Primare Audio
Primare Audio A35.8 – Eight Channel, Fully Bridgeable, Balanced Input Amplifier
Primare Audio A35.8 – Eight Channel, Fully Bridgeable, Balanced Input Amplifier
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Key features
XLR and RCA inputs for each of eight channels of amplification with 150 watts per channel output into 8 ohms, with a maximum output of 1500 watts.
Each pair of output channels can be bridged, allowing the amp to provide power to virtually any multi-channel speaker configuration, either on its own or with an A35.2 stereo amplifier.
For an extraordinarily powerful two-channel bi-amplified system, one fully bridged A35.8 delivers peak power of 4 x 375 watts or 750 watts per pair per channel.
Additional convenience features include auto-sense turn-on from standby and auto standby after an absence of input signal for twenty minutes which can be turned off allowing the A35.8 to remain on indefinitely if preferred.
Amplifier technology
The ingenious design of the A35.8 circuit layout provides the most direct delivery and even distribution of power from the power supply to the amp modules tucked into heatsinks that isolate them from any power supply noise. In turn, this innovative construction isolates the input and output stage from any noise the amp modules might produce. Input and output signals are delivered to and from the amp module through an uninterrupted ribbon of circuit board threaded through a channel in the heat sinks for the shortest possible signal path.
System Configurations
The bridging capabilities of the A35.8 allow it to be used in a variety of system configurations, with or without the addition of a stereo amplifier, to suit most multi-channel system requirements. A few examples:
- ■ 5.1, 7.1 and 5.1.2 channel systems can be powered by a single A35.8
- ■5.1.4, 7.1.2, 7.1.4 channel systems can be driven by combining an A35.8 with a number of A35.2 stereo amplifiers
- ■9.1.6 and 13.1 Auro 3D systems can be configured using two A35.8 amplifiers
For more details go to the Dive In section in menu above.
A35.8 eight channel fully bridgeable amplifier
Not only is the A35.8 is the most powerful amplifier Primare has built, but it is also the most flexible, designed to serve the needs of virtually any high-performance two and multi-channel system through its ability for each pair of its eight channels to be bridged to mono for an incredible level of power delivery, up to 1500 watts in total.
Status Indicator System
At start up, eight internal red LED lamps, one at the base of each amp module, will flash should clipping conditions occur, visible through the top cover from above.
Additionally, an eight LED warning system is located under the top cover at the front of the amp that will indicate the following:
- ■On – DC is detected on the related amp module
- ■Flashing – overheating on the related amp module
- ■All lights cycling – power supply unit overheating
Power Supply
The foundation of the A35.8 is the largest power supply Primare has ever designed, incorporating APFC and soft clipping circuitry, implemented to ensure stable performance up to the very limits of its capabilities. Dual connecting cables from the power supply mean that each group of four amplifier modules are provided with more direct and consistent power delivery by the shortest power path.
Amplification Stage
The ingenious design of the A35.8 circuit layout provides the most direct delivery and even distribution of power from the power supply to the amp modules tucked into heatsinks that isolate them from any power supply noise. In turn, this innovative construction isolates the input and output stage from any noise the amp modules might produce. Input and output signals are delivered to and from the amp module through an uninterrupted ribbon of circuit board threaded through a channel in the heat sinks for the shortest possible signal path.
Inputs/Outputs
RCA and XLR balanced input options are offered for each of the eight channels and bridging capabilities for each pair of channels, with maximum power output of 1500 watts, providing the capability of delivering 185 watts at 1KHz of peak power per channel, all channels driven.
- ■Power output is rated as 150 watts into 8 ohms, 300 watts into 4 ohms, and 400 watts into 2 ohms at 1kHz.
- ■Each pair of outputs can be bridged, capable of producing 740 watts into 8 ohms (clipping protection limited), 750 watts into 4 ohms, and 450 watts into 2 ohms at 1kHz.
