Primare CD35 Modular CD Player, ESS Sabre DAC, Balanced XLR, Prisma Ready

The Primare CD35 is a full-size modular CD player from Sweden's Primare 35 Series. It combines a TEAC CD-5020A-AT dedicated low-resonance CD drive with an eight-channel ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC and a finely tuned analogue output stage, delivering both balanced XLR and RCA stereo analogue outputs alongside RCA coaxial and Toslink digital outputs.

An internal module slot allows the SM35 Prisma network player module to be added at any time, turning the CD35 into a full CD and streaming network player (the CD35 Prisma variant) without replacing the unit. This modular approach means the CD35 can start as a pure CD player and grow into a complete digital source as the system evolves. ProHiFi is an authorised Primare dealer in India.

Hi-Fi Choice awarded the CD35 Group Test Winner status in their 2023 comparison, calling it an out-and-out winner in every way with stunningly natural resolution and separation. Audio Video Poland described its sound as free, open, natural, and engaging. EISA recognised the CD35 and I35 Prisma as their Stereo System of the Year 2019-2020, calling it the future of hi-resolution home hi-fi.

Key Features

• TEAC CD-5020A-AT dedicated low-resonance CD drive
• ESS Sabre ES9028PRO eight-channel DAC
• 1 x XLR balanced stereo analogue output
• 1 x RCA stereo analogue output
• 1 x RCA coaxial and 1 x Toslink digital outputs
• Modular: SM35 Prisma module slot for streaming upgrade
• C25 IR system remote included
• RS232 outboard control; 12V trigger in/out; IR 3.5mm in/out
• Full-size 35 Series chassis; 430 x 385 x 106mm; 10.8kg
• Available in black or titanium
• Hi-Fi Choice Group Test Winner 2023; EISA Stereo System 2019-2020; HiFi+ Innovation Award 2021

Warranty:

1-year manufacturer's warranty

Why Consider the Primare CD35

The CD35 is the right choice for listeners who want the best possible CD playback from the Primare range, with the flexibility to add full Prisma streaming capability later. The TEAC transport and ESS Sabre DAC work together to extract a level of detail and musical engagement from compact disc that Hi-Fi Choice called truly jaw-dropping. The balanced XLR output provides a cleaner signal path to a PRE35 or I35 amplifier, and the open Prisma slot means the upgrade to a full network player requires only a module, not a new component. For those building a matched 35 Series system, the CD35 pairs naturally with the I35, PRE35, or A35.2, and the EISA Stereo System award confirms that the combination performs at a level that reviewers across Europe independently recognised as class-leading.

Ideal for

• CD collectors who want reference-level disc playback with an ESS Sabre DAC
• Systems requiring balanced XLR analogue output from the CD source
• Those planning to add Prisma streaming later via the SM35 module slot
• 35 Series system builds pairing with the I35, PRE35, or A35.2
• Listeners who want both analogue and digital outputs from a single CD player
• Installations requiring RS232, 12V trigger, and IR in/out control integration

Technical Specifications