Primare PRE35 Prisma Balanced Preamplifier

Scandinavian Restraint, Serious Engineering

Primare calls its design philosophy lagom, a Swedish idea of balance: not too little, not too much, just right. The PRE35 Prisma embodies it. This modular preamplifier pairs a fully balanced analog circuit with a built-in DAC and Primare's Prisma network streaming platform, all inside one elegant chassis with a single signature control knob.

The DAC module runs an ESS ES9068A chipset, decoding PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256, with MQA processing and selectable upsampling. Digital inputs cover four optical, two coaxial, and one USB-B connection. The Prisma streaming module adds two Ethernet ports, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready certification, plus WiSA support for wireless high-resolution speakers.

The analog side is just as considered: two balanced XLR input pairs and three RCA pairs feed a relay-switched, fully balanced signal path, with balanced and single-ended outputs on the other end. Signal-to-noise runs above 100dB, distortion measures below 0.002%, and the whole preamp draws under 37 watts.

One Knob, Total Control

The PRE35 Prisma's front panel keeps things simple: one control knob handles volume and menu navigation, backed by Primare's C25 remote. RS232, 12-volt trigger, and IR input/output round out custom-install integration, and the chassis is available in black or titanium to match the rest of Primare's 35-series lineup.

Because the DAC and network sections are separate modules, Primare can update or replace them down the road as formats and streaming standards evolve, without asking you to replace the whole preamplifier.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Sasha Matson of Stereophile, in a March 31, 2023 review, praised the PRE35 Prisma's "hefty metal chassis" and "sturdy, solid knobs," and noted that its DAC "will allow for the potential of future software upgrades" as new formats emerge. He called the overall package an example of Primare's lagom philosophy done right: "not too little, not too much, just right."

Who Is This Preamplifier Best For?

• You want streaming and DAC duties handled in one chassis — Prisma multiroom streaming and an ESS DAC live inside the same box as the preamp.
• You run a fully balanced system — the signal path stays balanced from XLR input to XLR output.
• You value understated Scandinavian design — a single control knob and clean lines over a crowded front panel.
• You want future-proofing — the modular design and upgradeable DAC firmware protect against obsolescence.
• If you need a phono input, the PRE35 Prisma is line, digital, and streaming only — Parasound's Halo P6 builds a phono stage in.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect the balanced XLR or RCA outputs to your power amplifier, ideally Primare's matching A35.2. Digital sources join by optical, coaxial, or USB, analog sources use the XLR or RCA inputs, and your network joins by Ethernet or Wi-Fi for Prisma streaming. Roon, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect all work directly from your phone or laptop, and a WiSA transmitter adds wireless speakers to the mix.

One knob controls the rest.

Pairs Well With

Building around the PRE35 Prisma? Here are some great companions:

• Cables: Keep the balanced path balanced — see our Interconnect Cables.
• Speakers: Give a Scandinavian preamp Scandinavian company — see our Floorstanding Speakers.
• CD Transport: A disc source for the digital inputs — see our CD Players & Transports.
• Audio Rack: A tidy home for a modular system — see our Audio Racks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What DAC does it use?

An ESS ES9068A chipset decoding PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256, with MQA processing and selectable upsampling.

What streaming services does it support?

AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready certification, plus Bluetooth and WiSA wireless speaker support.

Is it fully balanced?

Yes, with two balanced XLR input pairs and balanced XLR outputs alongside RCA connections.

Does it have a phono input?

No. It's a line, digital, and streaming preamplifier; Parasound's Halo P6 adds a phono stage.

What finishes are available?

Black or titanium.

Can I add modules later?

The PRE35 Prisma's modular design accepts DAC and network module upgrades as Primare releases them.

See It in Action

Pursuit Perfect System reviews the PRE35 Prisma with its matching A35.2 amplifier:

Andrew Robinson tests the PRE35 Prisma's Class D partnership in his own system:

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Learn More

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