Primare R35 MM MC Phono Stage - Dreamedia AV

Vendor: Primare

Primare R35 MM MC Phono Stage

High-fidelity analog audio with versatile cartridge support

$2,199.00; $2,199.00
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Primare R35 MM MC Phono Stage

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Unveiling the Ultimate Audiophile Experience

In the pursuit of audio perfection, the Primare R35 MM MC Phono Stage emerges as a beacon of innovation, offering an unparalleled vinyl playback experience. Crafted for the discerning audiophile, the R35 stands as a testament to Primare's commitment to sonic excellence, marrying the warmth of analog sound with cutting-edge technology.

A Harmonious Blend of Form and Function

The R35 isn't just a device; it's a centerpiece of any high-fidelity system, showcasing:

Solid-state, MM/MC compatibility: Whether you're a fan of Moving Magnet (MM) or Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, the R35 caters to both with finesse, unlocking the full potential of your vinyl collection.
Adjustable gain and impedance: Tailor your listening experience with precision. With extensive settings, the R35 ensures your cartridge performs at its peak.
Elegant design: The R35's solid casework and brushed front panel are not just aesthetically pleasing but also reduce resonance, enhancing audio clarity.

Pristine Sound Quality

At the heart of the R35 lies its impeccable sound reproduction:

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: With an >80dB (A-weighted) for MM cartridges, the R35 ensures that your music is heard with crystal-clear clarity.
RIAA Curve Accuracy: The R35 boasts a remarkable +/- 0.5dB accuracy across the frequency spectrum, ensuring your vinyl sounds exactly as the artist intended.
Subsonic Filter: With improved circuitry, the R35 eliminates low-frequency rumble, preserving the integrity of the music.

Advanced Connectivity and Control

The R35 is designed to integrate seamlessly into your home audio setup:

Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs: Whether you prefer RCA or XLR connectors, the R35 provides both, with balanced outputs offering higher gain levels for a more robust signal.
Adjustable Loading Options: With multiple impedance and capacitance settings, the R35 allows for fine-tuning that can accommodate any cartridge specification.
Dip Switches: Discreetly positioned, these switches offer on-the-fly adjustments to capacitance and loading, ensuring optimal performance without the need for additional tools.

Energy Efficiency and User-Friendly Features

Mindful of both performance and power consumption, the R35 includes:

Standby Mode: A front-panel standby switch makes it easy to conserve energy without compromising on quick-start functionality.
Toroidal Power Supply: An upgraded toroidal transformer offers greater efficiency and shielding, delivering clean power to the phono stage.

Crafted for the Audiophile

The R35 doesn't just play music; it reveals the subtle textures and dynamics of a recording:

Prisma Technology: Primare's proprietary tech ensures that the R35 is future-proof and ready for integration with smart home systems.
Modular Design: The R35's interior is designed for potential future upgrades, ensuring it remains at the forefront of phono preamp technology.

Performance Evaluations with Ortofon 2M Black Cartridge

When paired with a high-quality cartridge like the Ortofon 2M Black, the R35's performance is nothing short of stellar:

Bass Performance: Delivers a strong punch and heft, breathing life into the rhythm section of your music.
Treble Detail: Captures the sparkle in the highs, offering an appealing glossy sheen without ever sounding harsh.
Soundstage: Creates a three-dimensional listening experience with impressive layering, making you feel like you're in the room with the musicians.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Gain: Adjustable from 36 to 76dB, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of cartridges.
Input Resistance/Capacitance: Fully adjustable to match any cartridge specifications, enhancing sound quality.
Output Impedance/Level: Low output impedance and a healthy output level mean that the R35 can drive a wide array of preamps and integrated amps with ease.
Dimensions and Weight: At 92 × 430 × 384mm and 9.5kg, the R35 is substantial yet elegantly proportioned to fit into any hi-fi system.

Why Choose the Primare R35?

The R35 is not merely an addition to your audio setup; it is a transformative component that elevates every listening session. It’s a perfect blend of technical brilliance and musical artistry, designed to bring out the very best in your vinyl collection. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening with your favorite records or hosting a listening party for friends, the R35 is the silent hero that ensures every note, every nuance, and every emotion is faithfully delivered.

The Dreamedia Difference

At Dreamedia, we understand the passion that goes into building the perfect home theater system. That's why we offer personalized design services to ensure that components like the Primare R35 MM MC Phono Stage are not only seamlessly integrated into your system but also optimized for the most engaging listening experience possible. Let us help you make your dream audio setup a reality.

