New Boulder 866 Integrated Amp ?

[freesole]

Great thread on the 866 - I wonder if the 866 would pair well with my Spendor D9's. I am coming from tubes as well and am keen to have a warmer sound. It sounds like the Boulder 866 could fit that bill.. ghasley, where did you buy yours??

[Sidekick]

Originally Posted by freesole

Great thread on the 866 - I wonder if the 866 would pair well with my Spendor D9's. I am coming from tubes as well and am keen to have a warmer sound. It sounds like the Boulder 866 could fit that bill.. ghasley, where did you buy yours??

I would not call the Boulder 866 "warm" but natural, neutral, uncolored and powerful.

/ Marcus.

[duffy1212]

Three weeks ago I traded my McIntosh separates (C70/MC452) in on an 866. I went with the analog version as I am very satisfied with my digital source. I wanted to simplify my system and in all likelihood this would be the last move I make in regards to amplification. I considered the new MA12000 integrated, but decided that I wanted to try a different flavor. The fact that the Boulder weighs only half of what the MA12000 does didn’t hurt either. I’m not going to make any claims about 866 being in a totally different league or blowing the McIntosh components away. I definitely enjoyed my years with Mac. But I am sitting here listening with a bigger smile on my face.

[Sidekick]

Originally Posted by duffy1212

Three weeks ago I traded my McIntosh separates (C70/MC452) in on an 866. I went with the analog version as I am very satisfied with my digital source. I wanted to simplify my system and in all likelihood this would be the last move I make in regards to amplification. I considered the new MA12000 integrated, but decided that I wanted to try a different flavor. The fact that the Boulder weighs only half of what the MA12000 does didn’t hurt either. I’m not going to make any claims about 866 being in a totally different league or blowing the McIntosh components away. I definitely enjoyed my years with Mac. But I am sitting here listening with a bigger smile on my face.

Good for you - congratulations!

Overall, I consider Boulder the next level compared to McIntosh. While at the same time being rather different in terms och presentation and characteristics.

/ Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se

[FastEddy]

A fun video review of the 866 from the point of view of just getting into really good audio (I hate the phrase "high end").

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G0O6P2qM04

[Allman77]

I've ordered the 866, replacing Ayre AX/5-20 and QX/5-20. Bought unheard...

[ghasley]

Originally Posted by freesole

Great thread on the 866 - I wonder if the 866 would pair well with my Spendor D9's. I am coming from tubes as well and am keen to have a warmer sound. It sounds like the Boulder 866 could fit that bill.. ghasley, where did you buy yours??

Soundings in Denver (three times LOL) shout out to Jeff Long.

[MAXDOG923]

Originally Posted by Allman77

I've ordered the 866, replacing Ayre AX/5-20 and QX/5-20. Bought unheard...

Got mine yesterday...same here,.. unheard...think you'll be please..

[jd3]

I heard one last Wednesday and ordered. Can’t wait to get it.

[Adelphi]

@Ghasley:
Compared to Boulder 866, do you think your ARC Ref pre+amp has better midrange SQ ?
I currently use T+A DAC 8 DSD, ARC Ref6+75 and thinking to simplify my setup to integrated amp.
But unfortunately there is no866 demo unit in my country.