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Condition is unknown, so the price deserves a little verification, but US$5,299 is a strong deal against the available market: it sits well below the US$6,350 median and comfortably under the US$3,822 25th-percentile threshold? Actually, it is above that lower quartile, making it a notably attractive, below-median buy rather than an outright bargain.
The 860 remains a serious, compact Boulder stereo amplifier: 150W per channel into 8 ohms, with substantial current capability, exceptionally low noise, excellent build quality, and a clean, revealing presentation. It is particularly appealing with demanding speakers and balanced-source systems. Before committing, confirm that both channels are quiet and stable, the XLR inputs and unusual speaker terminals are intact, and the amplifier is configured for your mains voltage. With those checks passed, US$5,299 looks like compelling high-end value.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Boulder Amplifiers traces its roots to the professional recording and broadcast world of the 1970s, when founder Jeff Nelson, a self-taught electronics expert, built mixing boards for studios. In 1984, the company formally launched in Colorado—initially in an old farmhouse near Superior, later relocating to Louisville—with the debut of its rugged 500 power amplifier, prized by engineers for its clarity and durability. Under Nelson's leadership for over four decades, Boulder transitioned from pro audio gear to the pinnacle of home high-fidelity, maintaining full vertical integration in a sprawling 23,000-square-foot facility where every chassis, circuit, and component is crafted in-house.
The brand specializes in solid-state power amplifiers, preamplifiers, and integrated electronics, epitomized by flagships like the 2150 monoblock and 800 Series. Absent from speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables, Boulder's focus remains laser-sharp on amplification, delivering ultra-neutral sound with vanishingly low distortion—such as the 2150's 0.00036% THD and 1000W output—and peerless signal-to-noise ratios.
Positioned at the apex of high-end audio, Boulder commands reverence among discerning audiophiles for indestructible build quality, cost-no-object engineering, and machined-aluminum casework that sets unmatched standards. As North America's last fully in-house audio manufacturer, it appeals to buyers seeking unflappable performance and heirloom longevity, with prices reflecting its elite status, like $110,000 pairs of monoblocks.
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