The shift from hi-fi aficienado to the ‘lifestyle’ concept we all know (and love!) can be clearly mapped – and it was the likes of Primare who ensured its prominence. Established in the mid-1980s, there are few brands that made their mark as clearly as Primare in their earliest of days. They have bridge the gap between pure high fidelity an accesible lifestyle since the earliest days of their conception, and they’ve been leading the way for the ultra-high end lifestyle products ever since. With the highest grade components, precision engineering and sheer  audiophikle-grade grit make them a real premier product… for the most primative of listeners.

Here is our tribute to the marvellously hybrid Primare, and how they have continuously helped to shape the hi-fi realm since the mid-eighties

Primare History

Primare pride themselves on chnaging the rules:

“In the mid 1980s, long before anyone had heard of ‘lifestyle’ design, the first Primare range of hi-fi components was launched. The now celebrated 900 Series and 200 series products symbolised a radical shift in the way music systems were perceived: they proved that great sounding hi-fi could also be rewarding to look at and easy to use. Overnight the rules had changed: Primare made hi-fi for living as well as for listening!”

It all began in 1985, in Sweden, in association with Xena Audio. A combination of powerful, experienced and innovative forced broight forth something that ticked boxes that had never been ticked before: style, sound and sense. Bent Neilsen was the man behind Primare’s domninat ethos, and Xena Audio’s Lars Pedersen brought the technical know-how required to make bring that ethos to life. But it wasn’t until the 1990s that Primare as it is known – and loved – today really started to take shape.

“Continuous Innovation and entrepreneurial dynamism gained Primare a reputation for excellence among consumers and designers alike. When engineer Bjorn Holmqvist joined the team in the late 1990s, Primare was ready to be counted as one of the world’s most progressive and desirable high-end hi-fi companies.”

Their treasured ethos is incredibly Scandinavian in nature – bringing sheer quality of usability and engineering to all those who desire it, and adding a level of usability generally associated with more feature-laden, but less ‘quality’ products.

It was the establishment of the 200 series of pre-power, CD player and Tuner, followed by the 300 series of primare seperates, which formed the blueprint for Primare’s future products. Later years saw the includsion of the likes of DVD players and other AV products added to the line, all of which adhering to Primare’s high standards in both hi-fi quality, and lifestyle.

Philosophy

In their own words:

Primare’s product is…

Uncomplicated: it should be a joy to use.
Pure: it promotes performance and reliability through innovative use of high quality materials.
Evolutionary: it is guided by a practical, logical, common sense design approach. Designs are realised with the best technologies appropriate for the application.
Beautiful: its appeal is of uncluttered elegance, which is easy to appreciate and integrate at home.
Consistent and reliable: all Primare products are conceived and built according to a long-established design ethos to offer enduring quality.

Current Primare

They haven’t slowed down. Their current ranges mirror the same philopshies and the strict ethos of their predecessors. These days, their ranges span throughout the majoriity of hi-fi seperates. DACs, amps, players, streamers, AV products and all. Here are a selection of the current ranges…

The 20 Range

Cutting edge, fierce and exceptional on every level. The 20 series sits at the very peak of the Primare apex in terms of style and sheer usability, alongside virtually unrivalled sound quality. When the items beneath were released – evolved forms of their predecessors – they caused a real stir in the hi-fi community. After all, it’s not every day a premium brand like Primare releases anything ‘new’…

CD22 CD Player

I22 Integrated Amplifier (with optional DAC)

 SPA23 AV Receiver

The 30 Range

The 30 range is a range in which Primare fully demonstrate their incredible versatility. From super amplifiers to high-end DACs, there are many consistencies across the range… but many variations too.

SP33 AV Pre Amplifier/Processor

R32 Phono Stage

NP30 Network Player

A32 Amplifier + Primare PRE32 Pre-Amplifier

Our Primare:

If you’re new to a brand – or if you’re a little set in your ways – it’s sometimes comforting to know that there’s a way of trying it out before you make any sort of commitment. Which is why we have out own little Primare demostration section in our showroom! Interested? Give us a shout! Frankly, we love showing it off.