Richer Sounds Primare PRE35 Stereo Pre-Amplifier User Guide

: June 4, 2024
: Richer Sounds

Richer Sounds Primare PRE35 Stereo Pre-Amplifier

CAUTION
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE WITH THE SAME TYPE AND RATING OF FUSE.

ATTENTION
UTILISER UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE MÊME TYPE.

Safety compliance
This product has been designed to meet the IEC 60065 international electrical safety standard.

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

The lightning ﬂash with an arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufﬁcient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock do not remove cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualiﬁed service personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of ﬁre or electrical shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
CAUTION: In Canada and the USA, to prevent electric shock, match the wide blade of the plug to the wide slot in the socket and insert the plug fully into the socket.

This product is designed and manufactured to meet strict quality and safety standards. However, you should be aware of the following installation and operation precautions.

Take heed of warnings & instructions
You should read all the safety and operating instructions before operating this appliance. Retain this handbook for future reference and adhere to all warnings in the handbook or on the appliance.
Water and moisture
The presence of electricity near water can be dangerous.
Do not use the appliance near water – for example next to a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool, etc.
Object or liquid entry
Take care that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through any openings. Liquid-ﬁlled objects such as vases should not be placed on the equipment.
Ventilation
Do not place the equipment on a bed, sofa, rug or similar soft surface, or in an enclosed bookcase or cabinet, since ventilation may be impeded. We recommend a minimum distance of 50mm around the sides and top of the appliance to provide adequate ventilation.
Heat
Locate the appliance away from naked ﬂames or heat producing equipment such as radiators, stoves or other appliances (including other ampliﬁers) that produce heat.
Climate
The appliance has been designed for use in moderate climates.
Racks and stands
Only use a rack or stand that is recommended for use with audio equipment. If the equipment is on a portable rack it should be moved with great care, to avoid overturning the combination.
Cleaning
Unplug the unit from the mains supply before cleaning.
The case should normally only require a wipe with a soft, damp, lint-free cloth. Do not use paint thinners or other chemical solvents for cleaning.
We do not advise the use of furniture cleaning sprays or polishes as they can cause indelible white marks if the unit is subsequently wiped with a damp cloth.
Power sources
This appliance must be connected to a mains socket outlet using the supplied power cord. To disconnect this apparatus from power, you must disconnect the power cord. Make sure the power cord is always easily accessible.
Only connect the appliance to a power supply of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
This is a Class 1 device and must be earthed.
The power switch is a single-pole switch. When the switch is in the “Off” position, the appliance is not completely disconnected from the main power.
Power-cord protection
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords and plugs, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
Grounding
Ensure that the grounding means of the appliance is not defeated.
Power lines
Locate any outdoor antenna/aerial away from power lines.
Non-use periods
If the unit has a stand-by function, a small amount of current will continue to ﬂow into the equipment in this mode. Unplug the power cord of the appliance from the outlet if left unused for a long period of time.
Abnormal smell
If an abnormal smell or smoke is detected from the appliance, turn the power off immediately and unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Contact your dealer immediately.
Servicing
You should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in this handbook. All other servicing should be referred to qualiﬁed service personnel.
Damage requiring service
The appliance should be serviced by qualiﬁed service personnel when:
- the power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged, or
- objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the appliance, or
- the appliance has been exposed to rain, or
- the appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance, or
- the appliance has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.

2.4G and 5G FCC Statements
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This product generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this product does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Please take attention that changes or modiﬁcation not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance 20cm between the radiator and your body.
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

this device may not cause interference, and
this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.

The CE symbol indicates that this Primare product complies with the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of the European Community.

The WEEE symbol indicates this Primare product complies with the European Parliament and Council Directive 2002/96/EC concerning Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). This product must be appropriately recycled or processed in accordance with these directives. Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance.
The RoHS symbol indicates that Primare products are designed and manufactured to comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) as stated in the European Parliament and Council Directive 2002/95/EC.

Copyright and acknowledgments
Copyright © 2018 Primare AB.
All rights reserved.

Primare AB
Limstensgatan 7
21616 Limhamn
Sweden

http://www.primare.net
Issue: PRE35/2 (20/11/2018)
The information in this guide is believed to be correct as of the date of publication. However, our policy is one of continuous development and so the information is subject to change without notice, and does not represent a commitment on the part of Primare AB.
Primare is a trademark of Primare AB.

