Primare DM36 DAC Module, ESS ES9068A, PCM 384kHz, DSD 256, MQA for I25/I35/PRE35

The Primare DM36 is a digital-to-analogue converter module designed for installation inside the Primare I25, I35, and PRE35 modular platforms. It uses an ESS ES9068A chipset with resolution up to PCM 384kHz/32-bit and DSD 256, and includes full MQA processing. It replaces the previous DM35 module and significantly improves overall conversion performance.

The DM36 adds seven digital inputs to whichever host component it is installed in: four Toslink optical inputs (up to 192kHz/24-bit), two RCA coaxial inputs (up to 192kHz/24-bit), and one USB-B input (up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD 256). An RCA coaxial digital output is also included for passing the digital signal to an external DAC if required. ProHiFi is an authorised Primare dealer in India.

A new PCM up-sampling feature allows 16/44.1kHz and 24/48kHz signals to be up-sampled to 24/88.2kHz and 24/96kHz respectively for improved internal conversion quality. Higher-resolution files at 96kHz and 192kHz pass through without up-sampling. MQA processing is supported with both Prisma streaming sources and Primare CD transports connected via Toslink or coaxial digital, enabling full MQA unfold to 384kHz when playing Tidal Master files.

The DM36 is required for use with the SM35 Prisma module. Once both modules are installed, the host component becomes a full DAC and streaming network player in addition to its existing analogue amplification or preamplification capabilities.

Key Features

• ESS ES9068A DAC chipset
• PCM resolution up to 384kHz/32-bit; DSD up to 256
• Full MQA processing and decoding
• 4 x Toslink optical digital inputs (up to 192kHz/24-bit)
• 2 x RCA coaxial digital inputs (up to 192kHz/24-bit)
• 1 x USB-B digital input (up to 384kHz/32-bit, DSD 256)
• 1 x RCA coaxial digital output
• Selectable PCM up-sampling for 44.1kHz and 48kHz sources
• Compatible with I25, I35, PRE35 modular platforms
• Required for use with SM35 Prisma streaming module

Warranty:

1-year manufacturer's warranty

Why Consider the Primare DM36

The DM36 is the right choice for owners of a Primare I25, I35, or PRE35 base model who want to add high-resolution digital capability without replacing their amplifier or preamplifier. Once installed, it transforms any of those components into a DAC-equipped version with seven digital inputs, MQA decoding, and up-sampling, at a fraction of the cost of buying the DAC variant outright. It is also a required step for anyone planning to add the SM35 Prisma streaming module, since the Prisma module depends on the DM36 for digital-to-analogue conversion. For existing DM35 owners looking to upgrade, the DM36 is a direct drop-in replacement with meaningfully improved resolution, detail, and soundstage dimensionality.

Ideal for

• I25, I35, or PRE35 owners wanting to add high-resolution DAC capability
• Those planning to add the SM35 Prisma streaming module (DM36 is required first)
• DM35 owners upgrading to the improved ESS ES9068A conversion stage
• Systems connecting CD transports, media servers, or computers via digital inputs
• MQA listeners wanting full unfold to 384kHz from Tidal Master files

Technical Specifications