Primare CD35 Prisma: The ultimate CD and network player

According to Primare’s long-term strategy, the company aims to enhance its product offerings by not only expanding functionality but also improving design and playback quality when introducing new components. Additionally, innovations are developed with a multi-year outlook to avoid frequent changes in the product lineup. While not all audio equipment manufacturers share Primare’s approach, this strategy has proven successful for the Swedish company, which has no intention of altering it.

The developers regard the Primare CD35 Prisma player as the pinnacle of the company’s achievements. This player features a TEAC CD 5020A-AT CD drive and a state-of-the-art digital-to-analog converter utilizing the ESS Sabre ES9028PRO chip, capable of supporting PCM audio resolutions up to 384 kHz and DSD 128. Beyond the Prisma module ports, the player also includes unbalanced and balanced analog outputs, as well as coaxial and optical digital outputs.

The latest components feature the signature Primare design, characterized by sleek enclosures with a touch of minimalism, supported by three sturdy feet. Notable enhancements include high-clarity OLED displays, upgraded digital-to-analog converters, and the inclusion of an RS232 service port across all models, facilitating integration into smart home systems. Additionally, the devices are equipped with new remote controls, and the amplifiers now incorporate automatic circuits for selecting active sources.

Constructed from robust steel, the chassis of the Primare CD35 is engineered to shield the unit from external vibrations. The buttons on the front panel are designed to protrude slightly, ensuring they remain clean during use. Contrary to initial appearances, the display is not fluorescent; it utilizes a matrix similar to those found in mobile devices, providing high information density and an aesthetically pleasing visual experience.

The Primare CD35 Prisma is more than just a standard player for CD-DA and MP3 formats. It features balanced analog signal outputs and offers three primary types of digital audio outputs: coaxial, optical, and balanced AES/EBU. Additionally, it includes a USB port for playing MP3 files from an external drive. Navigating to your desired track is straightforward, as the display shows the names of five folders simultaneously, with the selected folder highlighted. With a bit of practice using the remote control—designed to operate both devices—users will find it easy to manage. The rear panel is equipped with all essential auxiliary connectors, including 12 V trigger inputs/outputs, an external IR sensor, and RS-232.

Inside the Primare CD35 Prisma, you will find an ESS Sabre DAC that operates within discrete shielded surface-mount circuits. This player features a unique design approach, utilizing discrete transistors in place of operational amplifiers for the critical I/V (current to voltage) conversion stage.

Primare DD35 (CD Transport)

The Primare CD35 Prisma is designed to oversample up to 384 kHz on both its analog and digital outputs. However, users have the option to adjust this setting via the remote control, allowing them to reduce the sampling frequency to either 48 or 44.1 kHz. Additionally, Primare has included a USB port, accommodating flash drives and larger external storage devices, which distinguishes this model within our selection.

On the rear panel, the Primare CD35 Prisma boasts a comprehensive array of connectors, including analog RCA and XLR outputs, AES/EBU and coaxial digital outputs, 12-volt triggers, an RS-232 interface, and the previously mentioned USB-A port. The accompanying remote control features a multitude of small buttons, which may require some time to master for effective use. For instance, adjusting the sampling frequency or accessing content from a flash drive will necessitate a learning curve.

Primare CD35 (Basic Configuration)

Let us delve into the details of the system. The UPnP/DLNA solution provided by the German firm Audivo serves as the network platform, supporting file resolutions of up to 24 bit/192 kHz. It is important to highlight that this system enables gapless playback, ensuring a seamless transition between tracks.

This module’s capabilities allow for content playback over Ethernet and Wi-Fi using the UPnP protocol from external media servers, as well as through a USB input from a flash drive. It supports various formats, including WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, and ALAC, with resolutions reaching up to 32 bit/192 kHz. The power supply is managed by a pulse unit, featuring distinct cascades for both the digital and analog sections of the player. Users can control the DAC functions and input selection via the included remote control, while playback management requires the use of the proprietary Primare Prisma application.

This application allows users to switch between inputs and select the source type on the player. Additionally, content playback can be managed from any UPnP control point application, such as PlugPlayer or Foobar2000. The player also includes features for integration into a smart home system, equipped with trigger connectors and RS-232 for enhanced connectivity.

Primare CD35 Prisma 

The Primare CD35 Prisma offers connectivity to a computer network through both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, incorporating WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) technology to enhance wireless network stability. This device is capable of playing audio files from any networked devices, supporting the same formats as those read from USB drives, and it can also stream Internet radio. Furthermore, the system is compatible with AirPlay technology and includes a Bluetooth receiver.

The CD35 Prisma exhibits a strong and assertive character, characterized by its tight, powerful bass and clear, open midrange, especially when compared to other transistor-based competitors. Its rhythmic accuracy is commendable, maintaining a balanced sound without excessive bass bloom or swelling. The soundstage is impressive, offering height and depth, although it may not be as expansive as that found in some other models.

About Prisma technology

Primare has previously demonstrated its expertise in developing high-quality network players, exemplified by the NP30 model, as well as amplifiers featuring the MM30 expansion board, such as the integrated amplifier I32 and the preamplifiers PRE32 and PRE60. The Swedish engineering team has now advanced significantly from a basic network player to a sophisticated home audio system that encompasses comprehensive audio streaming and multiroom capabilities.

The Prisma technology leverages the streaming functionalities of the Google Chromecast platform, facilitating audio transmission within the home network through a wired Ethernet connection or wirelessly via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This allows users to stream music from various home sources and access hundreds of online services. Control of the system is managed through the new Prisma App mobile application, which oversees all hardware and software components.

Prisma modules are equipped with dual antennas for enhanced wireless communication, Ethernet ports, and a USB Type A port. Supported music formats include WAV, LPCM, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, MP3, MP4 (AAC), WMA, OGG, and high-resolution recordings up to 24-bit/192 kHz, as well as DSD. Notably, DSD playback is a groundbreaking addition to Primare components, marking a first for the brand.

Streaming refers to the delivery of media content over the internet from a provider to a consumer. Its popularity has surged due to the vast number of internet users, the continuous enhancement of network bandwidth, and the improved capabilities of mobile devices. Experts predict that this technology will eventually supplant optical discs and personal media libraries, with all content stored in cloud services on remote servers. While internet radio shares similarities with traditional terrestrial radio, streaming services allow users to request specific media at their convenience. This model enables users to conserve storage space on their personal devices, and affordable or even free subscriptions provide access to an extensive range of media content for any device connected to the internet.

Multiroom technology represents another contemporary trend and is a key component of smart home systems, facilitating the automation, control, and playback of audio and video across various rooms or outdoor spaces. Each area can be customized with its own audio settings and playback sources, including internet streaming services, along with personalized playlists for individual users. In the past, implementing multiroom systems required costly equipment and the expertise of professional integrators. However, growing interest in this technology has led to the development of simpler, more user-friendly solutions.

The Swedish company Primare, utilizing Prisma technology, has recognized the significant potential in this market and is among the pioneers in integrating high-end audio with comprehensive streaming and multiroom functionalities, all manageable from a single device such as a smartphone or tablet.