Primare Audio CD35 Prisma – CD and Network Player

CD35 Prisma – CD and network player CD35 Prisma is an award winning complete digital music media player, providing superior CD disc, stored and streamed digital media music playback, with wired and wireless connectivity and control capabilities provided by the Prisma network streamer technology. OVERVIEW Technology Each component part of CD35 Prisma – the drive, the DAC, the output stage, Prisma network player technology – work together in balance and harmony, contributing to what is simply the best digital music player Primare has ever offered. At the heart of CD35 Prisma is a state-of-the-art dedicated TEAC CD drive supplying a jitter-free digital signal to an all-new DAC stage utilising a superb-sounding eight channel ESS Sabre chipset to convert that signal to analog for delivery to a finely tuned output stage. Two output options are available. In fixed output mode it is a complete disc, stored and streamed digital media source for even the finest system, and in variable output mode it serves as both source and control center for a powered speaker based system. Additionally, the modular design allows for the possibility of adding new modules and features as they become available. Prisma – Network and Multiroom Technology Prisma is a bundle of technologies that provide the broadest range of network music player features and functionality. Essentially created to be a streamer that would allow everyone, and everywhere, in the household to explore, discover, and share the deeply satisfying experience of high-performance music playback – Prisma provides multi-room/multi-zone connectivity and control of stored and streamed media, whether wired or wireless, all managed from mobile devices through the dedicated Prisma system control app. In addition to AirPlay 2, Bluetooth®, Roon Ready, and Spotify Connect®, Prisma features Chromecast built-in, a unique streaming portal allowing effortless direct connection to hundreds of streaming applications and services, including voice control, for the best possible performance and user experience. 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 are the control buttons, carefully crafted to provide the best tactile sense when used – not too large or too small, too soft or too stiff, nor to close to or far from the surface of the faceplate – or as we say lagom, not too much not too little, everything in balance, proportion, and harmony. Modular Design and 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. CD35 Modular CD Player and DD35 CD Transport In this video we review the features and functionality of both the CD35 modular CD player and DD35 CD transport that may make them the perfect addition to your system. SPECS CD Transport TEAC CD 5020A-AT DAC ESS Sabre ES9028PRO XLR 1 x stereo pair analog output RCA 1 x stereo pair analog output RCA 1 digital output Toslink 1 digital output C25 remote IR system control IR input 3.5 mm in/out 12V Trigger 3.5 mm in/out RS232 outboard system control port Prisma control and connectivity USB 3.5 mm in/out Ethernet x 2 WiFi AirPlay Bluetooth Chromecast built-in Spotify Connect Roon Ready Dimensions 430 x 385 x 106 mm with buttons and connectors Weight 10.8 kg Finish black or titanium REVIEWS FWD, Benelux, March 2025 PRE35 + CD35 + A35.2: Primare – Striking hifi in Scandinavian design “Beautiful and timeless designs that you will enjoy looking at for years. Beautiful and high-quality sound reproduction, which you can enjoy for years to come. Everything is solidly built. If you study the entire delivery program of Primare, you will be amazed. A multichannel amplifier? A home cinema processor? eARC and Dirac DSP options? Dolby Atmos and DTS X? The Swedes also deliver all of that. You don’t have to shop around any further. Highly recommended, and given the high sound quality and finish, I find the Primares very competitively priced.” View full review Stereoplay, Germany August 2018 I35+CD35 Prisma: Dream Couple of Quality “In general, Class D amplifiers are characterised by an extremely high efficiency of around 90%. They are therefore extremely efficient and therefore generate little waste heat. Large cooling fins are not necessary; the I35, despite its high performance, only needs a few small heat sinks attached directly to the components […] We were particularly impressed by its breathtaking speed. The amplifier organised the complex sound in a lively and tight manner, skillfully distributing its almost endless reserves and achieving maximum dynamics, while the CD player brought the finest details to light. What a successful combination! ” Stereoplay Highlight View/download full review as PDF HiFi News, UK, May 2019 I35 + CD35 Prisma: Primare CD35/I35 Prisma Network/CD Player & Amp “Cool Velvet – There’s something very alluring about the sound of this CD player/integrated amplifier. Working as a pair, with the CD35 acting as a digital disc transport for the I35 – one is immediately struck by the smoothness of the music. Indeed, they serve up an almost velvety rendition of whatever recording you choose to play. It’s an easy-going presentation yet one that’s authoritative, the combination rising to any challenge without sounding flustered.” View full review HiFi Choice, UK, February 2023 CD35 – Group Test “This flagship with space for a streaming module proves that excellence is more than just a state-of-the-art DAC. Oozing Scandi cool, the CD35 is an out-and-out winner