Primare A35.8 8-Channel 150W Power Amplifier, Balanced XLR, Bridgeable

The Primare A35.8 is Primare's most powerful and most versatile amplifier, an eight-channel power amplifier built around Hypex Ncore NC500 Class D modules with XLR balanced and RCA inputs for every channel, and the ability to bridge each pair of channels to mono for an extraordinary range of system configurations. Standard output is 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 300 watts into 4 ohms across all eight channels. With each pair bridged, a single output produces 740 watts into 8 ohms. In a fully bridged, bi-amplified stereo configuration, total output reaches 1500 watts. The largest power supply Primare has ever designed incorporates Active Power Factor Correction and soft clipping circuitry for stable performance at the very limits of its capability, with dual connecting cables ensuring each group of four amplifier modules receives direct, consistent power by the shortest path.

Primare's circuit layout in the A35.8 is deliberately innovative. Amplifier modules are tucked into heatsinks that isolate them from power supply noise, and an uninterrupted ribbon of circuit board threads through a channel in those heatsinks to deliver input and output signals by the shortest possible path. Eight internal LED indicators flash at the base of each module if clipping occurs, visible through the top cover, with a secondary eight-LED warning panel indicating DC, overheating, or power supply conditions. EISA awarded the A35.8 their Power Amplifier 2022-2023 award jointly from both the Home Theatre and HiFi Audio expert groups, an extremely rare double recognition, calling it flexible, innovative, and imperious-sounding. AVForums gave it 10/10 and Best in Class. Stereophile listed it as a Recommended Component from 2023 through 2025. Audio Germany scored it 110 points with outstanding price-to-performance. Home Cinema Choice gave it a five-star Best Buy, calling it an A-grade amplifier.

Key Features

• 8 channels of Hypex Ncore NC500 Class D amplification
• 150W per channel into 8 ohms; 300W into 4 ohms; 400W into 2 ohms
• Each pair of channels bridgeable to mono; 740W into 8 ohms per bridged pair
• 1500W maximum total output in fully bridged bi-amp stereo configuration
• 8 x XLR balanced inputs and 8 x RCA inputs; one per channel
• Largest power supply Primare has ever built; APFC and soft clipping circuitry
• Ribbon circuit board signal path through heatsink channels for minimum noise
• 8-LED per-channel clipping and protection indicator system
• Auto-sense turn-on from standby; auto-standby after 20 minutes silence
• 12V trigger in/out; RS232 outboard system control
• Supports 5.1 to 13.1 configurations; expandable with A35.2
• Available in black or titanium; 430 x 400 x 145mm; 15kg
• EISA Power Amplifier 2022-2023 (joint HiFi and Home Theatre); AVForums 10/10 Best in Class 2023; Stereophile Recommended Component 2023, 2024, 2025

Warranty:

1-year manufacturer's warranty

Why Consider the Primare A35.8

The A35.8 is the right choice for listeners who want a single power amplifier that can serve any system configuration they are likely to build, now or in the future. In eight-channel mode it powers a complete 7.1 surround system from one box. In bridged mode it delivers 740 watts per pair to the most demanding speaker loads. In a fully bridged bi-amp configuration it produces 1500 watts total, which Heimkino Germany noted makes it ideal for a sophisticated stereo listening room as well as a home cinema. EISA's joint award from both audio groups was an explicit recognition that this is not a compromise product for two audiences but an excellent one for both. Stereophile's reviewer found the bridged configuration sounded more convincingly live than his reference amplifier, with no trace of the grey treble sometimes associated with earlier Ncore designs. For the Indian audiophile pairing it with the SP25 Prisma or PRE35 Prisma, the A35.8 provides an upgrade ceiling that is unlikely to be outgrown.

Ideal for

• Home cinema systems requiring 5.1, 7.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.4, 7.1.2, or 7.1.4 configurations from a single amplifier
• Listeners pairing with the SP25 Prisma or SPA25 Prisma for the complete 25 Series cinema system
• PRE35 Prisma DM36 owners wanting the natural 35 Series multichannel power partner
• Stereo systems requiring bi-amplification of demanding speaker loads at 740W per pair
• Auro 3D 9.1.6 or 13.1 configurations using two A35.8 units
• Installations requiring RS232 and 12V trigger in/out for control system integration

What's in the Box

• Primare A35.8 Eight-Channel Power Amplifier
• Power Cable
• Quick Start Guide and Safety Documentation

Technical Specifications