Boulder 812 DAC/Preamp

**Mike** · August 6, 2020, 05:31 PM

The 812 has a sophisticated built-in headphone amp with multiple connection options that would connect almost any headphone on the market. It has the DAC topology, DSP filter, and streaming options similar to the 866. It has two analog inputs and preamp outs for more traditional two-channel systems. It also features a software-enabled fixed DAC out for those who want to use it just as a DAC. All of this makes the 812 versatile for virtually any listener or system.

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**Oly** · August 6, 2020, 05:36 PM

The styling is similar to the new 866 integrated. At first I wasn’t so sure I liked the new look but it’s growing on me.

**Mike** · August 6, 2020, 05:38 PM

Will we see a stand-alone 800 series amp soon?

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**Ritmo** · August 6, 2020, 07:33 PM

It’s a Boulder so it should be good. Altho, the layout on front plate looks odd.

**yyzSB** · September 20, 2020, 11:39 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

The 812 has a sophisticated built-in headphone amp with multiple connection options that would connect almost any headphone on the market. It has the DAC topology, DSP filter, and streaming options similar to the 866. It has two analog inputs and preamp outs for more traditional two-channel systems. It also features a software-enabled fixed DAC out for those who want to use it just as a DAC. All of this makes the 812 versatile for virtually any listener or system.

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I will have to check this Boulder unit and the T+A HA 200 before I buy a second Benchmark HPA4.

**Bones13** · December 15, 2021, 08:02 AM

Sadly this product has been removed from the website. I’m wondering if they are rethinking the lower end of their offerings. I had hope for the 812 being the centerpiece for a smaller system.

**Mike** · December 15, 2021, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by Bones13

Sadly this product has been removed from the website. I’m wondering if they are rethinking the lower end of their offerings. I had hope for the 812 being the centerpiece for a smaller system.

Not at all. They removed it because they continue to wait on Roon for certification. The product has been ready for months. Ready to go. Ready to ship. Just waiting on Roon.

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**Ricky64** · December 15, 2021, 10:56 AM

This is disappointing, and absurd. Roon gets to add a premier equipment manufacture to their stable, and they reward them with months of lost sales. I believe this is why Aqua ultimately did a work around...

**Bones13** · December 25, 2021, 08:19 PM

Roon has both the 866 and the 812 listed as Roon Ready on their web site.

**Bones13** · June 15, 2022, 10:58 PM

Two new videos from Mike at Suncoast - worth watching.

1) 812 unboxing
2) 812 + 1161 playing music

Definitely a pair to consider. Thanks for the videos!

**mjs** · June 19, 2022, 08:24 AM

I would be interested in any comments from 812 owners, had a brief listen to one yesterday and was impressed.

**FastEddy** · November 7, 2022, 11:16 PM

I have one of these on the way, mainly for headphones but was thinking about getting some active speakers. Are there any decent ones with XLR inputs, no DAC, bookshelf size? A quick search did not disclose any that would be at the level of the 812.

**NekoAudio** · November 8, 2022, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by FastEddy

I have one of these on the way, mainly for headphones but was thinking about getting some active speakers. Are there any decent ones with XLR inputs, no DAC, bookshelf size? A quick search did not disclose any that would be at the level of the 812.

Couple of options that quickly come to mind are the ATC Professional active speakers (e.g. SCM20ASL Pro) and Genelec active 2-way monitors. Not sure if you'd consider them "at the level of the 812", but both brands are very highly regarded in the pro audio space.

**Bones13** · January 3, 2023, 08:50 PM

Are many of these out in the wilds yet? Still not reviewing going on.

Still my top contender for the heart of my end game (down sized…) system.

**mjs** · January 3, 2023, 09:38 PM

Was also thinking the same thing in terms of the heart of a simple high quality system. However, I recently purchased a Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC, although it has less of a preamp function in terms of no analog inputs, it does have headphone out and is a Roon Endpoint like the Boulder. Although I have it with other components, it would equally be another similar contender for a simple high quality system.

**Bones13** · January 3, 2023, 11:10 PM

There are some great DAC/headphone amps out now. dcs Bartok, etc. I need/want an analog input for the turntable.

My other considerations being Lumin P1, and Bryson BR-20, both of which add HDMI to the mix. Lumin P1 has no headphone amp, but I have a couple of those if I end up going that way.

I could even end up with the 1161 added to the system one day. (There is a software company I invest/consult with…)

If I end up so downsized that amp/speaker are not practical, the 812 would seem wonderful.

Many other complicated, multi box, alternatives.

**Mike** · January 3, 2023, 11:17 PM

We have one on demo.

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**Bones13** · January 4, 2023, 07:42 AM

I do hope to get down there. Sadly, I can’t make the Expo again this year. That would have been great.

**Bones13** · January 15, 2023, 02:06 PM

Anyone know if the preamp is analog only. (ie. is the pre amp input digitized on the way through to the outputs?, and is the volume control analog or digital?)

**Bones13** · January 16, 2023, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by Bones13

Anyone know if the preamp is analog only. (ie. is the pre amp input digitized on the way through to the outputs?, and is the volume control analog or digital?)

Quick answers from the great staff at Boulder:

1) Analog input goes all through the system as analog
2) Volume control is analog (not digital)
3) Limited comments on the DAC, as it's custom and proprietary (my words)

Just the answers I wanted

**Mike** · January 16, 2023, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by Bones13

Quick answers from the great staff at Boulder:

1) Analog input goes all through the system as analog
2) Volume control is analog (not digital)
3) Limited comments on the DAC, as it's custom and proprietary (my words)

Just the answers I wanted

We have one in the store.

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**Bones13** · January 16, 2023, 05:23 PM

Yep, I am trying to get through a busy spring, and then I need to come down and listen to the 812, and the Esoteric N-05XD. And bring some headphones, the headphone amps will be important.

**Howiebrou** · January 22, 2023, 02:55 AM

Mike, do you know if the 812 can stream from Roon without an Ethernet cable connection. I don’t want to have to sit near an Ethernet port to be able to stream so this is crucial. The manual says there is a Wi-Fi dongle but not sure if it a full replacement for the Ethernet and whether the SQ suffers as a result?

**Mike** · January 22, 2023, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by Howiebrou

Mike, do you know if the 812 can stream from Roon without an Ethernet cable connection. I don’t want to have to sit near an Ethernet port to be able to stream so this is crucial. The manual says there is a Wi-Fi dongle but not sure if it a full replacement for the Ethernet and whether the SQ suffers as a result?

No, you need an Ethernet cable. No wifi. Wifi is not ideal for best sound. The wifi dongle is for the remote.

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**brodricj** · January 25, 2023, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by Howiebrou

...I don’t want to have to sit near an Ethernet port to be able to stream so this is crucial...

A Pakedge W6 access point configured in bridge mode fixes that problem. You'll find them on eBay for $10.

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