Primare I35 Prisma DM36 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

The whole system, minus the speakers

The Primare I35 Prisma is the I35 with the DM36 converter board and the SM35 Prisma network board already fitted, which turns a 150W analogue integrated into a complete streaming system with one set of speaker cables and one power lead. Conversion is handled by an ESS ES9068A, and the Prisma platform brings Roon Ready certification, AirPlay 2, Chromecast built in and Bluetooth alongside seven wired digital inputs.

Why You'll Love It

• Bought this way it costs less. The DM36 and SM35 boards fitted at the factory work out cheaper than buying a base I35 and adding both later, so decide now if streaming is definitely part of the plan.
• Roon Ready and certified. Not just Roon tested. It appears as a proper endpoint with full transport control, alongside AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal and Qobuz.
• Every source you own still has a socket. Four Toslink, two coaxial, USB-B and USB-A join two XLR and three RCA analogue pairs, so nothing gets left in a box.

Under the Hood

• UFPD 2 Class D output stage rated at 2 x 150W into 8Ω and 2 x 300W into 4Ω, with signal to noise better than 100dB to AES17 and THD plus noise below 0.05%.
• DM36 module built around an ESS ES9068A converter, fed by four Toslink, two coaxial and one USB-B input, plus a USB-A port for local storage.
• SM35 Prisma network module with dual Ethernet and WiFi, offering Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, Chromecast built in, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Tidal and Qobuz, controlled by the Prisma app.

CHT Insider Verdict

If you want one box between the wall and the speakers and you have no intention of stacking separates, this is the sensible end of the Primare range. The Prisma platform is stable and the app is genuinely usable, which is not something every network amplifier can claim. The only reason to step back to the plain I35 is if you already own a streamer you love.

Pro Tip: Run it on Ethernet rather than WiFi if the cable can be made to reach. There are two ports on the rear, so the second can feed a nearby CD player or television without adding a switch.