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 the idea of being inconspicuous, of not drawing undue attention, which is inherent in the physical design of the A35.8 Prisma, both in its compact size as well as the ingenious standby button hidden within the centre of the engraved Primare logo on the front panel
For more details read the A35.8 Design Brief at this
link
5.1 Dolby/DTS system
Uses bridged pairs of outputs for Front Left, Right, and Centre, with the remaining two outputs for the Surround Left and Right speakers.
7.1 Dolby/DTS system
Uses one bridged pair of outputs for Centre, with the remaining outputs for the Front Left and Right, Surround Left and Right, and Rear Surround Left and Right speakers.
5.1.2 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X System
Uses a bridged pair of outputs for Centre, with the remaining outputs for the Front Left and Right, Surround Left and Right, and Height Left and Right speakers.
5.1.4 Atmos/DTS:X system
Adds an A35.2 stereo amplifier for the Front Left and Right speakers, while using one bridged pair of outputs from the A35.8 for Centre, and the remaining outputs from the A35.8 for Surround Left and Right, Front Height Left and Right, and Rear Height Left and Right speakers.
7.1.2 Atmos/DTS:X system
Adds an A35.2 stereo amplifier for the Front Left and Right speakers, while using one bridged pair of outputs from the A35.8 for Centre, and the remaining outputs from the A35.8 for Surround Left and Right, Rear Surround Left and Right, and Height Left and Right speakers.
7.1.4 High-Power Atmos/DTS:X System
Adds three bridged A35.2 amplifiers for Front Left, Right, and Centre speakers, while the A35.8 provides the Surround Left and Right, Rear Surround Left and Right, and Front and Rear Left and Right Height speakers.
13.1 Auro 3D system
Uses two A35.8 amplifiers, with bridged pairs of outputs for the Front Left and Right speakers, and the remaining 11 outputs for the Centre speaker, Front Left and Right Height speakers, Surround Left and Right speakers, Middle Left and Right Height speakers, Rear Surround Left and Right speakers, Rear Left and Right Height speakers, and Top speaker.
Stereophile, USA, March 2024
A35.8 – Stereophile Recommended Component
”Class B (solid state) – This eight-channel colleague of the Swedish manufacturer’s stereo A35.2 uses the reliable and powerful Hypex NC500 class-D module, with some modifications. The amplifier features a switch-mode power supply, with its two outputs each feeding four amplifier stages. Pairs of outputs can be run as bridged mono amplifiers. KR auditioned the Primare with three bridged pairs to run his Left-Center-Right speakers and the remaining two channels to run his two surround-channel speakers. While he did try the amplifier in eight-channel mode KR found that bridging transformed the A35.8 “into a much more exciting amplifier” with a better bass balance and superbly stable imaging, even in stereo. He noted that there was never any evidence of the “gray” treble he had experienced with earlier Ncore-based amplifiers: “In my preferred five-channel configuration, the A35.8 equaled other good amplifiers in the treble.” Comparing the Primare with his reference Benchmark AHB2, he felt that the Primare sounded “more convincingly live” than the Benchmark. On the test bench, the A35.8 exceeded its specified power of 150Wpc with two channels driven into 8 ohms, clipping at 200Wpc, and met its 300Wpc specification with two channels driven into 4 ohms. JA’s conclusion was that the Primare A35.8 offers high power, especially in bridged mode, with very low levels of distortion and audioband noise. KR suggests A–; too bad there’s no such rating.”
Audiophile Junkie, US, July 2025
A35.8: The Amplifier That Can Do EVERYTHING (And at a HIGH Level!)
“Prepare to meet an amplifier that redefines expectations. The Primare A35.8 isn’t just another power amp; it’s a multi-channel powerhouse with virtually no flaws, offering incredible versatility for both audiophile stereo and high-end home theater setups. In this in-depth review, I push the A35.8 to its limits, exploring its pristine sound quality, immense power, flexible configurations, and why it might just be the most perfect amplifier you can buy. Don’t miss this one!”
