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  1. #1
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    Boulder amp with tube preamp

    Hi all,

    Just wondering if anyone uses this combination the - tube preamp used is the VAC Signature Mk IIa SE ? Thanks.




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
    Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
    Preamp: Soulution 520
    Amplifier: Soulution 511
    Speakers: Rockport Atria II
    Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
    Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
    Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
    Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike

  2. #2

    Re: Boulder amp with tube preamp

    I heard a Boulder amp with an ARC Ref 6 and was the best I’ve heard a Boulder amp sound (personal opinion only) I think the results with the VAC would be similar. Would probably want to try it first though.

    George

  3. #3
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    Re: Boulder amp with tube preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by gadawg View Post
    I heard a Boulder amp with an ARC Ref 6 and was the best I’ve heard a Boulder amp sound (personal opinion only) I think the results with the VAC would be similar. Would probably want to try it first though.

    George
    George

    Thanks for the reply. I have been looking the new Boulder 1161 to drive the YG Carmel 2. The other option is to go Rockport Atria IIs for the same price and drive them all VAC.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
    Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
    Preamp: Soulution 520
    Amplifier: Soulution 511
    Speakers: Rockport Atria II
    Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
    Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
    Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
    Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike

  4. #4

    Re: Boulder amp with tube preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob82 View Post
    George

    Thanks for the reply. I have been looking the new Boulder 1161 to drive the YG Carmel 2. The other option is to go Rockport Atria IIs for the same price and drive them all VAC.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    The all VAC option is sweet!

    George

  5. #5
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    May 2019
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    Malaysia
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    Re: Boulder amp with tube preamp

    George

    All VAC with Atria IIs you mean? VAC man, Kevin Hayes approves of this combination.



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Turntable: VPI Prime - Ortofon Quintet S Black - VPI ADS
    Digital Source: dCS Bartok w/headphone amp
    Preamp: Soulution 520
    Amplifier: Soulution 511
    Speakers: Rockport Atria II
    Power conditioning- Shunyata Research Denali 6000T v1
    Power cord: AQ Thunder/Transparent Audio XL Gen 6
    Interconnect: Transparent Audio Super Gen 5 XLR and tonearm cable / Transparent Audio Gen 6
    Rack: Critical Mass Sotto Voce/ Critical Mass Black Platinum/MXR spike

  6. #6

    Re: Boulder amp with tube preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob82 View Post
    George

    All VAC with Atria IIs you mean? VAC man, Kevin Hayes approves of this combination.

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Yup ... very nice combo for sure!

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Los Angeles
    Posts
    1,775

    Re: Boulder amp with tube preamp

    You should confirm the output/input impedance multiple/rule to be sure.
    Brinkmann Bardo w/ EMT HSD-006 cart, MSB Reference DAC --> Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL --> Ampzilla 2000, 2nd Edition --> Fyne Audio F1-12

  8. #8

    Re: Boulder amp with tube preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by KeithR View Post
    You should confirm the output/input impedance multiple/rule to be sure.
    VAC preamp with Boulder amp should be fine with the specs on their websites ... Vac Preamp Output impedance < 150ohms and the Boulder amp Input Impedance at 200K Ohms assuming balanced operation. Still would recommend listening to the combo to be sure they sound good together.

    George

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    St. Paul, MN
    Posts
    270

    Re: Boulder amp with tube preamp

    It would also be prudent to see if the preamp supports the balanced standard. It'll sound better on that account alone.

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Boulder amp with tube preamp

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