Levinson 33H vs Boulder 1060/2060??


Hi All,

I am planning to buy a new amp and was thinking about the Levinson 33H. I don't have any experience with Boulder, but heard some good things about it.

Anyone listened to both of them and what are your findings? What are the differences between both amps and which of the two do you recommend and why?

Thanks for your input

Max
maxx1973
when you're playing at this level, which is a great place to be playing, there's more than just stuff that sounds right or correct (which both these amps do). one of them however has the intangible thing that the coolest brands have...they are the stuff of legend. you already know which one that is.
While Jaybo is referring to the elusive "X factor" some amps circuits seem to have (1 of these, the 33H), another less elusive and equally as important factor is the speaker you'll be using...
Look at it this way: you can choose the speaker first & then the most appropriate amp for it -- or the other way round. OR, the "type" of speaker or amp.
That's easier than shooting in the dark:)

So, what are the speakers?
If there aren't any, I recommend you purchase a carefully used pair of 33H.
There are so many more choices than limmiting yourself to just those two amps.

There are other leading contenders to the great amp throne: Dartzel, Edge, Halcro, Ayre, Pass, Burmester, Krell, as well as tube amplifiers galore.

The more important issue is what amplifier will work synergistically with the rest of your system?

I think the Boulders are better than the Levinson but both amplifier are quite expensive so I would want to hear them in my system before purchase.
Have a listen to Boulder first. What these guys do, nobody else comes close to. It's just a question if this is "your sound" or not. If it is, then you're home! Try 1010+1060, if you like that and can afford it, listen to 2010+2060. :)

At this level, also listen to MBL. They have a different philosophy and sounds quite different to Boulder. What they have in common is that both brands are at the very top at what they're doing; it's just a matter of preference which one you'll like more. Note that MBL amps really want an MBL preamp too. I recommend trying 6010D + 9007, that's a killer combo and not too insanely expensive. Only listen to the larger amps if you can afford them, they can make you quite depressed otherwise..