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Earlier this year we looked at the A35.8, an eight-channel power amplifier from Primare that was its first multichannel model in nearly a decade. Although also targeted at hi-fi fans seeking to make use of its flexible amp configuration, did it perhaps show the Swedish brand returning to the home cinema arena?

It certainly looks that way now, as Primare has announced a new AV receiver model, the SPA25, coming to market this November. It also says there are dedicated multichannel processors on the roadmap for 2023.

The receiver copies the 'elegantly simple design' of the rest of Primare's current models, the A35.8 amplifier in particular. It also shares that model's flavour of UFPD2 (Ultra Fast Power Device) Class D amplification, rated in this instance at 9 x 100W. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding is onboard, but the SPA25 eschews IMAX Enhanced or Auro-3D.

For use in a seven-channel system the receiver supports bi-amplification of the front left/right speakers. Setups running to 11 channels can make use of pre-out connections for an additional stereo power amplifier.

Somewhat unusually (and so as not to upset its clean Scandinavian design) all connections are found on the SPA25's rear panel – even the mic input that works with the receiver's automated Dirac Live EQ system. There are four HDMI inputs, plus two outputs, all handling 4K HDR passthrough (incl. Dolby Vision) but not 4K/120 or 8K video.

Reflecting the company's audiophile heritage, and potentially marking the SPA25 out as an AV receiver for music-lovers, is the inclusion of a USB-B input for PC/Mac connection alongside optical and coaxial ports, plus a multichannel analogue input bank on RCA.

The new model also integrates Primare's Prisma network player technology, allowing for streaming from music services including Qobuz, Spotify and Tidal, plus Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 connection.

Primare also says the SPA25 will be the first of a new wave of products to include its new Prisma remote control, 'providing IR control for every past and present Primare model.'

Pricing for the Primare SPA25 is TBC.