How does Boulder equipment avoid obsolescence?

I rather like the way Boulder keeps the same designs reminds me of Nagra in that way.

I continue to be amazed at Boulder's track record in this regard. Other manufacturers change designs and update components slightly every few years to get you to upgrade; the exception being digital components where progress continues to be made. I had the chance to visit the Boulder facility a few months ago and I can tell you that everything is done in house; designs, casework, surface mount technology. I suppose they change components through the years but the design is rock solid and the results are stunning in my view. They did a demo of the 1021 CD player playing high resolution files from the network, through an 810 pre-amp, and a 2060 amp on Wilson Alexandria IIs. If you add up all the dollars that we spend upgrading through the years vs the cost of a single purchase that lasts 10-12 years, I will bet the economics of the more expensive Boulder purchase looks pretty good. The problem is having the money for the original purchase! Can you say lottery win!

Think about which train you'd rather be on to get to your destination.

A rock solid design with years of refinement and fine tuning behind it?

The latest and greatest and yet unproven new design that tries to solve the same basic problem that has been around for about 100 years (amplified reproduction of sound) differently yet again?

I completely understand your concerns. I shared similar worries before I bought my 1012. I totally agree with the posts above and have only a little more to add.

When auditioning the 1012 against "newer" competitors, I realized I tended to automatically equate newer with better. But I learned newer usually means "different" and any given person might like that difference. But maybe not if you listen carefully.

When I checked my biases, as much as anyone really can, the 1012 outperformed the newer and similarly priced equipment to my surprise.

So I stuck to my ears and bought it. And, after the same process, a 1060 to go with it.

The 1012 is a remarkable piece.

For those curious of my diatribe on Boulder the why, I am considering purchasing the 1012 as a one box front end solution and can't help but wonder am i buying old technology here ???

If you're looking for a rock-solid performer thats flexible, very dynamic, dead silent and very neutral, then go for it! The 1012 will deliver with no sonic drawbacks. I owned the 1012 for two years and loved every minute, having moved to it from a Levinson N°32, N°30.6 combination.

If however, you're looking for the ultimate in analog transparency, the very last word in DAC resolution, and support for USB etc, then go separates, but be prepared to pay significant more than anything close to the 1012.