Интегральные усилители — Primare I35 DAC

The I35 DAC DM36 is the Primare I35 modular integrated amplifier from Sweden supplied with the DM36 digital to analogue converter module already fitted. Primare lists this configuration at EUR 4,600, and it leaves room for the SM35 Prisma network player module to be installed at any later point.

Key specs that matter

UFPD 2 amplification delivers 150 W per channel into 8 ohm and 300 W into 4 ohm. Analogue connections comprise two XLR balanced pairs and three RCA pairs, with LINE (fixed) and PRE (variable) outputs on RCA. The DM36 contributes four Toslink optical and two RCA coaxial inputs, each rated to 192 kHz and 24 bit, a USB-B port for computer playback accepting 384 kHz and 32 bit PCM plus DSD256 (11.2 MHz), and one RCA digital output. The unit is 430 mm wide, 106 mm high and 420 mm deep, and weighs 11 kg, in titanium or black.

Engineering and use context

The converter is based on the ESS ES9068A chip, and the DM36 took over from the previous DM35 module in the Primare range. A PCM up-sampling setting, when switched on, raises 16 bit 44.1 kHz and 24 bit 48 kHz signals to 24 bit 88.2 kHz and 24 bit 96 kHz. MQA decoding is included for Prisma and Primare CD sources, and a Prisma-equipped unit performs the last MQA unfold with Tidal Masters content. When an analogue source is sent to the digital output, its sample rate can be chosen between 48 and 96 kHz. The front panel carries a source selector knob, standby, menu, select and back buttons and a volume control, and primary mains power is switched by a single-pole switch on the back panel. A Polarity Pen is supplied for checking the mains polarity at the power inlet. On the amplifier side, the UFPD name means Ultra Fast Power Device, the Class-D approach without digital stages in the signal path that Primare reworked for its second generation, rated for linear output over the whole audible band. The same DM36 board is offered separately for EUR 900 and also fits the I25 and PRE35.

Pairing

Operation is by the C25 IR remote, supported by 3.5 mm IR in and out, a 3.5 mm 12V trigger output and an RS232 control port. Primare lists the DD35 CD transport as a partner that connects to the coaxial input and follows the amplifier through trigger control. Adding the SM35 module, sold at EUR 550, brings network playback into the same case.

Alternatives

The Primare I35 Prisma DM36 combines the same amplifier and DAC module with the SM35 Prisma network player already installed.