Boulder 860 Stereo Power Amplifier

Boulder’s new 860 stereo power amplifier is derived from the 850 monoblock introduced last year. But whereas a pair of 850’s costs $10,000, the 850 will come in at less than $8,000 when it begins shipping next month. Either way, you’ll get 150 watts of solid state power. Indeed, solid state lovers should take note that this Boulder is one of the few non-tubed amps introduced at the show.

Although the 860 appears to be a great deal, an even greater one is the forthcoming (in March) 865 integrated amp. This isn’t in my assigned category, but I would be remiss in not pointing out that the 865 incorporates both the 860 amp and the 810 preamp that came out last year. Add the 860’s roughly $8,000 price to the 810’s nearly $7,000 tag and the 865, which is expected to sell for under $10,000 is an obvious bargain.

So by all means check out the new power amp; but bear in mind that for only $2,000 more you can have the preamp, too.

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