Boulder 3050

**johnthomas** · April 22, 2013, 02:26 PM

I was reading Jeff review of the 3050 in Tone Pub. I was wondering how hot 900 watts of class A is? It must be off the charts.

John

**The Sandman** · April 22, 2013, 02:49 PM

Did you see the size of the beast? The heat isn't that important since it's spread out over three different zip codes.

**joeinid** · April 22, 2013, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by The Sandman

Did you see the size of the beast? The heat isn't that important since it's spread out over three different zip codes.

Ha!

John,

I think Boulder uses a sliding scale so it's ramped up as needed. I don't understand what they do but I do not think it runs like a conventional Class A amp.

**Rayooo** · April 22, 2013, 03:00 PM

good question I was kinda wondering the same thing.
says in the manual these things draw only 300 watts "nominal"... which by this I assume there must be some floating bias or some such as I can't imagine they wouldn't draw a ton more if class A all the time..

They say 6000 watts max @ 220VAC.. which means when listening to Stairway to Heaven, at fatal levels, one would need minimum two each 30 Amp 220 Lines..and 2ea 40Amp@220 would be better.

These are clearly not for the faint of heart.

**Rayooo** · April 22, 2013, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Ha!

John,

I think Boulder uses a sliding scale so it's ramped up as needed. I don't understand what they do but I do not think it runs like a conventional Class A amp.

Joe beat me to it!

**GaryProtein** · April 22, 2013, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by johnthomas

I was reading Jeff review of the 3050 in Tone Pub. I was wondering how hot 900 watts of class A is? It must be off the charts.

John

I would have to keep that amplifier in the garage or a shed.

I couldn't afford to air condition the room with that kind of heat production in non-winter months.

**Dewster** · April 22, 2013, 10:01 PM

Would make a perfect furnace if you live in Antarctica!!!

**MrAcoustat** · April 23, 2013, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by Dewster

Would make a perfect furnace if you live in Antarctica!!!

Welcome.jpg - - - Dewster

**GaryProtein** · April 23, 2013, 08:27 AM

I have not heard the 3050, but I have heard the 2050 amps with the 2000 series preamp and dCS stack that was current around 2005 on the Martin Logan Statement e2 and they were spectacular.

**Rayooo** · April 23, 2013, 08:40 AM

Ya gotta like any amplifier that's built using what looks like a V8 Engine building stand!

Capture.JPG

**dlb2** · April 23, 2013, 08:51 PM

I would love to have the chance to listen to these. Not that I could ever afford them but I really like the design. I think they would fall through my floor though! Definitely a show piece.

**still-one** · April 24, 2013, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by GaryProtein

I have not heard the 3050, but I have heard the 2050 amps with the 2000 series preamp and dCS stack that was current around 2005 on the Martin Logan Statement e2 and they were spectacular.

Gary
I haven'e heard the 3050 either but as you note other Boulder gear can be outstanding especially with Focal EM speakers.

**ILUVAUDIO** · August 23, 2013, 06:12 PM

I have substantial experience listening to the 2050/2010 with Accuphase, Tara Labs, Focal....I have never and I mean NEVER heard anything like that system. In fact, I was at my friend's audio store at least 5 nights a week for five months or more and what I heard was phenomenal...and what I have heard from people who have heard the 3050's (and whose ears I trust implicitly) say that the improvements from the 2050 to the 3050 is beyond description. "Game changer" is the most common term I have heard bandied about when talking about the 3050's....now, add in the new 2110 Preamp and it may be time to have a large supply of clean underwear when listening.

I will get a chance to test this out for myself after RMAF, as I have a scheduled audition at the Boulder factory on the Monday after. The 3050's, 2110, unknown source (likely Boulder's DAC and CD player) through the Focal Grande Utopia EM speakers. WOO HOOOOO

Cheers,

**ILUVAUDIO** · August 27, 2013, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by dlb2

I would love to have the chance to listen to these. Not that I could ever afford them but I really like the design. I think they would fall through my floor though! Definitely a show piece.

While I love this image, it does not in any way give you and idea as to the size....

SO, I will attach an image with Boulder's HEAD HONCHO Jeff Nelson to give you a sense of scale....MUHahahahahahahaJeff Nelson 3050 Monoblocks.jpg

Cheers,

**joeinid** · August 27, 2013, 01:03 PM

Those are HUGE!

**socfan12** · August 27, 2013, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by ILUVAUDIO

I have substantial experience listening to the 2050/2010 with Accuphase, Tara Labs, Focal....I have never and I mean NEVER heard anything like that system. In fact, I was at my friend's audio store at least 5 nights a week for five months or more and what I heard was phenomenal...and what I have heard from people who have heard the 3050's (and whose ears I trust implicitly) say that the improvements from the 2050 to the 3050 is beyond description. "Game changer" is the most common term I have heard bandied about when talking about the 3050's....now, add in the new 2110 Preamp and it may be time to have a large supply of clean underwear when listening.

I will get a chance to test this out for myself after RMAF, as I have a scheduled audition at the Boulder factory on the Monday after. The 3050's, 2110, unknown source (likely Boulder's DAC and CD player) through the Focal Grande Utopia EM speakers. WOO HOOOOO

Cheers,

I've heard the exact same thing from another friend of mine. He considers the the 3000 series the best amp he's ever heard and the only Boulder amp he would buy.

