Primare A35.8 Eight-Channel Power Amplifier at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY USA

The A35.8 is an eight-channel fully bridgeable power amplifier from Primare (Malmö, Sweden), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Deploying Hypex Ncore amplification across 8 channels at 150W per channel into 8Ω, with each pair of channels independently bridgeable to 375W mono and a maximum total output of 1,500 watts, the A35.8 is the most powerful and flexible multi-channel amplifier Primare has ever produced. Awarded EISA Power Amplifier 2022-2023 — a joint honour from both the Hi-Fi and Home Theatre Expert Groups — it is equally at home powering a surround array, a bi-amped stereo system, or the most ambitious Auro-3D installation.

Hypex Ncore Architecture and Signal Path Engineering

The A35.8 uses Hypex Ncore amplification modules — the same technology found in reference-grade monoblock amplifiers — across all eight channels. Primare's circuit layout places each amp module directly into the heatsinks that isolate it from power supply noise, while input and output stages are equally isolated from any interference the modules might generate. A continuous ribbon of circuit board threads through a channel in the heatsinks, creating the shortest possible signal path from input to output. The result is direct, even power distribution and an exceptionally clean signal at every stage, regardless of load or channel count.

Bridging and Power Configuration Flexibility

Each pair of output channels can be independently bridged to mono, giving the A35.8 extraordinary flexibility to match virtually any speaker configuration and power requirement. In a fully bridged bi-amped stereo configuration, a single A35.8 delivers 4 × 375W — 750W per channel pair — for two-channel listening at a level typically reserved for separate monoblock amplifiers. For home cinema, it powers 5.1, 7.1, or 5.1.2 configurations on its own, and combined with a Primare A35.2 stereo amplifier it supports 5.1.4, 7.1.2, or 7.1.4 layouts. Two A35.8 units together can address 9.1.6 and 13.1 Auro-3D configurations. Auto-sense turn-on from standby and 20-minute auto-standby keep operation effortless.

Key Features

• Hypex Ncore Amplification: Eight channels of reference-grade Class D power at 150W per channel into 8Ω and 300W into 4Ω.
• Fully Bridgeable Per Channel Pair: Each of the four channel pairs bridges independently to 375W mono, enabling bespoke power configurations for any system.
• Maximum Total Output of 1,500W: Extraordinary sustained power for the most demanding multi-channel and bi-amp loudspeaker installations.
• 8 × XLR Balanced Inputs: One balanced input per channel for fully balanced connection from any preamplifier or processor.
• 8 × RCA Unbalanced Inputs: One unbalanced input per channel for flexible system integration.
• Auto-Sense Standby: Automatically powers on from signal detection and enters standby after 20 minutes of no input; auto-standby can be disabled.
• 2 × 12V Trigger: In and out for integration into custom installation and control systems.
• RS232 System Control: Full outboard control for professional installation environments.
• Available in Black or Titanium: Primare Scandinavian industrial design at 430 × 400 × 145 mm, 15 kg.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 8 × XLR Balanced Inputs (one per channel)
• 8 × RCA Unbalanced Inputs (one per channel)
• 2 × 12V Trigger (3.5mm In / Out)
• RS232 System Control

Awards and Critical Recognition

• EISA Power Amplifier 2022-2023 — Expert Imaging and Sound Association (EISA), Joint Award from Hi-Fi and Home Theatre Expert Groups, 2022
• Hi-Fi News "Outstanding" Award — Hi-Fi News, May 2022
• Best Buy — Home Cinema Choice, June 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Primare A35.8?

The Primare A35.8 is an eight-channel fully bridgeable power amplifier from Primare (Sweden) using Hypex Ncore amplification at 150W per channel into 8Ω, with each pair of channels bridgeable to 375W mono and a maximum total system output of 1,500W. It accepts both XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced inputs per channel and is designed to anchor any multi-channel home cinema or audiophile stereo system requiring exceptional power and flexibility.

How does the Primare A35.8 compare to the Emotiva XPA-8?

The Primare A35.8 and Emotiva XPA-8 are both eight-channel power amplifiers, but they differ significantly in amplifier topology, bridging capability, and build philosophy. The XPA-8 uses a conventional Class AB design, while the A35.8 uses Hypex Ncore — a reference-grade Class D topology delivering lower distortion and greater efficiency at high output levels. The A35.8 also bridges per channel pair to 375W mono, a feature the XPA-8 does not offer, giving the Primare far greater system flexibility for bi-amping and high-demand configurations. The A35.8's EISA joint award from both Hi-Fi and Home Theatre Expert Groups reflects its standing across both application domains.

How does the Primare A35.8 compare to the Anthem MCA 50?

The Primare A35.8 delivers 150W per channel versus the Anthem MCA 50's 5-channel 200W-per-channel Class AB design. The A35.8 provides three additional channels plus full bridgeable mono capability, making it significantly more flexible for multi-channel and immersive audio configurations. Hypex Ncore amplification in the A35.8 also operates with substantially lower thermal output than the MCA 50's Class AB topology, making it better suited for equipment rack installation. For a separates processor like the SP25 Prisma or SPA25 Prisma, the A35.8 is the natural partner.

Can the Primare A35.8 power a 7.1.4 Atmos system on its own?

The A35.8's eight channels can power a 7.1 or 5.1.2 configuration on its own. For a full 7.1.4 layout — requiring 12 amplifier channels — the A35.8 is combined with a Primare A35.2 stereo power amplifier for the front left and right channels, freeing all eight A35.8 channels for the surround, overhead, and LCE positions. For the largest Auro-3D configurations including 9.1.6 and 13.1, two A35.8 units are used together.

What is Hypex Ncore amplification?

Hypex Ncore is a proprietary Class D amplifier topology developed by Hypex Electronics (Netherlands) that achieves distortion levels well below those of conventional Class AB designs while delivering high sustained power output. Unlike earlier Class D implementations, Ncore operates with vanishingly low intermodulation distortion and an ultra-wide flat frequency response, producing a sound character closer to high-quality Class A amplification than to conventional switching amplifier designs. It is used in a number of the world's most highly regarded reference power amplifiers.

Does the Primare A35.8 have balanced XLR inputs?

Yes. The A35.8 provides one XLR balanced input and one RCA unbalanced input for each of its eight channels, allowing fully balanced connection from any multi-channel preamplifier or processor including the Primare SP25 Prisma and SPA25 Prisma. Balanced connections are recommended for long cable runs and maximum noise rejection.

Where can I buy the Primare A35.8 in Buffalo, NY?

The Primare A35.8 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Primare dealer in Buffalo, NY, USA. The Vinyl Sound team provides expert advice on power amplifier pairing, system configuration, and complete home cinema or audiophile multi-channel installation. Visit vinylsound.com or contact the Buffalo showroom directly for availability and demonstration.