CES 2007

The 150Wpc Boulder 865 integrated amplifier (approximately $10,000) is only four days old, so we tiptoed into the room in order not to wake it up. Richard Maez (seen here at the back of the photo) was elated that the 865 had actually made it to the show, but he was even happier to run down the details.

"It's all analog, operating in class-AB, with balanced inputs. It's essentially our 810 preamplifier and 860 power amp in a single box. The 810 premiered our optically activated stepped volume control, which eliminates the distortion and noise of mechanically sliding wipers—and sounds clearer than resistor ladders.

"Oh yes—did I mention that it has HT pass-through, a 12V trigger, and IR remote inputs."

The new addition to the Boulder family baby weighs 45 lbs.