**LL21** · August 27, 2013, 01:19 PM

Whats crazy is these weigh 430lbs each...and the Krell Master Reference Amp of old weighs 683 lbs each. Both monsters!

**Sean** · August 27, 2013, 01:21 PM

Wow, those are massive specs on their size. Things like this always makes me wonder how Dan got his Dag's to fit in that smaller chassis (though, I know Class A is to be bigger because of their bias).

**the professor** · August 27, 2013, 01:24 PM

Wonder how hot they get?

**ILUVAUDIO** · August 27, 2013, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Those are HUGE!

Hey, THANKS for enlarging the image in my post!!! And yes, they are monsters!!!

Cheers,

**Sean** · August 27, 2013, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by the professor

Wonder how hot they get?

That is a great question. Maybe they really are meant for places like Boulder, CO in the winter.

Not to derail, but just curious - how hot does the 500 Series Naim gear get?

**the professor** · August 27, 2013, 02:35 PM

Warm if pushed hard, otherwise pretty cool.

Originally Posted by SFete

That is a great question. Maybe they really are meant for places like Boulder, CO in the winter.

Not to derail, but just curious - how hot does the 500 Series Naim gear get?

**Sean** · August 27, 2013, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by the professor

Warm if pushed hard, otherwise pretty cool.

Thank you, Jock.

I bet that is ice compared to those Class A beasts.

**the professor** · August 27, 2013, 02:44 PM

The Dags are dang hot.

**Sean** · August 27, 2013, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by the professor

The Dags are dang hot.

I've read that. I know Dan had to figure the best way to keep them as cool as he could with the copper chassis. I think the coating they apply helps keep it at bay.

**LL21** · August 27, 2013, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by LL21

Whats crazy is these weigh 430lbs each...and the Krell Master Reference Amp of old weighs 683 lbs each. Both monsters!

Originally Posted by SFete

Wow, those are massive specs on their size. Things like this always makes me wonder how Dan got his Dag's to fit in that smaller chassis (though, I know Class A is to be bigger because of their bias).

I am not sure the Krell Master Ref Amp was smaller than these 3050s...$150K nearly 15 years go...when you compare the Master Ref amp to the 'regular' FPB700cx, the FPB looks like a toy...literally about 1/4th the size. it looks positively diminutive. Putting the Krell MRA amps next to Focal Grande Utopia EMs...you almost think the Focals are Wilson Alexias...the amps are huge.

**LL21** · August 27, 2013, 04:07 PM

Krell MRAs next to Alexandrias...

**LL21** · August 27, 2013, 04:09 PM

last one...got carried away

**joeinid** · August 27, 2013, 04:31 PM

Wow! I love to see the scale of these. I don't care what it sounds like but I'll take the 3050.

**LL21** · August 27, 2013, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Wow! I love to see the scale of these. I don't care what it sounds like but I'll take the 3050.

If you can, get a second hand pair of Krell MRAs...I have heard from people who nearly bought them...that they are truly Dan D'Agostinos finest work. Magnificent in the truest sense. They go for about $50K today I am told, and they made about 50-100 pairs or something, maybe more. There was a pair about 6 months ago...Wizard actually knew about it as well. For that kinda a money, if they are in good shape (you wont want to ship THOSE around for repair!!!)...I would bet they still rock the house and can handle music with a deft touch.

**joeinid** · August 27, 2013, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by LL21

If you can, get a second hand pair of Krell MRAs...I have heard from people who nearly bought them...that they are truly Dan D'Agostinos finest work. Magnificent in the truest sense. They go for about $50K today I am told, and they made about 50-100 pairs or something, maybe more. There was a pair about 6 months ago...Wizard actually knew about it as well. For that kinda a money, if they are in good shape (you wont want to ship THOSE around for repair!!!)...I would bet they still rock the house and can handle music with a deft touch.

I remember seeing them. Such beasts.

**LL21** · August 27, 2013, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

I remember seeing them [Krell Master Reference Amps]. Such beasts.

Yeah...if you're saying Alexias are a bit bigger than you'd prefer...imagine monoblocks that are actually BIGGER!!! (and a heckuva lot heavier...683lbs each!)

**joeinid** · August 27, 2013, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by LL21

Yeah...if you're saying Alexias are a bit bigger than you'd prefer...imagine monoblocks that are actually BIGGER!!! (and a heckuva lot heavier...683lbs each!)

It would be fun the have the dedicated room and space but it's just a dream.

**ILUVAUDIO** · August 27, 2013, 05:45 PM

And getting back on track???

**joeinid** · August 27, 2013, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by ILUVAUDIO

And getting back on track???

Boulder build quality looks superb.

**ILUVAUDIO** · August 27, 2013, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Boulder build quality looks superb.

I agree 100%...I had a chance to tour the facility a number of years ago. What was so amazing throughout the tour was the dedication to quality, a sense of pride in workmanship and just an overall friendly atmosphere. Add that to the superb build quality makes me feel that if you have the means, the gear they build is worth every penny!!!

Cheers,

Thread: Boulder 3050

Thread Tools

Display

Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

re: Boulder 3050

Re: Boulder 3050

Posting Permissions

Gorgeous new G-Shock...

Shipping Overseas 498 pounds w/3...

Gorgeous new G-Shock...

Shipping Overseas 498 pounds w/3...

Shipping Overseas 498 pounds w/3...

The Smith Chart and...Power Cords

Magico Pricing

Why the Cloak and Dagger?

Magico S5 mk3

Battle over at What Hi-Fi