Pass INT-60 or Boulder 866?

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Heavy G

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I’ve been speaking with Mike and he suggested picking up a Pass Labs INT-60 to use with my Focal Diablo Color Evo. Before I pull the trigger I wanted to know if anyone has compared the INT-60 to the Boulder 866 and what the differences and preferences were. I’m hoping to make the purchase some time next week.
 
Mike has both and would know.

I've never had them side by side, my take is Pass for a warmer more relaxed presentation where the 866 would be more neutral and transparent. Both are excellent it will depend on what you like.
 
Some other thoughts, would you need or use the DAC in the 866?

Something I think about but others may not, the 60 is a straight forward amp for the most part in regards to operation, the 866 has a lot of menu type settings, this may not be a big deal once initially set up. My preamp has those menus, luckily once set I don't have to mess with it much. My preamp has more features than my previous Pass preamp but I did love the simplicity.

Again, not a deal breaker but look at the backs, ease of layout, type of binding posts etc. I say not a deal breaker, I had an Audio by Van Alstine amp once where the binding posts were recessed under a protruding part of the chassis, it was a royal pain and I didn't miss that amp although the sound was decent.
 
I agree with Mr Peabody on the 866. It's defining qualities imo are neutrality, transparency, solid bass control, and sense of PRAT and speed.

It's also a great looking and incredibly solid-built piece of equipment.

The binding posts on the 866 are very solid and easy to use, and the menu system was very simple imo. Not a ton of options, but just enough to customize the most basic functions. Took me maybe 10 minutes to figure out. Was nice to be able to remote control some functions and settings with the Boulder app.
 
Interesting. I'm definitely more of the type that likes to listen for lots of inner detail, and prefers lots of air and openness with tight bass. My current amplifiers are Zesto Eros 300 monoblocks that put out 150 watts in pure class A. My room is too small for my current speakers (Sopra 3) which is why I'm moving to the Diablo Utopia Colour Evo. The Sopras are good, but I would love a little more transparency. I'm thinking maybe the 866 would be the better choice.

As far as a DAC, we were discussing the MSB Discrete, but considering the addition of the DAC module to the 866 isn't terribly priced maybe I should get one with it included and then I could always add an external DAC at some point.
 
Isn’t there a significant price difference? And power? Also IIRC the Boulder has 3 balanced ins, the Pass 2 balanced and 2 SE.

As far as binding posts it’s tough to beat (or even equal) those on the Pass.
 
Back panel layouts.

I like the feel of the Boulder binding posts, very easy to grip and tighten and nicely spaced apart and perfect locations on the back. The Pass look about the same to me physically (haven’t personally tried them though) but I’m not sure I’m crazy about the spacing or positioning.

Otherwise the main differences seem to be that the Boulder is a bit simpler laid out, and they have some different options, from a ground post (on the Pass) to different input types/amounts, and network/USB connections (for remote app and updates, on the Boulder). Some other stuff I’m not entirely sure of.

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Both without a doubt, beautiful machines. Notable difference is the front panel display on the 866, which imo is really only a benefit if using the built-in DAC, otherwise it’s wasted real estate and not particularly attractive or useful, but with the DAC, looks incredible imo.

The looks of the 866 are more to my own preference. Never been a fan of meters.

In the end, which look you like better is just subjective and the sound is the main differentiator. Also subjective of course.

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never been a fan of pass, however, the boulder gear is really nice, i came very close to using boulder but went another rout
 
I like the display on my 866. It gives me title information for what is playing. This is one of my better purchases. I didn't audition Pass labs. I kind landed on the Boulder right off.
 
Something I have started putting in the equation now that the kids all live out of town, am 63, and have an upstairs listening room. Mind you I like the Pass sound, and have built several DIY FirstWatt clones, and use nice DIY M2 monoblock clones.

INT - 110 pounds (large with sharp edges, can be hard to fit in many racks, hot)
866 - 64 pounds (smaller with soft edges)

If that does not matter to you though, you should listen to them yourself.
 
In terms of soundstage, imaging and dynamics how do they compare?/
 
In my opinion from what you posted about detail & transparency you are likely to like the 866 better. The 866 also has better dynamics in terms of quickness, transients. Pass won't put you to sleep but it does have a more polite delivery. Pass also has more shading or textures to instruments. Keep in mind this is by comparison, it's not like the 866 would be void.

Somehow I wasn't aware you could get the 866 without a DAC, good to know.

Imaging is fairly even but this is an area I'd give Pass the nod. I can't tell you why exactly, it just makes me believe it's closer to real. Images seem more solid.

Heavy G said:
In terms of soundstage, imaging and dynamics how do they compare?/
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