in every way. A clear round? I doubt any Group Test will ever witness one, but here’s the Primare CD35 and that’s close enough. Think reverse perfect storm, a rare union of positive attributes – let’s call it best-of-all-worlds syndrome – that combine to nail ‘dead right’. First off, the CD35 is supremely confident and comfortable in its own skin and its sonic assets are truly all-encompassing. Naturally 7 really live up to their name via the CD35. Far from being an artfully blended but amorphous vocal mass, the Primare’s powers of resolution and separation more accurately portray an ensemble of fewer singers in a larger space with more lung power, tonal nuance and easily understood expression. No blurring or artificial smoothing – it all just sounds stunningly natural. Moreover, the CD35’s skills are seamlessly transferable. As you might imagine, Goodbye Pork Pie Hat sounds stellar, Jeff Beck’s dizzying speed, dynamic tension and effortless melding of delicacy and bite aren’t just thrilling, but truly jaw dropping. The urge to lean heavily on the volume is irresistible. The Primare CD35 looks rather self-effacing. Neat, clean, minimal. It doesn’t sound it. If you want to discover just how glorious your CDs can sound, this is the one to get.” View/download full review as PDF HiFi+, UK, October 2021 HiFi+ Innovation Award 2021 Primare have received an Innovation award from HiFi+ with the following citation: “First founded in 1985 by industrial designer Bo Christensen, Primare’s is perhaps one of the most recognisably Scandinavian brands in audio. Its combination of minimalism and good performance all point to a Swedish brand. So, when Primare uses a Swedish word to describe its ethos, perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised. That word is ‘Lagom’ (pronounced ‘laah-goam’) and roughly translates to ‘just the right amount.’ In Primare’s world this means keeping everything in balance, harmony and proportion, and that the music – rather than the technology or the box in which it comes – should be the focus of audio. To this end, Primare employs a very modular approach to its product design, such as its latest Ultra Fast Power Device module (used throughout the range), which shows what Class D can do in the hands of very competent design engineers.“ Link to announcement: HiFi+200 Innovation Award View/download full review as PDF Salon AudioVideo. Russia, March 2021 I35 and CD35 “But the most interesting thing is that, choosing an intermediate solution (I35 only with DAC, and CD35 – in the full version, with a network board), but while having to pay a bit extra, you get the most flexible option. First, the system has two different DAC characteristics… Secondly, with additional digital inputs, it is possible to use not only more sources, but also alternative signal paths between the amplifier and the universal network CD player (one of them can be configured by cables specifically for some musical genre). After all, the SM35 Prisma streaming board can be moved from source to integrated if you want to try out a different configuration or part with the CD player altogether.” View full review EISA, International, August 2019 EISA STEREO SYSTEM 2019-2020 PRIMARE CD35/I35 PRISMA “Recipient of a previous EISA Award, Primare continues its winning ways with this I35 amplifier and CD35 Prisma CD/network player. The amplifier is a simple, but fabulous- sounding, all-analogue design that delivers plenty of power using the company’s UFPD 2 amplification. Its modular design means you can add Primare’s DAC stage, and the Prisma network/multi-room module, when required. The CD35 Prisma CD player is also fully networked, offering wired and wireless connectivity for AirPlay, Bluetooth and Spotify Connect, as well as Chromecast built-in to access thousands of streaming services. This is so much more than a simple CD player/amp system: It’s the future of hi-resolution home hi-fi.” HiFi Musik, Sweden, April 2019 Effortless streaming – Primare’s new talents “I have myself never heard a amplifier in this price class that sounds so explosive and powerful in the low end, yet sounding so subtle and detailed with precision.” View/download full review as PDF Stereo I Kolorowo-Underground, Poland, May 2019 I35 Prisma + CD35 Prisma: Primare I35 Prisma and Primare CD35 Prisma “I35 Prisma illustrates the soul and sense of music with high tonal grip and low sibilance, nicely paints vast music landscapes and, at the same time, provides a naturally fast, transparent and agile sound. What’s more, the Swedish integrated has an inexhaustible ability to “revive” recordings. For example, on the album Keith Jarrett Trio “Somewhere” (ECM – 2009) the piano of the Steinway Grand Master, vibrating Peacock double bass strings, and DeJohnette’s delicate hi-hat drums were clearly present in the room, creating thus a perfectly balanced picture rich in detail and texture, providing the perfect insight into the emotional core of trio music.” View full review SUPPORTS Manuals and documents 📄 CD35 Prisma Compact Disc Player User Guide 📄 Primare Prisma 25 and 35 Series Chromecast built-in Quick Start Guide 📄 CD35 User Guide 📄 DD35 User Guide 📄 CD35 Prisma Design Brief 📄 CD35 Design Brief 📄 DD35 Design Brief 📄 CD35-outside-dimensions-drawing 📄 Primare Firmware update tool [Microsoft Windows] 📄 Primare API - TCPIP and RS232 [2025-06-13] 📄 CD35 RS232 Command list official [2018-11-12] 📄 Control4 driver v1 (BETA) for Primare Prisma Stereo models