Primare I35 DAC DM36 150W Integrated Amplifier with ESS DAC, Balanced XLR, MQA

The Primare I35 DAC DM36 is a full-size modular integrated amplifier from Sweden's Primare 35 Series, pairing 150 watts per channel of UFPD 2 all-analogue Class D amplification with the DM36 digital-to-analogue converter module pre-installed. Two balanced XLR inputs and three RCA analogue inputs serve every analogue source, while the DM36 adds four Toslink optical inputs, two RCA coaxial digital inputs, a USB-B port, and a digital output, with an ESS ES9068A DAC supporting PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit, DSD 256, selectable up-sampling, and MQA decoding. A second internal slot remains open for the SM35 Prisma network player module, which can be added at any time to bring the full Prisma streaming platform into the same chassis.

The I35 DAC DM36 sits at the intersection of two things Primare does particularly well: high-power analogue amplification and high-resolution digital conversion. HiFi+ named the I35 platform their 2020 Editor's Choice and included it in the Top 100 list, noting it never exhibited any undesirable characteristics across any combination of sources.

HiFi Musik Sweden described the I35 as the most explosive and powerful-sounding amplifier in its price class, yet subtle and detailed with precision. Salon AudioVideo Russia highlighted a specific advantage of the DAC variant: pairing it with a CD35 Prisma gives two separate DAC stages in the system, with the SM35 Prisma board transferable between components as the system evolves. For listeners who want 150 watts of balanced-input power with a serious onboard DAC and a clear streaming upgrade path, the I35 DAC DM36 is a strong and well-recognised choice.

Key Features

• 150W per channel into 8 ohms; 300W into 4 ohms
• UFPD 2 all-analogue Class D amplification technology
• 2 x XLR balanced and 3 x RCA analogue inputs
• DM36 module: ESS ES9068A DAC, PCM 384kHz/32-bit, DSD 256, MQA
• 4 x Toslink, 2 x RCA coaxial, 1 x USB-B digital inputs
• Selectable up-sampling; RCA digital output
• SM35 Prisma module slot open for future streaming upgrade
• Dedicated RCA LINE and PRE outputs; home cinema passthrough
• C25 multi-product IR system remote included
• RS232 outboard control; 12V trigger; 3.5mm IR in/out
• Available in black or titanium; 430 x 106 x 420mm; 11kg
• HiFi+ Editor's Choice 2020; HiFi+ Top 100 2019; HiFi News Highly Commended 2019

Warranty:

1-year manufacturer's warranty

Why Consider the Primare I35 DAC DM36

The I35 DAC DM36 is the right choice for listeners who want high-power, balanced-input amplification with a high-resolution DAC already built in, and the flexibility to add streaming when the time is right. The UFPD 2 module delivers 150 watts with the linear, controlled character that demanding speakers require, the ESS ES9068A DAC resolves PCM 384kHz, DSD 256, and MQA with equal precision, and the open Prisma slot means the path to Roon Ready and Chromecast streaming requires only a module, not a new amplifier. For those building a 35 Series system, the I35 DAC DM36 pairs naturally with the DD35 CD transport or CD35 Prisma via its digital inputs, giving two independent DAC stages in the system and a highly flexible signal routing arrangement.

Ideal for

• Listeners wanting high-power balanced amplification with a built-in high-resolution DAC
• CD, hi-res file, and DSD listeners needing PCM 384kHz, DSD 256, and MQA in one box
• Those planning to add Prisma streaming later via the open SM35 module slot
• 35 Series system builds pairing with DD35 or CD35 Prisma for dual DAC configurations
• Home cinema setups using the surround passthrough input
• Installations requiring RS232, 12V trigger, and IR in/out system control

What's in the Box

• Primare I35 DAC DM36 Modular Integrated Amplifier (DM36 module pre-installed)
• C25 IR Remote Control
• Power Cable
• Quick Start Guide and Safety Documentation

Technical Specifications