Shane Lee, US, May 2025
SP25 Prisma + A35.8: I Tried Sweden’s Best Home Theater Setup
“The A35.8 amplifier is easily the most versatile I have ever used with all its bridgeable configurations. I think the asking price for that feature set and it’s sounding as good as it does is totally worth it. Plus, it looks super cool. …the Primare (SP25 Prisma) did do a better job pulling double duty for both home theatre and two channel. It’s got a cleaner sound to my ears for music. So, if you’re going to go at it from purely a sound quality standpoint I’d have to say that you to give the Primare a consideration.”
Audiophile Junkie, US, December 2024
SP25 Prisma + A35.8: My Audiophile Gear Awards 2024: The Absolute Best of the Year
“The Absolute Best of the Year: Join me as I unveil my top audiophile gear picks of 2024. Discover the components that truly impressed me with their sound quality, innovation, and overall performance.” 3:22 Primare A35.8 and SP25
FWD, The Netherlands, November 2023
PRE35 Prisma DM36 + A35.8: A dose of extra resolution
Conclusion This review is aimed at two audiences: existing Primare owners considering the new DM36 card, but also people thinking about a new PRE35 and A35.8 system. After all, the new DAC will now be built into the DM36 and PRISMA versions of this preamplifier as standard.
If we then look at the system as a whole, we must conclude that the combination PRE35 in its new PRISMA DM36 version with the A35.8 output stage is significantly better than the previous version. If we then reflect on the chosen speakers that can certainly be called high-end at 12,000 euros per pair, we do not find that the Primare system falls through the cracks. On the contrary, the brand has achieved a new height with this DM36, which makes this system even more suitable for demanding, critical reproducers.
Alpha Audio, The Netherlands, September 2024
SP25 Prisma: SP25 – A35.8 and Perlisten R5t
Primare and Perlisten go well together, as this fine combination proves. The SP25 Prisma is a particularly pleasant surround processor that also performs excellently in stereo. But we knew that about Primare. The Primare A35.8 is a beast that drives the Perlisten R5t excellently. Need more power, or want to bi-amp? Then you can do that perfectly well in bridge mode. Simply flip a switch and you have twice the power. Is it necessary? No… is it fun? Yes it is!
hifi.nl, The Netherlands, September 2024
SP25 Prisma + A35.8: Swedish Enjoyment
High-end audio manufacturer Primare continues to surprise with high-performance surround components. The Primare SP25 Prisma surround processor is intended for audiophile music lovers who desire an immersive movie experience and for cinephiles who want to listen to music in the highest possible sound quality. Unique in its class. Five Stars
Stereo, Germany, November 2024
SP25 Prisma + A35.8: Big Cinema
With the Primare duo, consisting of the 11.2-channel AV preamplifier SP25 Prisma based on the SPA25 amplifier and the separate eight-channel power amplifier A35.8, we have undoubtedly reached the top class of the home cinema world… You can hardly wipe the grin off your face!… Breathtakingly good, if you’ll forgive us for being so enthusiastic… The entire system immediately played at a very high level, tonally with bravura and absolutely seamless all around, which is very important in the cinema… It managed to sound smooth and yet attack out of nowhere… The Primare A35.8 has proven to be an extremely remarkable power amplifier… it delivers incredibly stable performance – and in contrast to some AV receivers, its performance does not drop one iota in ‘surround’ mode… But despite all the multi-channel spectacle, one must not forget that the Primare processor is also an absolutely uncompromising stereo preamplifier that can compete with practically any – or almost any – really good challenger in the four-digit price range in analog two-channel mode. Editor’s Recommendation – Five Stars
Stereophile, USA, March 2024
A35.8 – Stereophile Recommended Component
”Class B (solid state) – This eight-channel colleague of the Swedish manufacturer’s stereo A35.2 uses the reliable and powerful Hypex NC500 class-D module, with some modifications. The amplifier features a switch-mode power supply, with its two outputs each feeding four amplifier stages. Pairs of outputs can be run as bridged mono amplifiers. KR auditioned the Primare with three bridged pairs to run his Left-Center-Right speakers and the remaining two channels to run his two surround-channel speakers. While he did try the amplifier in eight-channel mode KR found that bridging transformed the A35.8 “into a much more exciting amplifier” with a better bass balance and superbly stable imaging, even in stereo. He noted that there was never any evidence of the “gray” treble he had experienced with earlier Ncore-based amplifiers: “In my preferred five-channel configuration, the A35.8 equaled other good amplifiers in the treble.” Comparing the Primare with his reference Benchmark AHB2, he felt that the Primare sounded “more convincingly live” than the Benchmark. On the test bench, the A35.8 exceeded its specified power of 150Wpc with two channels driven into 8 ohms, clipping at 200Wpc, and met its 300Wpc specification with two channels driven into 4 ohms. JA’s conclusion was that the Primare A35.8 offers high power, especially in bridged mode, with very low levels of distortion and audioband noise. KR suggests A–; too bad there’s no such rating.”
