Toga, I can tell you the new 3060 stereo amp is outstanding. It is a big jump in sound from the previous 2000 series and has superb engineering. It also looks beautiful imho. The sound character with your Ref 40 preamp should be excellent since the Boulder's neutrality and high input impedance means it will be compatible with any tube preamp. Moreover, Boulder amps have known synergy with ARC Reference preamps. Most punters who offer opinions about Boulder know little or nothing about the 3000 series, let alone auditioned any of those amps. I can email you the Technical White Paper for the 3050 mono blocks if you like? Just send me a pm. The 3050's share a very similar architecture to the 3060. Btw, I spoke to Rich Maez who actually prefers the sound of the 3060 to the 3050 mono's and said that is his favorite Boulder amp. Alternatively, you could look at the new 2160 stereo amp due out soon & add the 2110 2-chassis preamp which would come in about the same price. The 2160 is a dual mono amp which operates in pure Class A. Now that would be an awesome combo!!

Dave, a set of Gryphon will be coming in 3 days from now. Boulder 3050/3060 stocks are all sold out at the moment.
I will give Gryphon the first chance. If not success,then 2160 coming on the table next. Dont wanna really spend
$100,000. I had just have Q7 delivered in May. Something in 50,000$ range is what I pay attention to.
I am sure both brands will offer great sound. The flexibility in term of payment and trades in pay much important roles here too.
Thanks for tech spec, yes I would love to have it, do you have one for new 2100 series too?
Toga

Hi Toga, if you can get a Memphisto on a deal in your price range, short of the Boulder 3060 I'd say your search ends there. In that price range the 2160 would be on my short list, especially in the context of synergy with your Ref 40 pre. Vitus also has great synergy with Magico, though Vitus power amps are best matched with a Vitus pre for best synergy.

If you pm me your email address i'll email the technical white paper for the 3050 mono's. Btw, Rich hasn't finished the white papers for the 2100 series as yet. His biggest issue is getting access to units to take digital photos. The 2100 series amps are based on the same architecture as the 3000 series, so it will still offer much insight.

Cheers,

David , I PM you already,
Thanks a lot.
i tried Vitus SS101 twice, I felt it dark with my Q3. I like Vitus with Sophia 3 and Marten Bird more.. So sweet .
Toga

Thanks for the feedback Toga. I know the SS-101 has a different tonal balance to the SIA-025 integrated which is warmer (more romantic). I'm ordering an SIA-025 to pair with my S5's which are also on the warm side. That should be a wonderful match with my Jorma Primes.

The new Xs amps from Pass could also be an option for the ARC 40; they have a 200kOhm input impedance.

At the moment, Gryphons are on the way, expect to arrive in less than 30 minutes.

Toga

:lurk:

Good luck on the listening test.

ok I 'm here.
At first I am so reluctant to move the amp in to the room, the mover guys didn't look
well groom to me, I concern security,I didn't want them to see what I have in my home. So I dimmed all the light, cover everything with blanket.
back to topic. The Pandora is still in the box, I connect Memphisto to ARC pre amp.
2 surprises.
1. ARC drive them very well no sign of weaken by low input impedance load.
2. sound is same ! same as Moon. but with darker and shut in treble.
3. feel disappointed.
But Hey, I am an audiophile with long experience. So I told to myself, hey this is class A solid state amp that has been unplugged since Friday. Give it some time to warm up.
we played some music and concert from BD for an hour. during that time I noticed the
treble to be much nicer. bass depth and drums impact is astonishing. little problem is that my speaker cables is too short when use with stereo amp like this. other problem is that now I connect Stage III power cords to the amp, my own cords will not make as good sound.
In 2-3 days I will put Pandora in. and may be some more comments tonight.
for now they are very musical and powerful, but I guess this is the effect of Stage III power cables too.
Toga
Sorry for poor quality photo, camera seems unable to do auto focus well on shiny black target.