Solid State Preamp Reviews

Boulder 810: Two-channel, solid-state, programmable, remote-controlled line-stage preamplifier. Inputs: 4 balanced. Outputs: 2 main balanced, 1 record balanced. Frequency responses: 20Hz–20kHz, +0/–0.03dB; 0.07Hz–250kHz, –3dB. S/N Ratio: 118dB ref. clipping. Input impedance: 100k ohms balanced. Output impedance: 100 ohms balanced, 50 ohms unbalanced. Maximum voltage gain: 20dB. THD: <0.0045% (2V output, 20Hz–20kHz). Output loaded with 150 ohms: <1dB distortion change, 20Hz–10kHz. Channel separation: >113dB, 20Hz–20kHz. Maximum input level: 6.0V RMS. Maximum output level: 14.0V RMS. Volume knob: 200-step ladder-resistor in 0.5dB increments.
Dimensions: 17" (435mm) W by 5.5" (140mm) H by 15.25" (390mm) D. Weight: 18 lbs (8.2kg) net, 26 lbs (11.8kg) shipping.
Serial Number Of Unit Reviewed: 10350.
Price: $6900.

Boulder 860: Two-channel, solid-state, remote-controlled power amplifier. Inputs: two balanced (XLRs). Outputs: two pairs of ¼" thumbscrew terminals, 12V trigger. Maximum output power: 150Wpc (continuous) into 8 ohms (21.8dBW), 300Wpc (peak) into 4 ohms. Voltage gain: 26dB. Input impedance: 50k ohms balanced, 25k ohms unbalanced. S/N Ratio: 108dB (unweighted, 20Hz–22kHz, no reference given). THD: 0.0035%, 20Hz–2kHz; 0.018% at 20kHz. Channel separation: >112dB.
Dimensions: 17" (435mm) W by 7.38" (190mm) H by 15.25" (390mm) D. Weight: 45 lbs (20.5kg) net, 56 lbs (25.5kg) shipping.
Serial Number Of Unit Reviewed: 10440.
Price: $8500.

Both: Approximate number of dealers: 22. Warranty: 5 years parts & labor, transferable.
Manufacturer: Boulder Amplifiers, Inc., 3235 Prairie Avenue, Boulder, CO 80301. Tel: (303) 449-8220. Fax: (303) 449-2987. Web: www.boulderamp.com.