I am considering a Boulder 2160 purchase to mate with my EMT JPA-66 pre-amp. Hoping that the mix of tube pre + solid state power amp would be a nice combination. My current speakers are re-built Quad ESL-63s, but I am not wed to them indefinitely. I have a custom made tube amp that I enjoy sonically, but given my 86db efficient speakers, there is limited output. So, looking at the 2160 to get the output / drive needed for the speakers while also have no sonic footprint (ie neutral, not forward). 90% of the time, string quartet music is my thing, so natural violin, viola and cello reproduction are most important. 10% of the time I listen to 60/70/80s rock, so I need the horsepower.
Hoping to get your input on two fronts:
1. Thoughts on the 2160 as a final amp purchase for the next 10 years?
2. Any other power amp ideas to compete with the 2160? Leaning towards solid state, but am willing to consider tube recommendations.
Thanks!
Hoping to get your input on two fronts:
1. Thoughts on the 2160 as a final amp purchase for the next 10 years?
2. Any other power amp ideas to compete with the 2160? Leaning towards solid state, but am willing to consider tube recommendations.
Thanks!