Mert, thanks for your feedback. The new 2000 series is stunning, but out of my price range. I recently traded up my Boulder 1060 & 1010 preamp (incl: my re-terminated Jorma pc) for a Vitus SIA-025 integrated. That amp has a class a mode which is 25 watts, although it has a 1400va UI-core tranny which is much more efficient than traditional toroids which can suffer a voltage drop up to 25%. It is also has a lot of current and therefore can handle a moderate load with ease. But for me it's really about synergy. Vitus gear has great synergy with Magico :-)

melbguy1 August 31, 2013 18:28

Hi Mert, thanks for your view on the 1010 & 2010 preamps. Yes i've read other 1010 owners who have described the sound of the 1010 as a tad "brittle". That did influence my choice of cables & now I own a full loom of Jorma Prime cables (including pc's). The Primes sound very natural, liquid, well balanced, a bit warm & are also a bit forgiving in the top frequencies. In particular, they are perfect with human voice. Very vood cables!

I am debating what direction to take with my preamp. Eventually I will upgrade, possibly to a 2nd hand 2010, maybe a future 2000 series pre? I agree a well designed preamp should match with most power amps, though I think it's best to use keep the same brand for synergy. That also allows Boulder link to work properly.
Regards,

melbguy1 February 25, 2013 19:15

ps: How do you rate the 2010 preamp paired with the 1060 amp? Is there some synergy going there?
Cheers,
MG

melbguy1 February 23, 2013 21:08

Mert, as I own a 1060 & 1010 pre, I am interested to ask why you never liked the 1010 with the 1060? I've read one other comment on another forum from a member who owned a 1010 & had this to say -

I have had the 1010- which I felt was a bit brittle, the VAC Ren Sig Mk2 -beautiful sound but very colored to my ears but I can see why many adore this preamp, and finally the 2010- game over (for now..).

The 1010 has some natural warmth. And as you stated, Boulder gear is sensitive to cable changes. I have found that Jorma Prime cables provide excellent synergy as they sound very natural, liquid and neutral in tonal balance, but have a touch of warmth. In character, they are a bit more laid back than say Nordost. I use Harmonix/Wally iso feet under my 1010 which add a touch of warmth/richness. I also use Taoc ASR series racks which have smooth frequency response (ie: smoothes aggressive treble) and add a bit of weight and body. Another thing which helps is I leave my 1010 on 24/7. Just curious how you formed that view?

melbguy1 February 23, 2013 13:21