AV Forums, UK, December 2023
A35.8 – AV Forums Editor’s Choice AV Power Amplifier 2023/2024
“The Primare 35.8 is a corker of a multi-channel power amp. We didn’t need to look any further in 2023 if there was a need to furnish our AV racks with eight or sixteen channels of unbridled power. The Primare might just be an innocuous – although alluring and classy – black box with an on/off switch. But this three-footed slab can elicit extreme levels of detail, massive dynamics and laser-like imaging from all your source material. Bridge your left, centre and right speakers for up to a whopping 700 watts per channel and the performance takes yet another noticeable bump.
… extreme levels of detail, massive dynamics and laser-like imaging The exposition on movies is relentless and yet articulate in the extreme. Two-channel music recordings come off as almost tangible with a delightfully analogue quality for a Class D design. This is all a surprise. As a consumer, you must prepare to spend big on the best amplifiers for a dedicated home cinema. But note that these are the components that will probably take up residence in your AV room for the longest haul. If you’re at the decision stage for purchasing eight (or sixteen) channels of no-holds-barred power, we say don’t overlook the Primare 35.8.”
AVForums, UK, August 2023
A35.8: Primare A35.8 Eight Channel Power Amplifier Review
“The Primare 35.8 has an unassuming profile. It’s simply a black box with an on/off switch, which is good start. But this is a glorious sounding amplifier. Movies and music are awash with fine detail, and superb imaging and depth of field. What’s more, music sources come off as almost tangible with a delightfully analogue quality for a Class D design. This is all a surprise. As a consumer, you must prepare to spend big on the best amplifiers for a dedicated home cinema room. But also remember that these are the components that will probably find a home in your AV room the longest duration. If you’re at the decision stage for purchasing eight (or sixteen) channels of unbridled power, we say don’t overlook the Primare 35.8.” Best in Class – 10/10
Stereophile, USA, April 2023
A35.8 – Stereophile Recommended Component
”Class B (solid state) – This eight-channel colleague of the Swedish manufacturer’s stereo A35.2 uses the reliable and powerful Hypex NC500 class-D module, with some modifications. The amplifier features a switch-mode power supply, with its two outputs each feeding four amplifier stages. Pairs of outputs can be run as bridged mono amplifiers. KR auditioned the Primare with three bridged pairs to run his Left-Center-Right speakers and the remaining two channels to run his two surround-channel speakers. While he did try the amplifier in eight-channel mode KR found that bridging transformed the A35.8 “into a much more exciting amplifier” with a better bass balance and superbly stable imaging, even in stereo. He noted that there was never any evidence of the “gray” treble he had experienced with earlier Ncore-based amplifiers: “In my preferred five-channel configuration, the A35.8 equaled other good amplifiers in the treble.” Comparing the Primare with his reference Benchmark AHB2, he felt that the Primare sounded “more convincingly live” than the Benchmark. On the test bench, the A35.8 exceeded its specified power of 150Wpc with two channels driven into 8 ohms, clipping at 200Wpc, and met its 300Wpc specification with two channels driven into 4 ohms. JA’s conclusion was that the Primare A35.8 offers high power, especially in bridged mode, with very low levels of distortion and audioband noise. KR suggests A–; too bad there’s no such rating.”
