Boulder 866—Why Did You Sell?

At some point the idea that integrated is somehow limited compared to separates starts to grow in audiophiles cerebral cortex and at breaking point they sell it.

I wanted a new Luxman 509z. I was offered what I paid for the 866 (used) as a trade in so I went with the 509z and never looked back. 

I can tell you why I didn't buy one...just play the Cure's Just Like Heaven on one and see if you can get thru the song.  Every cymbal crash was like nails on a chalkboard - extremely harsh.  I demo'd it with a Hegel and a Pass Labs.  It was beyond analytical and just painful.  I went it wanting so much to buy one.
 

Thanks, these are useful anecdotes. I haven’t heard the 509Z but did slightly prefer my current integrated (Axxess Forté1) to the 507Z. 

I am familiar with Hegel and Pass—both can sound a little too warm for my preferences, so perhaps the Boulder is more neutral, perhaps closer to the Benchmark sound, which isn’t quite my cup of tea either. I have heard some Rockports driven by large Boulder monoblocks. That system sounded near perfect but way out of my budget. 

I can tell you why I didn't buy one...just play the Cure's Just Like Heaven on one and see if you can get thru the song.  Every cymbal crash was like nails on a chalkboard - extremely harsh.  I demo'd it with a Hegel and a Pass Labs.  It was beyond analytical and just painful.  I went it wanting so much to buy one.

I wanted a new Luxman 509z. I was offered what I paid for the 866 (used) as a trade in so I went with the 509z and never looked back. 

I won’t be selling my 866. It pairs very nicely with my Rockports 

I have not heard the Boulder amps, but it sounds like they are focused on a very neutral sound. Combined with some speakers, this might come across as cold. I myself like a little warmth in my system.

It is a purchase addiction to get a dopamine, hit a low and sell loop with many people unfortunately. They buy into the initial forum hype, get it, do not experience the life changing things they thought they would, rinse, repeat. @helomech 

As a phile of many things including audio, I have never felt the need for a "wellness check" unless it also happens to be a bank check.

Thanks for the replies guys. 

I’m pretty content with my Axxess integrated at the moment, but it’s like @mrdecibel said, it’s a “disease.” 

The Boulder 866 is a great SS integrated.  I owned one for 3 years and totally enjoyed it.  If you are into SS amplifiers the Boulder 866 is tough to beat at it's price point. 

However, I did sell my 866 about 6 months ago because I missed the sound of tubes in my system.   Having a tube amp for over 40 years I felt something was missing in my enjoyment with the Boulder.

I thought I would totally regret selling the 866 but my new tube integrated sounds glorious and cost half the price.    Buy a used 866 if you are concerned about keeping it .

@helomech , I hope you are well. I see this trend with many pieces of audio gear, as it never seems to stop. Audiophilia is a disease (not necessarily a bad thing), and I understand it, completely. However, I do feel there are too many listeners (stating this as a retired, "true" audio consultant) that the merry-go-round will always continue. Folks looking to "hear that magical nirvana", from their recordings, in their listening spaces, thinking it will be like live, unamplified music. This illusion is a fun thing to strive for, but it is un-realistic for most, ime. I will get off my high horse now, because many people do not like my opinions on this matter, based on my experiences, when it comes to the truth of many things I have to say. This is your thread, about the Boulder amp. So, my apologies, and my best to you, always, MrD.