Primare A35.8 Power Amplifier

A35.8 Power Amplifier

The A35.8 is Primare’s most powerful and flexible multi-channel amplifier, designed to serve the needs of virtually any high-performance multi-channel system through its ability for each pair of channels to be bridged to mono for an incredible level of power delivery and system building options, including 1500 watts of total output in a fully bridged bi-amped stereo configuration.

Key Features

XLR and RCA inputs for each of eight channels of amplification with 150 watts per channel output into 8 ohms, with a maximum output of 1500 watts. Each pair of output channels can be bridged, allowing the amp to provide power to virtually any multi-channel speaker configuration, either on its own or with an A35.2 stereo amplifier.

For an extraordinarily powerful two-channel bi-amplified system, one fully bridged A35.8 delivers peak power of 4 x 375 watts or 750 watts per pair per channel. Additional convenience features include auto-sense turn-on from standby and auto standby after an absence of input signal for twenty minutes which can be turned off allowing the A35.8 to remain on indefinitely if preferred.

EISA POWER AMPLIFIER

2022-2023

Primare A35.8

Joint Best Product, Awarded by Both Home Theatre and HiFi Audio Groups

“Designed for both the home theatre audio and hi-fi worlds, Primare’s multichannel 35 Series amplifier deploys eight bridgeable channels of potent, dynamic Hypex Ncore amplification, and then lets the user decide what to do with them. This is a flexible, innovative, and imperious-sounding amplifier, in a stylish, understated chassis typical of the brand.“

Amplifier technology

The ingenious design of the A35.8 circuit layout provides the most direct delivery and even distribution of power from the power supply to the amp modules tucked into heatsinks that isolate them from any power supply noise. In turn, this innovative construction isolates the input and output stage from any noise the amp modules might produce. Input and output signals are delivered to and from the amp module through an uninterrupted ribbon of the circuit board threaded through a channel in the heat sinks for the shortest possible signal path.

System Configurations

The bridging capabilities of the A35.8 allow it to be used in a variety of system configurations, with or without the addition of a stereo amplifier, to suit most multi-channel system requirements. A few examples:

• 5.1, 7.1 and 5.1.2 channel systems can be powered by a single A35.8

• 5.1.4, 7.1.2, 7.1.4 channel systems can be driven by combining an A35.8 with a number of A35.2 stereo amplifiers

• 9.1.6 and 13.1 Auro 3D systems can be configured using two A35.8 amplifiers

Primare's design philosophy

Primare products embody the Scandinavian design ideal of lagom – that sense of not too much or too little, but just right; everything in balance, proportion, and harmony.

A35.8 eight channel fully bridgeable amplifier 

Not only is the A35.8 is the most powerful amplifier Primare has built, but it is also the most flexible, designed to serve the needs of virtually any high-performance two and multi-channel system through its ability for each pair of its eight channels to be bridged to mono for an incredible level of power delivery, up to 1500 watts in total. 

Status Indicator System 

At start up, eight internal red LED lamps, one at the base of each amp module, will flash should clipping conditions occur, visible through the top cover from above.

Additionally, an eight LED warning system is located under the top cover at the front of the amp that will indicate the following: 

• On – DC is detected on the related amp module 

• Flashing – overheating on the related amp module 

• All lights cycling – power supply unit overheating 

Power Supply 

The foundation of the A35.8 is the largest power supply Primare has ever designed, incorporating APFC and soft clipping circuitry, implemented to ensure stable performance up to the very limits of its capabilities. Dual connecting cables from the power supply mean that each group of four amplifier modules are provided with more direct and consistent power delivery by the shortest power path. 

Amplification Stage 

The ingenious design of the A35.8 circuit layout provides the most direct delivery and even distribution of power from the power supply to the amp modules tucked into heatsinks that isolate them from any power supply noise. In turn, this innovative construction isolates the input and output stage from any noise the amp modules might produce. Input and output signals are delivered to and from the amp module through an uninterrupted ribbon of circuit board threaded through a channel in the heat sinks for the shortest possible signal path. 

Inputs/Outputs 

RCA and XLR balanced input options are offered for each of the eight channels and bridging capabilities for each pair of channels, with maximum power output of 1500 watts, providing the capability of delivering 185 watts at 1KHz of peak power per channel, all channels driven.

• Power output is rated as 150 watts into 8 ohms, 300 watts into 4 ohms, and 400 watts into 2 ohms at 1kHz. 
• Each pair of outputs can be bridged, capable of producing 740 watts into 8 ohms (clipping protection limited), 750 watts into 4 ohms, and 450 watts into 2 ohms at 1kHz. 

