Boulder Power LEDs are too bright!!!

[BillK]

I'm demoing an 1110 preamp but realize I don't think I could purchase one even if I love the sound as there is no way to dim the front panel power light.

It's blindingly bright, and even with the display turned off, the power light glows bright enough to actually be able to walk around my room at night by its glow.

The last thing I want to have to do when buying a $28K preamp is to stick a piece of electrical tape on the front.

Is anyone else annoyed by this, or do most people listen in bright rooms and not use the pre for home theater?

[PHC1]

LED stickers.

[BillK]

It seems like such an obvious oversight on Boulder's part.

[Cohibaman]

There are several manufacturers that put retina-burning, high intensity, focused LEDs in their products. Shiit products come to mind. I’m sure I’m not the only person that listens to their system with the lights low. It’s so easy to use wide-angle LEDs and put in a user-selected brightness control. [emoji849]

[PHC1]

Interesting how a few small LEDs are too much but HUGE blue McIntosh meters or meters on other gear like Luxman, Accuphase, ARC, PASS, etc... are not bad?

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Interesting how a few small LEDs are too much but HUGE blue McIntosh meters or meters on other gear like Luxman, Accuphase, ARC, PASS, etc... are not bad?

Huge difference. The meters’ incandescent or LED lamps are diffused. Plus I can turn off my meter lights on my MC402s.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Cohibaman

Huge difference. The meters’ incandescent or LED lamps are diffused. Plus I can turn off my meter lights on my MC402s.

So perhaps Boulder got a great deal on laser pointers this year?

I would simply use one of those stickers to cover up an LED then.

[BillK]

Originally Posted by PHC1

SI would simply use one of those stickers to cover up an LED then.

Always what you want to have to do to your new $28K purchase (not that the power indicator isn't as bright on the 2110 and 3010, so I suppose it's better than putting tape on the front of your $130,000 preamp.)

What's even sillier is the LED shines at full brightness even if you have the display completely shut off, as you might if the preamp is part of a home theater system.

[BillK]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Interesting how a few small LEDs are too much but HUGE blue McIntosh meters or meters on other gear like Luxman, Accuphase, ARC, PASS, etc... are not bad?

Yes, as stated all of the equipment I know of with illuminated meters have the ability to dim them or turn the lighting completely off.

[Antonmb]

As Serge says, the simplest solution is these “LightDims.” They come with a variety of sizes and are easily applied and removed with no residue. I got them years ago for a PS Audio phono stage, but have used them on all sorts of equipment and appliances.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CLVEQCO..._Dhl5Fb0NWEFY4