Embrace the ultimate audiophile experience with the Primare R35 MM MC Phono Stage. With its unmatched versatility, sonic purity, and elegant design, it's more than just a phono stage—it's the heart of your high-fidelity journey.

Our Review

I. Introduction

The Primare R35 MM MC Phono Stage is a solid-state, MM/MC phono stage that caters to audiophiles seeking high-fidelity playback of vinyl records. In the realm of home audio systems, the role of a phono stage is paramount, as it directly impacts the quality and accuracy of the analog signal from the turntable. The Primare R35 aims to deliver exceptional performance, versatility, and precise cartridge matching options, elevating the vinyl listening experience to new heights.

II. Key Details and Features

A. Technical Specifications

The Primare R35 boasts a comprehensive set of technical specifications, including adjustable gain ranging from 36 to 76dB, flexible input resistance from 10 Ohm to 47kOhm, and adjustable input capacitance from 100pF to 1nF. With one pair of single-ended phono inputs and both single-ended and balanced analogue outputs, this phono stage offers a robust foundation for accommodating various configurations and setups.

B. Key Features and User Experience

The balanced outputs of the Primare R35 provide greater gain levels than line-level RCA counterparts, enhancing the signal integrity and overall performance. Its support for both MM and MC cartridges, along with extensive impedance, capacitance, and subsonic filter settings, offers a level of customization that can optimize the playback for any cartridge and personal listening preferences. Additionally, the energy-efficient standby switch and upgraded toroidal power supply contribute to its user-friendly and efficient operation.

III. Design and Build Quality

A. Physical Construction and Aesthetics

The Primare R35 exhibits a solid and beautifully finished casework, exuding a sense of premium craftsmanship and durability. The slimmed-down case design, coupled with the added gain and capacitance settings, reflects a thoughtful approach to integrating advanced features into a sleek and compact form factor.

B. User Interface and Ease of Use

While the physical layout and array of cartridge matching options may initially appear daunting, the Primare R35's design aims to provide a comprehensive set of controls and adjustments for the discerning audiophile. However, the user-friendliness of the interface could be improved to streamline the setup process and configuration for different cartridges.

IV. Performance Evaluation

A. Performance with MM and MC Cartridges

The Primare R35 demonstrates its versatility and capability by delivering exceptional performance with both MM and MC cartridges. Its extensive impedance settings for MC cartridges allow for precise tailoring of the playback characteristics, ensuring an optimal match for a wide range of cartridges.

B. Sound Quality Assessment

When paired with a high-quality cartridge such as the Ortofon 2M Black, the Primare R35 exhibits a smooth and inherently neutral sound profile, offering a balanced and accurate representation of the original recording. The bass performance showcases a strong punch and heft, while the treble detail exhibits an excellent glossy sheen, contributing to a captivating listening experience. Furthermore, the Primare R35 presents a realistically three-dimensional soundstage with impressive layering, immersing the listener in a rich and dynamic sonic environment.

V. Pros and Cons

A. Advantages and Strengths

Versatile support for both MM and MC cartridges
Balanced outputs with greater gain levels
Energy-efficient standby mode
Solid and beautifully finished casework
Extensive impedance settings for MC cartridges
Subsonic filter with improved circuitry
Upgraded toroidal power supply for enhanced performance
Smooth and inherently neutral sound profile
Excellent treble detail and three-dimensional soundstage

B. Limitations and Areas for Improvement

Busiest and brightest recordings can appear slightly sanitized
Treble may lack the separation or sweetness of the very best phono preamps
Daunting array of cartridge matching options and not the most user-friendly physical layout

VI. Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Primare R35 MM MC Phono Stage stands as a commendable choice for audiophiles seeking a high-performance phono stage with extensive customization options. Its ability to accommodate both MM and MC cartridges, coupled with its balanced outputs and precise impedance settings, positions it as a versatile and capable component in a high-fidelity audio system. While it exhibits remarkable performance and craftsmanship, the Primare R35 could benefit from refinements in user interface design to enhance accessibility and ease of use. Overall, for enthusiasts who prioritize flexibility, precise cartridge matching, and exceptional sound quality, the Primare R35 MM MC Phono Stage presents a compelling option to elevate the vinyl listening experience.

Specifications