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Recommended Component 2025 – Stereophile
Modular, Fully Balanced Preamplifier and Network Player
The Primare PRE35 Prisma is a modular, fully balanced preamplifier that includes the DM35 DAC module and the SM35 Prisma network player module.
The DM35 is module a full-featured DAC stage enabling up to PCM 768kHz/32bit and DSD 256 conversion. With the DM35 module installed, PRE35 Prisma includes WiSA high resolution wireless speaker connectivity with WiSA enabled high performance powered loudspeakers and is a feature unique to this high-performance preamplifier.
Together, these technologies combine to create an exceptional control center. The RE35 Prisma modular preamplifier is an exceptional system control center. It provides unprecedented low noise and distortion free selection and transmission of any analog input, as a result of the carefully crafted fully balanced circuit design benefitting from the use of a four layer main board to achieve the shortest possible signal path.
"Recommended Component" Honors
Stereophile honored the Primare PRE35 Prisma by awarding it the magazine's coveted Recommend Component status for 2025.
According to Stereophile,"SM [Sasha Matson] felt that the sound of the PRE35 Prisma was very close to that of his reference Audio Research REF6SE preamplifier, though 'deep lows were more forward on the PRE35, the highest highs audible to me a little brighter—in other words, voiced a little differently at the extremes.' Overall, after extended listening SM was impressed, concluding '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.'"
"JA [Jon Atkinson] was equally impressed by the PRE35 Prisma's measured performance, offering very low distortion and noise for both analog and digital input signals."
An Exceptionally Versatile System Control Center
The PRE35 Prisma includes both the sophisticated digital to analog converter module, DM35, as well as a Prisma network player module, SM35, to create an exceptionally versatile system control center.
In addition to its wide ranging source connectivity, the PRE35 Prisma has both XLR and RCA outputs. Carefully crafted input circuitry utilizes relays for input switching providing better isolation and sound than found in more conventional CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) switches.
"Finely Honed, Well-Made, and Fairly Priced"
"The Primare PRE35 Prisma is a finely honed, well-made, and - considering the state-of-the-art technologies it incorporates - fairly priced streaming preamplifier," notes Sasha Matson, Stereophile, March 31, 2023. "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."
Advanced DAC Technology
In order to allow for playback of virtually any digital source with absolute accuracy and musicality, the I35 Prisma's refined DAC stage recreates high-resolution sound that is as close as possible to the original source.
At the heart of this DAC stage is the new flagship of AKM's Verita series, the AK4497EQ chipset, a premium 32-bit stereo DAC, incorporating the companies VELVET SOUND technology, and capable of achieving -128dB (stereo) S/N and -116dB THD+N, while supporting up to 768kHz PCM and 22.4MHz DSD. This ability to handle higher resolution file formats will allow for the potential of future software upgrades.
The AK4497EQ integrates a newly developed switched capacitor filter "OSR Doubler" that greatly reduces sound degradation from noise shaping, achieving a flat noise floor up to 200kHz. An innovative design technique utilizing a symmetrical layout for the left and right channels prevents signal quality deterioration, and a 32-bit digital operation block provides full 32-bit processing.
Inputs include four optical (Toslink), three RCA (SPDF), and one USB-B digital. The USB-B input allows playback of files up to PCM 768kHz/32bit and DSD256/11.2MHz.
One RCA digital output is included, allowing for pass through of digital signals and the option to select 48 or 96 digital output from analog sources.
Prisma Network and Multiroom Technology
Prisma is a bundle of technologies that provide the broadest range of network music player features and functionality. It was created to allow everyone anywhere in the household to explore, discover, and share the deeply satisfying experience of high-performance music playback. Prisma provides multi-room/multi-zone connectivity and control of stored and streamed media, whether wired or wireless, all managed from mobile devices through the dedicated Prisma system control app.
In addition to AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Roon Ready (with future update), and Spotify Connect, Prisma features Chromecast built-in, a unique streaming portal allowing effortless direct connection to hundreds of streaming applications and services, including voice control, for the best possible performance and user experience.
Sleek Scandinavian Design
Every aspect of Primare products – the way they look, the satisfying feel of the controls – contributes to the overall experience. As a result, Primare products exude the hallmarks of Scandinavian design, featuring a simple, elegant look with approachable and easy-to-understand functionality.
An example of this is Primare's 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 they say in Swedish, lagom, meaning 'not too much not too little, everything in balance, proportion, and harmony.'
Modular Design and System Building
Primare feels 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, Primare can 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.
