866 vs Dan D'Agostino Pendulum
The Pendulum's power @ 8ω is 120W against the 866's 200W, its power @ 4ω 240W against 400W, its thd 0.015% against 0.010%, and its output impedance 0.1Ω against 0.16Ω.
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
The Boulder 866 Integrated is an entry-level Boulder amplifier designed to make the company's engineering accessible to a wider audience without compromising performance or build quality. Available in two versions—all-analog and analog+digital—the 866 delivers 200 watts continuous power into 8 ohms with peak output of 250 watts, an increase of 100W over its predecessor, the 865. The amplifier features a fully-balanced audio input path, a precision stepped attenuator for analog volume control, and a full-color touchscreen display for input selection and setup. All assembly and testing, including circuit boards and metalwork, is produced in-house at Boulder's facility. The analog+digital version includes an internal DAC on a removable circuit board that can be upgraded or replaced, plus comprehensive digital streaming capabilities including Roon endpoint compatibility, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and support for online music services. The 866's sophisticated protection circuitry allows it to deliver greater peak current without risking damage to the amplifier electronics. Custom heatsinks with a mathematical formula design manage heat dissipation while controlling resonance and ringing.
Amplification power output and characteristics
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
Components that show up alongside the 866 in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Pendulum's power @ 8ω is 120W against the 866's 200W, its power @ 4ω 240W against 400W, its thd 0.015% against 0.010%, and its output impedance 0.1Ω against 0.16Ω.
The Black EX-'s power @ 8ω is 250W against the 866's 200W, its power @ 4ω 500W against 400W, and its output impedance 10Ω against 0.16Ω. Both share thd (0.010%).
The Osiris's power @ 8ω is 162W against the 866's 200W, its power @ 4ω 250W against 400W, its thd 0.050% against 0.010%, and its output impedance 100Ω against 0.16Ω.
The Diablo 300's power @ 8ω is 300W against the 866's 200W, its power @ 4ω 600W against 400W, and its output impedance 0.019Ω against 0.16Ω. Both share class (AB).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
Audio Analogue ABsolute
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