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Boulder 866 experience? Users?

Hello,
Is there any Boulder 866 owner? How is your experience? :)Almost finalizing my next year setup, my last consideration becomes All-in-One solution.

- So far my consideration is Pass Int60 + Bryston BDA 3.14
Then these three candidates come in.

1) Devialet - Honestly, I haven’t thought about it.      
But I heard a recommendation that this can work as preamp+amp+dac+streamer

2) darTZeel LHC-208 - ironman from Swiss, looks exotic

3) Boulder 866
My first interest is Boulder 866 because it’s from the US. (I live in the US, so expect to be easy to fix or do something).  

My questions are,
1) How’s your impression? (Especially compared to Pass, Devialet and dartzeel)      
Not just better/worse but how’s different?

2) Do you experience any technical glitch? (In terms of touch screen, wireless integration)

3) Can you use Apple Airplay? (It’s important to me, I use apple music/idagio and need to stream it.)
Positive feedback review mentions NO airplay capability but other reviews mention it’s capable.

Thank you.
128x128sangbro

Showing 4 responses by sangbro

sangbro's avatar
sangbro OP
42 posts
 
Devialt is class D, right. So it was out of my radar. But I happen to learn that one dealer uses 400 as mono set up with Magico M2 for his reference. I think he knows what he’s talking about. Maybe not my cup of tea in terms of sound character, but I think it’s interesting to consider in terms of sound quality.

About Dartzeel, I just saw the clone (not Int model, but its higher amp. In local market it’s about $1000 USD. Not heard it but it seems sounds not that bad too. It also seem to have a small but solid fan base.

Boulder seems to be company that stands behind its product. I like the fact that this company doesn’t introduce the product every year with marketing gimmicks. I think not many companies can do this.
They give me the impression - a boutique version of Bryston.

I’m on the verge of Bryston amp+ DAC / Pass + Bryston DAC / All in one unit.
sangbro's avatar
sangbro OP
42 posts
 
@Waltersalas, I’ve sent the message. You’ve experienced most of them from the perspective I’m in. I’m really curious about your further opinion.  
sangbro's avatar
sangbro OP
42 posts
 
When Whathifi lists its “Against” like that for a product like Boulder 866, honestly, I start to think it’s really damn good, and Boulder doesn’t just pay enough money to its advertiser - more credibility for the product quality.

What I’m really interested in is its DAC performance. 
sangbro's avatar
sangbro OP
42 posts
 
@sonyedman2
I’m looking forward to hearing back from you once you audition Boulder 866. Unfortunately, my local dealer doesn’t have one, and Boulder is likely do drop shipping to me once I order one. 

I heard Boulder doesn’t compromise in its DAC section, and many people hold genuinely high regards on Boulder’s top line sound. (Neutral but refined manner.)
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