Primare PRE35 DAC

Primare PRE35 DAC: balanced stereo preamplifier with the DM36 D/A converter

PRE35 DAC is the PRE35 preamplifier with the DM36 conversion module already fitted. Compared with the PRE35 it adds digital inputs, D/A conversion, MQA decoding and the WiSA link; compared with the PRE35 Prisma it lacks the SM35 network module, which the modular construction still lets the owner install later on.

The analogue section is balanced throughout and rests on a main board with four layers, chosen to shorten the signal path as far as possible and to keep noise and distortion down. The DM36 is a complete conversion stage based on the ESS ES9068A chip: it handles PCM signals up to 384 kHz/32 bit and DSD 256 and carries out full MQA processing. The same module brings WiSA, a high-resolution wireless link to compatible powered loudspeakers.

Key features

• ESS ES9068A D/A converter, PCM up to 384 kHz/32 bit, DSD 256, MQA
• Digital inputs: 4 Toslink optical, 2 coaxial, 1 USB-B
• Digital output: one, coaxial
• Analogue inputs: 2 XLR stereo pairs and 3 RCA stereo pairs
• Analogue outputs: 2 pre pairs on XLR; on RCA one pre and one line
• Control: C25 remote, IR on 3.5 mm jacks (input and output), 12 V trigger output, RS232 port
• Weight: 11.3 kg

Connections

Digital sources come in through the four optical sockets, the two coaxial ones and the USB-B port; analogue sources through the two balanced pairs and the three unbalanced ones. The pre outputs, on XLR or on RCA, feed the power amplifier, while the RCA line output stays at fixed level. With WiSA-enabled powered loudspeakers the link can be made without signal cables.

Technical data

The dimensions are 430 mm wide, 106 mm high and 420 mm deep. The finishes on sale are Black and Titanium.