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Boulder monoblocks

I am very interested in the Boulder monoblocks which look very impressive and have very impressive specifications. However, there are only a few serious reviews published on these amps and for $55,000 there are many options. Essentially, for me the most important quality of an amplifier is its bass performance, I like bass that is ultra fast, tight, controlled, and with lots of slam. Another amplifier I am considering are the giant Mark Levinson No. 33 Reference monoblocks. I heard them at a local showroom and thoght that it sounded amazing. I am wondering how it compares to the Boulder monoblocks. Anyone who has had experience with the Boulder monoblocks I would appreciate your comments. Thanks.
audioari1
jond's avatar
jond
5,660 posts
 
Oops, sorry! You did listen to them, glad to hear that you liked them! I'm guessing they blow the Levinson's away but I've never compare the two. Have fun with your decision and take your time. Also consider the amazing Boulder phono stage, I've hear nothing but raves. Happy listening!
rcprince
3,059 posts
 
I heard the less expensive (only $30K?) Boulder monos at my dealer a while back on Dynaudio Temptations and Wilson WP7s. The thing that most struck me about the Boulders that I remember to this day was that I had never heard such detailed, textured, "fast" deep bass from an amp before in my life, and I have heard the Levinson 33s on Dynaudio Evidences. While I think the bass from a Lamm hybrid amp might be a little more more natural to my ear (definitely fuller), given your stated preferences I do not think the Boulders will disappoint you in the bass.
bpwalsh
1,195 posts
 
I suggest this is certainly not the right place to find out which amplifiers you prefer. What speakers do you have? Or are you considering others? You cannot determine what works best without hearing them with speakers you own. Dealers should be expected to offer home auditions to qualified customers, and if they won't, vote by spending your money elsewhere. I have other thoughts but won't post them here.
branimir
236 posts
 
I agree with Rcprince. Lamm M1.2 is a fine amp. Back to Boulder, 2050( 1000w/ch mono ) is $71K/p new in US. Just to let you know. For me these are the best solid state amps availabile, maybe new Krell Evolution One will be an alternative? Stereo 2060 ( 2x600w $39K ) is also excellent choice. They will sound even better( to me ) with 2010 preamp. Some other guys have good results with tube pre like ARC REF3. 1000 series is almost as good, 1050/1010 combo is a lot cheaper, differences in sound are not that big.
What speakers are you using?
anupmc
21 posts
 
Having owned both the Levinson No.32+No.33H, and the Boulder 1012+1050s pairs, I can honestly say the Boulder pairing was more neutral and natural souding.

The Levinson combo was excellent too, but just a tad too laid back. While the Levinson pair was quieter, it did hide some level of detail, which the Boulder pair excelled at retrieving (both pairs were used with Revel Studio speakers, and Linn Undisk 1.1 as the source).
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