Audio, Germany, February 2023
A35.8 – The Power of Eight
“A look under the bonnet of the Primare 35.8 power amp reveals that eight cylinders, sorry, power amps are at work here. The analogy to potent V8 engines is obvious, but only the 35.8 can be converted to an even more powerful four-cylinder…
Up to this point, the topic of multi-channel terminal mares had not particularly appealed to me. Until now. The Primare 35.8 convinced me with its power, sound, and unbelievable versatility. Design and workmanship are also at the top level.
Sound Judgement: 110 POINTS / Price/Performance: OUTSTANDING”
HiFi Test, Germany, June 2022
A35.8 – Power Amplifier of the Extra Class
“In addition, the Primare A35.8 not only brings a lot of power to the speaker terminals, but also a squeaky-clean signal. Vanishingly low distortion factors and other measured values attest to the Swedes’ excellent engineering… EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) recently named the Primare A35.8 “Best Product 2022-2023″. And rightly so: superior performance, flawless sound and a wide range of applications also give the eight-channel amp our absolute recommendation!” Reference Class, 1+
Stereophile, US, November 2022
A35.8 – 8-channel amplifier
“The Primare A35.8 amplifier surprised me. Its performance in my system corroborated Primare’s claim that they can make a great amplifier from Ncore modules, one that can rival amplifiers based on the newer Purifi technology as well as amplifiers utilizing traditional, nonswitching technology. Its eight channels and bridged gain options endow it with tremendous versatility. To me, the Primare A35.8 is worthy of an audition in any multichannel setup. It is a pleasure to use and to listen to.”
Heimkino, Germany, Jun 2022
A35.8 – Power Amplifier with Extra Class
For Film and Music – Our test home cinema confirms the excellent impression from the laboratory. The Primare masters the delicate tones and knows how to please with its balanced, sensitive sound. When it’s time to turn it up and the walls are supposed to shake, it doesn’t show any weaknesses and lets the cinema tremble with brute dynamics. A big movie theatre!
Incidentally, the Primare A35.8 is also excellent for enjoying music. High-fidelity sound characteristics paired with seemingly unlimited power reserves also delight demanding listeners. If you bridge all four channel pairs, the eight-channel power amplifier is also ideal for driving a stereo system in bi-amping mode. With a whopping 1.5 kW total output! The A35.8 is therefore recommended not only for use in the home cinema, but also for the sophisticated stereo listening room.
Conclusion – The EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) recently named the Primare A35.8 Best Product 2022-2023. Quite rightly so: superior performance, flawless sound, and a wide range of possible uses also give the eight-channel monster our absolute recommendation!”
Fidelity, Germany, September 2022
A35.8 – Customized Performance
“With two bridged pairs of channels, the bass gains another ounce of impact and definition, but at the same time it is even more permeable for the mids, which can now breathe even more freely. In addition, especially with the bowed bass at the beginning of the piece, it is noticeable how the attack and decay of the tones are traced even more finely. The stage changes not significant in their extent, but the individual sound events now seem to be even better separated. earth shattering? Not really, but after two or three changes I can blindly tell the difference between single and bi-amping – based on small but clearly understandable differences that I don’t want to do without afterwards because they simply add that much more fun to listening to music worries.
The experiment in search of the next bit of sound quality can therefore be considered an absolute success – especially when you consider that the additional costs are very reasonable and the eight-channel power plant takes up no more space in the rack than a stereo power amplifier.”
EISA AWARDS, Aug 15, 2022
EISA POWER AMPLIFIER 2022-2023
*Joint award with Home Theatre audio expert group*
“Designed for both the home theatre audio and hi-fi worlds, Primare’s multichannel 35 Series amplifier deploys eight bridgeable channels of potent, dynamic Hypex Ncore amplification, and then lets the user decide what to do with them. For a home cinema, the A35.8 can spread its output across a surround array or be used to bi-amp the front LCR speakers; in a two-channel system, bridged pairs bring phenomenal power and grip, and all eight amps can be put to work on loudspeakers with a split crossover. This is a flexible, innovative, and imperious-sounding amplifier, in a stylish, understated chassis typical of the brand.”
