Several years ago I had the Boulder 1000 series preamp (the one with Dac 1012 or 1018 I think) paired with a 1060 amp and it was a great. I started venturing into home theater (custom 5.1 surround room, etc) and (learned some lessons) went to Krell processor and Big Krell amps. I could never get the sound like i wanted for 2 channel listening and ended up with an ARC ref 3 through the large Krell Evo amp and wilson Maxx2 the tube preamp substantially improved the listening experience to my ears but was never as happy as I was with the Boulder gear (SS pre and 1060). At the risk of getting off topic I will say the DAC in the boulder 1012 was great but I preferred listening to CDs through my Naim CDX2/xps and later CDS3. Appreciate all the responses the Dagostino pre and Boulder amp may be a great combo just not a pairing I was expecting to be recommended right out of the gate. Also, have read several things talking about the synergy(e.g. gryphon preamp/gryphon amp) being somewhat more important at this price point unless you are specifically looking for the tube sound, in which case for certain pairings (like the Krell amp)I preferred it.
