Wineaux

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Price Paid:  $800.00 from Audiogon

Summary:
Since there is very little information out there about the older Boulder amps and preamps, here's what I can add about the L3AE.

One correction to the previous review, AE series of products are based on the 990 gain module (the current 1000 series uses the 983 module).

I got the L3AE because of my positive experience with the matching 102AE amplifier and extensive listening at a friend's house to Boulder 1000 and 2000 series. The L3AE has the Boulder house sound; which is detailed, fast, and neutral. Unlike the new Boulder products, it looks rather plain but the build quality is to the same high standard. Just move the selector knobs to feel the quality.

I picked up the L3AE because I wanted a more dynamic sound (my system is on the relaxed side). After replacing a Sonic Frontiers Line 2, the difference was immediately obvious. Suddenly the bass was more solid, the treble more extended, the loise floor was lowered, and dynamic contrasts were bigger. Great recordings sounded even better, bad ones even worse. The price one pays for audio truth.

In summary, a great value on the used market given the original price of almost $4K and the level of performance.

Strengths:
Full frequency extension, dynamic contrast, and very low noise floor. It will reveal changes in the system. Exceptional build quality and great support from the factory, if needed.

Weaknesses:
No XLR inputs, no remote, no detachable power cord.

Similar Products Used:
Audio Research LS-3B, Sonic Frontiers Line 2, Boulder 1000 and 2000 electronics

Price Paid:  $1400.00 from Audiogon

Summary:
I inquired about this breand becasue I wasn't familiar with it and a seller on Audiogon had raved about it. His comments were intelligent so I took it for what it was and called a local dealer who carried Boulder. Sound By Singer, One of the most reputable in the USA, told me a bit about Boulder. They had told me that the VP of the company had come down and they had done a demo with pieces from Levinson, Krell, Pass, Plinius and the likes against the Boulder L3AE. It took them to school. I agree with their assesment. I had a Krell Krc and the HR and a Levinson 28 and they don't compare. The Boulder does everything better. As soon as you add it into your system it changes drastically. Very smooth. The room opens up and Highs are crisp but not harsh or sharp to the ear. The bass is tight and accurate and has a conservative and classy punch. It just performs well and is a much more affordable unit than its competition at this level. I called Boulder and they told me the Boulder 1012, Which had the D/A converter and the Phono stage, is the same Pre as the L3 the only difference is the Phono and the D/A. That pre is 13,000. Essentially you are getting a pre at the level of 13,000 for 3700.00 retail. The same wiring and guts as the 1012 though. He said it was a great bargain. With all this said I bought it on those recommendations and it was the best thing I did. Patners well with an Aloia 13.01 I must say. My System: Power----Aloia 13.01 Cable---Audio Magic Illusion Pre----Boulder L3AE Cable----Cardas Golden Ref. CD---HHB CD-800 Burner Cable----Auidiodyne Datalink Ref. D/A----Musical Fidelity AC 324 D/A Cable----Cardas Golden Ref. 2 Panasonic 3700 DAT Rec's Speakers---ALR Jordan Note 7 Cable-----MIT MI750 extended I have found my version of perfection. I wish all who read luck on their journey. Our ears are all different and the fun of this obsession or hobby is the quest for perfection. Happy listening.

Strengths:
Gourgeous highs without harshness, Midrange is accurate and flows perfectly. Tight base with classy punch. Plays well with live music and DAT recordings, Plenty of inputs. Customer reps couldn't be nicer. They spent 40 Minutes with me.

Weaknesses:
No detachable power cord. No XLR inputs for sources. Doesn't matter though.

Similar Products Used:
Krell, Levinson, Jeff Rowland, Pass Labs, Sonic frontiers, Plinius.