Sound & Vision, July 2022, USA
Primare A35.8 Eight-Channel Power Amplifier Review
“There are many uses for power, and in my months with the A35.8, I explored most of them. At no point did Primare’s eight-channel design fall short in quantity or quality of amplification, making “bigger without change” and without complaint, no matter what I sent its way. That earns the A35.8 a straight “A” in my book”
HiFi Musik, Sweden, June 2022
A35.8: Complete Freedom
“In the final analysis I can state that Primare has succeeded very well in their intentions to produce a high-quality and supremely flexible multi-channel amplifier. And the number of channels was not simply taken out of thin air, as it can, for example, be run fully bridged to bi-amp a pair of speakers with two sets of speaker connectors, and thereby use all of those eight channels.”
Sempre Audio, June 2022, Austria
A35.8 Power Amplifier
“According to the ideas of the Swedish high-end hi-fi manufacturer Primare AB, the new Primare A35.8 Power Amplifier is an eight-channel power amplifier that can be used alone or as a pair with the two-channel power amplifier Primare A35.2 Power Amplifier can supply any multi-channel system with adequate performance for the highest audiophile demands in surround playback of music and films.Above all, a sophisticated circuit design and an extremely potent power supply should ensure this.”
LowBeats, June 2022, Germany
Primare A35.8 – flexibly configurable 8-channel power amplifier
“The Primare A35.8 is a cleverly made and highly potent 8-channel power amp for multi-channel, multi-room or ambitious stereo.”
Alpha Audio, May 2022, Netherlands
Primare A35.8 – the bridge between film and music
“What a wonderfully fast, lively and flexible amplifier the A35.8 is. Not only can it control eight speakers, it is possible to control four power-hungry speakers via bridge mode. Or bi-amp a stereo set. And yes: that works great! However, you have to take into account the standard low gain. And you do need a preamp with four outputs. The Primare Pre35 can do that job. All in all a beautiful duo that can do much more than most enthusiasts will think!”
Review available in both English & Dutch.
Home Cinema Choice, June, 2022
Home Cinema Choice A35.8 Review
“Overall, Primare’s A35.8 is a classy bit of kit, with a performance (plus a luxurious design and build) that feels commensurate with its not inconsiderable asking price. It’s more than capable in terms of power output to handle hungry speakers, and does so while keeping distortion or unwanted colouration at bay. Being able to bridge its amp channels to suit your requirements is another feather in its cap, as is its refined and insightful nature with music. I rate this an A-grade amplifier.”
Five Star / Best Buy
FDW Magazine, April 2022, The Netherlands
Primare A35.8 – Eight times more muscle power
“The Primare A35.8 is above all an output stage where each channel delivers an insane amount of power and a sound quality to enjoy. Eight times 150 Watts is already very nice. Where it really gets interesting for stereo enthusiasts is when you take those eight channels and start bridging”
Homecinema Magazine, April 2022, Netherlands
Homecinema Magazine A35.8 Review
“With the A35.8, the Swedes show that they are back again. And that with a very special device. The Swedish brand goes one step further, delighting both music lovers looking for ultimate power and those building a high-level home cinema.”
HiFi News, UK, March 2022
A35.8 HFN Review
“The channel count reaches eight because, sensibly, Primare has built it around bridgeable pairs, which means none need go to waste in a home cinema environment. Primare’s most powerful amp to date will service the most ambitious bi-, tri- or quad-amp loudspeaker solutions… a rare product that straddles the worlds of multichannel and hi-fi with aplomb. Its amp stage delivers scads of umblemished, responsive power, while its bridging ability is there to keep hungry loudspeakers well fed – and all this comes from a box no bigger than some monoblocks…”