The look and feel of Scandinavia 

We believe that every aspect of our products – the way they look, the satisfying feel of the controls – contributes to the overall experience of living with Primare. As a result, Primare products exude the hallmarks of Scandinavian design – simple, elegant designs, with approachable and easy to understand functionality. An example of this is the idea of being inconspicuous, of not drawing undue attention, which is inherent in the physical design of the A35.8 Prisma, both in its compact size as well as the ingenious standby button hidden within the centre of the engraved Primare logo on the front panel 

System Building

The following system layout diagrams illustrate the system building versatility of the A35.8 and A35.2 amplifiers.

5.1 Dolby/DTS system

Uses bridged pairs of outputs for Front Left, Right, and Centre, with the remaining two outputs for the Surround Left and Right speakers.

7.1 Dolby/DTS system

Uses one bridged pair of outputs for Centre, with the remaining outputs for the Front Left and Right, Surround Left and Right, and Rear Surround Left and Right speakers.

5.1.2 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X System

Uses a bridged pair of outputs for Centre, with the remaining outputs for the Front Left and Right, Surround Left and Right, and Height Left and Right speakers.

5.1.4 Atmos/DTS:X system

Adds an A35.2 stereo amplifier for the Front Left and Right speakers, while using one bridged pair of outputs from the A35.8 for Centre, and the remaining outputs from the A35.8 for Surround Left and Right, Front Height Left and Right, and Rear Height Left and Right speakers.

7.1.2 Atmos/DTS:X system

Adds an A35.2 stereo amplifier for the Front Left and Right speakers, while using one bridged pair of outputs from the A35.8 for Centre, and the remaining outputs from the A35.8 for Surround Left and Right, Rear Surround Left and Right, and Height Left and Right speakers.

7.1.4 High-Power Atmos/DTS:X System

Adds three bridged A35.2 amplifiers for Front Left, Right, and Centre speakers, while the A35.8 provides the Surround Left and Right, Rear Surround Left and Right, and Front and Rear Left and Right Height speakers.

13.1 Auro 3D system

Uses two A35.8 amplifiers, with bridged pairs of outputs for the Front Left and Right speakers, and the remaining 11 outputs for the Centre speaker, Front Left and Right Height speakers, Surround Left and Right speakers, Middle Left and Right Height speakers, Rear Surround Left and Right speakers, Rear Left and Right Height speakers, and Top speaker.

Reviews

“Prepare to meet an amplifier that redefines expectations. The Primare A35.8 isn’t just another power amp; it’s a multi-channel powerhouse with virtually no flaws, offering incredible versatility for both audiophile stereo and high-end home theater setups. In this in-depth review, I push the A35.8 to its limits, exploring its pristine sound quality, immense power, flexible configurations, and why it might just be the most perfect amplifier you can buy. Don’t miss this one!”

-Audiophile Junkie

“The A35.8 amplifier is easily the most versatile I have ever used with all its bridgeable configurations. I think the asking price for that feature set and it’s sounding as good as it does is totally worth it. Plus, it looks super cool. …the Primare (SP25 Prisma) did do a better job pulling double duty for both home theatre and two channel. It’s got a cleaner sound to my ears for music. So, if you’re going to go at it from purely a sound quality standpoint I’d have to say that you to give the Primare a consideration.”

-Shane Lee

“The Absolute Best of the Year: Join me as I unveil my top audiophile gear picks of 2024. Discover the components that truly impressed me with their sound quality, innovation, and overall performance.” 3:22 Primare A35.8 and SP25

-Audiophile Junkie

Primare and Perlisten go well together, as this fine combination proves. The SP25 Prisma is a particularly pleasant surround processor that also performs excellently in stereo. But we knew that about Primare. The Primare A35.8 is a beast that drives the Perlisten R5t excellently. Need more power, or want to bi-amp? Then you can do that perfectly well in bridge mode. Simply flip a switch and you have twice the power. Is it necessary? No… is it fun? Yes it is!

-Alpha Audio

High-end audio manufacturer Primare continues to surprise with high-performance surround components. The Primare SP25 Prisma surround processor is intended for audiophile music lovers who desire an immersive movie experience and for cinephiles who want to listen to music in the highest possible sound quality. Unique in its class. Five Stars

-Hifi.NL

“The Primare 35.8 has an unassuming profile. It’s simply a black box with an on/off switch, which is good start. But this is a glorious sounding amplifier. Movies and music are awash with fine detail, and superb imaging and depth of field. What’s more, music sources come off as almost tangible with a delightfully analogue quality for a Class D design. This is all a surprise. As a consumer, you must prepare to spend big on the best amplifiers for a dedicated home cinema room. But also remember that these are the components that will probably find a home in your AV room the longest duration. If you’re at the decision stage for purchasing eight (or sixteen) channels of unbridled power, we say don’t overlook the Primare 35.8.” Best in Class – 10/10

-AVForums

“A look under the bonnet of the Primare 35.8 power amp reveals that eight cylinders, sorry, power amps are at work here. The analogy to potent V8 engines is obvious, but only the 35.8 can be converted to an even more powerful four-cylinder…

Up to this point, the topic of multi-channel terminal mares had not particularly appealed to me. Until now. The Primare 35.8 convinced me with its power, sound, and unbelievable versatility. Design and workmanship are also at the top level.

