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Boulder Amplifiers 2108
In 2002 Boulder released the 2008 Phono Preamplifier. At the end of that year, it was placed in the A+ category of Stereophile magazine’s recommended components, a category created for electronics that are so far ahead of their peers that they justify an entirely new classification.
And now we present the 2108, the next generation phono preamplifier built upon the fundamentals of the past while making meaningful strides forward in technology and design. Countless changes have been made to insure that the 2108 significantly improves upon the 2008 in every way.
Why? Because the best phono stage in the world is the one that makes you focus on the music instead of the electronics. The very things that make analog playback so special are the things that the 2108 passes along without alteration. Dynamics are quick and powerful. Bass is taut and solid. Images are distinct. Silence is just that. Nothing should be added, nothing should be subtracted. Music shouldn’t just play, it should transport you to another place. It should thrill.
And with the 2108, it does.
Three pairs of balanced inputs allow connection to three different turntable, tonearm, or cartridge combinations at the push of a button, without any reconfiguration
Fully-balanced circuitry rejects noise and keeps the delicate signal from a phono cartridge in balanced mode, maintaining balanced operation throughout and eliminating noise that would otherwise obscure critical musical information
Entirely separate power supply chassis houses four independent power supplies: left audio, right audio, control, and standby, for total isolation of all supplies from the sensitive analog audio circuitry
Standard RIAA equalization as well as EMI, FFRR (London/Decca), and Columbia EQ selections enable proper playback of collectible records made prior to 1955
Modular and discrete Boulder 995S phono gain stage is exclusive to the 2108, hand-manufactured and calibrated to spec in a potted and precision-machined housing
Non-resonant and expertly machined casework protect the delicate analog signal from microphonic and resonant distortions
Customizable Personality Cards for each input to match the exact individual needs of various phono cartridges: MM, MC, resistive and capacitive loading, high or low gain, and demagnetizing
Switchable outboard demagnetizer pass-through connections for use with specific MC phono cartridges
Front panel selectable, three-setting low-cut filter removes turntable rumble or low frequency noise from warped records
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Boulder Amplifiers 2108
The Boulder 2108 is a reference-level, two-box phono preamplifier that prioritizes clarity and control. Reviewers at News Editor of SoundStage Solo note a markedly lower noise floor and a more spacious, well-separated presentation. Sonically it pairs taut, fast transients and improved bass power with revealing midrange textures and refined treble detail. Built as a fully balanced, dual-mono design with an external power supply and in-house SMD manufacturing, the 2108 also offers extensive cartridge support via selectable gains, front-panel EQ curves (RIAA, FFRR, EMI, Columbia) and user-swappable Personality Cards for per-input loading. Ideal for high-end systems and archival playback, the 2108 targets audiophiles seeking reference transparency and dynamic authority while delivering professional connectivity and engineering pedigree.
Pros
- Exceptionally low noise floor and revealing transparency, exposing low‑level detail and wider separation.
- Tight, quick dynamics and improved transient response that enhance punch and rhythmic drive.
- Extensive cartridge compatibility and tailoring—selectable MC/MM gains, multiple EQ curves, three XLR inputs and user‑swappable Personality Cards for precise loading.
- Reference-grade engineering and construction: two-box, fully balanced dual‑mono topology with a heavy external power supply and refined PCB/layout practices.
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Cons
- Very high price (listed at AU$81,800) makes it accessible only to deep‑pocketed high‑end buyers.
Transparency
91/100
The review highlights a noticeably lower noise floor and the revelation of low-level detail, and Boulder specifies excellent RIAA accuracy (±0.10 dB) and -100 dB crosstalk, supporting high transparency. No reviewer mentions hum, hiss, or interference; Boulder’s improved grounding and layout are cited as key noise-reduction measures. Given MC capability and the high-end design, the score reflects reference-grade quiet performance without multiple independent review confirmations.
Sound Quality
92/100
The review praises a tighter grip on dynamics, faster transient response, and improved power and speed—specifically calling out quicker big transients and maintained bass slam. These comments indicate strong micro- and macro-dynamic performance, with good control and liveliness. The design and robust power supply architecture further support dynamic authority.
Cartridge Compatibility
92/100
The 2108 supports both MC and MM with selectable gains (MC: 70/60 dB; MM: 50/40 dB) and offers resistive and capacitive loading adjustable via user-swappable 'Personality Cards' per input. Three balanced XLR inputs accommodate multiple arms/turntables and tailored loading per channel, giving exceptional flexibility for nearly any cartridge. This adjustable, multi-input architecture justifies a top-tier compatibility score.
Build Quality
95/100
Two-box, fully balanced, dual-mono construction with a heavy external power supply signals premium build and isolation. Boulder’s in-house SMD manufacturing, improved layout topology, grounding schemes, and explicit attention to lowering the static noise floor point to excellent engineering and shielding. Mechanical and electrical craftsmanship align with reference-class expectations.
Value for Money
86/100
The review lists the price (AU$81,800) but offers no explicit value judgment; per guidance this yields a neutral baseline score. The 2108 is clearly aimed at the high-end reference market where buyers expect top-tier performance and pricing, but without reviewer commentary on cost-effectiveness the assessment remains cautious.
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