Article: Review | Boulder 866 Integrated Amp

[The Computer Audiophile]

View full article

[The Computer Audiophile]

Just now, firedog said:

The album with Stern/Kansas City Symphony album you mentioned - I believe it's called "Britten's Orchestra" doesn't seem to be available. If anyone knows how to find it - especially a download - let us know. 

Yes, it's the Britten album. I talked to Marcia Martin at Reference Recordings about it a while ago, and she confirmed it is no longer available due to an agreement with the musician's union about how many copies could be sold. Bummer.

[The Computer Audiophile]

8 minutes ago, MhtLion said:

Great review. I'm very interested in Boulder 866. How was its internal DAC vs the high-end DACs you have? I'm sure there is a difference, but I wonder how much of difference. Happy Holidays!

One area where you can take the 866 performance to another level is using a reference level DAC. For example, I used the Berkeley Audio Design Aloha DAC RS3 with the 866 for testing. It was fantastic, but I brought this amp in because I could use it as an all in one unit. If one wants to improve upon the 866 and price or footprint isn’t an issue, a reference level DAC can do it. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

19 minutes ago, mikicasellas said:

Hi Chris,

 

Im very interested on buying this amp, but Im not sure which choice, ANALOG & DIGITAL or just ANALOG and add my DAC

 

Can this level you mentioned be achieved with a Terminator II DAC as well paired to the 866 ?

 

Thank you !

Absolutely. The 866 with Terminator II would be a great way to go. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

1 hour ago, jglacken said:

Hi Chris, any idea how the 866 would compare to the Soulution 330 or the Vitus SIA 025?

Unfortunately no.