Boulder Amplifiers was founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1984 with a single governing principle: that the path to exceptional audio performance is not found in clever circuit shortcuts, but in the relentless elimination of every source of distortion and noise, regardless of cost or complexity. Forty years later, that principle remains unchanged. Boulder builds a small number of amplifiers each year — each one assembled by hand, measured individually, and shipped only when it meets standards that most amplifier designers would consider impossible to achieve in production.

ENGINEERING PHILOSOPHY

A Boulder amplifier is not designed around a price point. It is designed around a performance target, and then priced accordingly. The circuit topologies Boulder employs — including their proprietary 983 gain block, used across the reference product line — are evolved from decades of refinement rather than reinvented each product cycle. The result is electronics of extraordinary stability, vanishingly low distortion, and a sonic character that is best described as the complete absence of character: no warmth added, no edge softened, no signature imposed. Boulder amplifiers reveal what your source material and your speakers are actually doing — and they drive any load, at any listening level, without strain or compromise.

WHY THE AUDIO TAILOR CARRIES BOULDER AMPLIFIERS

We carry Boulder because our most serious clients eventually reach a point where they need amplification thatwill not be the limiting factor in their system — today, or in fifteen years. Boulder is that amplification. It is, in the truest sense, a final purchase.

Introducing the Boulder 508 Phono Preamplifier

The Boulder 508 Phono Preamplifier is a sleek and ultra-efficient celebration of vinyl that showcases Boulder's unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. Building upon the iconic 2008 Phono Preamplifier, the 508 reimagines its predecessor, eliminating excess and cultivating an aura of elegant efficiency. Despite its compact size, the 508 delivers impressive performance, proving that size does not dictate capability.

Crafted from a single block of solid aluminum, the 508's chassis houses all the necessary functionalities, including input and output selections and necessary adjustments. However, the Boulder promise extends beyond aesthetic and physical specifications. The 508 offers an awe-inspiring level of performance that elevates the vinyl experience to a symphony of sound. Its features include MC and MM modes, selected via a switch on the rear panel, and powerful balanced inputs that perfectly synchronize with the output of your phono cartridges. Additionally, an integrated low-cut filter filters out low-frequency disturbances from your records, ensuring pristine playback. The precision-built main PCB, produced on Boulder's proprietary surface-mount board, further enhances the sound experience by minimizing distortion.

Features

1. MC/MM Switch: Easily switch between MC and MM modes to accommodate different cartridge types.
2. Solid Aluminium Chassis: The elegant casework is carved from a solid block of aluminum, providing durability and a sleek aesthetic appeal.
3. Balanced Inputs: The preamplifier includes balanced inputs that interface perfectly with the balanced output of your phono cartridges.
4. Integrated Low-Cut Filter: The low-cut filter removes excessive low-frequency information from warped or damaged records, preserving sound integrity.
5. Compact Main PCB: The preamplifier boasts a precision-engineered, compact main PCB produced on Boulder's proprietary surface-mount circuit board manufacturing machinery.
6. Balanced Outputs: The 508 features balanced outputs that minimize distortion and allow for long cable runs without loss of fidelity.

Benefits

1. Flexible Vinyl Experience: Choose between MC and MM modes to customize your vinyl experience.
2. Superior Durability: The solid aluminum chassis ensures long-lasting and reliable performance.
3. Perfect Harmony: The balanced inputs create a perfect interface with your phono cartridges, resulting in a harmonious sound.
4. Pristine Playback: The integrated low-cut filter ensures clean playback by removing unnecessary noise.
5. Unrivaled Sound: The precision-produced main PCB delivers exceptional sound quality with minimal distortion.
6. Uninterrupted Audio: The balanced outputs offer distraction-free, undistorted audio, allowing for long cable runs without fidelity loss.

Specifications

Specification	Description
Product	Boulder - 508 - Phono Preamplifier
Inspiration	Boulder 2008 Phono Preamplifier
Size	Smallest Boulder in over two decades
Chassis	Carved from a single block of aluminum
Inputs and Outputs	All essential inputs, outputs, and adjustments
Modes	Simple selection of MC or MM modes via switch on the rear panel
Inputs	1 pair balanced, converts to unbalanced
Outputs	1 pair balanced
Input Impedance, Maximum	MC: 100 ohms, MM: 47k ohms
Output Impedance	100 ohms, balanced
1 kHz Gain, RIAA	MC: 70 dB, MM: 44 dB
Frequency Response, RIAA	±0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Distortion, THD	0.01%
Noise (EIN), MC	116 nanovolts flat, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum Output Level	16 Vrms
Crosstalk, L to R or R to L	>100 dB or better 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Weight	11.5 lbs. (5.2 kg)
Power Requirements	100, 120, 200-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
Power Consumption	15W maximum
Special Features	Balanced inputs for perfect interface with phono cartridges, integrated low-cut filter for handling warped records, balanced outputs for minimal distortion, compact main PCB manufactured in-house

In Conclusion

The Boulder 508 Phono Preamplifier is more than just an audio unit; it is an investment in an extraordinary audio journey. With its attention to detail and groundbreaking technology, this preamplifier combines function and design to offer unparalleled audio performance. Despite its compact size, the 508 transforms your vinyl listening experience into a profound musical odyssey. Acquiring the Boulder 508 means indulging in high-fidelity pleasure and embarking on an eloquent exploration of sound. Get ready to immerse yourself in the pure symphony provided by the Boulder 508 and experience a sonic brilliance like never before. Contact The Audio Tailor, Australia's #1 Hi-Fi Store, and let us guide you into the world of precision-engineered passion with the Boulder 508 Phono Preamplifier. Welcome to Boulder.