Primare R32 Phono Stage – Black

Here we have a fine phono stage or phono preamplifier as some like to call it from Scandinavian company Primare. Our example of the R32 is in very good condition with a couple of very small cosmetic blemishes – please refer to photographs. It comes in original factory packaging with mains cable, manual (on CD) plus our standard 3 month warranty.
Primare Say….
If you cherish your vinyl and want to hear the most from it, the R32 MM-MC amplifier provides the ideal interface between the low-level output of a cartridge and the line-level inputs of your hi-fi system. Having a standard component width rather than the ‘midi’ size of its R20 predecessor, the R32 is easier to install and matches other Primare components for a uniform system look. Its larger chassis also benefits circuit layout, allowing newly upgraded and highly sensitive signal components to be better isolated from an improved power supply, resulting in cleaner sound and greater fidelity.
The R32 is housed in an aluminium chassis and is analogue in design throughout. It has no digital circuits. For sonic excellence and low noise, Primare’s signature dual-mono design philosophy has been applied wherever possible, using the optimum mix of discrete lead-free components from the best Japanese and American semiconductor suppliers.
The mains transformer is of the R-core type, recognised in the audiophile world for its almost non-existent hum and low magnetic leakage. Even so, to protect the sensitive signal circuits from any possible interference a shield-plate effectively divides the R32’s electronic design into distinct sections. The transformer is placed in the corner of one section, the signal-carrying circuits in the opposite corner of the other.
The transformer includes separate windings for left and right channel supplies (dual mono design), which are then rectified and individually regulated in order to provide the different voltages required by the R32. Tantalum and low impedance capacitors are employed throughout the design.
Output and input RCA connectors are gold plated and have Teflon insulation to preserve the quality of the delicate low level signal from the cartridge. In an upgrade from the R20, the R32 includes a relay controlled mute circuit for silent power on and off.
The R32 accepts either moving-magnet or moving-coil type cartridges. Gain and impedance can be adjusted to match cartridge and preamplifier. When using a low output moving-magnet cartridge, an additional 5dB increase in gain is available by the fitting of an internal jumper inside the unit.
Specifications:
Inputs: 1 pair RCA
Outputs: 1 pair RCA
Input Impedance: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 Ω and 47 kΩ
Output Impedance: 100 Ω
Gain: MM 41.5 dB, MM with internal jumper 46.5 dB; MC 62 dB
Signal to Noise: 20 Hz – 20 kHz unweighted: MM -70 dB; MC -60 dB
THD+N: 20Hz – 20 kHz: MM <0.02%; MC <0.05%
Power consumption: Operation 11.5 W
Dimensions: 430 (W) x 380 (D) x 95 (H) mm
Weight: 8.5 kg

To read a review from Hi-Fi News magazine please click here