Levinson 33H vs Boulder 1060/2060??

Max,
I agree with the above comments in that it is all about system synergy. I have owned tons (literally) of ML gear and many of their amps. I have not owned the 33H however, but I have heard them on many occasions with various speakers. I always used the ML amps in harmony with ML pre amps and digital front ends. I have used them with many different speakers as well (I know I have a problem...I am working on it) The ML stuff is very good but I always found it just a bit cold and sterile. As I went up the line, things did get better. I last had a pair of 436s driving my Maxx2. The sound was good, very good actually, but it still seemed to lack something.

About a year ago I decided to explore other options, I listened to AR, Spectral, Halcro, Boulder and a few others. I found the Boulder to be the only choice for me. It was totally smooth and effortless and was by far the most relaxing almost disarming of all of the amps I heard. I did have the luxury of hearing the system (other than the room) as it would be assembled in my home, so I think my finding were valid and the results have shown that to be the case.
I think the Boulder has an organic feel that I think most amps including the Levinson lack. In closing I would say depending on the speakers you are using, their are no bad choices here. If I were you I would find a great dealer, make some arrangements to audition all of the best amps you can and enjoy the process. Their are far worse ways to spend time....and money. Good luck, Jerry

Maybe you should simplify your life and be an objective audiophile. What you then do with the money you save is up to you. Hell, you could even buy more records with it: you know those things that actually provide you with music!

if someone would re-read the question and compare the three amplifiers' sound, let's say through a high-resolution speaker (B&W801's, watt/puppies, thiels, maggies), MAXX1973 as well as myself (and others) would learn more about the boulder sound (i never got to hear them in person). should i just assume some nonsence based on their advertisements, their price-tags,
or what "freaky fremer" has to say about a $25,000+ phono-stage designed to make $2 records from a flea market sound like the voice of g-d him/her-self?? okay, i'm already a little biased, but i do pride myself on rationality as well as an interest in beauty and music coming together in a deliberate fashion, and because COMPANY-X had a dedicated person/persons do ALOT of listening tests with their components before sending them out to dealers, along with colorful brochures (or none at all since that would simply be an insult and meaningless propaganda to the "discerning customer").
However, SOMETIMES, at the dealer's showroom, in a delicious moment of TRUTH which has happened to me several times, one channel refuses to come on, or the cd player refuses to read the cd.
OR, everything "works", but the speakers sound so anemic that they sound like the wires are out of phase (but they're not). well, i can forgive but i won't forget.
so who out there has heard both these amplifiers? i own the 33h's and i think they're even better than the OTHER stuff that levinson makes, which is ALSO quite good, due to some very well designed circuitry. but maybe Boulder would really complement my meitner cdp much better. i haven't a clue at this point. the ml-33h is dead quiet, VERY dynamic, and is not at all "dry sounding" when listening to chamber music or Karrin Allyson (i think she is so ... there's no word for it yet i'm afraid- she's really good imho). please let me know what the boulder sound is all about please... thanks.

The Boulder sound? Well, the best way to describe it is that it has no sound. Boulder amps just play music, and nothing else. There's no wow factor, nothing sticks out. The first time I auditioned them, I sat down with a friend in a sofa and played some nice CDs. We sat there for well over an hour just listening, talking about the music. Suddenly I told my mate, 'Hey, this sounds really, really good doesn't it?'. He nodded his head and that was that.

To put it in technical terms, I'd have to say exceptionally natural, very detailed and completely effortless at any volume. Seductive too, you can get addicted to it pretty easily. With a good record playing you quickly forget that you're listening to a record. Compared to some other top gear I've found that Boulder does not paint a very big soundstage, but what it does it does very well. This is a matter of preference I believe. When I've heard Boulders, they bring the music to my room, whereas for example MBL brings you to the music (i.e. the room boundaries disappear). The difference is very noticeable, it's up to you to decide what you prefer. :) This might have to do with speaker synergy though, you may experience it differently.

how about s'morganic? there are a hundred great sounding amps in that price range. the x factor isn't about sound or hi fi equipment...its bigger than that. it isn't even built or designed...it just is.