We’ve received many questions about why we updated the 1100 Series Amplifiers, and we want to be transparent. At Boulder Amplifiers, we only make updates to products when they’re significant enough to justify a new model. These new models are more than just an update. They are truly innovative.
The main reason for the revision is the addition of Class-A biasing with proprietary Smart Current Technology. This new biasing scheme is now featured in the 1151 Mono Power Amps, the 1162 Stereo Power Amp, and the 1163 Stereo Power Amp. The Smart Current output stage is beyond anything previously done by Boulder, and offers audible and measurable improvements. Smart Current Technology delivers Class-A performance without the usual drawbacks of inefficiency and heat associated with typical Class-A amplifiers. The Smart Current Output stage does this by continuously monitoring the current drawn by the speaker and self-adjusts as needed. This change, among others, means that almost all of the boards inside of these amps have been entirely redrawn. They may appear similar externally, but internally these are brand new amplifiers.
This advancement came from over a year of R&D, leading to the launch of the 1151 Mono Power Amps. After the launch tour for the 1151 Monos in Asia, and receiving helpful comments from our distributors, we determined that we had created something special. Soon after we returned, we looked at how difficult it would be to bring this innovation to the rest of the 1100 Series power amplifiers. Development on the 1162 and 1163 Stereo Power amps began immediately.
We have shipped multiple pairs of 1151 Mono Power amps, and the first few 1162 Stereo Power amps are being crated up and will ship out next week. Reach out to your local dealer to see if you can audition one of these new models.
If your dealers don’t have their showroom model yet, make a point to visit us at Southwest Audio Fest where we will be exhibiting the 1151 Monos in two different rooms thanks to our dealers Reference Analog and 3mA Audio. If you can’t make it to Dallas, you can also hear the 1151 Monos at Axpona thanks to our dealer Quintessence Audio in Morton Grove, Chicago.
If you would like a more in depth explanation of Class-A biasing with Smart Current Technology, Jeff Nelson has taken the liberty to write a brief White-Paper on this topic and can be found here: Smart Current White Paper
Frequently Asked Questions
“Can an 1160 be converted to an 1162/Can the 1161 be converted to an 1163?” – No, unfortunately not. There are also other circuits that were improved from the previous models to these. As a result almost all of the boards inside an 1160/1161 would need to be changed in order for this conversion to happen.
“Why not call these the 1200 Series Amplifiers?” – We are not calling these the 1200 Series amplifiers because these improvements are only reflected in the amplifiers. The 1110 Preamplifier and 1108 Phono Preamplifier are not changing or getting any updates.
“Will their be replacements for the 1110 Preamplifier or 1108 Phono Preamplifier soon?” – At this time we do not have any plans to update the 1110 or 1108.
“Do you have any 1160s or 1161s available for purchase?” – No, we do not have any 1160 Stereo Power Amps or 1161 Stereo Power Amps available for purchase. However, your local dealer may be trying to sell their 1160 or 1161 demo models. Reach out to them to see if these are available for purchase.
“Can I use an aftermarket power cord with the 1162?” – Yes, we will work with your local dealer and your preferred cable manufacturer to supply them with the proper terminations for this model.
“Can I use an aftermarket power cord with the 1151 or 1163?” – Yes, these models use standard IEC power cables, and you can use whichever power cord you would like so long as it complies with this standard.
“Sonically, what makes these new models better?” – We think that these new model are not just one, but many steps up from their predecessors. After all, we would not have released them if we did not think that the improvements were significant enough to warrant a new model. All of the feedback that we have received has been overwhelmingly positive. We may be biased, but we implore you to reach out to your local dealer or come visit us at the aforementioned shows to be able to experience these improvements for yourself.
If you have any other questions, please reach out to us at sales@boulderamp.com
Happy Listening!
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