Primare CD35 CD Player at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY USA

The CD35 is a modular full-size CD player from Primare (Malmö, Sweden), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Built around a TEAC CD 5020A-AT precision transport delivering a jitter-free digital signal to an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC, the CD35 provides balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analog outputs alongside coaxial and Toslink digital outputs. Its modular architecture accepts the optional SM35 Prisma network connectivity module at any time, upgrading the player with full Prisma streaming, multi-room control, and network audio capability — making the CD35 a future-proof foundation for any high-performance source system.

TEAC Transport and ESS Sabre DAC

The CD35 centers on the TEAC CD 5020A-AT — a dedicated low-resonance CD drive mechanism engineered for bit-perfect data extraction with minimal jitter. That signal feeds an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO eight-channel DAC chipset, the same flagship-grade converter used in the award-winning CD35 Prisma streaming variant, converting the digital signal through a finely tuned analog output stage. Balanced XLR output allows fully differential connection to any preamplifier or integrated amplifier with balanced inputs, while the single-ended RCA output provides universal system compatibility. Coaxial RCA and Toslink digital outputs enable use as a dedicated transport feeding an external DAC or any Primare integrated amplifier fitted with the DM35 or DM36 module.

Modular Design and Future Upgradeability

The CD35 is designed for longevity within the Primare modular ecosystem. The optional SM35 Prisma network module can be added at any time — no chassis replacement required — seamlessly transforming the CD35 into the CD35 Prisma: a full-featured network player with AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready alongside its CD playback capability. The Prisma module is also transferable between components within the ecosystem, giving the CD35 owner full flexibility to configure streaming where it is most needed as a system evolves. 12V trigger and RS232 inputs ensure seamless integration into any home automation or custom installation control system.

Key Features

• TEAC CD 5020A-AT Transport: Dedicated low-resonance precision CD drive mechanism for jitter-free, bit-accurate digital extraction.
• ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-Channel DAC: Flagship-grade digital-to-analog conversion identical to that used in the CD35 Prisma.
• Balanced XLR Analog Output: One stereo XLR pair for fully balanced connection to any preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
• RCA Analog Output: Single-ended stereo pair for universal system compatibility.
• Coaxial RCA and Toslink Digital Outputs: Enables use as a dedicated CD transport feeding any external DAC.
• Optional SM35 Prisma Module: Upgrades to full network streaming at any time — no chassis replacement required.
• 12V Trigger and RS232: Full integration with home automation and custom installation control systems.
• Scandinavian Design: Tactile precision controls embodying lagom in Black or Titanium finish.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 1 × XLR Balanced Analog Output
• 1 × RCA Stereo Analog Output
• 1 × RCA Coaxial Digital Output
• 1 × Toslink Digital Output
• 12V Trigger In / Out / IR In / Out / RS232
• Optional: SM35 Prisma module (adds Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and full Prisma streaming)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Primare CD35?

The Primare CD35 is a modular full-size CD player from Primare (Sweden) built around a TEAC CD 5020A-AT precision transport and an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC, with balanced XLR and RCA analog outputs plus coaxial and Toslink digital outputs. It accepts the optional SM35 Prisma network module at any time, upgrading it to full streaming and multi-room capability. It is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA.

What is the difference between the Primare CD35 and CD35 Prisma?

The CD35 and CD35 Prisma share the same TEAC CD 5020A-AT transport and ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC. The CD35 is the pure CD player variant with no built-in network streaming. The CD35 Prisma has the SM35 Prisma network module installed from the factory, adding AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready. The CD35 can be upgraded to CD35 Prisma specification at any time by adding the SM35 module — the underlying hardware is identical.

How does the Primare CD35 compare to the Audiolab 9000CDT transport with a separate DAC?

The Primare CD35 and a dedicated transport-plus-DAC combination represent different philosophies. The CD35 integrates the TEAC CD 5020A-AT transport and ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC in a single matched unit, delivering balanced XLR analog output directly. A transport-plus-DAC configuration like the Audiolab 9000CDT with an external DAC requires additional interconnects and introduces the challenge of digital cable quality and jitter management between components. The CD35 eliminates those variables while delivering the same transport mechanism used in the award-winning CD35 Prisma. Its optional SM35 Prisma module also allows it to evolve into a full streaming source without chassis replacement.

Can the Primare CD35 be used as a pure CD transport?

Yes. The CD35 provides both RCA coaxial and Toslink digital outputs, enabling it to function as a dedicated transport delivering a jitter-free digital signal to any external DAC or to any Primare integrated amplifier equipped with the DM35 or DM36 DAC module. When used this way, the CD35's internal ESS Sabre DAC is bypassed, and the digital signal is processed entirely by the external conversion stage.

What amplifiers pair well with the Primare CD35?

The CD35 connects naturally to any Primare 35 Series integrated amplifier or preamplifier — the I35, I25, I35 Prisma DM36, I25 Prisma DM36, or PRE35 Prisma DM36 — via its balanced XLR or RCA outputs. It pairs with the I35 amplifier in the same configuration that earned the CD35 Prisma variant an EISA Stereo System 2019-2020 award. For amplifiers with DM35 or DM36 modules, the CD35's digital coaxial output can feed the amplifier's DAC stage directly for an alternative signal path.

Where can I buy the Primare CD35 in Buffalo, NY?

The Primare CD35 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Primare dealer in Buffalo, NY, USA. The Vinyl Sound team provides expert guidance on source component selection, system building, and Prisma module configuration. Visit vinylsound.com or contact the Buffalo showroom for availability and demonstration.