This guide was produced by
Human-Computer Interface Ltd.
http://www.interface.co.uk

Congratulations on selecting your new PRE35 Preampliﬁer
This user guide describes the features and explains how to set up the preampliﬁer for the best sound quality and ease of operation in order to allow for the most enjoyable reproduction of sound from all your sources.
For additional support and assistance please contact your local authorized Primare dealer, or visit our website at www.primare.net.

GETTING STARTED

Unpack the PRE35

Your PRE35 is supplied with:

This User Guide
Mains cable
IR cable
Trigger cable
C25 remote control with batteries AC Polarity Pen

If any of these items are missing please contact your supplier. We recommend you retain the packaging in case you need to transport the unit at a later date.
Note that the PRE35 is supplied with a protective ﬁlm on the display glass. Remove the ﬁlm for a clearer whiter display.

Connect to a power ampliﬁer

The PRE35 is designed to be connected to a power ampliﬁer with either balanced or unbalanced inputs.

If the power ampliﬁer provides balanced inputs, such as the Primare A35.2:
Connect the PRE2 or PRE3 L and R outputs from the PRE35 to the L and R balanced inputs in the power ampliﬁer, using high quality XLR cables.

If the power ampliﬁer only provides unbalanced inputs:
Connect the PRE1 L and R outputs from the PRE35 to the L and R inputs on the power ampliﬁer, using high quality RCA cables.

Fixed-level analogue output
The PRE35 also provides a ﬁxed-level analogue output on the LINE output on RCA connectors, to allow you to connect to active speakers or an analogue recorder.

Connect inputs

You can connect up to two balanced sources and up to three unbalanced sources to the inputs on the back panel.

Balanced inputs
Connect balanced sources, such as the Primare CD35 CD player, to balanced inputs A1 and A2 using high quality XLR cables.

Unbalanced inputs
Connect unbalanced sources to the unbalanced inputs A3, A4, and A5 using high quality RCA cables.

Connect power

Plug one end of the mains cable supplied with the PRE35 into the power connector on the back panel, and connect the other end to a wall socket.

If this cable is not suitable for your power outlets please contact your supplier for an alternative cable.
Note : See Phase, page 14, for information about getting the best sound from your PRE35.

WARNING: Always disconnect the PRE35 from the mains power before connecting or disconnecting any cables.
Switch on the PRE35, using the switch on the back panel.

The standby indicator will light up on the front panel.

To switch on from standby
Press O on the front panel or remote control.

BACK-PANEL CONNECTION

The following diagram explains the function of each of the connectors on the back panel:

Richer Sounds Primare PRE35 Stereo Pre-Amplifier 1

USING REMOTE CONTROL

Selecting PRE35 mode
The remote control can operate any associated Primare products you have in your system.

To make the remote control operate the PRE35
Press the PRE AUX button once.

To make the remote control operate another product
Press the AMP AV, CD SC, or PRE AUX button as appropriate.

Press once to select the product on the top line of the button, or twice to select the product on the second line.
The indicators at the top of the remote control light when pressing a button to show which mode the remote control is in.

Fitting the batteries
Before using the remote control you need to insert the two AAA cells supplied with the C25.

Open the cover on the back of the remote control by pressing the back cover gently near the centre of the remote control, and sliding it towards the edge of the remote control.
Insert the two batteries, with the polarity as indicated on the bottom of the battery compartment.
Replace the cover and push until it clips into place.

Note: Replace only with 1.5V alkaline cells type AAA or equivalent.
When disposing of old batteries please be considerate to the environment.

Richer Sounds Primare PRE35 Stereo Pre-Amplifier 2

USING THE PRE35

Front panel controls

Selector
Selects an input. In the settings menus navigates between settings.

Standby
Switches the PRE35 to standby, or switches it on from standby.

Menu
Displays the settings menus or exits from the menus.

Select
In the settings menus selects a setting or saves an edited setting.

Back
In the settings menus navigates back or cancels editing a setting.

Volume
Changes the volume.

Changing the volume
The PRE35 allows you to vary the volume from 0 (silence) to 99 (maximum).

To change the volume
Rotate the VOLUME control on the front panel, or press the + or – buttons or the A or V buttons on the remote control.

The current volume setting is shown on the front panel; for example:

Richer Sounds Primare PRE35 Stereo Pre-Amplifier 3

Selecting a source
The PRE35 provides a choice of 5 inputs. Initially these are labelled as shown in the following table, but you can give them your own aliases to suit the sources in your system; see ALIAS,

Label Description
A1, A2 Balanced analogue on XLR connectors.
A3–A5 Unbalanced analogue on RCA connectors.

