Boulder 1160/Pass XA160.8 or Luxman M900U x2

dbs1217 said:
Not what I want to hear as my Denali v2 is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.
As for the original post, regarding amp, I currently have a Simaudio W8 powering my S5mkii. I am happy with the Magico-Sim combination and have spoken with Mike about moving up to the 860v2, and eventually getting a pair of 860v2 as monoblocks as funds allow. My cabling is also Transparent Ref XL mm2, fwiw. Best.
Dave
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The Denali 6000s/V2 made a major difference in my system at home.


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m3r said:
I've also contemplated removing the Denali V2 entirely from the chain as I've often felt it degraded the overall resolution and transparency just a bit in return for less noise and blacker backgrounds. That said, the Innuos and the MSB both have great power supplies and overall my system is exceptionally quiet so I'm not sure what I'm really getting from the Denali that I don't have already.

Thanks again for you comments
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It should be very easy to find out. Take Denali out of the system and see how you feel. I’m interested in your finding. I personally find resolution/transparency go in the same direction as less noise/ blacker background, not the opposite. If it is the opposite, it could be due to other weak link in the chain.
 
Dave
Do not be concerned. Everything is system dependent. What works in my room and my configuration does not necessarily mean the same for you. Here is what happened to me. When I installed the Taurus monoblocks they required 20amp cords. I had to steal the 20A cord I was using to power the Denali. So I disconnected it and went from the Pass/Denali combo running Synergistic research cables to the Constellation / Nordost combo with no power conditioner at all. As expected, When I went back to the Pass there was huge drop in resolution, transparency and dynamics. So at the end of the day it’s all about system synergy. So enjoy your time with Denali and don’t let my experience influence what worKs for you.
 
Just heard mike videos on you tube, A5 plus boulder pre and amp.
I never really liked magico sound, but this pairing makes music magical and touching , it really touch your heart!
Bravo mike for the pairing, absolutely amazing


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One thing I’ve learned the hard way, never judge components before hearing them. I know it sounds silly to say out loud but I’ve been guilty of it in the past. How you think something will sound based on similar pieces or even exactly the same with different gear will surprise you. Never disregard something based on your previous feelings about it. Go listen or get a demo in your own system.
 
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sakso136 said:
Just heard mike videos on you tube, A5 plus boulder pre and amp.
I never really liked magico sound, but this pairing makes music magical and touching , it really touch your heart!
Bravo mike for the pairing, absolutely amazing


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Thanks. The Boulder with Magico is a magical pairing that just has this incredible musical synergy. Constellation was also excellent, but I think the Boulder is better and since we’ve already sold a few Boulder pieces in only a few months, we’ve already out sold our Constellation sales over 3 years (which was zero). Constellation was a great product and I’m still to this day left scratching my head as to why it never sold. Boulder on the other hand, I have to say, is a level or two above in so many areas. The 866 is a sleeping giant in the integrated world and the 2160 is one of the best stereo amps we have in the store - maybe the best with Magico.


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Mike said:
Constellation was also excellent, but I think the Boulder is better and since we’ve already sold a few Boulder pieces in only a few months, we’ve already out sold our Constellation sales over 3 years (which was zero). Constellation was a great product and I’m still to this day left scratching my head as to why it never sold.
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Fascinating - wonder why that is - Constellation wouldn't be the first product that's well built - sounds good - gets good reviews but does not sell. If I was Constellation - I would invest a few $'s to determine why that is.
 
Rob181 said:
Fascinating - wonder why that is - Constellation wouldn't be the first product that's well built - sounds good - gets good reviews but does not sell. If I was Constellation - I would invest a few $'s to determine why that is.
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I’m scratching my head too. Funny, before I picked it up, other dealers warned me “good stuff, just doesn’t sell.”


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Boulder seems to be a solid company that builds terrific products based on sound engineering practices. I particularly admire them for not changing models every 4 years. In fact, I believe the 2060 was in production 15-20 years before being replaced by 2160.

Mike,you’ve praised the new integrated and of course the 2160. How does the 1160 compare to these two?
 
rjc1845 said:
Boulder seems to be a solid company that builds terrific products based on sound engineering practices. I particularly admire them for not changing models every 4 years. In fact, I believe the 2060 was in production 15-20 years before being replaced by 2160.

Mike,you’ve praised the new integrated and of course the 2160. How does the 1160 compare to these two?
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The 1160 is outstanding provided one thing. This one thing you must promise to yourself:

- if you’re going to be going for the 1160, never listen to the 2160!! What you hear cannot be unheard!


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The best amps I have ever heard on Magico, not sure if if it was the S5mkIi or S3mkII were the Zanden 9600.
 
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