2. amps-preamps
  3. 169736-16800

boulder and d'agostino

reached out to boulder who referred me to a dealer
called dealer told them my 2060 amp wanted a 2110 preamp to replace my arc ref 5
suggested a dagostino preamp ///??
just trying to understand that line of thinking have previously had krell gear and moved on
in fact had boulder 1000 series years ago and previous dealer (when i upgraded)suggested krell which i bought and had later had numerous service issues with -- but it was sonically great --and now I have went back to boulder/arc but want to try all solid state.  any ideas why that(dagostino) would be recommended over boulder 2110 for a 2060 match from a dealer who sells both>? not trying to start a debate but was a bit puzzled. TIA

rlkern_dallas
joey_v
657 posts
 
Rik
Interesting.  I assume this is AC in Dallas.

I have the 2060.  My pre is the ARC Ref 40 and I find it to be a great pairing.  I would honestly look at the 2110 for sure as I have another local friend with the 2110 and 3060.

We are also in the Dallas metro.
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mayoradamwest
429 posts
 
I have the 2110 and it’s an end game preamp. I replaced a ARC Ref 6 and it was shocking how much better the Boulder was. 
emergingsoul
1,090 posts
 
Would hope boulder 2110 would be an endgame.  Big step from arc 5 or 6.

i am fixated on a tubey preamp.  Ss preamps like boulder and dag seem limiting.

plus these ss preamps bypass and dont impact ht sound, tube amps do and its well worth it.

is it an issue going from tubes to ss?
chorus
976 posts
 
Toured the D'ag factory in April this year. They showed the soon to be released 2 or was it 3 box preamp. Dan was beaming. Have your tried it?

Does the retailer get a bigger profit selling Dag over Boulder?
Or has Boulder cut him off?

Find a new dealer.
rlkern_dallas OP
14 posts
 
Several years ago I had the Boulder 1000 series preamp (the one with Dac 1012 or 1018 I think) paired with a 1060 amp and it was a great.  I started venturing into home theater (custom 5.1 surround room, etc) and (learned some lessons) went to Krell processor and Big Krell amps.  I could never get the sound like i wanted for 2 channel listening and ended up with an ARC ref 3 through the large Krell Evo amp and wilson Maxx2 the tube preamp substantially improved the listening experience to my ears but was never as happy as I was with the Boulder gear (SS pre and 1060). At the risk of getting off topic I will say the DAC in the boulder 1012 was great but I preferred listening to CDs through my Naim CDX2/xps and later CDS3.  Appreciate all the responses the Dagostino pre and Boulder amp may be a great combo just not a pairing I was expecting to be recommended right out of the gate. Also, have read several things talking about the synergy(e.g. gryphon preamp/gryphon amp) being somewhat more important at this price point unless you are specifically looking for the tube sound, in which case for certain pairings (like the Krell amp)I preferred it.
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