Hi Joe, I asked my Dealer who carries Boulder about this. He said the next new Boulder products would be the new 2100 series, then a new 3000 series preamp. All that would take 2-3 years and then they might work on 800 series. I wouldn't say the 865 is forward sounding. Boulder aim for neutral. I once asked Rich Maez the same question about the 1060 who replied "If you go hunting on-line, you'll find commentary that claims we're bright, dark, fast, slow, etc. In general, when none of the commentary is consistent, we take it mean that we're transparent or neutral. That's what we aim for - we don't voice our equipment to sound a certain way and instead make it as faithful to the recording as possible - if a recording has an up-front presentation, the 1060 will, if it has a "back of the hall" presentation, so will the 1060." And the 865 will be much the same.
I like the sound of the 865. It has plenty of power and control, and sounds essentially natural. It is an easy amp to listen to, and of course has great build quality and user friendliness. If you're considering this amp, i'd recommend reading Edgar Kramer's review & lab test for Australian Hifi - http://www.avhub.com.au/index.php/Product-Reviews/Hi-Fi/boulder-865-integrated-amplifier.html
I like the sound of the 865. It has plenty of power and control, and sounds essentially natural. It is an easy amp to listen to, and of course has great build quality and user friendliness. If you're considering this amp, i'd recommend reading Edgar Kramer's review & lab test for Australian Hifi - http://www.avhub.com.au/index.php/Product-Reviews/Hi-Fi/boulder-865-integrated-amplifier.html