Keep swapping the Boulder 866 and the Accuphase E650, and think, with my speakers and cabling, the Accuphase is the better match. Just seems more organic, and goes to show the key to system matching . They are both superb integrateds, an possibly the Directstream DAC is smoother than the boulder one. Now ANOTHER swap is necessary!!..))...And these things are heavy. An embarrassment of riches somedays...Perhaps cable change....
Boulder 866
- Thread starter johnthomas
- Start date
Big B
Member
+1
strojo
New member
Anyone able to compare the 866 to the Simaudio 700iv2 that I currently own? I’m looking to pair with my Lumin X1 and Sopra 2’s.
4N6
New member
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2016
- Messages
- 189
nc42acc
New member
The looks grew on me. Initially not really a fan but once I looked at it in-place a few times, from different angles, I started to appreciate it.
If you use the integrated DAC I think the screen is a nice benefit. If not it's mostly superfluous and I'd rather have an option of "just the input and volume".
If you use the integrated DAC I think the screen is a nice benefit. If not it's mostly superfluous and I'd rather have an option of "just the input and volume".
Jim Smith
Member
Mike,
I have been thinking hard about the 866.
I assume that you think it outperforms my Pass INT 60. Is that a correct assumption? If so, in what areas is the difference most noticeable?
Does the Boulder built-in DAC option come close to my Aqua La Scala, which - IMO - is extraordinary for the money?
As you know, the component that delivers the highest level of musical involvement at the price is - for me at least - far more important than listening to "technically accurate" sounds.
I have been thinking hard about the 866.
I assume that you think it outperforms my Pass INT 60. Is that a correct assumption? If so, in what areas is the difference most noticeable?
Does the Boulder built-in DAC option come close to my Aqua La Scala, which - IMO - is extraordinary for the money?
As you know, the component that delivers the highest level of musical involvement at the price is - for me at least - far more important than listening to "technically accurate" sounds.
The DAC in the 866 does not outperform the LaScala IMO. It’s good, but the LaScala is very special and still my favorite standalone dac under $10k.
Do you find yourself needing more power than the INT-60?
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Jim Smith
Member
Not with the 94 dB 703s.
The listening experience is at a high level here, just thought that maybe the overall tone from the 866 might be better.
Tone? That sounds like a sweet little Jadis integrated or something to me.
But then again, with the current state of tube availability, the 866 might be a good way to go.
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Jim Smith
Member
Tone? That sounds like a sweet little Jadis integrated or something to me.
But then again, with the current state of tube availability, the 866 might be a good way to go.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
By Tone, I was referring to perhaps a bit more body to voices and certain instruments. In this case, it is also related a bit to Presence.
Not that I feel the Pass INT 60 is deficient in these areas, I was just wanting a bit more, if possible.
Big B
Member
Mike
What speakers have you liked with the 866
What speakers have you liked with the 866