So this is from my other thread about Class D make or break and now I have the Primare to hopefully improve on my thoughts about Class D ten years ago.
Ancillaries used it this test was all digital. Restek Concret CD, Cambridge 851N Network player, VDH cables (The Sea T3 and D352), Harbeth Super HL5 + and standard kettle plugs.
After a short while, it became apparent that the Restek was clearly streets ahead sonically than the 851, I just used CD.
The Primare pitches against one of my favourite class A/B amps in the shape of the Exposure 3510 (£2200). 110w into 8ohms and typical Exposure topology although it sounds less like an Exposure typically would.
Many Exposure amps were criticised for being a bit brash and in yer face but often the positives outweighed the negatives.
Not so here, Exposure have produced an amp that is capable of satisfying the hardest of rock fans then over to jazz/blues, classical or whatever you fancy throwing at it. The 3510 is a master of all tastes. Is it perfect? Of course not, is any amp? What it does do though, is give a well balanced powerful presentation with strong deep bass and accurate imagery. It makes my Harbeths really find their feet and compliments them really well. I don’t find the amp ‘wanting’ or under stress at anytime and overall, I think the Exposure can compete with similar class A/B amps costing a fair bit more. It’s simple In layout but build quality is first class.
It’s been in my system for well over six months and continues to impress.
Ok, over to the Class D Primare i35. (£3450) This is the bare version with no DAC or Prisma network card. It’s new so was powered up today and left on for several hours lightly playing in the background.
Surprisingly, was warm when I returned to it @DomT , similar to the Exposure.
Plenty of inputs including two balanced and the digital display has a few menus where you can assign sources and set volume levels with increased individual gain settings (nice touch).
Build is also first class and the facia is beautiful and carefully machined and just like the R35 phonostage I discussed in another thread, looks a lot more expensive.
This amp is nearly £1200 more than the Exposure thanks to the recent price increase but I understand that Exposure will be putting up their prices very soon so the gap will be less. You may ask why the i35 and not the i25 for a fair fight? Well, simply because the i35 is a 150w design which doubles on a 4ohm load. Tests have stated it’s well above its claimed output and with the 6ohm load of the Harbeths, it’s closer to 200wpc.
Ok, here we go…
I used the same CD’s as I did with the Exposure
Heather Nova, Redbird
Muse,The Second Law
Cigarettes after Sex, Cry
Arctic Lake, what you may find
Jennifer Warnes, Famous blue Raincoat
Volume matched, (75dB), sit back and play…
Wow! Huge power presence! Clear, defined and detailed presentation. I can see what the extra power can achieve! Is this a quick impressive short term improvement I ask? No, each CD demonstrated improvement and detail with spot on timing with a strong and evenly controlled bass line. Vocals were portrayed more into the room and the midrange was well integrated with excellent crossover. After a short while, the Primare was slightly brighter but not excessive but I think this was down to the newness of the amp and may improve over time.
There was no sign of mechanical traits I noticed in old D class amps and like the exposure, retained emotional involvement.
There is a track on the Muse album which goes extremely low to the point of bass bloom with the Exposure and the Sugden amp I have too. The Primare controlled this much better and realised the deep notes with greater authority.
This is the first impressions and although not perfect in every area (what is), the Primare has changed my thoughts on class D more positively and I found myself listening at 90dB near the end of my time! At no time did I feel the Primare struggle. In fact, I felt the room wasn’t big enough for its huge soundstage and control.
A basic if honest small review then. More to come as it beds in and some Puritan mains cables to try which I acquired cheap.
Also, in a few weeks, it will be running against an Audio Research DSI200.
Both amps here are great, I could live with either but the Primare has got me wanting to listen more and more tonight.
Ancillaries used it this test was all digital. Restek Concret CD, Cambridge 851N Network player, VDH cables (The Sea T3 and D352), Harbeth Super HL5 + and standard kettle plugs.
After a short while, it became apparent that the Restek was clearly streets ahead sonically than the 851, I just used CD.
The Primare pitches against one of my favourite class A/B amps in the shape of the Exposure 3510 (£2200). 110w into 8ohms and typical Exposure topology although it sounds less like an Exposure typically would.
Many Exposure amps were criticised for being a bit brash and in yer face but often the positives outweighed the negatives.
Not so here, Exposure have produced an amp that is capable of satisfying the hardest of rock fans then over to jazz/blues, classical or whatever you fancy throwing at it. The 3510 is a master of all tastes. Is it perfect? Of course not, is any amp? What it does do though, is give a well balanced powerful presentation with strong deep bass and accurate imagery. It makes my Harbeths really find their feet and compliments them really well. I don’t find the amp ‘wanting’ or under stress at anytime and overall, I think the Exposure can compete with similar class A/B amps costing a fair bit more. It’s simple In layout but build quality is first class.
It’s been in my system for well over six months and continues to impress.
Ok, over to the Class D Primare i35. (£3450) This is the bare version with no DAC or Prisma network card. It’s new so was powered up today and left on for several hours lightly playing in the background.
Surprisingly, was warm when I returned to it @DomT , similar to the Exposure.
Plenty of inputs including two balanced and the digital display has a few menus where you can assign sources and set volume levels with increased individual gain settings (nice touch).
Build is also first class and the facia is beautiful and carefully machined and just like the R35 phonostage I discussed in another thread, looks a lot more expensive.
This amp is nearly £1200 more than the Exposure thanks to the recent price increase but I understand that Exposure will be putting up their prices very soon so the gap will be less. You may ask why the i35 and not the i25 for a fair fight? Well, simply because the i35 is a 150w design which doubles on a 4ohm load. Tests have stated it’s well above its claimed output and with the 6ohm load of the Harbeths, it’s closer to 200wpc.
Ok, here we go…
I used the same CD’s as I did with the Exposure
Heather Nova, Redbird
Muse,The Second Law
Cigarettes after Sex, Cry
Arctic Lake, what you may find
Jennifer Warnes, Famous blue Raincoat
Volume matched, (75dB), sit back and play…
Wow! Huge power presence! Clear, defined and detailed presentation. I can see what the extra power can achieve! Is this a quick impressive short term improvement I ask? No, each CD demonstrated improvement and detail with spot on timing with a strong and evenly controlled bass line. Vocals were portrayed more into the room and the midrange was well integrated with excellent crossover. After a short while, the Primare was slightly brighter but not excessive but I think this was down to the newness of the amp and may improve over time.
There was no sign of mechanical traits I noticed in old D class amps and like the exposure, retained emotional involvement.
There is a track on the Muse album which goes extremely low to the point of bass bloom with the Exposure and the Sugden amp I have too. The Primare controlled this much better and realised the deep notes with greater authority.
This is the first impressions and although not perfect in every area (what is), the Primare has changed my thoughts on class D more positively and I found myself listening at 90dB near the end of my time! At no time did I feel the Primare struggle. In fact, I felt the room wasn’t big enough for its huge soundstage and control.
A basic if honest small review then. More to come as it beds in and some Puritan mains cables to try which I acquired cheap.
Also, in a few weeks, it will be running against an Audio Research DSI200.
Both amps here are great, I could live with either but the Primare has got me wanting to listen more and more tonight.
Last edited:
work gets in the way of fun
