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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
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).
brainwater
520 posts
 
I heard them at CES in The Aerial room driving their flagship 20 t speaker . It was lightning fast , had iron control over the bass and was stunning in its dynamics . Mated with their preamp it was possibly the finest sound at the show I heard .
razen
17 posts
 
Before, any other option choice, you need listen the VIOLA AUDIO LABS, BRAVO AMPS 2 chassis, Viola Audio Labs (ex staff Mark Levinson and Cello) by Tom Conlongelo and Paul Jayson.

happy Listening.
audioari1 OP
128 posts
 
Some of you have said that it is plain crazy to consider the purchase of $55K/pair monoblocks without an audition. However, there are so many interesting amps on the market that I would have to spend 6 months flying around the country to hear them all. I could also consider, Krell, Classe, SimAudio, MBL, Goldmund, Chord, Halcro and many others which I am sure are very fine amps. Ultimately, you can never be sure if you really have the best amp unless you heard them all, which is nearly impossible.

Then, even if you do hear them all, it is then nearly impossible to hear them on the same speakers.

Ultimately, I have to rely on reviews and the opinions of others. Again, I am looking for an amplifier with the best bass performance, not necessarily the most "natural" sounding amplifier. Any suggestions?
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