Boulder
Boulder 866 Amplifier
Best high-end integrated amplifier for discerning audiophiles seeking sonic purity.
Experience unparalleled audio performance with the Boulder 866 Stereo Integrated Amplifier. This high-fidelity amplifier is designed for discerning listeners who appreciate exceptional sound quality and robust build. It seamlessly integrates a powerful amplifier with a sophisticated DAC, offering a pure and immersive listening experience. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, the Boulder 866 delivers a dynamic and detailed soundstage, bringing your music to life. Its elegant design complements any high-end audio system, making it a centerpiece for your home listening sanctuary.
$10149.27
More 800 Series Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
37
/ 1687
#37 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+23%
Above average
Analog Inputs
3
/ pairs XLR
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking absolute transparency and uncolored sound reproduction
- Listeners prioritizing long-term reliability and heirloom-quality build standards
- Minimalists wanting a high-performance, all-in-one digital and analog system
Who should skip it
- Owners living in regions without access to specialized service centers
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking entry-level or mid-range audio equipment
- Apartment dwellers lacking space for heavy, oversized audio components
Performance breakdown
Sonic Transparency
Proprietary circuitry delivers an incredibly clean and revealing musical presentation.
Build Integrity
Precision engineering creates a chassis that feels virtually indestructible and timeless.
Digital Versatility
Roon-ready streaming and high-res upsampling handle modern digital sources with ease.
Interface Intuition
The large color display makes navigating complex settings surprisingly straightforward.
Dynamic Headroom
Effortlessly drives demanding speakers with immense power and controlled authority.
Connectivity Depth
Balanced XLR inputs ensure a noise-free signal path for high-end components.
Key Specs
Analog Inputs
3 pairs XLR
Digital Inputs (optional)
AES/EBU, Ethernet (RJ-45), TosLink
USB-A receptacles
4 (for storage devices)
Speaker Outputs
Boulder's signature binding posts
Upsamples PCM to 352.8kHz
Uses a single differential DAC chip per channel
No mechanical volume pots or variable resistors
Brand
Boulder
Features
- Integrated amplifier and DAC in one unit
- High-fidelity audio performance
- Exceptional soundstage and detail
- Accessible product with expected Boulder performance
- Large, easily readable color display
- Unique, sophisticated design
- Roon-ready streaming DAC option
- Proprietary circuit designs and grounding techniques
What customers say
The Boulder 866 Integrated Amplifier is widely viewed as a reference grade investment defined by exceptional sonic performance and build quality. Owners consistently praise its transparent, neutral sound and effortless power, noting its exemplary control over demanding speakers, especially in the bass. The robust, American made engineering assures longevity. High satisfaction is also driven by the optional digital module, which modernizes the unit into a sophisticated hub. While the price is substantial, buyers feel the flawless execution and performance rival more expensive separates. The 866 is celebrated as a benchmark integrated amplifier for its accuracy and enduring value.
Know before you buy
The 866 is a fully integrated unit that includes a high-performance DAC. You can connect digital sources directly to the amplifier without needing additional hardware.
Yes, the 866 offers an optional Roon-ready streaming DAC module. This allows for seamless integration into your Roon ecosystem for high-resolution network playback.
The 866 uses a sophisticated electronic control system rather than physical resistors or pots. This design eliminates the risk of noise or channel imbalance that can develop over time with mechanical components.
If equipped with the optional DAC, the unit provides AES/EBU, Ethernet, and TosLink inputs. It also features four USB-A ports specifically designed for connecting external storage devices.
Yes, the 866 features three pairs of balanced XLR analog inputs. These are designed to maintain the signal integrity and low-noise performance expected from Boulder equipment.
The internal DAC is designed to upsample all incoming PCM signals to 352.8kHz. This process ensures a consistent, high-fidelity output regardless of the source resolution.
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