Primare PRE35 Prisma DM36 Balanced Preamp, ESS DAC, Roon Ready, AirPlay 2

The Primare PRE35 Prisma DM36 is the fully specified variant of Primare's flagship 35 Series modular preamplifier platform, combining the PRE35's fully balanced four-layer circuit design with both the DM36 digital-to-analogue converter module and the SM35 Prisma network player module pre-installed. The DM36 provides an ESS ES9068A DAC with PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit, DSD 256, MQA decoding, and selectable up-sampling across four Toslink optical, two RCA coaxial, one USB-B, and one USB-A digital inputs. The SM35 Prisma module covers AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready, with dual Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi, and multi-room and multi-zone capability across the household. WiSA high-resolution wireless speaker connectivity is also included, enabling direct connection to compatible active loudspeakers and subwoofers.

The PRE35 Prisma DM36 has accumulated one of the most sustained critical records of any preamplifier at its price point. Stereophile listed it as a Class A Recommended Component consecutively from 2023 through 2025, concluding it is a finely honed, well-made, and fairly priced streaming preamplifier whose simple Scandinavian aesthetic belies its rich functionality. Diapason D'Or France awarded the PRE35 Prisma DM36 and A35.2 combination, calling it breathable, spatial, linear, harmonically rich, and capable of dazzling transient dynamics. Stereoplay Germany described the pre and power combination as a volcano in two stages, conjuring lust and passion. HiFi News UK called it a class act offering plentiful facilities, slick ease of use, and an enjoyably powerful sound. With recognition from Audiograde, Alpha Audio, StereoLife, Vumetre, and reviewers across twelve countries, the PRE35 Prisma DM36 is a clear and well-validated choice for the centre of a serious reference system.

Key Features

• Fully balanced preamplification; four-layer main board signal path
• 2 x XLR balanced and 3 x RCA analogue inputs
• 2 x XLR balanced PRE outputs; 1 x RCA PRE output; 1 x RCA LINE output
• DM36 module: ESS ES9068A DAC, PCM 384kHz/32-bit, DSD 256, MQA, up-sampling
• 4 x Toslink, 2 x RCA coaxial, 1 x USB-B, 1 x USB-A digital inputs
• SM35 Prisma: AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready
• Dual Ethernet ports; Wi-Fi; multi-room and multi-zone via Prisma app
• WiSA high-resolution wireless speaker connectivity
• Home cinema surround passthrough mode
• C25 multi-product IR system remote included
• RS232 outboard control; 12V trigger; 3.5mm IR in/out
• Stereophile Class A Recommended Component 2023, 2024, 2025; Diapason D'Or France 2025; Audiograde Best of 2025

Warranty:

1-year manufacturer's warranty

Why Consider the Primare PRE35 Prisma DM36

The PRE35 Prisma DM36 is the right choice for listeners building a reference-level separates system who want a single preamplifier to serve as the permanent, fully equipped centre of that system. The fully balanced circuit gives every source the cleanest possible transmission to the power amplifier. The ESS DAC resolves high-resolution files, DSD, and MQA with precision, and the Prisma platform provides access to every major streaming service alongside Roon Ready and Chromecast built-in. Stereophile's sustained Class A listing confirms that the performance is real and consistent. Paired with the A35.2, it forms what Diapason D'Or and Stereoplay independently described as one of the most compelling pre and power combinations available at the price. For an Indian audiophile ready to commit to a serious long-term system, there is no more complete or better-validated preamplifier in the Primare range.

Ideal for

• Reference separates system builders wanting a fully balanced streaming preamplifier
• Roon users needing a Roon Ready balanced preamplifier with dual Ethernet and Wi-Fi
• Multi-room setups using Chromecast built-in or AirPlay 2 across several zones
• WiSA active speaker users needing a balanced preamplifier as the streaming hub
• Full 35 Series system builds with the A35.2, A35.8, DD35, CD35 Prisma, or R35
• Installations requiring RS232, 12V trigger, dual Ethernet, and IR control integration

What's in the Box

• Primare PRE35 Prisma DM36 Modular Preamplifier and Network Player (DM36 and SM35 modules pre-installed)
• C25 IR Remote Control
• Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Antenna
• Power Cable
• Quick Start Guide and Safety Documentation

Technical Specifications