Heavyweight amplifier showdown- Boulder 2160 v Wavac HE 833 mkII

asiufy

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Oh well :) That particular pair of MM3s are long gone, with the person who got them still extremely happy with them, I might say!
Given your musical preferences, I still think it's an absolute top contender for you.
Since you already have a behemoth amp, you might want to go for a slightly used Wilson, like an XLF or the X2S2 I have right now. Those will put out a tremendous amount of bass, and with your Boulder, it'll be tight and controlled.
 

LL21

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2010
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Did you enjoy the combination?
I hear the YG designer likes Boulder amps

I thought the Sonjas and the Boulder 2160 (Nagra HD source/pre) had a lot to like as a combination. I found the sound precise, bold and nuanced. I was also surprised to find that this combination on Glenn Gould Goldberg Variations (1981) delivered the album with a depth of tonal richness i candidly was not expecting.

It gave me food for thought as i went home and revisited some upgrades in certain areas i have had in the back of my mind at home.

I did come away with the sense that the Sonjas required significant power to drive them well and effortless...not just from the spec (i am no techie) but from the dealer who owns and shows them. It seemed clear to me the Boulder was delivering extremely well which, yes, probably makes them a good combination given that, plus what i heard.

I look forward to hearing the 3000 series at some point!
 

infinitely baffled

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Jul 2, 2015
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I thought the Sonjas and the Boulder 2160 (Nagra HD source/pre) had a lot to like as a combination. I found the sound precise, bold and nuanced. I was also surprised to find that this combination on Glenn Gould Goldberg Variations (1981) delivered the album with a depth of tonal richness i candidly was not expecting.

It gave me food for thought as i went home and revisited some upgrades in certain areas i have had in the back of my mind at home.

I did come away with the sense that the Sonjas required significant power to drive them well and effortless...not just from the spec (i am no techie) but from the dealer who owns and shows them. It seemed clear to me the Boulder was delivering extremely well which, yes, probably makes them a good combination given that, plus what i heard.

I look forward to hearing the 3000 series at some point!

The tonal richness i can most definitely relate to:)
I'm always intrigued to read people's accounts of encounters with the big Boulders, then i can hear their descriptions of things i might struggle to put into words....or even put my finger on
 

infinitely baffled

VIP/Donor
Jul 2, 2015
1,259
387
340
Scotland
Oh well :) That particular pair of MM3s are long gone, with the person who got them still extremely happy with them, I might say!
Given your musical preferences, I still think it's an absolute top contender for you.
Since you already have a behemoth amp, you might want to go for a slightly used Wilson, like an XLF or the X2S2 I have right now. Those will put out a tremendous amount of bass, and with your Boulder, it'll be tight and controlled.
Alex i would say that if you want to reel me in, dipoles might be the way to go;)
 

asiufy

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Jul 8, 2011
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almaaudio.com

infinitely baffled

VIP/Donor
Jul 2, 2015
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Not a fan of the breed, then?
 

spiritofmusic

Well-Known Member
Jun 13, 2013
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I'm always fascinated that the big Boulders don't figure in more visible uber end systems. The 3000 series in particular look the bleeding edge for zero veils unlimited headroom performance. Are there many Wilson Chronosonic setups out there using the 3000 series?
 

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