Primare BD32

Sitting squarely at the high-end of the Blu-ray market is the unashamedly esoteric Primare BD32. This 3D Universal player spins Blu-ray, DVD, CD, SACD and DVD-A discs, offers media file support from USB or connected eSATA drive, and employs a feast of high-fidelity components.

However, it's the ice-cool Scandinavian aesthetics and exemplary build quality that will probably win it greatest applause. With a heavy gauge steel chassis (available in a brushed black or titanium) the BD32 is several cuts above the ordinary.

Connectivity includes helpful RS232 and trigger control options, alongside balanced stereo XLR analogue audio outputs, allowing the player to be matched with similarly equipped stereo amplifiers and pre-amplifiers. In addition to optical and coaxial digital outputs, the deck also sports a pro-grade AES/EBU connector, designed to interface with Primare's SP32 AV processor. Other outputs include a bank of multichannel (7.1) phonos.

The brand says that beneath the lid are "Primare audio stages and customised video circuits, fed by multiple, dedicated power supplies."

This roughly translates to Burr-Brown OP-Amps, a Crystal DSD DAC driving the aforementioned multi-channel output, and two-stage power supply: an eco-friendly switch-mode 'standby' PSU, which consumes just 0.5W, and an 'operate' PSU. The former is turned off when the latter is in use.

Primare says this linear design is in keeping with "the best audio designs." As part of the deck's advanced heat management, Primare engineers have opted to use the BD32's entire chassis (including steel top and aluminium bottom plates) as an active heat sink. 

The Primare BD32 has a retail price of £3,250.

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