Hidden Gems: an Amp among Integrateds

We are big fans of the Primare electronics line,which mostly focusses on high value CD players, and integrated amps. To read our earlier comments on Primare, take a look here.

These are high bang-for-the-buck, very flexible, and affordable electronics. Think - not quite in the megabucks REFERENCE category, but close, and for the money you can't beat them.

So we were caught a little off guard when we received our sample of their new stand-alone amplifier, the A35.2 ($3495) because, in short, this is not a good amp, this is a GREAT amp.

In our Sound Room A, where we have had more than a few great amps, we all agreed that we had not heard ANY amp sound better. Maybe as good, but different. But not flat out better. Quite a compliment, especially for a $3500 stereo amp!

The speakers we are using are super efficient, which is probably why they have done so well with low power tube amps. They don't need anything like the 200 watts per channel this Primare stereo amp offers, but as they say the most important watt is the first watt, and this baby really makes music!

And for those of us with power hungry speakers at home, here is where it gets even more interesting. These amps can be bridged to mono for 800 watts of power. My Maggies are salivating!

We can't say enough about this amp from Primare. Highest recommendation and available for in-home audition.