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Primare I35 DAC DM36
I35 DAC DM36 combines the NEW DM36 digital to analog converter module with the award winning I35 modular integrated amplifier platform, featuring our UFPD 2 amplification technology delivering 150 watts of power per channel and balanced inputs, with the option of adding the SM35 Prisma network player module at any time.
Technology
I35 DAC DM36 modular integrated amplifier is the latest iteration of Primare’s now iconic integrated amplifiers and among the first to use our new UFPD 2 power system, a radical reworking of Primare’s award-winning UFPD all-analog Class-D technology.
Providing 150 watts at 8 ohms of absolutely linear UFPD 2 amplification across the entire audible bandwidth, I35 DAC delivers naturally fast, clean and agile sound with an unprecedented ability to bring music to life.
In addition to a pair of XLR balanced and three RCA analog inputs, I35 DAC DM36 includes a DM36 full-featured digital to analog converter stage enabling up to PCM 384kHz/32bit and DSD 256 conversion.
I35 DAC DM36 continues a Primare tradition of delivering astonishing performance from compact and elegant integrated amplifiers for easy installation into virtually any living environment.
Technology
I35 DAC DM36 modular integrated amplifier is the latest iteration of Primare’s now iconic integrated amplifiers and among the first to use our new UFPD 2 power system, a radical reworking of Primare’s award-winning UFPD all-analog Class-D technology.
Providing 150 watts at 8 ohms of absolutely linear UFPD 2 amplification across the entire audible bandwidth, I35 DAC delivers naturally fast, clean and agile sound with an unprecedented ability to bring music to life.
In addition to a pair of XLR balanced and three RCA analog inputs, I35 DAC DM36 includes a DM36 full-featured digital to analog converter stage enabling up to PCM 384kHz/32bit and DSD 256 conversion.
I35 DAC DM36 continues a Primare tradition of delivering astonishing performance from compact and elegant integrated amplifiers for easy installation into virtually any living environment.
The I35 DAC DM36 includes the sophisticated digital to analog converter module, DM36, a full-featured digital to analog converter stage enabling up to PCM 384kHz/32bit and DSD 256 conversion, featuring up-sampling options and MQA processing.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download.
Visit mqa.co.uk for more information.
The modular design of the I35 DAC DM36 allows for the Prisma network player module module, SM35, to be added to the amplifier at any time for unprecedented system customisation.
The look and feel of Scandinavia
We believe that every aspect of our products – the way they look, the satisfying feel of the controls – contributes to the overall experience of living with Primare. As a result, Primare products exude the hallmarks of Scandinavian design – simple, elegant designs, with approachable and easy to understand functionality.
An example of this is our 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 we say lagom, not too much not too little, everything in balance, proportion, and harmony.
The look and feel of Scandinavia
We believe that every aspect of our products – the way they look, the satisfying feel of the controls – contributes to the overall experience of living with Primare. As a result, Primare products exude the hallmarks of Scandinavian design – simple, elegant designs, with approachable and easy to understand functionality.
An example of this is our 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 we say lagom, not too much not too little, everything in balance, proportion, and harmony.
Modular Design and System Building
We feel 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, we are able to 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.
In this video we review the features and functionality of both the I25 and I35 modular integrated amplifier platforms that may make them the perfect addition to your system.
In this video we review the features and functionality of both the I25 and I35 modular integrated amplifier platforms that may make them the perfect addition to your system.
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Professional Reviews 87/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
86/100
Build Quality
80/100
Features Connectivity
95/100
Value for Money
89/100
The Primare I35 DAC DM36 pairs authoritative power with a low-noise ESS DAC stage, delivering controlled, fluent sound and serious all-round versatility. Alpha Audio highlights its confident drive, extensive analogue and digital connectivity, and elegant Scandinavian restraint. Its upgradeable DAC architecture adds lasting appeal for a high-end system built to evolve.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Powerful, controlled amplification with measured output exceeding the 150W-per-channel rating into 8 ohms.
Extensive analogue and digital connectivity, including XLR, RCA, optical, coaxial, USB, and home-automation control.
Upgradeable DM36 DAC-board design supports a longer useful life and can avoid replacing the whole amplifier.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 86/100
Alpha Audio calls the I35/DM36 a very capable all-rounder, placing it in company with the NAD M33 and Hegel H390, and describes its sound as highly enjoyable. The reported presentation combines ample control and flow with a low-noise digital section, although the review offers little direct comment on stereo staging.
Transparency Resolution
87/100
The DM36 DAC is described as having a particularly low noise floor, with the review citing the potential for wide dynamic range. That supports a clean, composed presentation, though there is limited direct listening commentary about fine-detail retrieval.
Tonal Balance Musicality
90/100
The reviewer describes the amplifier as sounding wonderful and calls it a strong all-rounder. There is no indication of tonal fatigue or a pronounced imbalance, but the review does not closely dissect its tonal character.
Dynamics
92/100
With 150W per channel into 8 ohms, measured at 170W in the review, the I35 has substantial reserves. Alpha Audio specifically credits the powerful power supply with providing control and flow, pointing to confident drive with demanding speakers.
Soundstage Imaging
75/100
The review provides little specific information about image focus, stage width, depth, or layering. Its broader praise suggests an accomplished overall presentation, but spatial performance is not directly assessed.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
80/100
Alpha Audio describes the Primare's appearance as sleek, stylish, and free of unnecessary frills, in keeping with the brand's restrained “Lagom” approach. The review says little about chassis construction, internal component quality, or long-term durability.
Features Connectivity
95/100
Connectivity is extensive: two XLR and three RCA analogue inputs, line and pre outputs, four optical and two coaxial digital inputs, USB-B, digital output, remote control, trigger, IR, and RS232 are all included. The DM36 adds an ESS-based DAC with MQA support, while the review also notes compatibility with Primare's Prisma network module.
Value for Money
89/100
At roughly $4,200–$4,600, the I35 DAC DM36 competes in a serious integrated-amplifier class that includes products such as the NAD M33 and Hegel H390. Alpha Audio particularly praises Primare's user-upgradeable DAC-board approach, saying it avoids unnecessary replacement expense and e-waste.
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Authorized dealers for Primare I35 DAC DM36
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Anagram Audio — online and in-store — Bury St Edmunds, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Atelier 13 Audio — in-store — Forest Hills, Tennessee, United States (website)
- AUDIO 2000 — in-store — Wuppertal, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
and 105 more verified dealers