Boulder Amplifiers 3010
The Boulder 3010 brings lightning-fast dynamics, uncompromising transparency and vivid, room-filling spatial control to reference systems. Jay's Audio Lab found its clarity, instrumental density and articulation transformational, while its three balanced output sets with individual gain adjustment make it a formidable command center for complex amplifier and subwoofer installations. Even better, it performs superbly without costly power-cord upgrades.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
87/100
Features Connectivity
91/100
Value for Money
81/100
Pros
Exceptional speed, immediacy, clarity and resolution reveal convincing instrumental density and fine detail.
Vivid soundstage, strong control and articulate bass create a large-scale, dynamically explosive presentation.
Three balanced output sets and individual output-gain control offer outstanding flexibility for multi-amplifier and subwoofer systems.
Performs strongly with an inexpensive stock power cord, avoiding the need for costly cable tuning.
Cons
Its ultra-revealing nature exposes weaknesses in upstream sources and recordings rather than smoothing them over.
The six-figure price places it well beyond the reach of most listeners.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
The available listening report describes an exceptionally immediate, controlled and revealing line stage, with clarity, speed and articulation presented as transformative in an established system. Its presentation appears highly source-dependent rather than cosmetically flattering, while the reviewer also praises its large-scale spatial authority.
Transparency Resolution
96/100
Jay's Audio Lab calls out the 3010's transparency, resolution and clarity repeatedly, saying it leaves “absolutely nothing behind.” Instruments are said to have convincing density, and the preamp is portrayed as exposing both the strengths and shortcomings of upstream sources without concealment.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
The reviewer characterizes instruments as sounding real and having density, suggesting a natural, substantial presentation rather than a merely analytical one. There is little direct discussion of tonal warmth, treble character or long-term listening balance, however.
Dynamics
97/100
Speed and immediacy are central to the reviewer's praise: he describes the 3010 as “lightning fast” and says it redefined what immediacy meant in his system. References to control, bass articulation and explosive left-to-right movement further support an unusually lively, unconstrained delivery.
Soundstage Imaging
94/100
The reviewer specifically praises the soundstage alongside clarity, definition and articulation. Spatial effects are described as vividly physical, with movement across the room compared to fireworks and shotguns blasting off.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
87/100
Jay's Audio Lab says the 3010's appearance and tactile feel “screams quality.” The supplied specifications also show separate, substantial preamplifier and power-supply chassis, though the review offers little detailed comment on internal construction or long-term durability.
Features Connectivity
91/100
The 3010 provides six balanced XLR inputs and three dual balanced output sets, plus an auxiliary balanced output. Jay's Audio Lab highlights the flexibility to run multiple mono amplifiers and subwoofers, with individual output-gain control from the line stage.
Value for Money
81/100
At roughly $153,750 to $164,000, the 3010 is positioned far beyond the reach of most buyers; the reviewer likewise notes that its $142,000 MSRP is not accessible to everyone. The listening report considers its performance extraordinary, but it does not directly argue that the asking price represents strong value against similarly priced alternatives.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
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Specifications
- Balanced Inputs
- 6 via 3-pin XLR
- Balanced Outputs, Dual
- 3 via 3-pin XLR
- Auxiliary Balanced Output
- 1 via 3-pin XLR
- Maximum Input Level
- 7 Vrms
- Maximum Output Level
- 28 Vrms
- THD+N, 2V Output, 20 Hz to 5 kHz
- 0.0008% (-102 dB)
- THD+N, 2V Output at 20 kHz
- 0.001% (-100 dB)
- Maximum Voltage Gain
- 20 dB
- Volume Range
- 100 dB
- Volume Steps
- 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 dB ± 0.01 dB
- Auxiliary Path Gain
- -1 dB
- Frequency Response, 20 Hz to 5 kHz
- +0.00, -0.03 dB
- Frequency response, -3 dB
- 0.02 Hz & 300 kHz
- Input Impedance
- 333kΩ, Balanced
- Output Impedance
- 100Ω, Balanced
- Power Requirements
- 90-120V / 200-240V, 50 - 60 Hz
- Power Consumption
- 240W Maximum
- Preamplifier Chassis Dimensions
- 19” (48.25 cm) W x 18” (45.75 cm) D x 9.25” (23.5 cm) H
- Preamplifier Chassis Weight
- 78 lbs. (35.4 kg)
- Power Supply Chassis Dimensions
- 19” (48.25 cm) W x 18” (45.75 cm) D x 5.1” (13 cm) H
- Power Supply Chassis Weight
- 45 lbs. (20.4 kg)
- Shipping Dimensions
- 27” (68.6 cm) W x 33” (83.8 cm) D x 26” (66.1 cm) H
- Shipping Weight
- 235 lbs. (106.6 kg)
Manufacturer's Description — Boulder Amplifiers
The 3000 Series and thus the Boulder 3010 Preamplifier have become synonymous with the ultimate in sound quality; a level of performance reserved for only the finest audio systems in the world. But traditional thought says that the more features and functions added to a preamplifier, the more of an affect they have on sound, right?
In the 3010 Boulder’s engineers have proven traditional wisdom wrong and achieved something monumental. The 3010 is easily the greatest performing preamplifier in the history of the company. It’s also the most flexible preamp we’ve ever designed. Which very likely makes it the finest preamplifier available.
Matched, dual-phase 993SD gain stage improves thermal tracking and optimizes ground
Variable Blend control allows recordings with hard-panned images or mono LPs played with stereo cartridges to create a stable center image
Ethernet connection downloads future software updates and connects to IP-based home control systems
Three balanced outputs can be operated independently for multiple zones or together for bi- or tri-amplification
Boulder's own fully-balanced volume control significantly reduces distortion and step noise
Programmable Soft mode temporarily reduces output to levels suitable for conversation
Independent, real-time controls to adjust gain on all active inputs and outputs
Separate enclosures for left and right analog sections keep all control and power circuitry from affecting sound
Large, full-color, 14.9-inch (38 cm) LCD display clearly indicates all controls, settings, and audio paths
Network browser control of all preamplifier functions
Separate power supply chassis with individual supplies for left channel, right channel, preamp control, and low-power Standby mode
HTML page to program setup preferences, input and output options, and custom input and output names
Programmable Theater Mode enables seamless use in home cinema systems
OpenHome compatibility for use in network controlled and distributed home A/V systems
Low power consumption Standby mode is compatible with all energy efficiency requirements
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Boulder Amplifiers 3010
- 3mA Audio — online and in-store — Houston, Texas, United States (website)
- Absolute Hi End — in-store — Ormond, Victoria, Australia (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Ana Mighty Sound — online and in-store — Paris, Île-de-France, France (website)
- Audio Advisors — in-store — West Palm Beach, Florida, United States (website)
- Audio Element — in-store — Pasadena, California, United States (website)
- Audio Gallery — online and in-store — Las Rozas de Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- Audio Y Cine — online and in-store — Sevilla, Andalucía, Spain (website)
- Class A Audio — in-store — Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia (website)
- David Lewis Audio — in-store — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (website)
and 35 more verified dealers
