Boulder vs D'Agostino
 

I've been considering an amplifier upgrade for a while, and am now in a position to pull it off. I currently have a Linn Klimax DSM running via balanced cables to a Linn Klimax Twin amp. The Klimax DSM is a keeper, shortly being upgraded to their latest Katalyst DAC architecture, but the amp will be the weak link. The options I've been looking at are the D'Agostino Momentum stereo and Boulder 1160, both of which are available relatively locally. There's a lot of info out there on the Momentum, but not so much on the Boulder. I'm trying to arrange home auditions, but it may take a while because of logistics and the dealers both have the monos, not the stereo. I can listen to both at the dealers, but unfortunately they're different dealers with different systems, and neither has higher end SF speakers available.

Does anyone have any experience with the Boulder, either this new model or its predecessor the 1060? Or anyone have experience with both Boulder and D'Ag, especially with Sonus Faber speakers? Any thoughts on one vs the other?

Thanks

When you get either one, can I come over and listen?

I have heard 1060 and Dags but at different dealers though through Wilson's but different Wilson's... If that makes any sense.

Hahahah

Dag through Alexia. 1060 into Maxx3.

Would be difficult to compare.

Sure, you'd be welcome, whether I get one of these or not:)

Boulder vs D'Agostino
 

Thanks Joey - and did you like either of them?:)

D'Ag fan here, Boulder not so much.

Thanks Ivan, any particular reason? What don't you like about the Boulder?

I have listened to them on two separate occasions, both times with Wilson XLF's.

I'll sum it up with one word; Sterile. :sigh:

Thanks, that's very helpful.

D'Agostino and don't look back. :yes:

Another vote for the d'agostino.

I liked both of them.

I would probably lean dag over the 1060 but tougher call against the 2060. I don't think I would do dag over my 2060.

It's tough to say for someone to comment one way or another definitively unless they had it at home for an audition... Otherwise it is hearsay. Not many has had both inhouse at the same time. The preamp for example makes a big difference. How do we isolate the amp from the pre or the source of the wiring or the room or the speaker?

I can say Boulder and Dag are made to the highest order... You'll be fine either way

Thanks Joey. I missed in your signature that you have the 2060, that's an incredible amp. Your assessment makes sense.

Anyone experienced the 1160? Compare with 1060 or DAg?

Thanks for all the feedback. I just got off the phone with my dealer, placed an order for the Momentum to come to my house for a trial.

Wow! They've offered to send me home with one, and I refuse every time. There's no way I could take it back!

Can't wait to hear about this.

Wait, you BOUGHT it? You said in another thread that you did. That's different than a trial. Unless you think you may return it. I say no way! I also say congrats!

Marc,
I bought it with an option to return it with a modest restocking fee if I don't like it. They don't have a trial unit around, so they're shipping a new one (in black) up from AZ. Hans will bring it up to my place and leave it for a few days, if I don't like it I'll pay the shipping cost. Seemed like a reasonable deal to me. I strongly suspect once it's in my rack it won't be going anywhere. I'll pm you.

Congrats Tony!
And it is indeed a good deal. Nothing to lose.
Enjoy!

Sweet I'll look forward to your thoughts

Wow, Tony. A major upgrade. Please do report how classical music sounds through the new set up. Resurrection symphony, anyone?

This will definitely be in the queue:
https://static.qobuz.com/images/cove...235064_600.jpg

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

CH Precision M1.1 over Boulder and d'Agostino any day.
Better bang for the buck IMO, future proof and upgradable.

:laughin::laughin::laughin::laughin::laughin:

Well, the Momentum amp has been here a year now, so it’s probably too late to exercise the return option[emoji41]

Hans is bringing the preamp to my place to try later this week...stay tuned.

Looking forward to hearing what you think of the combo.

We both know it’s not going back!

Note: for planning and installation it’s much bigger than your amp and stays cool, there is only balanced connections.

Enjoy!

Tony - I think you’re gonna be shocked (in a good way) over the performance of the Momentum pre.....it made a much larger difference in my system when it went in. The thing that struck me the most was how vivid and realistic the music became, all the way from vocals down to the mid bass areas. It really was incredible what happened. Looking forward to your impressions when you first listen. I’m pretty sure you’re gonna love it.

- Buck

OK, you guys can all say “I told you so” now. I spent a couple of hours listening to the Momentum pre in my system this afternoon, and it was a very nice improvement in transparency, imaging and bass. It was a no-brainer, I ordered one in black and should have it in my hands late January.

Buck, Ed, Jim: what was your experience with break-in time?

Tony
The synergy between Dan's amps and pre-amp is spooky good. The break-in on the pre-amp isn't too bad. I never really paid much attention it just sounded good from the get go.