Primare I35 Modular Integrated Amplifier

Serious power, with the option to change its mind later

The Primare I35 sits at the top of Primare's integrated range as an analogue amplifier first, delivering 150W into 8Ω and 300W into 4Ω from the company's own UFPD 2 Class D topology. Balanced XLR inputs sit alongside three RCA pairs, and the chassis is built around a module bay that takes the DM36 converter and the SM35 Prisma streaming board. You can fit both today, one later, or neither.

Why You'll Love It

• Real headroom. 150W into 8Ω doubling cleanly to 300W into 4Ω means difficult floorstanders and low impedance dips stop being a conversation you have to have.
• Balanced inputs as standard. Two XLR pairs at 30kΩ let you run a balanced source or preamplifier properly, which is unusual at this point in an integrated range.
• The module bay is the point. DM36 conversion and SM35 Prisma streaming drop in whenever you want them, so this amplifier does not date the moment your sources change.

Under the Hood

• UFPD 2 Class D output stage rated at 2 x 150W into 8Ω and 2 x 300W into 4Ω, with THD plus noise below 0.05% and signal to noise better than 100dB measured to AES17.
• Two balanced XLR inputs at 30kΩ and three stereo RCA line inputs at 15kΩ, with RCA line and preamplifier outputs, IR in and out, RS232 and 12V trigger.
• Active power factor corrected switch mode supply feeding a fully modular main board, with the DM36 DAC and SM35 Prisma network boards fitted in a bay accessible from the rear panel.

CHT Insider Verdict

This is the amplifier to buy if you already own sources you rate and you want the money spent on amplification rather than on a converter you will bypass. The extra 50W over the I25 matters less than the balanced inputs and the stiffer supply, both of which show up as composure when the music gets dense. If streaming is part of the plan from day one, the I35 Prisma is the cheaper route to the same place.

Pro Tip: There is no phono module for the 35 series. A turntable needs an outboard stage, and the R35 is the natural partner because it shares the chassis and the balanced output.