Boulder 1161 Power amplifier

[Bodhi]

Boulder have announced a new product in the 1100 series on their Facebook page, the 1161 power amplifier set to debut in the next month. The new amp will be a smaller 150 watt version of the 1160, and sized to be the same depth and width as the 1110. Though looking at the heatsink of the 1161 below, it looks to be the same height as the 1160, allowing for the use of a substantial psu. Additionally the new amp won't require the big 32a Walther power connector, opening up more options to use one's own choice of power cable.

This new model fills the gap left by the now discontinued 860 stereo amp. And although the 1161's power output on paper will be identical to the ubiquitous 860, in reality the 1161 should be a lot more powerful and refined. It should also share the same casework as the 1160, incl: the beautifully machined front faceplate which depicts the topography of Flagstaff Mountain near Boulder, Colorado. The 860 sounded powerful, neutral and natural, and had excellent build quality. But having heard the 1160/1110 combo on a couple of occasions, the 1161 should take it to a whole new level being effectively two series more advanced than the 860.

This new model also likely has it's eye on other manufacturer's offerings such as the Vitus RS-101 and Soulution 511. And that healthy competition can only be a good thing for us audiophiles. As Boulder haven't officially launched the product yet, no pricing has been announced. Will update the thread as more details come to hand .

 

[CKKeung]

More info now :
https://www.monoandstereo.com/2019/04/boulder-amplifiers-1160-vs-1161.html?m=1#more

Top: 1160 ; bottom: 1161

 

[Bodhi]

Thanks for posting that update @CKKeung. The new amp is shorter than the initial promo pics suggested, which is a good thing as it should be more easily accomodated on standard rack shelves. I also like the standard IEC power connection which opens up a lot more options with power cables .

 

[naim]

I also like the standard IEC power connection which opens up a lot more options with power cables .

1160 power cables can be assembled by purchasing a plug as the Walther Type 330 306, and replace the IEC standard of any cable ...

 

[Bodhi]

@naim, Yes I know. I used to own a Boulder 1060 and had one of my Jorma Prime pc's re-terminated with a Walther 32a connector which I bought from Boulder (see pic). The issue was, when I sold the amp my choices were to have the Prime pc re-terminated with the standard Oyaide connector & throw in the 32a connector on the deal, or try to sell the cable which was long odds. Luckily I found a buyer who liked the idea of the upgraded pc and we were able to make a deal. But really, most owners who have a $10k+ pc terminated in, let's say Furutech NCF connectors, wont want to dick around with the cable & put that massive Walther on it. For one thing, the cable relief crimps leave a permanent mark on the cable after you remove the connector. Just sayin'.....

 

[Imperial]

Can the 1161 give full power into 1 ohm without trippin its fuse, I wonder ...

It is a very beautiful design I think.

I want one!!

May it sell By the buckets so there are plenty on the used market in 5 years.

Perfect for use with a tube pre this one must be ( Yoda said....)

One request.
I wish it would have a switch so that it could reduce gain by 6db.
26 or 20db gain. That would be perfect.

My 2 Cents. Then I would consider it new.

Imperial

 

[Alrainbow]

Can the 1161 give full power into 1 ohm without trippin its fuse, I wonder ...

It is a very beautiful design I think.
View attachment 66043
I want one!!

May it sell By the buckets so there are plenty on the used market in 5 years.

Perfect for use with a tube pre this one must be ( Yoda said....)

One request.
I wish it would have a switch so that it could reduce gain by 6db.
26 or 20db gain. That would be perfect.

My 2 Cents. Then I would consider it new.

Imperial

Why do you want to reduce gain to 20db ..?

 

[Imperial]

Well. Walking along the shoreline. One morning the sun was so beautiful, that tubeglow filled my soul.
Been to that beach alrainbow?
Tubes with some gain adds to the sound i think.
Like more verve more dynamism.
Solidstate amps also sound better if they are driven with a couple of volts. Again subjective.

Thats why.

Imperial

 

[chuck]

Well. Walking along the shoreline. One morning the sun was so beautiful, that tubeglow filled my soul.
Been to that beach alrainbow?
Tubes with some gain adds to the sound i think.
Like more verve more dynamism.
Solidstate amps also sound better if they are driven with a couple of volts. Again subjective.

Thats why.

Imperial

100% disagree. The soggy sound of tubes work against the Boulder amps and smother the sound of the recording.

 

[Imperial]

Oh... Well.
You missed the point Chuck.
I was reminiscing the good old days when some tube amps killed ANY modern Boulder amp.
Yes. Those existed...

But... There are tube pre amplifiers that would make the Boulder team smile.
I tell you. There are not many of them...
But they are out there...

Imperial

 

[divertiti]

Has anyone heard the 1161 yet? I've only heard the 1160 and 866, I'm torn between getting the 866 to use as an amp in theater bypass mode or spending more for the 1161