boulder and d'agostino

The way you write without capital letters or periods at the end of a sentence (?), it's hard to tell exactly what you're saying. Are you saying that Boulder suggested that you gt a D'Agostino pre?

dealers have all kinds of reasons for recommendations
in your price range, they should give you a home audition of eitherthat way, you can decide for yourself

Maybe it will become clearer after they get back with me. Sorry for the confusion no I contacted Boulder who suggested I speak with the dealers in the area about the specifics of the gear(I had previously had the 1018 preamp and was considering either the new 1110 or 2110 or even the 2010). So when I contacted one we had preliminary conversation about the 2110 preamp- they did not have that available for audition. At that point the d'agostino (not sure which model) was brought up as an option to pair with my boulder 2060. I haven't heard that gear before and so prior to setting up audition was just if others had seen this pairing and there was a synergy that would be worth considering.  The dealers are several hours away so setting up home audition will take some doing.

The D'Agostino Momentum HD preamp is outstanding.  I replaced an ARC Ref 40 with it, and in my system the HD is significantly better in almost every way, with the sole exception of giving up just a smidge of that tubey midrange effect.  Now, for some listeners and some systems, that smallish step back in that one area could be a deal killer, but it works really well in my system (using the matching D'Ag S250 amp).

@rlkern_dallas  If you are in Dallas make an appointment to listen to the combo just wear slacks and a polo shirt.  If you don't have an expensive car park a few stores down and walk to the store.

@mboldda1 , 
If you have to impress a dealer, or hide the fact that you are not wealthy, then it would be best not to deal with them- Even if they have the equipment you want to audition.
As a New Yorker, I have been down that road. Besides visual identifiers of wealth, there are more than a few dealers who judge customers on their ethnicity.
Thankfully, there are some who do not. And, guess which ones I spend my money on?
B

Never judge a book by the cover…

I’m not sure why the dealer would do that, but going with the Boulder would be in my opinion a better match. Both are great pre-amps.
maybe dealer could provide in home demo with your system.
goodluck

Rik
Interesting.  I assume this is AC in Dallas.

I have the 2060.  My pre is the ARC Ref 40 and I find it to be a great pairing.  I would honestly look at the 2110 for sure as I have another local friend with the 2110 and 3060.

We are also in the Dallas metro.

I have the 2110 and it’s an end game preamp. I replaced a ARC Ref 6 and it was shocking how much better the Boulder was. 

Would hope boulder 2110 would be an endgame.  Big step from arc 5 or 6.

i am fixated on a tubey preamp.  Ss preamps like boulder and dag seem limiting.

plus these ss preamps bypass and dont impact ht sound, tube amps do and its well worth it.

is it an issue going from tubes to ss?

Toured the D'ag factory in April this year. They showed the soon to be released 2 or was it 3 box preamp. Dan was beaming. Have your tried it?

Does the retailer get a bigger profit selling Dag over Boulder?
Or has Boulder cut him off?

Find a new dealer.

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.