Boulder Expands 800 Series with Compact 851 Monoblock and 808 Phono Preamplifier

Boulder’s 800 series gains a sleek monoblock amp and phono preamp designed for high-end audio in a space-saving format.

Boulder's 800 Series Gets Sleeker with New Compact Audio Gear

If you’re a fan of Boulder’s signature high-end audio, you know the brand balances power with precision like no other. Now, the American company has introduced two fresh players into its iconic 800 series: the compact monophonic power amplifier Boulder 851 power amplifier and the MM/MC phono preamplifier Boulder 808 phono preamplifier. These new additions carry forward the series’ philosophy—offering serious Hi-Fi performance in a smaller footprint, perfect for audiophiles who want top-tier sound without sacrificing space.

Boulder’s 851 and 808 share a cohesive design language that matches other 800 series components, like the 812 DAC Preamplifier, ensuring they look as good as they sound stacked on your rack.

Compact monoblock power amplifier Boulder 851

Boulder 851: Power Meets Precision in a Compact Monoblock

The Boulder 851 power amplifier draws heavily from tech inside the stereo powerhouse 861 amplifier, reimagined for a sleek, monoblock chassis. This beast delivers 100 watts per channel into an 8-ohm load, doubles up to 200 watts at 4 ohms, and peaks at an impressive 350 watts into 2 ohms—making it a versatile powerhouse no matter your speaker setup.

But this isn’t just about brute force. Boulder promises the 851 offers their trademark control, transparency, and reliability but in a more compact, space-conscious form factor. It’s the kind of amp that makes you lean in and listen closer, whether you’re rocking a classic vinyl or streaming high-res digital.

Close-up of Boulder 851 monoblock highlighting its refined design

Smart Current Output and Impressive Specs

What sets the Boulder 851 power amplifier apart as a first in the 800 series is its Smart Current output stage—an innovative feature designed to optimize performance and reliability. The amp boasts an ultra-wide frequency response from 0.015 Hz right up to 150 kHz (-3 dB), ensuring it faithfully reproduces every nuance of your music.

Its total harmonic distortion is a mere 0.002%, making it a pristine choice for purists who demand absolute clarity. The amp’s footprint measures a manageable 30.5 x 8.9 x 30.5 cm and weighs in at 10 kg, balancing portability with Boulder’s signature build quality.

Connectivity doesn’t disappoint either, featuring balanced XLR inputs and 6 mm speaker terminals that mesh effortlessly with high-end stereo setups.

Boulder 808 MM/MC phono preamplifier designed for vinyl enthusiasts

Boulder 808: A Phono Preamp Crafted for Vinyl Lovers

Complementing the 851 is the Boulder 808 phono preamplifier, a handcrafted MM/MC phono preamplifier designed for serious vinyl aficionados who want to elevate their analog listening experience without jumping to larger, higher-tier Boulder components.

Nestled between models 508 and 1108, the 808 promises a robust analog pathway with a keen focus on shielding, internal layout, mechanical rigidity, and noise reduction—all crucial for preserving vinyl’s warmth and detail. Its design aligns beautifully with the 812 DAC/Preamp and 861 Stereo Power Amp, making it a natural addition to any Boulder setup.

Boulder 808 phono preamplifier exuding classic Boulder styling

Features Tailored to Analog Excellence

The 808 is loaded with balanced XLR inputs and outputs, supports both moving coil (MC) and moving magnet (MM) cartridges, and offers a monophonic playback mode alongside a switchable low-frequency filter. For MC cartridges, load adjustment is handled via swappable Personality Cards on the rear panel, covering a range up to 1,000 ohms. MM cartridges benefit from a fixed 47 kOhm load.

This phono stage delivers a gain of 70 dB for MC and 44 dB for MM cartridges. Its frequency response spans the full audible range—20 Hz to 20 kHz—with a tolerance of ±0.25 dB, and it keeps total harmonic distortion impressively low at 0.01%.

While Boulder has yet to announce pricing for both the 851 and 808, these components are sure to appeal to anyone looking for serious performance packed neatly into a smaller size.

Wrapping Up the Boulder 800 Series Evolution

Boulder’s addition of the 851 monoblock amplifier and 808 phono preamplifier to the 800 series is a brilliant move for audiophiles craving top-tier sound without the bulky footprint. Both units echo Boulder’s commitment to blending precision engineering with elegant design, offering refined audio tools that fit perfectly in advanced stereo systems.

Are you ready to upgrade your setup with Boulder’s latest high-end compact components? Which of these two new additions would you add to your rack first?

FAQ

• What power does the Boulder 851 monoblock deliver?
  It delivers 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 200 watts at 4 ohms, and peaks at 350 watts into 2 ohms.
• Does the Boulder 808 support both MM and MC cartridges?
  Yes, it supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges with adjustable load settings for MC via Personality Cards.
• How does the 851’s Smart Current output stage benefit performance?
  It enhances the amplifier’s efficiency and stability, providing ultra-wide bandwidth and low distortion.
• What are the physical dimensions of the Boulder 851?
  The amp measures 30.5 cm in width and depth, with a height of 8.9 cm, weighing about 10 kg.
• Is there a low-frequency filter on the Boulder 808?
  Yes, the 808 includes a switchable low-frequency filter to tailor the sound to your preference.

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