1008 vs Clearaudio Balance Reference
The Balance Reference's mm gain is 46 dB against the 1008's 44 dB, its mc gain 66 dB against 70 dB, its thd 0.001% against 0.010%, and its output voltage 12.0V RMS against 16.0V RMS.
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Boulder 1008 is a reference-grade phono preamplifier featuring dual-mono architecture and heavy aluminum construction. It offers two balanced inputs with swappable personality cards for impedance/gain customization, supporting both MM (44dB gain) and MC (70dB gain) cartridges. The design emphasizes low noise (98nV EIN for MC) and precision RIAA equalization (±0.10dB accuracy).
Analog signal output specifications
Phono stage specifications
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
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Balance Reference's mm gain is 46 dB against the 1008's 44 dB, its mc gain 66 dB against 70 dB, its thd 0.001% against 0.010%, and its output voltage 12.0V RMS against 16.0V RMS.
The Conductor Phono's mm gain is 43 dB against the 1008's 44 dB, its mc gain 68 dB against 70 dB, and its thd 0.002% against 0.010%. Both share output voltage (16.0V RMS).
The Edison II's mc gain is 73 dB against the 1008's 70 dB and its mm gain 49 dB against 44 dB. Both share thd (0.010%) and output impedance (1000Ω).
The 550 phono's mc gain is 66 dB against the 1008's 70 dB, its thd 0.002% against 0.010%, its mm gain 55 dB against 44 dB, and its output voltage 11.0V RMS against 16.0V RMS.
European Audio Team (EAT) E.A.T. E-Glo 2
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