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Primare R35
R35 is our most sophisticated and capable MM/MC phono preamplifier, providing the ideal interface between the low-level output of a moving magnet or moving coil phono cartridge and the line-level inputs of your hi-fi system, either RCA or XLR.
Technology
R35 MM/MC phono preamp is designed to amplify with honest fidelity the delicate signal from even the lowest output phono cartridge.
The design has been carefully crafted so that all components work sympathetically together, including a fully isolated power supply, allowing the highly sensitive signal components to function in a noise free environment for superior performance, resulting in cleaner sound and greater fidelity. R35 features adjustable gain to amplify the signal from virtually any moving magnet or moving coil phono cartridge, and a very wide range of input adjustments allowing for ideal cartridge and system matching.
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 the standby button discretely placed within the Primare logo on the faceplate of our R15, R35 and A35.2 models – 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.
And while not modular, the R35 can be added to any of those systems to include high performance playback of vinyl records.
R15 and R35 Phono Preamplifiers
In this video we review the features and functionality of both the R15 and R35 MM/MC phono preamplifiers that may make them the perfect addition to your system.
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
89/100
Cartridge Compatibility
94/100
Build Quality
87/100
Value for Money
95/100
The Primare R35 brings cartridge-revealing clarity, muscular bass and a three-dimensional soundstage to both MM and MC playback. HiFi News found its extensive gain and loading options capable of unlocking diverse cartridges, while focused images, deep layering and balanced XLR output make this a polished, exceptionally adaptable vinyl front end.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Extensive MM/MC gain and loading adjustment extracts strong performance from a wide range of cartridges.
Punchy, hefty bass combines with clean detail and a realistic, deeply layered soundstage.
Balanced XLR outputs, substantial build and strong cartridge transparency support excellent value.
&
Cons
Rear-mounted DIP switches make loading adjustments fiddly and require consulting the manual.
Very busy or bright recordings can sound slightly sanitised, with less treble separation and sweetness than the best rivals.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
The R35 is portrayed as a clean, cartridge-revealing phono stage with strong low-end drive and especially convincing three-dimensional imaging. Its polished treble and orderly presentation are appealing, though the reviewer found the busiest recordings somewhat sanitised and stopped short of calling its treble separation class-leading.
Transparency Noise Floor
84/100
The reviewer repeatedly found the R35 poised, clean and detailed, and praised its ability to step aside so the cartridge’s own character comes through. There is no direct commentary on hum, hiss, or the absolute noise floor, however.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
The R35 is described as even-handed and as letting each cartridge retain its inherent personality rather than imposing a heavy sonic signature. Its treble has an appealing glossy sheen and convincing metallic shimmer, although the finest phono stages are said to offer greater sweetness and separation.
Dynamics
88/100
Bass is praised for punch, heft and insight, with kick drums carrying real wallop and bass lines moving along with gusto. With the Denon DL-103, the presentation was unusually punchy and gutsy, but dense and bright material could sound a little sanitised, with large and small dynamic contrasts somewhat tidied up.
Soundstage Imaging
94/100
Spatial performance is a particular strength: the reviewer says the R35 projects music convincingly into the room and creates a realistic, three-dimensional stage with impressive front-to-back layering. Images remain sharply focused, while backing effects stay naturally placed rather than being pushed artificially forward.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Cartridge Compatibility
94/100
The R35 supports both MM and MC cartridges, with gain reaching 50dB for MM and 76dB for MC, plus adjustable capacitance and resistance loading. In listening, it worked effectively with an Ortofon 2M Black, Clearaudio MC Essence and Denon DL-103, allowing the benefits of cartridge changes to remain plainly audible.
Build Quality
87/100
The reviewer describes a beautifully styled and finished enclosure, and the substantial 9.5kg chassis gives the unit a purposeful physical presence. RCA inputs and outputs are joined by balanced XLR outputs, though the review offers little further detail on internal construction, shielding, or long-term durability.
Value for Money
95/100
Across its listed 1470.0–2199.0 price range, the R35 is presented as unusually flexible and capable. The reviewer says its strengths transcend its price point and calls its ability to get the best from very different cartridges a rare feat at any price, making an explicit case for its value against peers.
Reviews
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Authorized dealers for Primare R35
- 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