Boulder 1161 Power amplifier

Bodhi

Well-Known Member
Apr 20, 2014
1,051
361
155
Boulder have announced a new product in the 1100 series on their Facebook page, the 1161 power amplifier set to debut in the next month. The new amp will be a smaller 150 watt version of the 1160, and sized to be the same depth and width as the 1110. Though looking at the heatsink of the 1161 below, it looks to be the same height as the 1160, allowing for the use of a substantial psu. Additionally the new amp won't require the big 32a Walther power connector, opening up more options to use one's own choice of power cable.

This new model fills the gap left by the now discontinued 860 stereo amp. And although the 1161's power output on paper will be identical to the ubiquitous 860, in reality the 1161 should be a lot more powerful and refined. It should also share the same casework as the 1160, incl: the beautifully machined front faceplate which depicts the topography of Flagstaff Mountain near Boulder, Colorado. The 860 sounded powerful, neutral and natural, and had excellent build quality. But having heard the 1160/1110 combo on a couple of occasions, the 1161 should take it to a whole new level being effectively two series more advanced than the 860.

This new model also likely has it's eye on other manufacturer's offerings such as the Vitus RS-101 and Soulution 511. And that healthy competition can only be a good thing for us audiophiles. As Boulder haven't officially launched the product yet, no pricing has been announced. Will update the thread as more details come to hand :cool:.

51861013_1269756339854599_5897596821668102144_o.jpg

52353318_1271439286352971_5860412991979126784_n.jpg
 
Last edited:

CKKeung

Well-Known Member
Jun 17, 2011
3,053
3,172
1,410
Hong Kong
  • Like
Reactions: Bodhi

Bodhi

Well-Known Member
Apr 20, 2014
1,051
361
155
Thanks for posting that update @CKKeung. The new amp is shorter than the initial promo pics suggested, which is a good thing as it should be more easily accomodated on standard rack shelves. I also like the standard IEC power connection which opens up a lot more options with power cables :cool:.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CKKeung

naim

Well-Known Member
Mar 6, 2019
72
32
105
61
Italy
I also like the standard IEC power connection which opens up a lot more options with power cables :cool:.
1160 power cables can be assembled by purchasing a plug as the Walther Type 330 306, and replace the IEC standard of any cable ...:)

Walther 32A 3P 230V 6h IP44 Type 330 306.jpg
 

Bodhi

Well-Known Member
Apr 20, 2014
1,051
361
155
@naim, Yes I know. I used to own a Boulder 1060 and had one of my Jorma Prime pc's re-terminated with a Walther 32a connector which I bought from Boulder (see pic). The issue was, when I sold the amp my choices were to have the Prime pc re-terminated with the standard Oyaide connector & throw in the 32a connector on the deal, or try to sell the cable which was long odds. Luckily I found a buyer who liked the idea of the upgraded pc and we were able to make a deal. But really, most owners who have a $10k+ pc terminated in, let's say Furutech NCF connectors, wont want to dick around with the cable & put that massive Walther on it. For one thing, the cable relief crimps leave a permanent mark on the cable after you remove the connector. Just sayin'.....

thumbnail_IMG_1801.jpg
 
Last edited:

Imperial

Well-Known Member
Mar 6, 2012
120
12
925
Norway
Can the 1161 give full power into 1 ohm without trippin its fuse, I wonder :rolleyes:...

It is a very beautiful design I think.
WEB-Boulder_6.jpg
I want one!!

May it sell By the buckets so there are plenty on the used market in 5 years.

Perfect for use with a tube pre this one must be ( Yoda said....)

One request.
I wish it would have a switch so that it could reduce gain by 6db.
26 or 20db gain. That would be perfect.

My 2 Cents. Then I would consider it new.

Imperial
 

Alrainbow

Well-Known Member
Dec 11, 2013
3,189
1,387
450
Can the 1161 give full power into 1 ohm without trippin its fuse, I wonder :rolleyes:...

It is a very beautiful design I think.
View attachment 66043
I want one!!

May it sell By the buckets so there are plenty on the used market in 5 years.

Perfect for use with a tube pre this one must be ( Yoda said....)

One request.
I wish it would have a switch so that it could reduce gain by 6db.
26 or 20db gain. That would be perfect.

My 2 Cents. Then I would consider it new.

Imperial


Why do you want to reduce gain to 20db ..?
 

Imperial

Well-Known Member
Mar 6, 2012
120
12
925
Norway
Well. Walking along the shoreline. One morning the sun was so beautiful, that tubeglow filled my soul.
Been to that beach alrainbow? :)
Tubes with some gain adds to the sound i think.
Like more verve more dynamism.
Solidstate amps also sound better if they are driven with a couple of volts. Again subjective.

Thats why.

Imperial
 

chuck

Well-Known Member
Dec 19, 2011
358
314
968
San Diego
Well. Walking along the shoreline. One morning the sun was so beautiful, that tubeglow filled my soul.
Been to that beach alrainbow? :)
Tubes with some gain adds to the sound i think.
Like more verve more dynamism.
Solidstate amps also sound better if they are driven with a couple of volts. Again subjective.

Thats why.

Imperial
100% disagree. The soggy sound of tubes work against the Boulder amps and smother the sound of the recording.
 

Imperial

Well-Known Member
Mar 6, 2012
120
12
925
Norway
Oh... Well.
You missed the point Chuck.
I was reminiscing the good old days when some tube amps killed ANY modern Boulder amp.
Yes. Those existed...

But... There are tube pre amplifiers that would make the Boulder team smile.
I tell you. There are not many of them...
But they are out there...

Imperial
 
Last edited:

divertiti

Well-Known Member
Jan 12, 2021
208
188
113
Has anyone heard the 1161 yet? I've only heard the 1160 and 866, I'm torn between getting the 866 to use as an amp in theater bypass mode or spending more for the 1161
 

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

User Menu

Steve Williams
Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator
Ron Resnick
Site Co-Owner | Administrator
Julian (The Fixer)
Website Build | Marketing Managersing