Primare PRE35 Modular Preamplifier

Distortion measured in thousandths of a percent

The Primare PRE35 is an analogue preamplifier with a THD plus noise figure below 0.002% and a frequency response flat to ±0.1dB, which is about as close to doing nothing as a preamplifier gets. Balanced and unbalanced inputs feed a fully balanced signal path, and the same module bay found in the I35 lets you add DM36 conversion and SM35 Prisma streaming whenever you decide you want them.

Why You'll Love It

• It gets out of the way. Below 0.002% THD plus noise and better than 100dB signal to noise means the preamplifier is not the thing you are listening to.
• Balanced from input to output. Two XLR pre outputs at 380Ω drive an A35.2 or A35.8 over long cable runs without the interference problems single ended connections invite.
• Modules when you want them. Analogue only out of the box, with DM36 conversion and SM35 Prisma streaming as later additions rather than compulsory purchases.

Under the Hood

• Fully balanced analogue preamplifier with THD plus noise below 0.002%, signal to noise better than 100dB and frequency response within ±0.1dB.
• Two balanced XLR preamplifier outputs at 380Ω alongside RCA preamplifier and line level outputs at 100Ω.
• Modular main board accepting the DM36 DAC module and the SM35 Prisma network module, both fitted through the rear panel at any time after purchase.

CHT Insider Verdict

A preamplifier is the easiest place in a system to add noise and the hardest place to notice you have. The PRE35 is the unglamorous, correct answer: quiet, flat, and built to hand a clean signal to a power amplifier over balanced cable. Buy it if you are running separates and want the option to add digital later without buying a different chassis.

Pro Tip: Two sets of balanced outputs means you can run a stereo pair from one and a subwoofer amplifier or second power amplifier from the other, without splitters degrading the signal.