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cold analysis. Even the most turbulent sequences of this cantata seem to flow with a fluidity, which is
so removed from the disjointed character, of conventional switching amplifiers. One is struck by the
quality of the bass vocal, by the warmth of its timbre and its humanity. Through the Primare system
intelligibility is exceptional; the smallest dynamic intonations are revealed. In the third movement,
the Primare set differentiates the pitch of viola and cello, preserving all the harmonic richness of
these instruments, even with the marked differences in level. With increasing volume there is often
a break-down of the timbral structure of stringed instruments that quickly becomes tiresome. The
Primare system avoids all these problems with great distinction.
There were more excellent surprises: in the monumental performance of Bach’s Toccata and
Fugue, the organ rises with extraordinarily expressive power. Clearly the I22 has plenty in reserve:
the sub bass is free of any artificial fullness. Indeed, with unusual clarity, extreme bass notes are
beautifully wrought, expressing perfectly the dynamic capacity of the Primare system. In balancing
direct and reflected sounds the effect of the nave of the Cathedral of Dresden can easily be
detected.
With the Sersé excerpt from Max Emmanuel Cencic, the Primare CD22/I22 system restores the
voice of the counter-tenor exhibiting a warm, uncompressed and very natural evolution from low-
midrange to treble. Unlike many Class D switching amplifiers, the I22 does not react abruptly to
strong level differences, and preserves the counter-tenor’s complex harmonic structure. He
remains perfectly positioned relative to the orchestra. Again, we were surprised by the quality and
sustain of the bass in the string sections, which remain un-blurred emphasising the grain of bristles
on strings. Without accentuated effect in the upper midrange, the acoustics of the venue modulate
naturally without becoming a reverberation chamber.
When switching to a totally different musical genre: Yesterday, played by Shirley Horn, the Primare
system communicates the melancholy of the singer with a rare accuracy. Intonations are relayed
with a completely warm aspect at odds with that of conventional switch-mode power supplies and
switching power stages. In this respect, among others, we can detect the hard work of Primare’s
engineers in developing switching circuits to overcome the problems of this technology. The
presence of the voice is always warm and with a correct focus, good level balance with the beautiful
REVIEW: I22 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER AND CD22 CD PLAYER
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