FEATURES
Five pairs of programmable, differentially-balanced inputs
Balanced version of Boulder's own analog volume control, descended from the 3010 Preamplifier, for superior clarity and noise elimination
Each input can be configured for Theater Mode when integrated into home cinema systems
Large, easy-to-read, LCD display
Available IP control connection for simple use connection to home automation systems
Unique front panel design displays the topographical map of Flagstaff Mountain, located near Boulder, Colorado
Full surface-mount circuit board architecture manufactured on Boulder's own precision pick-and-place machine
Comprehensive setup and options programming for all inputs and preamplifier functions
Automated online software management for worry-free updating
Boulder's own 983 gain stage means excellent buffering and current drive for long cable runs
Embedded ARM processor controls all preamplifier functions and setup options
Dual-mono audio boards isolate left and right channels for perfect stereo separation in a single-chassis design
 
What constitutes a high-performance preamplifier? The feel of the controls? Exotic design? Partially. But there’s more to it than that. Advanced technology and verifiable sound quality are just as—if not more—important. Technology in the service of art appeals to both our minds and our hearts. It is innovation and engineering that inspires.
 
The 1110 Preamplifier is no exception. For Boulder, form always follows function. It must prove itself on the test bench as well as the sound room before anything else. And the 1110 does both quite well.
 
Architecture
Isolation is key in the pursuit of performance, but how do you isolate each part of a preamplifier within a single chassis? The 1110’s architecture provides an elegant solution: each portion of circuitry is housed in the main enclosure to maximize value, and the ten major subassemblies—left input, right input, left analog, right analog, ARM processor supervision and logic, display, analog transformer, digital transformer, power supply regulation, and standby power supply—are each completely separated into individual assemblies to maximize isolation.
 
By separating each section of circuitry and the power supplies, Boulder’s engineers have eliminated crosstalk between channels and prevented any of the analog stages from picking up noise generated by any of the power supplies, the ARM processor, or the display. The verifiable information? The 1110 achieves a -96.5 dB noise floor for the preamplifier, channel-to-channel crosstalk of -101 dB, and RF and EMI interference that are vanishingly low.

Front Panel Controls and Full-function Display
The 1110’s communication, display, integration, and control systems are hosted by a powerful Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processor. All front panel menu, display, and user controls descend directly from Boulder’s flagship 3010 Preamplifier. Direct input access and volume control are readily available, while a system of soft buttons and the volume knob in tandem with a nested option and setup menu allow you to adjust portions of the preamp’s operation to suit your personal needs.
 
Centered in the 1110’s front panel is a full-color LCD display showing all important selected settings and adjustments. The chosen input name, volume, input trim, output trim and any shift in balance or polarity are all clearly indicated on the front panel.
 
In addition to current playback status, the front panel display is also used in tandem with the front panel buttons for a comprehensive set of programmable Option and Setup configurations. When connected to a network, these configurations can also be accessed and adjusted from the 1110’s HTML-based programming page via any common computer browser.
 
Analog Design
Boulder has a heritage and reputation forged in broadcast and recording: we were chosen to monitor some of the most important recordings ever made because of our transparency and reliability. The 1110 continues this tradition and mates a balanced instrumentation-style input circuit to our latest version of the 985 gain stage for sound quality that is truly neutral and connectivity that is always perfect. The 985’s high-current output can also drive extremely long cable runs with no stress or loss of fidelity.
 
As with all 1100 Series components, the 1110 is balanced from input to output, including a new version of our renowned volume control, borrowed directly from the 3010 Preamplifier.
 
Power Supply
In order to maintain ideal separation for the standby, left and right analog, and control/user interface, each power supply subsection is isolated.
 
The standby power supply is a small, ultra-efficient supply that keeps the supervisor portion of the preamplifier awake when in standby mode in order to meet even the toughest power consumption regulations. The standby power supply is then turned off and switched entirely out of the active power circuit when the 1110 is on.
 
The analog and digital supplies have their own individual transformers to prevent the digital portions of the preamp from affecting sound quality.
 
Transformer hum is not permitted. To keep the transformers from humming or emitting mechanical noise due to vibration, each is potted in a proprietary compound and encased in a riveted steel enclosure. Both transformer housings are then mounted on rubber isolation feet to further eliminate vibration and noise.
 
Power supply regulation is handled by a dedicated circuit board that handles power regulation for each subsection of the 1110. High-speed regulators are mounted to the rear panel of the preamp for heatsinking and power is then distributed to each portion of the preamplifier.
 
Mechanical Design
 
Every plate and panel of the 1110’s casework is machined from a solid plate of aluminum on Boulder’s own CNC machining centers before being hand-sanded and bead blasted. Every button and the volume knob are hand polished to a mirror finish in a dedicated polishing chamber before all parts of the preamplifier—the circuit boards, display, buttons, volume knob—are assembled and tested by Boulder’s team of dedicated craftsmen and technicians.
 
Boulder remains one of the last high-end electronics companies to keep every aspect of manufacturing under our own roof and the proof is in what you hear. But don’t take our word for it. Listen for yourself.
 
What is it that makes the 1110 Stereo preamplifier so special? It is something rare, an overachiever, a unique combination of reference-level performance and compact, convenient design. It is at once familiar in size and shape and yet completely new in aesthetic design detail. Perhaps what makes it so special is that it takes such amazing sight, sound, use, and feel and packs them all into a single chassis. It is the perfect mix of traditional function and cutting-edge technology, earning more than 10 international product awards from media around the world.
 
It is, after all, a Boulder, and every Boulder is special.