Boulder adds 808 phono preamplifier to 800 Series

The new analogue component extends Boulder’s entry series with a dedicated phono stage built around cartridge setup flexibility. Its launch also gives the Colorado manufacturer a vinyl-focused 800 Series partner for systems using the company’s existing preamp, DAC and power amplifier models.

Georg S. Kuklick

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May 28, 2026

Boulder Amplifiers has added the Boulder 808 Phono Preamplifier to its 800 Series. The dedicated phono stage brings a vinyl source component into the same range as Boulder’s 812 DAC/Preamp and 861 Stereo Power Amp.

The 808 is designed and built by Boulder in Colorado. Its cartridge setup uses removable rear-panel Personality Cards, allowing resistive and capacitive loading to be configured without placing extra switching in the signal path.

The product page positions the 808 below Boulder’s larger phono stages while giving it some of the loading flexibility associated with the 1108 Phono Preamp. The chassis is machined aluminium and styled to match other current 800 Series components.

Key specifications

Product type	Dedicated phono preamplifier
Series	Boulder 800 Series
Compatibility	MC and MM cartridges
Loading	Removable Personality Cards for resistive and capacitive loading
Inputs	One pair balanced XLR, adaptable to unbalanced use
Outputs	One pair balanced XLR, adaptable to unbalanced use
Gain	70 dB MC, 44 dB MM at 1 kHz RIAA
Input impedance	Up to 1000 ohms MC; 47 kohms MM
Output impedance	100 ohms balanced
Maximum output	16 Vrms
Frequency response	+0.25 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Functions	Selectable mono mode and low-cut filter
Chassis	Machined aluminium

The Boulder 808 Phono Preamplifier will be presented for the first time at HIGH END Vienna 2026, which runs from 4 to 7 June 2026 at Austria Center Vienna. Boulder Amplifiers will exhibit on Level 3 in rooms 3.81 and 3.83. No specific price has been announced.

Sources

- HiFi BLOG - Boulder 808 Phono Preamplifier joins the Boulder 800 Series