Primare A35.8 Power Amplifier

 

A35.8 – eight channel, fully bridgeable, balanced input amplifier

The A35.8 is Primare’s most powerful and flexible multi-channel amplifier, designed to serve the needs of virtually any high-performance multi-channel system through its ability for each pair of channels to be bridged to mono for an incredible level of power delivery and system building options, including 1500 watts of total output in a fully bridged bi-amped stereo configuration. 

 

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 

 

Our design philosophy

Primare products embody the Scandinavian design ideal of lagom – that sense of not too much or too little, but just right; everything in balance, proportion, and harmony. 

 

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 

 

Specifications 

Amplifier module

• Hypex NCore500

Power supply

• Primare APFC

Speaker outputs

• 8 outputs with each pair bridgeable.

Output power at 1kHz: 

• 400 watts at 2Ω
• 300 watts at 4Ω
• 150 watts at 8Ω

Output power bridged at 1kHz:

• 450 watts at 2Ω
• 750 watts at 4Ω
• 740 watts at 8Ω

Analogue inputs

• Inputs per channel:
• 1 x RCA (L&R) 
• 1 x XLR (L&R)

Input impedance

• RCA: 15kΩ 
• XLR: 36kΩ

Input sensitivity

• RCA 150W 8Ω = 1.7V
• XLR 150W 8Ω = 3.4V

Performance

• Gain
• RCA 26dB
• XLR 20dB

Frequency response

• 20Hz – 20kHz +0.2/-0.5dB

Distortion

• THD + N: < 0.005%, 20Hz – 20kHz

Signal to noise

• >115 dB 

General

• Control
• Trigger in/out

RS232 

• Auto Sense: on/off
• Input: RCA/XLR
• Gain: +6db bridge mode only 

Power Consumption

• Off: 0W
• Standby: <0.5W
• Operating: <65W

Fuses

• 100V-200V: T20AL/250V
• 230V-240V: T10AL/250V
• Internal on printed-circuit board. Should only be replaced by a trained technician.

Dimensions

• 430 x 400 x 145 mm (w x d x h) with knobs and connectors
• 430 x 382 x 145 mm (w x d x h) without knobs and connectors

Weight

• 15 kg

Note: features and specifications are preliminary and subject to change.