To select a source

Turn the SELECTOR until the source is indicated on the front panel display; for example:
Alternatively, press the < or > buttons on the remote control to step between sources, or press one of the buttons 1 to 5 on the remote control to select the corresponding source directly.

Changing the display brightness

To change the front panel display brightness
Press the DIM button on the remote control to step through the three levels of illumination and blank.

If you turn the display off it will be restored brieﬂy when you operate any control.
The display automatically dims after ten minutes; you can adjust this delay in the settings menus; see GENERAL SETTINGS.

CONFIGURING THE SETTINGS

Using the settings menus

You can view and change the PRE35 settings from the front panel or remote control.

To display the settings menu
Press the button on the front panel, or the MENU button on the remote control.
The settings menu is displayed:

Richer Sounds Primare PRE35 Stereo Pre-Amplifier 5

To step between settings
Turn the SELECTOR control on the front panel, or press the A or V buttons on the remote control.
The current setting is shown highlighted.

To change a setting
Press the R button on the front panel, or the SELECT button on the remote control.
The current value is shown highlighted.
Turn the SELECTOR control on the front panel, or press the A or V buttons on the remote control, to change the value of the setting.

As you change it the new value is shown in the menu.
Press the R button on the front panel, or the SELECT button on the remote control, to save the value you have set.

To navigate back or cancel editing a setting
Press the button on the front panel or remote control.

To exit from the settings menu
Press the button on the front panel, or the MENU button on the remote control.

INPUT SETTINGS

The INPUT SETTINGS menu allows you to customise the inputs to suit the sources in your system:

Richer Sounds Primare PRE35 Stereo Pre-Amplifier 6

INPUT
Initially the INPUT SETTINGS shows the settings for the currently selected input. Alternatively the INPUT option allows you to step between all the inputs. The subsequent
options will change according to the input.

ALIAS
Allows you to give the source a name; eg RADIO.
Highlight the ALIAS item, then press the SELECT button on the remote control.
The RENAME INPUT menu is displayed:

Richer Sounds Primare PRE35 Stereo Pre-Amplifier 7

Turn the SELECTOR control on the front panel, or press the < or > buttons on the remote control, to select the first letter.
Press the R button on the front panel, or the SELECT button on the remote control, to select it.

After adding each character you have the options:

ADD NEW CHARACTER
CONFIRM ‘A’
CLEAR ALIAS

where CONFIRM shows the alias you have entered so far.

Select ADD NEW CHARACTER to add the remaining letters, up to a maximum of six characters.
Select CONFIRM when you have entered the alias you want.

STATUS
Choose between ENABLED (default) or DISABLED to specify whether the input is enabled.

AUTO SENSE
Choose between: SELECT to automatically select an input containing an audio signal if the PRE35 is on; WAKE+SELECT to automatically wake up the PRE35 from standby, if necessary, and select an input containing an audio signal; and OFF (default) to disable automatic switching.

VOLUME
Choose between VARIABLE (default) or FIXED to specify whether the input should have variable or ﬁxed gain.
FIXED is 0dB gain, equivalent to volume setting 66, and will overrule MAXIMUM VOLUME in AUDIO SETTINGS.
Selecting FIXED will show a loud-volume warning. Select YES to proceed or NO to cancel the ﬁxed gain setting.
Fixed gain functions as an SSP (Surround Sound Pass-through) allowing the PRE35 to be used as an ampliﬁer in a multi-channel system setup

INPUT GAIN
Choose between: -30dB to -1dB, 0dB (default), or +1dB to +30dB to set the gain for the selected input.
If the gain is set too high on an input clipping may occur, and the message:

DECREASE INPUT GAIN
will be displayed. In this case reduce the gain until the warning message is not displayed.

AUDIO SETTINGS

The AUDIO SETTINGS menu allows you to customise the balance and start-up volume, and the maximum and mute volume.

Richer Sounds Primare PRE35 Stereo Pre-Amplifier 8

BALANCE
Allows you to adjust the balance between 00LR-9 (far left), 00LR00 (centred, default) and -9LR00 (far right).

STARTUP VOLUME
Sets the general startup volume to between 0 and 60. The default is 20.

MAXIMUM VOLUME
Sets the maximum volume limit between 0 and 99. The default is 99.

MUTE VOLUME
Sets the volume when unit is muted. You can choose between 0 (default) and 30.
If the current volume is lower than the speciﬁed MUTE VOLUME, the volume will be set to 0 when pressing mute.

