Primare R35 MM/MC Phono Preamplifier at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY USA

The R35 is Primare's flagship MM/MC phono preamplifier from Primare (Malmö, Sweden), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Engineered to amplify with honest fidelity the delicate signal from any moving magnet or moving coil cartridge, the R35 features a fully isolated power supply shielding the sensitive signal path from noise, adjustable gain up to 76 dB for MC cartridges (50 dB for MM), wide-range capacitive and resistive load adjustment for precise cartridge matching, and both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs for maximum system flexibility. It is the circuit foundation from which the award-winning R15 was derived, and the definitive phono stage for the Primare 35 Series separates system.

Circuit Design and Isolated Power Supply

The R35 is centered on a fully isolated power supply that shields the highly sensitive phono input stage — operating at signal levels in the microvolt range for low-output MC cartridges — from noise and interference generated by the mains and by other circuit stages. Every component has been selected and positioned so that all circuit stages work in harmony, producing a noise floor and distortion performance appropriate for the most demanding low-output moving coil cartridges. The result is a phono stage capable of amplifying the most delicate cartridge signal with honest fidelity — faithful to the original recording without added coloration or noise.

Gain, Loading, and Output Flexibility

The R35 provides up to 50 dB of gain for moving magnet cartridges and up to 76 dB for moving coil — sufficient headroom for the lowest-output MC designs including those from Dynavector, Ortofon, and Audio-Technica. Wide-range capacitive and resistive load adjustment enables precise matching to virtually any cartridge and system combination. Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs provide the flexibility to connect to any preamplifier or integrated amplifier — balanced for the PRE35 Prisma DM36 or I35 with its XLR inputs, single-ended for the I25 or any other RCA-input component. The standby button is discreetly integrated within the Primare logo on the faceplate — an elegant expression of the brand's design philosophy.

Key Features

• MM and MC Compatibility: Moving magnet and moving coil cartridge support with up to 50 dB and 76 dB of gain respectively.
• 76 dB MC Gain: Sufficient headroom for the most demanding low-output moving coil cartridges.
• Fully Isolated Power Supply: Noise-free environment for the most sensitive signal stages — essential for low-output MC amplification.
• Wide-Range Load Adjustment: Capacitive and resistive loading for precise cartridge and system matching.
• Balanced XLR and RCA Outputs: Maximum system compatibility including balanced connection to PRE35 and I35 amplifiers.
• Full-Size Scandinavian Design: 430mm chassis matching the Primare 35 Series in Black or Titanium finish.
• Circuit Foundation of the Award-Winning R15: The same sonic philosophy — Primare's signature mix of weight, substance, detail, and resolution.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 1 × RCA Stereo Input
• 1 × RCA Stereo Output
• 1 × XLR Balanced Stereo Output

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Primare R35?

The Primare R35 is Primare's flagship MM/MC phono preamplifier from Primare (Sweden), delivering up to 50 dB of MM gain and up to 76 dB of MC gain with a fully isolated power supply, wide-range capacitive and resistive load adjustment, and both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs. It is the circuit foundation on which the award-winning R15 phono preamplifier is based, and is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA.

How does the Primare R35 compare to the Gold Note PH-10?

The Primare R35 and Gold Note PH-10 are both premium MM/MC phono preamplifiers with wide loading flexibility and balanced output options. The PH-10 provides adjustable gain stages and an optional external power supply. The R35 offers up to 76 dB of MC gain and a fully isolated internal power supply engineered specifically for the noise-sensitive phono signal path, with both XLR and RCA outputs for balanced and unbalanced connection. The R35 also integrates naturally into the Primare 35 Series via balanced XLR connection to the PRE35 Prisma DM36 preamplifier, forming a fully balanced vinyl-to-amplifier signal path.

How does the Primare R35 compare to the Parasound JC 3 Jr.?

The Primare R35 and Parasound JC 3 Jr. are both serious standalone phono preamplifiers with MC support, but they approach the design differently. The JC 3 Jr. uses discrete Class A circuitry at fixed gain and loading values. The R35 offers adjustable gain up to 76 dB and wide-range adjustable loading — providing significantly more flexibility for cartridge matching across a broader range of turntable and cartridge combinations. The R35 also adds balanced XLR output, which the JC 3 Jr. does not include.

What cartridges work with the Primare R35?

The R35 is compatible with virtually any moving magnet or moving coil cartridge. Its 76 dB of MC gain handles even the most demanding low-output moving coil designs — including cartridges from Dynavector, Ortofon, Lyra, and Audio-Technica with outputs as low as 0.2mV — while its adjustable capacitive and resistive loading allows precise matching to high-output MM cartridges from any manufacturer. The R35 also serves as the ideal pairing for the complete Primare vinyl system alongside a Rega or Pro-Ject turntable.

Can I connect the Primare R35 to an integrated amplifier?

Yes. The R35 connects to any integrated amplifier or preamplifier via its RCA output. For Primare integrated amplifiers with balanced inputs — the I35, I35 Prisma DM36, or PRE35 Prisma DM36 — the XLR balanced output provides a fully differential connection for the lowest possible noise floor from cartridge to amplifier stage.

Where can I buy the Primare R35 in Buffalo, NY?

The Primare R35 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Primare dealer in Buffalo, NY, USA. The Vinyl Sound team provides expert guidance on phono stage selection, cartridge matching, and vinyl system building. Visit vinylsound.com or contact the Buffalo showroom for availability and demonstration.