Primare I25 DAC DM36 – modular integrated amplifier and digital to analog converter

Description

The Primare I25 DAC DM36 is a modular integrated amplifier and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that combines cutting-edge amplification technology with exceptional digital audio processing capabilities. It is designed to deliver high-quality sound, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to the evolving needs of audio enthusiasts. As part of Primare’s range of modular products, the I25 DAC offers excellent performance, future-proofing, and ease of integration into a wide range of audio systems.

Key Features:

1. Modular Design:
   • Expandable and Upgradable: The I25 DAC DM36 is based on a modular design, allowing users to customize the system according to their needs. This means you can add or upgrade modules over time, ensuring that the amplifier remains relevant and capable of handling future technologies.
   • DAC Module (DM36) Installed: The included DAC module (DM36) offers high-resolution digital-to-analog conversion, making the I25 DAC ready to handle digital sources out of the box. You can add other modules, like the Prisma network player module, to enhance the functionality further.
2. Class D Amplification with UFPD 2 Technology:
   • Ultra-Fast Power Device (UFPD 2): The I25 DAC features Primare’s UFPD 2 (Ultra-Fast Power Device) amplification technology, delivering 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 200 watts per channel into 4 ohms. This Class D technology provides fast, efficient, and low-distortion amplification, ensuring clear and detailed sound reproduction across the entire frequency range.
   • Efficient and Powerful: The UFPD 2 technology offers high power output while remaining energy-efficient, generating minimal heat and allowing for compact and sleek design.
3. High-Resolution Digital-to-Analog Conversion:
   • ESS Sabre DAC: The DAC module (DM36) uses an advanced ESS Sabre chipset capable of handling high-resolution audio files up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD256. This ensures accurate and detailed digital audio conversion, allowing you to experience your music in exceptional clarity.
   • Multiple Digital Inputs: The I25 DAC offers a variety of digital inputs, including optical, coaxial, and USB-B, making it easy to connect to digital sources such as CD players, computers, streamers, and more.
4. Versatile Connectivity:
   • Analog and Digital Inputs: The I25 DAC is equipped with five analog inputs (including one XLR balanced input) and multiple digital inputs (optical, coaxial, and USB-B), providing flexibility for connecting a wide range of audio sources.
   • Outputs: Features both pre-out and line-level analog outputs, allowing easy integration with other audio components, such as power amplifiers or subwoofers.
5. Prisma Network Player Option (Upgrade Available):
   • Prisma Technology: The I25 DAC can be upgraded with Primare’s Prisma network player module, enabling multi-room/multi-zone connectivity and control over stored and streamed media from any mobile device. This adds Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast built-in functionality, expanding your options for wireless streaming.
6. Elegant Scandinavian Design:
   • Minimalist Aesthetics: The I25 DAC features Primare’s signature Scandinavian design, with a sleek and minimalist appearance. Its high-quality aluminum chassis is not only visually appealing but also helps with heat dissipation and shielding from external interference.

Applications:

• Integrated Hi-Fi Systems: The I25 DAC serves as an ideal centerpiece for a high-quality audio system, combining amplification and digital-to-analog conversion in one unit.
• Digital and Analog Sources: Its versatility makes it perfect for connecting various digital sources, such as CD players, network streamers, TVs, and computers, as well as traditional analog sources like turntables (with an appropriate phono preamp).
• Upgrade Path: The modular design allows you to upgrade or expand the I25 DAC’s functionality, making it a future-proof investment.

Benefits:

• Outstanding Sound Quality: The UFPD 2 Class D amplification, combined with the high-performance ESS Sabre DAC, ensures dynamic, detailed, and distortion-free sound reproduction.
• Flexible and Modular: The ability to add modules means the I25 DAC can evolve with your system, ensuring it remains a core component of your setup for years to come.
• High-Resolution Support: Handles a wide range of high-resolution audio formats, delivering accurate and lifelike sound.
• Elegant and User-Friendly: With its minimalist design and intuitive controls, the I25 DAC is easy to integrate into any environment.

The Primare I25 DAC DM36 is an exceptional choice for audiophiles seeking a versatile, high-quality integrated amplifier with digital capabilities. Its combination of Class D amplification, modular design, and advanced digital-to-analog conversion make it an ideal solution for those looking to enjoy both analog and digital music sources with top-tier performance and flexibility.

Primare I25 DAC DM36 – Technology

I25 DAC DM36 modular integrated amplifier is the latest iteration of Primare’s now iconic integrated amplifiers and among the first to use our new UFPD 2 power system, a radical reworking of Primare’s award-winning UFPD all-analog Class-D technology.

Providing 100 watts at 8 ohms of absolutely linear UFPD 2 amplification across the entire audible bandwidth, I25 DAC DM36 delivers naturally fast, clean and agile sound with an unprecedented ability to bring music to life.

In addition to five analog inputs, I25 DAC DM36 includes a DM36 full-featured digital to analog converter stage enabling up to PCM 384kHz/32bit and DSD 256 conversion.

I25 DAC DM36 continues a Primare tradition of delivering astonishing performance from compact and elegant integrated amplifiers for easy installation into virtually any living environment.

 

The I25 DAC DM36 includes the sophisticated digital to analog converter module, DM36, a full-featured digital to analog converter stage enabling up to PCM 384kHz/32bit and DSD 256 conversion, featuring up-sampling options and MQA processing.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download.

Visit mqa.co.uk for more information.

The modular design of the I25 DAC DM36 allows for the Prisma network player module module, SM35, to be added to the amplifier at any time for unprecedented system customisation.

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 our signature control knob, known throughout the industry for both its appearance as well as how it feels in the hand as an input is selected or volume adjusted. – or as we say lagom, not too much not too little, everything in balance, proportion, and harmony.

 

System Building

We feel it is essential to offer modularity whenever possible in order to have just the right features, both now and for the future. Modular design is featured in the I25 and I35 modular integrated amplifiers, as well as the PRE35 modular preamplifier, all of which can be updated with DAC and Prisma modules, as well as the CD35 CD player that can have the Prisma module added, either at the time of purchase or at a later date.

As a result, we are able to offer a carefully considered array of models and configurations in order to allow for device selection that best fits any system need. For example, a CD35 with Prisma module installed can be paired with an I35 integrated amplifier, allowing for a separation of analog and digital stages. Or, an I35 with DAC and Prisma modules installed can be paired with a DD35 CD transport, allowing for multi-room and multi-zone playback of every input, whether analog or digital source.

 

Specifications

• UPFD 2 2 x 100W 8 ohms / 2 x 200 4 ohms
• RCA 5 x stereo pair analog inputs
• RCA 1 x stereo pair analog LINE output
• RCA 1 x stereo pair analog PRE output
• C25 remote IR system control
• IR 3.5 mm input/output
• 12V Trigger 3.5 mm output
• RS232 outboard system control port

• DAC ESS ES9068A
• Toslink 4 x digital input
• RCA 2 x digital input
• RCA 1 x digital output
• USB-B 1 x digital input
• MQA
• Weight 11 Kg
• Dimensions 430 x 106 x 420 mm (WHD)
• Finishes black or titanium

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