GENERAL SETTINGS

The GENERAL SETTINGS menu allows you to conﬁgure the general operation of the PRE35:

Richer Sounds Primare PRE35 Stereo Pre-Amplifier 9

SHOW INPUTS
Choose between ALL (default), to show all inputs, or WITH SIGNAL, to show only inputs that have a signal.

FRONT PANEL
Choose LOCKED to lock the front panel buttons and knobs, or UNLOCKED (default) to use them.
To unlock the front panel buttons use the remote control to select this menu, or remove power from the PRE35 for a few seconds.

AUTO-DIM
Allows you to choose the delay for dimming the display after no user interaction, between: AFTER 1MIN, AFTER 5MIN, AFTER 10MIN (default), or OFF.

LED BRIGHTNESS
Displays the LED BRIGHTNESS menu to allow you to set the display brightness to between 1 and 5 for each display dimming level:
DIM HIGH (default 3), DIM MID (default 2), DIM LOW (default 1), or DIM OFF (default 1).

STANDBY SETTINGS
Displays the STANDBY SETTINGS menu to allow you to specify the standby settings.
AUTO-STANDBY automatically switches the PRE35 to standby if there is no user interaction or audio from the current source for a speciﬁed delay: AFTER 10MIN, AFTER 15MIN, AFTER 20MIN (default), or OFF.

FACTORY RESET
Resets the PRE35 to the factory default settings.
You are prompted to conﬁrm. Select YES to proceed or NO to cancel.

FIRMWARE VERSIONS
Displays the FIRMWARE VERSIONS menu to allow you to view the versions of ﬁrmware installed.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Analogue inputs

Balanced inputs
2 x XLR, 30kΩ impedance

Unbalanced inputs
3 x RCA, 15kΩ impedance

Analogue outputs

Preampliﬁer output
2x XLR, 380Ω impedance
1 x RCA, 100Ω impedance

Line output
1 x RCA, 100Ω impedance

Wireless output
1x Wireless stereo output using WiSA® technology (future software upgrade)

Performance

Gain
Preampliﬁer output: 16.5dB
Line output: 0dB
Speaker output: 42.5dB

Analogue frequency response
20Hz – 20kHz: ±0.1dB

Distortion
THD + N: < 0.002%, 20Hz – 20kHz

Signal to noise
100dB (AES17 ﬁlter)

General

Control
C25 system remote control
RS232
IR in/out
Trigger out

Power Consumption
Off: 0W
Standby: 0.3W
Operating: <28W

Dimensions
430 x 420 x 106 mm (w x d x h) with knobs and connectors
430 x 382 x 106 mm (w x d x h) without knobs and connectors

Weight
11 kg

Colour
Black or titanium

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

These instructions help you get the best possible sound from your PRE35.

Phase
The phase of the AC supply can make a signiﬁcant difference to the sound.
Use the Polarity Pen supplied with the PRE35 to verify which pin is live on your AC power cable.
Ensure that the live pin of the AC power cable is connected to the left-hand pin of the power connector, viewed from the back panel:

Burn-in
Your Primare will start to sound best after an initial burn-in of approximately 24 hours.
You will notice a further smaller improvement in sound quality for at least another 3 days’ playing.

RS232 and trigger
The RS232 input allows you to connect the PRE35 to a controller system. Use a twisted (null modem) cable. For more information contact Primare at info@primare.net or visit www.primare.net.
The Trigger output allows the PRE35 to switch on other devices, such as a CD32.

Using the PRE35 with a CD35

Your PRE35 is an ideal companion to the Primare CD35 CD Player. For best results link the two products together as follows using the two cables supplied with the PRE35:

To connect the trigger cable
The Trigger cable ensures that the CD35 switches on, or to standby, when you operate the O button on the front panel of the PRE35.
Connect the Trigger cable from the PRE35 TRIG OUT to the CD35 TRIG IN.

Error messages
The following error messages on the front panel display indicate an error condition:

DECREASE INPUT GAIN
Clipping has occurred on an input. Decrease the input gain; see INPUT GAIN, page 11.

DC ERROR
Try the following

Power off PRE35 and disconnect the speaker connections.
If this solves the problem, check the speaker wiring.

If the problem persists
Power off PRE35 and disconnect all input connections.

If this solves the problem, there is a DC offset on one of the inputs.

If the problem persists
Contact your dealer for service arrangements.

Factory reset
Press and hold the standby button on the front panel to display the main ﬁrmware version number.
Press and hold the standby button on the front panel for 10 seconds to perform a factory reset of the PRE35.
You can also do a factory reset from the Prisma app, or from the GENERAL SETTINGS menu; see GENERAL SETTINGS, page 12.