Sound Judgement: 110 POINTS / Price/Performance: OUTSTANDING”

-AUDIO

“In addition, the Primare A35.8 not only brings a lot of power to the speaker terminals, but also a squeaky-clean signal. Vanishingly low distortion factors and other measured values attest to the Swedes’ excellent engineering… EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) recently named the Primare A35.8 “Best Product 2022-2023″. And rightly so: superior performance, flawless sound and a wide range of applications also give the eight-channel amp our absolute recommendation!” Reference Class, 1+

-HiFI Test

“The Primare A35.8 amplifier surprised me. Its performance in my system corroborated Primare’s claim that they can make a great amplifier from Ncore modules, one that can rival amplifiers based on the newer Purifi technology as well as amplifiers utilizing traditional, nonswitching technology. Its eight channels and bridged gain options endow it with tremendous versatility. To me, the Primare A35.8 is worthy of an audition in any multichannel setup. It is a pleasure to use and to listen to.”

-Stereophile

“There are many uses for power, and in my months with the A35.8, I explored most of them. At no point did Primare’s eight-channel design fall short in quantity or quality of amplification, making “bigger without change” and without complaint, no matter what I sent its way. That earns the A35.8 a straight “A” in my book”

-Sound & Vision

“In the final analysis I can state that Primare has succeeded very well in their intentions to produce a high-quality and supremely flexible multi-channel amplifier. And the number of channels was not simply taken out of thin air, as it can, for example, be run fully bridged to bi-amp a pair of speakers with two sets of speaker connectors, and thereby use all of those eight channels.”

-Hifi Musik

“According to the ideas of the Swedish high-end hi-fi manufacturer Primare AB, the new Primare A35.8 Power Amplifier is an eight-channel power amplifier that can be used alone or as a pair with the two-channel power amplifier Primare A35.2 Power Amplifier can supply any multi-channel system with adequate performance for the highest audiophile demands in surround playback of music and films.Above all, a sophisticated circuit design and an extremely potent power supply should ensure this.”

-Sempre Audio

“The Primare A35.8 is a cleverly made and highly potent 8-channel power amp for multi-channel, multi-room or ambitious stereo.”

-Lowbeats

“What a wonderfully fast, lively and flexible amplifier the A35.8 is. Not only can it control eight speakers, it is possible to control four power-hungry speakers via bridge mode. Or bi-amp a stereo set. And yes: that works great! However, you have to take into account the standard low gain. And you do need a preamp with four outputs. The Primare Pre35 can do that job. All in all a beautiful duo that can do much more than most enthusiasts will think!”

-Alpha Audio

“Overall, Primare’s A35.8 is a classy bit of kit, with a performance (plus a luxurious design and build) that feels commensurate with its not inconsiderable asking price. It’s more than capable in terms of power output to handle hungry speakers, and does so while keeping distortion or unwanted colouration at bay. Being able to bridge its amp channels to suit your requirements is another feather in its cap, as is its refined and insightful nature with music. I rate this an A-grade amplifier.”

-Home Cinema Choice

“The Primare A35.8 is above all an output stage where each channel delivers an insane amount of power and a sound quality to enjoy. Eight times 150 Watts is already very nice. Where it really gets interesting for stereo enthusiasts is when you take those eight channels and start bridging”

-FDW

“With the A35.8, the Swedes show that they are back again. And that with a very special device. The Swedish brand goes one step further, delighting both music lovers looking for ultimate power and those building a high-level home cinema.”

-Home Cinema Magazine

“The channel count reaches eight because, sensibly, Primare has built it around bridgeable pairs, which means none need go to waste in a home cinema environment. Primare’s most powerful amp to date will service the most ambitious bi-, tri- or quad-amp loudspeaker solutions… a rare product that straddles the worlds of multichannel and hi-fi with aplomb. Its amp stage delivers scads of umblemished, responsive power, while its bridging ability is there to keep hungry loudspeakers well fed – and all this comes from a box no bigger than some monoblocks…” 

-Hifi News

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