Boulder 850 / 810

I have listened to the 850 monos and 860 stereo amp in combination with a Boulder 1010 pre amp. Both beautiful, but the monos superior in bass attack and definition. The monos have a great relaxed sound, and let you hear every detail at the same time.

I've had the opportunity to audition the 850 monos. I've heard them with JM Focal Utopia Be's and both Accuphase and ML 390 digital sources run through a Boulder 1010 (could have been the 1012). These amps have a small footprint but a big voice, though I wasn't in love with high frequency reproduction. Yes, they are fast like their big brothers but rather than drop $10K on these I'd spend a bunch more for the 1060 stereo amp to get the finesse and grainless top end. They're not an inexpensive entry level component but for those with a limited budget they do get you a taste of the Boulder flavor.