese beiden Schweden haben es uns ange- tan. Als Mix aus Zentrale und Kraftbereiter kennen wir in die- ser Preisregion kein besseres Duo.”

Read the English version here