For those curious of my diatribe on Boulder the why, I am considering purchasing the 1012 as a one box front end solution and can't help but wonder am i buying old technology here ???
If you're looking for a rock-solid performer thats flexible, very dynamic, dead silent and very neutral, then go for it! The 1012 will deliver with no sonic drawbacks. I owned the 1012 for two years and loved every minute, having moved to it from a Levinson N°32, N°30.6 combination.
If however, you're looking for the ultimate in analog transparency, the very last word in DAC resolution, and support for USB etc, then go separates, but be prepared to pay significant more than anything close to the 1012.